cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developmental changes in cognitive control through adolescence.

Publisher Summary Development refers to the mechanisms of change that ultimately lead to maturity in adulthood. Although much is known about the significant advances that occur in infancy and childhood, relatively less is known of the mechanisms that support the later parts of development in adolescence as mature-level behavior is approached. Early development involves the acquisition of abilities that significantly change behavior, but as maturity is reached, the changes are more subtle and involve the sophistication of abilities. This process begins in adolescence and can be conceptualized as occurring at the bend in the curve of development just before the curve flattens representing adult stability.
Average level crossing rate and average outage duration of switched diversity systems

This paper presents closed-form expressions for the average level crossing rate (LCR) and average outage duration (ACID) of switch and stay combining (SSC). The results are quite general and applicable to dual-branch systems operating with equal/unequal thresholds over independent generalized fading paths which are not necessarily identically distributed. It is shown that our general results reduce to the specific case previously published. These new expressions are compared to those previously reported in the literature dealing with the LCR and ACID of selection combining (SC). Corresponding numerical examples and plots are also provided and discussed. These plots show that for a suitable choice of the switching threshold, SSC provides a lower AOD than SC but at the expense of a higher LCR or equivalently frequency of outages.
Policies and proofs for code auditing

Both proofs and trust relations play a role in security decisions, in particular in determining whether to execute a piece of code. We have developed a language, called BCIC, for policies that combine proofs and trusted assertions about code. In this paper, using BCIC, we suggest an approach to code auditing that bases auditing decisions on logical policies and tools.
Effect of Rare Earth Elements on Lead-Free Solder Microstructure Evolution

In this paper, quantitative microstructure studies were performed on multiple length scales to investigate effect of rare earth element (RE) doping on SnAg lead free solder materials. Variables considered in this paper include doping amount, aging temperature and aging time. It was found that RE doping refines the microstructure and reduces microstructure coarsening rate, but the inter-particle spacing remains unaffected. Therefore, higher RE doping level leads to higher volume fraction of the eutectic phase due to the increased total number of Ag3Sn particles.
Informal assessment to modify the role and image of the school psychologist

This article explores the issue of upgrading the school psychologist's image via the use of informal assessment. Presented also are the implications for this type of assessment for instruction, classroom consultation, and parent interaction.
Anatomy of Exile

This review essay provides an overview of the poetry and essays in E. San Juan, Jr.’s Balikbayang Mahal: Passages from Exile. Close attention is paid to “Mask of the Poet,”“Spring in Den Haag, Nederland, 25 March 2007,”“Vicissitudes of the Love and Death of Vladimir Mayakovsky,” and “Sa Loob at Labas Ng Bayan Kon Sawi: Emergency Signals from a Filipino Exile.”The book as a whole combines the postmodern idea of the lack of authentic, monadic self with the ancient idea that everything is connected.
Combined biophysical and soluble factor modulation induces cardiomyocyte differentiation from human muscle derived stem cells.

Combined biophysical and soluble factor modulation induces cardiomyocyte differentiation from human muscle derived stem cells
Renal infarction associated with intravenous cocaine use

The use of illicit cocaine continues to grow. This report is a documented case of renal infarction from intravenous cocaine use. The authors postulate that increased adrenergic stimulation from the intravenous cocaine, in association with an existing arterial thrombus, led to end organ infarction. This resulted in transient hypertension, but no long-term morbidity. The implications of this report extend to all patients with underlying arterial disease who use cocaine illicitly. Physicians and health professionals should be aware of this danger from intravenous cocaine usage.
A systems biology approach to identify molecular pathways altered by HDAC inhibition in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary tumor in humans and dogs affecting the skeleton, and spontaneously occurring OS in dogs serves as an extremely useful model. Unacceptable toxicities using current treatment protocols prevent further dose-intensification from being a viable option to improve patient survival and thus, novel treatment strategies must be developed. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have recently emerged as a promising class of therapeutics demonstrating an ability to enhance the anti-tumor activity of traditional chemotherapeutics. To date, gene expression analysis of OS cell lines treated with HDACi has not been reported, and evaluation of the resultant gene expression changes may provide insight into the mechanisms that lead to success of HDACi. Canine OS cells, treated with a clinically relevant concentration of the HDACi valproic acid (VPA), were used for expression analysis on the Affymetrix canine v2.0 genechip. Differentially expressed genes were grouped into pathways based upon functional annotation; pathway analysis was performed with MetaCore and Ingenuity Pathways Analysis software. Validation of microarray results was performed by a combination of qRT-PCR and functional/biochemical assays revealing oxidative phosphorylation, cytoskeleton remodeling, cell cycle, and ubiquitin-proteasome among those pathways most affected by HDACi. The mitomycin C-bioactivating enzyme NQ01 also demonstrated upregulation following VPA treatment, leading to synergistic reductions in cell viability. These results provide a better understanding of the mechanisms by which HDACi exert their effect in OS, and have the potential to identify biomarkers that may serve as novel targets and/or predictors of response to HDACi-containing combination therapies in OS.
Depression in Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): The Mediating Role of Cognitive-Behavioral Factors.

Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk for depressive disorders but little is known about the potential cognitive and behavioral mechanisms of risk that could shape treatment. This study evaluated the degree to which cognitive-behavioral constructs associated with depression and its treatment—dysfunctional attitudes and cognitive-behavioral avoidance—accounted for variance in depressive symptoms and disorder in adults with ADHD. 77 adults clinically diagnosed with ADHD completed self-report questionnaires, diagnostic interviews, and clinician-administered symptom rating scales. Statistical mediation analysis was employed and indirect effects assessed using bootstrap analysis and bias-corrected confidence intervals. Controlling for recent negative life events, dysfunctional attitudes and cognitive-behavioral avoidance fully accounted for the variance between ADHD symptoms and depressive symptoms. Each independent variable partially mediated the other in accounting for depression symptoms suggesting overlapping and unique variance. Cognitive-behavioral avoidance, however, was more strongly related to meeting diagnostic criteria for a depressive disorder than were dysfunctional attitudes. Processes that are targeted in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for depression were associated with symptoms in adults with ADHD. Current CBT approaches for ADHD incorporate active coping skills and cognitive restructuring and such approaches could be further tailored to address the ADHD-depression comorbidity.
The symmetrical maze: An automated closed-field test series for rats

An automated “intelligence” test for rats is described. Supporting data indicate that this maze-problem series is sensitive to hypothyroidism-induced learning deficit and sex differences. Comparisons between this new problem set and the Rabinovitch-Rosvold (1951) closed-field tests are presented with respect to difficulty, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability.
Psychosocial Factors Related to the Correspondence of Recipient and Provider Perceptions of Social Support among Patients Diagnosed with or at Risk for Malignant Melanoma

This study examined considered perceptions of social support and factors contributing to increased support among 18 patients diagnosed with or at risk for malignant melanoma and their partners. Partner support, perceived stress, emotional approach coping and partner empathy were evaluated. Results showed lack of correspondence between patient and partner reports of support. Greater correspondence between reports was associated with increased patient emotional approach coping. Partners reported increased empathy following the patients' diagnoses and more perceived stress than patients. Patients indicated greater use of emotional approach coping than their partners. Male partners reported engaging in less emotional expression than female partners. Interventions might incorporate partner participation to resolve misperceptions of support and to foster factors that promote increased support.
Structure of 5-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-1-methylpyrid-4-one and 13C NMR relaxation studies of its gadolinium(III) complex.

Abstract In order to further elucidate the properties and biological of behavior of 5-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-1-methylpyrid-4-one (MI), its X-ray structure has been determined, and the ability of its gadolinium complex to enhance the relaxation of 13C nuclei has been examined. X-ray analysis using Mo Kα radiation shows that M1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a complex intermolecular array of hydrogen bonding. No water molecules were present within the unit cell. Gd(M1)2NO3·3H2O has been prepared and found to be very soluble in water. The effect of low concentrations of Gd(III) on enhancing the 13C relaxation times of M1 was examined. Trace amounts of Gd(NO3)3·6H2O resulted in significant decreases in the relaxation time of certain carbon atoms relative to the control measurements, and these data indicate that carbon atoms which bear donor atoms for Gd(III) undergo a significantly greater relaxation than the other carbons. The water solubility and hydrophilic character of this complex suggest that it may prove useful for the determination of metal binding sites on peptides and oligonucleotides.
Influence of cadmium on the intestinal uptake and absorption of calcium in the rat.

To determine the effects of cadmium on the intestinal absorption of calcium, everted gut sacs from rats orally dosed with 0, 0.05, 0.5 or 5.0 mg Cd daily for 3 weeks were placed in media containing 4 x 10/sup -5/ M Ca. Tissue content of calcium after 1 hour incubation was approximately 1.5 times greater for the 5-mg Cd dose. Serosal fluid content of calcium was decreased by the 0.5- and 5-mg Cd/day doses. In other experiments, gut sacs were incubated in bathing media containing 4 x 10/sup -5/ Ca and Cd in concentrations of 10/sup -4/ to 10/sup -2/ M. Tissue and serosal fluid uptake of calcium decreased as Cd concentration increased. To determine the effects of cadmium on the accumulation of calcium against a concentration gradient, equimolar concentrations of Cd were placed in the mucosal and serosal fluids. Cadmium was added to the mucosal fluid. The accumulation of calcium was abolished by 1.5 x 10/sup -4/ M Cd while at 10/sup -6/ M Cd the accumulation was decreased to one-third the control value. The results indicate that acute or chronic exposure of the intestine to cadmium decreases the intestinal absorption of calcium.
Linking operational decision making and financial analysis: an experiment in cross-course cooperation

This paper presents the results of a dual effort to help students connect operational decision making to financial analysis. The paper has two primary objectives. First, it will discuss a method of team teaching that avoids many of the logistical barriers common with this teaching method. The second objective is to demonstrate how the teaching method helped students make better connections between standard financial analysis and operational decision making. We argue the second objective can be generalised for the common disciplines found in colleges of business. The process involved team teaching a single case exercise in two separate classes. In the finance class, students used the case to apply traditional financial analysis to make recommendations about future actions. In the operations class, students used a dynamic simulation of the case to put their financial analysis recommendations into action and watch the impact of those decisions over time. The simulation altered their perspective about decisions made with just the financial data.
A Look at Linguistic Evolution

Anyone who has ever tackled a Shakespeare play knows that English has changed substantially in the 400 years since Elizabeth I ruled England. In fact, Elizabethan English can seem like a completely different language from the one we speak today. Just try describing your mood with the Shakespearean terms allicholly and tetchy—you are more likely to get confused looks than sympathy for being unhappy and irritable. Four hundred years from now, English speakers will likely feel the same way about the language we speak today. Unless you are keeping up with the latest additions to the Oxford English Dictionary, you might already be behind the times: Do you know if you would be eligible to participate in a girlcott? Or whether you would want a job as a helmer? Or when it would be appropriate to wear a jandal? It is clear that languages change. In an article in this issue, Venditti and Pagel (2008) take that notion one step further. They explain that languages do not simply change over time, but instead evolve in a process that parallels biological evolution. Venditti and Pagel take methods designed for analyzing the rates of evolution of new species and use them to learn more about the rates at which new languages form. Here, we will dig into the idea of linguistic evolution and see exactly how it is similar to and different from biological evolution. The essence of biological evolution at the level of the individual organism is variation, inheritance, differential survival and reproduction, and time. Individuals within a population vary in the traits they have. Many of those traits are genetically encoded—and so are heritable. If individuals with particular traits happen to leave behind more offspring, those traits will be over-represented in the next generation. Over many generations, this process can lead to major evolutionary change. So, for example, if fish within a population vary in body size, if body size is influenced by heritable genes, and if larger fish are less likely to reproduce (perhaps because they tend to get caught in fishing nets), the fish population will evolve smaller body sizes over time (Fig. 1). The same basic process is at work whether we are talking about the evolution of fish body size, the evolution of bacterial antibiotic resistance, or the evolution of human lactose tolerance. These ingredients—which you can remember with the handy mnemonic VIST (variation, inheritance, selection, and time; Understanding Evolution. Focus on the Fundamentals 2006)—inevitably lead to evolution via natural selection. The same concepts apply to languages, but in a slightly modified form:
Agricultural management practices to sustain crop yields and improve soil and environmental qualities.

In the past several decades, agricultural management practices consisting of intensive tillage and high rate of fertilization to improve crop yields have resulted in the degradation of soil and environmental qualities by increasing erosion and nutrient leaching in the groundwater and releasing greenhouses gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O), that cause global warming in the atmosphere by oxidation of soil organic matter. Consequently, management practices that sustain crop yields and improve soil and environmental qualities are needed. This paper reviews the findings of the effects of tillage practices, cover crops, and nitrogen (N) fertilization rates on crop yields, soil organic carbon (C) and N concentrations, and nitrate (NO3)-N leaching from the soil. Studies indicate that conservation tillage, such as no-till or reduced till, can increase soil organic C and N concentrations at 0- to 20-cm depth by as much as 7–17% in 8 years compared with conventional tillage without significantly altering crop yields. Similarly, cover cropping and 80–180 kg N ha -1 year -1 fertilization can increase soil organic C and N concentrations by as much as 4–12% compared with no cover cropping or N fertilization by increasing plant biomass and amount of C and N inputs to the soil. Reduced till, cover cropping, and decreased rate of N fertilization can reduce soil N leaching compared with conventional till, no cover cropping, and full rate of N fertilization. Management practices consisting of combinations of conservation tillage, mixture of legume and nonlegume cover crops, and reduced rate of N fertilization have the potentials for sustaining crop yields, increasing soil C and N storage, and reducing soil N leaching, thereby helping to improve soil and water qualities. Economical and social analyses of such practices are needed to find whether they are cost effective and acceptable to the farmers.
Two eugregarina, Gregarina sp. and Actinocephalus sp., associated with the scarab Phyllophaga anxia, as observed in histological sections☆

Abstract The life-history stages of two eugregarines, one biassociative the other solitary, were found in the larval mesenteron and proctodeum of the scarab Phyllophaga anxia LeConte. Only cysts of the solitary form were found in the adult mesenteron. Most infections involved only one of the gregarine species, but occasionally mixed infections were found.
Stakeholder Influence Strategies: An Empirical Exploration

In the present study, I sought to more fully understand stakeholder organizations’ strategies for influencing business firms. I conducted interviews with 28 representatives of four environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs): Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Greenpeace, Environmental Defense (ED), and Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Qualitative methods were used to analyze this data, and additional data in the form of reviews of websites and other documents was conducted when provided by interviewees or needed to more fully comprehend interviewee’s comments. Six propositions derived from Frooman (1999) formed the basis for the initial data analysis; all six propositions were supported to some extent. Perhaps more interestingly, the data revealed that Frooman’s model is too parsimonious to adequately describe stakeholder influence strategies and related alliances, necessitating the development of an alternative theoretical model grounded in the data collected.
Infield masticatory muscle activity in subjects with pain-related temporomandibular disorders diagnoses

Objectives Pain-related Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are the most prevalent conditions among TMDs. There is contrasting evidence available for association of pain-related TMD and masticatory muscle activity (MMA). The present investigation assesses the associations between MMA levels of masseter and temporalis muscles during awake and sleep among pain-related TMD diagnostic groups.
The effect of shear-thickening on liquid transfer from an idealized gravure cell

Abstract Gravure printing is an economical roll-to-roll processing technique with potential to revolutionize the fabrication of nano-patterned thin films at high throughput. In the present study, we investigated the impact of shear-thickening on the liquid transfer from an idealized gravure cell by a combination of experiments and numerical computations. We chose as a model system fumed silica nanoparticles dispersed in polypropylene glycol; these dispersions exhibit shear and extensional thickening as verified by steady shear and filament stretching extensional rheometry. Model gravure printing experiments were conducted using a linear motor to pick out the fluid vertically up from a truncated conical shaped idealized gravure cell cavity; the cell size is large enough that gravity is important, and therefore experiments were also conducted to pickout the fluid vertically down from the cavity-on-top. The amount liquid transfer from the cavity was studied with varying stretch velocities and dispersion concentrations. The filament profile evolution during the pickout process was examined using a high speed camera. Beyond a critical stretch rate, shear-thickening of the fluid, manifested by the formation of long stable filaments, exacerbates gravitational drainage during pickout. Beyond a second critical stretch rate, shear-thinning induces conical profile evolutions that result in pickout insensitive to stretch rate. All of these observations were qualitatively predicted by finite element computations using a generalized Newtonian fluid model, where the shear rheology was modeled explicitly. We showed that under the influence of gravity, wetting/de-wetting may be a critical phenomenon in determining pickout at low stretch rates.
Vibrational and electronic structure of the α- And β-Naphthyl Radicals via Slow Photoelectron Velocity-Map Imaging

Slow photoelectron velocity-map imaging (SEVI) spectroscopy has been used to study the vibronic structure of gas-phase α- and β-naphthyl radicals (C10H7). SEVI of cryogenically cooled anions yields spectra with <4 cm–1 resolution, allowing for the observation and interpretation of congested vibrational structure. Isomer-specific photoelectron spectra of detachment to the radical ground electronic states show detailed structure, allowing assignment of vibrational fundamental frequencies. Transitions to the first excited states of both radical isomers are also observed; vibronic coupling and photodetachment threshold effects are considered to explain the structure of the excited bands.
Associations between First-Time Expectant Women's Representations of Attachment and Their Physiological Reactivity to Infant Cry.

Associations among 53 primiparous women's Adult Attachment Interview classifications (secure–autonomous vs. insecure–dismissing) and physiological and self-reported responses to infant crying were explored. Heart rate, skin conductance levels, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) were recorded continuously. In response to the cry, secure–autonomous women demonstrated RSA declines, consistent with approach-oriented responses. Insecure–dismissing women displayed RSA and electrodermal increases, consistent with behavioral inhibition. Furthermore, insecure–dismissing women rated the cries as more aversive than secure–autonomous women. Nine months postpartum, secure–autonomous women, who prenatally manifested an approach-oriented response to the unfamiliar cry stimulus, were observed as more sensitive when responding to their own distressed infant, whereas women classified prenatally as insecure–dismissing were observed as less sensitive with their own infants.
Knots and Links in Certain Spatial Complete Graphs

We give a spatial representation of the complete graphKnwhich contains exactlyformula]Hopf links consisting of pairs of disjoint 3-cycles, whereformula]is the minimum number of pairs of disjoint 3-cycles forming a non-split link contained in any spatial representation ofKn. Furthermore, we show that the above spatial representation ofKncontains exactlyformula]trefoil knots consisting of 7-cycles, whereformula]is the minimum number of 7-cycles forming a non-trivial knot contained in any spatial representation ofKn.
Effectiveness of combined preventive methods on erupting teeth in children in a fluoridated community.

Several preventive methods were used in combination to reduce dental caries in children residing in a fluoridated area. The methods included dental health education, prophylaxis, pit and fissure sealants, topical fluoride and restorative care. Prophylaxis, sealant and fluoride procedures were repeated every 6 months. Sealant was applied to all fully erupted caries free posterior teeth in the mouth. This report compares results obtained for teeth that erupted after the study began with those teeth that were already present at the time treatment procedures were applied. Percent reductions in caries increment for newly erupted teeth at the end of 3 years for treated 6th graders was 77.5 % in DMFT and 79.2% DMFS as compared to 71 % and 58.3 % for previously erupted teeth. Results for children in 1st grade did not show such beneficial results. Permanent first molars in younger children appear to be highly susceptible to caries. Sealant retention for newly erupted teeth follows the same pattern as for teeth previously erupted.
International Organizations and World Order A Reappraisal

This study investigates several recent research efforts which have concluded that participation or membership in international organizations by nations and by individuals has some impact on national support for "world order." It reanalyzes this earlier research utilizing a more parsimonious and more plausible explanation of national support for world order, namely the national attributes of the countries involved. It is concluded that even limiting the analysis to the national attributes of size, wealth, and type of political system provides as much explanation for national support for world order as participation in international organizations, and in some cases accounts for variation in support for world order that cannot be accounted for by participation in international organizations. Implications of these results are then broadened to other studies which use the nation-state as the unit of analysis.
Heat, hostility, and immune function: The moderating effects of gender and demand characteristics

It was hypothesized that demand characteristics are responsible for relations between heat and hostility in laboratory experiments. This hypothesis was tested by leading 28 males and 28 females to believe that heat would have either positive or negative effects and then exposing them to either moderately or very high temperatures. As hypothesized, the subjects who were led to expect negative effects from heat exposure expressed more hostility and evidenced less positive affect than those who were led to expect positive effects. In addition, higher levels of secretory immuno-globulin A were found in the saliva of the males when heat was portrayed in threatening rather than beneficial terms.
Structure, dynamics and selectivity in the sulfotransferase family

AbstractCombined structure, function and molecular dynamics studies of human cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULT1A1 and 2A1) have revealed that these enzymes contain a ∼30-residue active-site cap whose structure responds to substrates and mediates their interactions. The binding of 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) gates access to the active site by a remodeling of the cap that constricts the pore through which acceptors must pass to enter the active site. While the PAPS-bound enzyme spends the majority (∼95%) of its time in the constricted state, the pore isomerizes between the open and closed states when the nucleotide (PAPS) is bound. The dimensions of the open and closed pores place widely different steric constraints on substrate selectivity. Nature appears to have crafted these enzymes with two specificity settings – a closed-pore setting that admits a set of closely related structures, and an open setting that allows a far wider spectrum of acceptor geometries. The specificities of these s...
Multiple Mitochondrial Calcium Influx Mechanisms: Physiological and Pathological Implication

Mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis is crucial in balancing cell survival and death. Especially mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake mechanism across the inner membrane is important for the regulation of ATP synthesis, the amplitude and spatiotemporal patterns of intracellular Ca2+ transients, the mitochondrial fission/fusion, and movement, the opening of permeability transition pores, and the generation of reactive oxygen species. Commonly, mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) has been considered to be the sole Ca2+ influx mechanism. However, several studies have also identified additional Ca2+ uptake pathways including rapid mode of uptake (RaM) and type 1 ryanodine receptor (mRyR1) from our and collaborators’ laboratory. In this talk, I will focus on the relative contribution of MCU and mRyR1 in mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. By using genetic approaches of knock-down, knock-out, or over-expression of MCU and RyR1, we were able to delineate the differential role of MCU and mRyR1 in regulating mitochondrial Ca2+, energetics, and morphology. Furthermore, the pathophysiological implications of distinct characteristics of MCU and mRyR1 in cardiac excitation and contraction will be discussed.
The National Writing Project's Multimodal Assessment Project: Development of a framework for thinking about multimodal composing

Abstract From 2010-2012, a National Writing Project (NWP)-sponsored committee examined the work of multimodal composing. The group's goal was to create a framework to guide teachers working with students on creating multimodal compositions. Known as the Multimodal Assessment Project (MAP), the committee of 11 researchers and NWP Teacher Consultants used an iterative process to consult relevant literature, review student-composed multimodal compositions, and solicit feedback from other NWP colleagues. The final framework consists of five dimensions the committee found to be critical to multimodal composing: artifact, rhetorical skills, substance, process management and technical skills, and habits of mind. This interview features a discussion with two members of the MAP team, Elyse Eidman-Aadahl and Sandra Murphy, about the work of the committee developing the framework.
Designing highly reliable adverse-event detection systems to predict subsequent claims.

Background To respond proactively to patient safety events, many healthcare organizations have been enhancing and customizing their event reporting systems. Yet an indiscriminate expansion of the range and number of event reports may reduce, rather than raise, risk managers’ ability to detect events that warrant a response. To avoid becoming overwhelmed by too many event reports that have little immediate operational value, risk managers therefore require a concurrent and complementary refinement of their data-processing capabilities. Objective To examine the extent to which adverse event reports can predict subsequent claims. Data and Methods The study sample included all adverse event reports and all records of closed claims that related to patient care episodes between July 1, 2006, and May 31, 2009, at a large hospital system in northern Virginia. After matching closed claims to event reports, we fitted multivariate predictive models to identify event report entries that predict future claims. Results During the period under study, 20 151 event reports and 94 claims were filed across the health system. We were able to match 60 claims (63.8%) to at least 1 preceding event report, implying that only 0.3% of event reports preceded a subsequent matching claim. The superior prediction model identified 90% of eventual matched claims by retaining only 20% of all event reports. Conclusion Simple prediction algorithms can supplement expert judgment by screening for reports that are likely to result in a claim, thereby enabling risk managers to evaluate adverse event reports more expeditiously and to identify, and ultimately prevent, serious safety lapses more reliably.
A Simple Magnetic Separation Method for High-Yield Isolation of Pure Primary Microglia

Microglial cells play a dynamic role in the brain beyond their established function of immune surveillance. Activated microglia play key roles in neural development, neuroinflammation, neural repair and neurotoxicity. They are particularly important in several neurodegenerative diseases in which sustained microglial activation contributes to the progression of neurodegenerative processes. Consequently, understanding microglial function in CNS health and disease has become an area of active research in recent years. However, a significant obstacle to progress in this field has been the inherent difficulties in obtaining large amounts of primary microglial cells to routinely perform mechanistic studies and characterize signaling pathways regulating the dynamics of microglial activation. Herein, we describe a novel column-free magnetic separation protocol for high-yield isolation of primary microglia from mouse postnatal mixed glial cultures. The procedure is based on optimized culture conditions that enable high microglial cell densities in confluent mixed glial cultures followed by highly efficient recovery of pure microglia by magnetic separation. The novel column-free magnetic separation system utilizes tetrameric antibody complexes (TAC) with dual specificity for CD11b-PE labeled microglia and dextran magnetic nanoparticles. An FcR blocker (anti-CD16/32) is added to enhance the purity of the microglial separation by preventing non-specific labeling of other cell types. This procedure yields on average >3 × 106 microglial cells per mouse pup, with a remarkable purity of 97% and recovery of around 87% of microglia from the mixed glial population. Importantly, the microglia obtained by this method are fully functional and respond like cells obtained by conventional isolation techniques.
Initial state selection and intramolecular vibrational relaxation in reacting polyatomic molecules. Competitive channels with bicyclobutyl precursor

Abstract This paper presents a study of the decomposition of chemically activated methylbicyclobutyl molecules produced by the reaction of bicyclobutyl with 1 CH 2 . It represents an extension of previous studies of intramolecular vibrational energy relaxation of chemically activated alkylcyclobutanes, with the added feature that the activated species can react by two grossly different channels. As in previous studies, k a values for decomposition of the nascent methylcyclobutyl ring were observed to increase at high pressures relative to k a values for decomposition of the “old” cyclobutyl ring. A value of 1 × 10 12 s −1 was measured for the observed total internal relaxation rate, λ, which is consistent with those found in earlier studies. The effect of using a broad input energy distribution for the nascent species, instead of a delta function, is examined. It is shown that a collisional model for intramolecular energy relaxation is not consistent with experimental data.
Synthesizing optimal controls for modulated discrete-time systems†

The methods of steepest descent and gradient projection are used to solve the two-point boundary value problem associated with the optimal control of open-loop aperiodically modulated discrete-time systems. A comparison of optimal systems employing various combinations of pulse-width and pulse-amplitude modulation is presented. Numerous examples illustrate the diverse nature of the open-loop solutions for different types of modulation.
Acute unilateral leukemic hypopyon in an adult with relapsing acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Purpose To report acute unilateral hypopyon uveitis as an initial presenting feature of relapsing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in an adult patient. Design Observational case report. Methods Anterior chamber paracentesis was performed in a 56-year-old male presenting with treatment-resistant unilateral hypopyon while in the remission phase of ALL. Results Examination of the aqueous humor aspirate revealed presence of malignant cells compatible with the previous bone marrow biopsy and subsequent spinal tap results. Conclusions Atypical hypopyon uveitis can be an indication of relapsing ALL, even in adults. Prompt anterior chamber aspiration is required for the correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Knowledge diffusion in an endogenous growth model

Abstract R&D models of endogenous growth have the unwelcome implication that the growth rate of an economy increases in the size of its labour force. However, the introduction of a diffusion process through which new technology is gradually incorporated into the economy-wide stock of knowledge can reduce and eliminate the dependence of the growth rate upon the size of the economy.
Importance of diarrhea as a presenting symptom of appendicitis in very young children

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is an uncommon diagnosis in very young children. It is frequently complicated by delays in diagnosis, perforation, and lengthy hospital stays. OBJECTIVES: To review our recent experience with appendicitis among children younger than 3 years old, and to identify the independent predictors of a prolonged hospital stay. METHODS: A retrospective case series review was performed on all children under age 3 who had an appendectomy for appendicitis between January 1983 and February 1994. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictors of a prolonged hospital stay. RESULTS: Sixty-three children were identified. Mean age was 2.2 years (range 11 to 35 months). The mean delay from onset of symptoms to presentation was 4.3 days. Fifty-seven percent were initially misdiagnosed. Diarrhea was reported in 33%. Perforation and/or gangrene were found in 84%. Perforation and/or gangrene at laparotomy and a history of diarrhea at presentation were independent predictors of a prolonged hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Appendicitis in children under 3 years old is characterized by delays in diagnosis and perforation. A history of diarrhea is an important factor that confuses the diagnosis, prolongs the observation period, and delays appropriate therapy.
The End of Textiles Quotas: A Case Study of the Impact on Bangladesh

This paper evaluates the effects on the Bangladeshi economy of phasing out textile and clothing (T&C) quotas currently maintained by industrial countries. The planned abolition of the quotas under the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing in 2005 will alter the competitiveness of various exporting countries. Bangladesh relies heavily on textile and clothing exports and is potentially very vulnerable to this change in competitiveness. Based on assessments of quota restrictiveness and export similarity, and an analysis of its supply constraints, the paper concludes that Bangladesh could face significant pressure on its balance of payments, output, and employment when the quotas are eliminated.
Backscatter corrections to the parabolic wave equation

The wave equation governing the propagation of waves in a medium, often stochastic, that scatters radiation predominantly at small angles to the forward direction θ = 0 is usually approximated by a parabolic form. The parabolic equation neglects all scattering contributions except those in a narrow cone around θ = 0. However, in many cases of interest, e.g., optics in turbulent air, there are also small contributions at larger angles. Although they are small, these contributions can accumulate over larger distances and thus render the parabolic equation invalid. Here, the wave equation is not approximated but is recast into two coupled quasi-parabolic equations in a forward field and a backward field. Solutions for mean fields and coherence functions are obtained with some well-established stochastic approximations that decouple wave–medium ensemble averages.
Exploring the “Good Guys”: An Empirical Study of Vanguard’s Actively Managed Domestic Equity Mutual Funds

There is a great deal of literature exploring the merits of active management. With few exceptions, the consensus has been (not surprisingly) that after fees, most active managers do not outperform an appropriately selected passive strategy. These studies generally include the entire population of mutual funds, despite the fact that many of the funds have little or no appeal to investors. This article explores a subset of active managers, Vanguard’s actively managed mutual funds, to determine if “good guy” active managers, i.e., active managers with positive attributes like low expenses and low turnover, do in fact generate alpha. While the results vary across individual funds, when aggregated, all tests yield positive alphas, many of which are statistically significant, suggesting that the good guys can (and do) win.
Statistical properties and inference of the antimicrobial MIC test.

SUMMARY A common method for measuring the drug-specic minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of an antibacterial agent is via a two-fold broth dilution test known as the MIC test. Because this procedure implicitly rounds data upward, inference based on unadjusted measurements is biased and overestimates bacterial resistance to a drug. We detail this test procedure and its associated bias, which, in many cases, has an expected value of approximately 0.5 on the log 2 scale. In addition, new bias-corrected estimates of resistance are proposed. A numeric example is used to illustrate the extent to which the traditional resistance estimate can overestimate the true proportion of resistant strains, a phenomenon which is remedied by using the proposed estimates. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods and Annual Sequence of Foraging by the Sapsucker

No fewer than 13 species of woodpeckers have been recorded feeding at the phloem sap of trees as it flows from wounds, and at least 7 of them are known to produce the wounds in the phloem that let the sap flow: Members of the nearctic genus Sphyrapicus differ markedly from other woodpeckers by their modifications for sap feeding. The role this plays in the daily activities of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) has not been emphasized. The biology of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is best known from studies of S. v. varius, which breeds throughout the coniferous-deciduous ecotone of northeastern United States and Canada east of the Rocky Mountains. Some basic life history information was gathered by Baird (Baird et al. 1874), Bendire (1888), and Forbush (1921). Howell's (1952) lucid discussion of differentiation in four races of the Yellowbellied Sapsucker includes some natural history and comparative behavioral information. Kilham (1962) presented a sketchy account of the breeding biology of the northeastern race. The most complete account of the breeding behavior of S. v. varius was done by Lawrence (1967). In this paper the term sapsucker means S. v. varius unless otherwise stated. A controversy over the major food source of the sapsucker arose in the early 1900s. The species was condemned as injurious to trees, and its sap-drilling habits were attributed to the production of an attractive concentration site for edible insects (see Townsend 1932). Reports on various forms of damage caused by Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers continue to appear (Shigo 1963, Ohman and Kessler 1964, Shigo and Kilham 1968). Bolles (1891) was one of the first to discuss the attraction that phloem sap has for other organisms at the sapsucker tree. Many authors, including McGuire (1932), Batts (1953), Kilham (1953a, 1953b, 1958, 1964), and Nickell (1956, 1965), have added to the list of animals seen at sapsucker trees. The interactions of other organisms using sapsucker trees were analyzed by Foster and Tate (1966). McAtee (1911) summarized the early literature listing the species of plants sapsuckers feed upon.
The reaction of 1-azirines with 2-pyridyl isothiocyanate: Possible approaches to benzodiazepine and benzodiazepine derivatives

The structure of the dimer (5) from 2-pyridyl isothiocyanate (1) has been confirmed by 13C nmr spectral studies. The cycloaddition of 2-pyridyl isothiocyanate with 1-azirines results in the formation of thiazoles (10). Thermal decomposition of the vinyl azide (14) gives the pyrrole (15) and the pyridazine (16) instead of 2-(2-pyridyl)-1-azirine (12).
Delay diversity for correlated MIMO channel

Although uncorrelated channels are commonly assumed in cyclic delay diversity (CDD) based multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division mutiplexing (OFDM) systems, correlated channels can evolve due to closeness of antennas or lack of scatterers in the environment. To mitigate the correlation effect, a random continuous phase offset is induced into the transmitting symbols. In a correlated channel the random phase offset scheme provides all the OFDM symbols the same average received power as offered by the uncorrelated channel. Our numerical results demonstrate that depending on the channel spatial correlation, the random phase offset scheme is capable of yielding a dramatic performance improvement of CDD based MIMO-OFDM systems. A modified scheme with random binary phase offset is also introduced that yields almost identical performance as the continuous phase offset scheme yet with a simpler implementation.
Xenotransplantation and the risk of retroviral zoonosis

It is hypothesized that xenotransplantation could facilitate the emergence of new human pathogens. Retroviruses might pose the greatest public health risk because of the possibility of undetected transmission within a population. Evidence from naturally occurring retroviral zoonoses and cross-species infections by animal retroviruses provides a basis for reasoned speculation on the risks posed by xenotransplantation.
N-functionalization of poly(ethylene glycol)-linked mono- and bis-dioxocyclams as potential ligands for Gd3+

A number of highly functionalized dioxocyclams with acetic acid side chains on the secondary amine sites and ethylene glycol side chains on 6 and 13-positions (12a, 12b) or a tetra(ethylene glycol) side chain linking the 6 and 13 positions (15) were synthesized and characterized, as was a bis-dioxocyclam bridged across the 6 and 13 positions by tetra(ethylene glycol) groups (16). These were screened for their ability to complex Gd3+. Only ligands 15 and 16, having tetra(ethylene glycol) groups, formed such complexes.
Exciting Real-Time Location Applications

My dogs, Maggie and Teddie, have RFID chips im planted near their shoulders to help identify them if they're ever lost or taken. Fortu nately, we've never had to use the chips for their intended purpose, but RFID enables other proactive and entertaining possibilities. My 17-year-old son is an excellent de veloper and eager to build experi mental software, so together we plan on exploiting this technology to create all kinds of entertaining RFID-enabled, real-time location applications for our pets.
The effects of varying the chemical composition of the stationary liquid on the resolution of the long chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acid esters by gas-liquid chromatography.

Abstract Alteration of the chemical composition of the stationary liquid as a method of facilitating the analysis of higher fatty acid esters by gas-liquid chromatography was studied. A distinct relationship was noted to exist between the relative solubility of the saturated and unsaturated acid ester vapors in a particular stationary liquid and the chemical composition of the liquid phase. When sebacate or azelate polyesters of diethylene glycol were employed as liquid phases, the separation of linoleate from linolenate was easily accomplished; however, the stearate and oleate bands were frequently indistinguishable. A variety of high molecular weight, more polar alkyd resins made from shorter chain dibasic acids were found to provide more rapid and superior separations of the biochemically important saturated and unsaturated acid esters. By using columns containing Celite 545 coated with a succinate polyester of diethylene glycol at 200°C it was possible to separate the individual components of mixtures of saturated and unsaturated esters ranging from C 12 to C 26 within 38 min.