cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early Steps Toward Ambulatory Antimicrobial Stewardship: Dental and Orthopedic Focus

The article focuses on the Joint Commission (TJC) has added an ambulatory stewardship program (ASP) standard to begin in January of 2020 It mentions that inappropriate antimicrobial use is the most important modifiable factor in tackling the coronavirus crisis It also mentions that dentists often prescribed unnecessary antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) to patients with conditions such as rheumatic heart disease, coronary artery bypass graft, and mitral valve prolapse
Black holes and quantum information

The increasing entropy of a black hole that evaporates by emitting Hawking radiation is at odds with the predictions of quantum mechanics. Juan Maldacena discusses the latest advances in solving this puzzle, known as the black hole information paradox.
Mechanism study of the 2010–2016 rapid rise of the Caribbean Sea Level

Abstract The Caribbean Sea level increased rapidly by about 6.55 cm in the period 2010–2016. This dramatic rise occurred concurrently with a step change in basin mass (freshwater equivalent) of about 1.09 cm (relative to 2006–2009) and an increase in surface freshwater loss of about 5.96 cm. Using re-analysis and satellite-derived atmosphere and ocean physics datasets, we investigate the driver for this episode of sea level rise and its impact on vertical water structure. Our conclusion is that increase in Caribbean sea evaporation, which removes latent heat and cools surface waters, caused upward longwave radiation to decrease, resulting in warming and total steric sea level rise of about 5.34 cm; and saline water that compensated for increased surface freshwater loss caused basin mass to increase due to the additional salt. Because of these concurrent changes, surface layer and mixed layer salinity and temperature increased; and adjustments of the Atlantic inflow and Gulf of Mexico return flow (equivalent net lateral exchange increase of about 7.05 cm) deepened the interface between the stratified top water and bottom rest water of the Caribbean Sea. This study highlights the useful role of the Caribbean Sea for illustrating local mechanisms and patterns of sea level variability in a changing global climate.
Simultaneous removal of VOCs and PM2.5 by metal-organic framework coated electret filter media

Abstract The electret filter media coated with highly porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) particles, named E-MOFilter, is newly developed and evaluated for its capacity for simultaneous removal of fine particulate matters (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Three different MOF particles, including MIL-125-NH2, UiO-66-NH2, and ZIF-67, were synthesized and systematically characterized. The produced MOF particles were suspended in ultrapure water and then a liquid filtration apparatus was used to deposit the MOF particles onto two electret media with different minimum efficiency reporting values (MERV 13 and 17) to form the E-MOFilters. Results showed that the MOF particles deposited in MERV 13 media more uniformly than that of MERV 17. In the PM filtration tests, results showed that the E-MOFilter gained only a few more pascals of air resistance compared with clean electret media. Besides, its PM removal efficiency was found to be close to that of clean electret media. This indicates that a uniform MOF particle deposition and negligible charge degradation from the current coating process were obtained. Further, the E-MOFilter with MIL-125-NH2 particle coating not only had a decent toluene removal efficiency (>80%) but also maintained its original PM2.5 holding capacity. This work may shed light on applying the novel E-MOFilter in the residential and commercial HVAC systems and indoor air purifiers to simultaneously and effectively remove PM2.5 and VOCs.
A new look at the oil price-exchange rate nexus: Asymmetric evidence from selected OPEC member countries

Abstract In the present article, we contribute to the literature by applying a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) method by Shin et al. (2014) to assess whether oil price fluctuations asymmetrically influence real exchange rates for oil-exporting countries, specifically selected six OPEC member countries. We discover that the price of crude oil seems to have an asymmetric effect on real exchange rates for the OPEC members with a floating exchange rate regime in both the long-and short-run. However, there is no evidence of the oil price asymmetry for the OPEC members with a fixed exchange rate regime in the long- and short-run. Thus, we conclude that asymmetry impacts appear to vary depending on the different types of exchange rate regimes in each of OPEC members.
Trusting Automation: Designing for Responsivity and Resilience.

ObjectiveThis paper reviews recent articles related to human trust in automation to guide research and design for increasingly capable automation in complex work environments.BackgroundTwo recent t...
Trends in Drug Overdose Mortality Rates in Kentucky, 2019-2020.

In April 2020, early signals from emergency medical services data raised concerns for increasing numbers of drug overdoses during the emerging COVID-19 pandemic in Kentucky.1 Subsequently, provisional national data for the 12-month period ending May 2020 showed accelerated drug overdose deaths, resulting in a Health Alert Network Advisory calling for expanded prevention efforts.2 This cross-sectional study evaluates the changes in drug overdose mortality rates for Kentucky residents between 2019 and 2020.
The Moral Economy of Fertility Markets: Hope and Hype, History and Inclusion

Tens of thousands of American women have frozen their eggs in hopes of buying more time to have a biological child. Fertility marketing comes too close to making explicit promises that are not supported by this medical technology. These commercial near-guarantees intrude on norms of informed consent and truthful advertising. But federal regulations fail to penalize offenders in a way that's meaningful or effective. This commentary responds to Michelle Bayefsky’s analysis call for transparency in the multi-billion-dollar market for reproductive services. It considers two issues that Bayefsky did not address: the history of assisted reproduction and who is left out of the egg freezing market.
Some Agronomic Factors as Influenced by the Application of Cattle and Poultry Manures along with Foliar Application of Vermiwash in Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L. Moench) Cv. P-11

Nutrient management and fertilizer applications are the two most critical parameters among the farmers in the world. It is predicted that production factors of agricultural land are mostly dependent on the types and rate of the fertilizers and their modes and methods of application which leads to enhance the quantity and quality of the crop yield. The use of inorganic fertilizers alone has not been helpful under intensive agriculture because it aggravates soil degradation which consequently results in soil acidity, nutrient imbalance, and low crop yields. Also, over limitation of fertilizer addition might be occurred many consequences in forecasting how to adjust appropriate fertilizer levels and methods of application for differences in conditions. Sustainable organic farming helps to enhance agroecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity which is well-known not only as a biological accelerator but also as a production upgrader. There are plenty of benefits from adding organic fertilizers for agricultural crops which can enhance crop yield and soil properties while restraining pests and diseases. In this regard, a pot experiment was carried out at the Crop Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University of Sri Lanka from January to April 2019. This investigation was carried out to study some agronomic factors as influenced by the application of cattle and poultry manures along with the foliar application of vermiwash in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) cv. P-11. This experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with eight replicates and nine treatments. The data were collected as number of branches per plant, length of the taproot, leaf area index, days for 50% flowering, the number of flowers per plant, 100 seed weight and economic yield. The results showed that the foliar application of 100% vermiwash with 10 t/ha poultry manure increased the number of branches per plant (33.33%), length of taproot (32.41%), leaf area index (25.95%), days for 50% flowering (11.20% decrease), number of flowers per plant (50%), 100 seed weight (0.88%), and economic yield (33.73%) than that of recommended fertilizer. Plants treated with poultry manure 10 t/ha + 100% vermiwash showed a significant increase in the above parameters than the other treatments. Therefore, it is suggested that the application of organic manures such as poultry manure with vermiwash is beneficial. Poultry manure and vermiwash are cheap, eco-friendly, and readily available organic manures that improve the soil for continuous cropping and sustainable agriculture.
Approximate secrecy capacity region of an asymmetric MAC wiretap channel within 1/2 bits

We consider a 2-user Gaussian Multiple-Access Wiretap channel (GMAC-WT), with the Eavesdropper (E) having access to signal from only one (say, T 2 ) of the two transmitters. We characterize the capacity region of this channel approximately within. 5 bits, where the approximation is in terms of only T 1 's rate or the sum-rate depending on the relative strength of the eavesdropper's channel. However, the approximation is. 5 bits independent of channel coefficients or operating Signal-to-Noise Ratios (SNR). To prove this approximate result we propose two different coding schemes, namely, the power adaptation and the time sharing coding schemes and derive their corresponding achievable rate regions. Both of them use Gaussian input distribution. To establish the approximate capacity, we first derive supersets to the capacity region and then show that corresponding to each rate pair at the boundary of these supersets there exists an achievable rate pair in one of the aforementioned achievable rate regions which are within 1/2 bits to the former pair. In comparison to a very recent result (Xie and Ulukus, ISIT 2013) on a GMAC-WT showing the requirement of interference alignment (IA) to achieve even the degrees of freedom performance, the result of this paper is surprising: our channel model is an interesting variation of the GMAC-WT for which IA is not necessary and Gaussian signalling is sufficient to achieve the entire capacity region within. 5 bits.
Archaeology and forensic death investigations.

Historically, the role of the archaeology in forensic death investigation has focused on excavation techniques and documentation of context. Additional skills of the archaeologist relate to familiarity with stratigraphy and soils, collection and conservation of artifacts, and special areas of interest, such as taphonomy. The following discussion surveys the processes by which the methods and personnel of archaeology have been incorporated into forensic recovery of skeletal and buried remains. The current status of the archaeologist’s involvement in forensic investigations is explored. As well, distinctions between the work of medical legal death investigators and crime scene investigators are contrasted to archaeologists working conventional archaeological sites. Finally, the utility of archaeological methods and archaeologists is illustrated using examples ranging from a serial murder investigation in the U.S. to international investigations involving human rights abuses in Honduras and war crimes in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. The contributions of the archaeologist’s skills range from methodologies of excavation and documentation of context to expertise in areas involving soil features, conservation of grave goods, and the uses of taphonomic knowledge to resolve post-mortem issues.
Experience with radioactive colloidal gold in the treatment of ovarian carcinoma.

Abstract 1.1. In 247 patients, cul-de-sac aspirations at the time of dilation and curettage revealed no abnormal cells. 2.2. In 275 patients, peritoneal washings at laparotomy revealed abnormal cells in 17 instances. Fourteen had ovarian cancer, 2 extensive uterine malignancy, and one instance was a false positive. 3.3. Five patients with cystadenocarcinoma showed no clinical evidence of spread yet abnormal cells were found in the peritoneal washings. 4.4. Patients with Stage I and IIA ovarian carcinoma are now treated with abdominal total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and Au 198 . 5.5. The remainder of the patients with ovarian carcinoma are treated with surgery, external irradiation, and radioactive gold when feasible. 6.6. The majority of patients tolerate Au 198 with minimal complications. 7.7. Colloidal gold is of value in controlling formation of ascitic fluid in certain patients. 8.8. Sufficient time has not elapsed to evaluate 5 year survival rates but results seem encouraging.
Methods for Constructing Surfaces on Surfaces

Given data defined on a (domain) surface, we construct an interpolant, which is a “surface defined on a surface.” we provide four different solutions to this multidimensional problem.
Mathematical Models for Rabies

Rabies virus and its associated host-pathogen population dynamics have proven a remarkable model system for developing mathematical models of infectious disease emergence and spread. Beginning with simple susceptible-infectious-removed (SIR) compartment models of fox rabies emergence and spread across Western Europe, mathematical models have now been developed to incorporate dynamics across heterogeneous landscapes, host demographic variation, and environmental stochasticity. Model structures range from systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) to stochastic agent-based computational simulations. We have reviewed the variety of mathematical approaches now available for analyzing dynamics in different host populations; most notably rabies virus spread in raccoon hosts.
Preparing pre-service teachers for rural appointments

Pre-service teachers need to be prepared to teach in both rural and urban contexts. Preparation to teach multi-grade classes in rural schools is excellent preparation for teaching any class, including urban single-grade classes. Based on our previous research and experience, we designed a unit to prepare our pre-service teachers for the issues they may face in their employment and especially in rural schools, including multi-grade teaching, coping with isolation, working as a casual teacher, and communicating with parents and caregivers. There are significant issues that are distinct in rural and urban contexts, including how metrocentric departmental policies can emphasise the rural/urban divide.
Socialization in the Family: Ethnic and Ecological Perspectives

This chapter reviews advances in our understanding of socialization of children in the family context. Both historical and contemporary perspectives on socialization are outlined. The chapter is guided by a family systems approach to socialization which recognizes the parent-child subsystem, the co-parental, marital and sibling subsystems as well as the family unit as contributors to children's socialization. The effects of each of these subsystems on children's socialization are explored. Next, a variety of determinants of family socialization strategies are discussed, including child characteristics, parental personal resources, community-based social capital and socioeconomic status. In another section, the impact of social change on family socialization practices is considered. Changes in women's and men's employment patterns and job characteristics as well as job loss and unemployment are used as illustrations of how social changes alter socialization strategies. The importance of considering how multiple social changes act together in achieving their effects on socialization is stressed. Another major determinant of socialization patterns is the ethnicity and cultural background of the family. The chapter discusses variations in socialization practices among Latinos, African-American, American Indians, and Asian-American families and the importance of immigration and acculturation in determining socialization patterns. In a final section, a variety of issues that require more attention, including variations in family forms, monitoring of secular changes, the influence of social and physical contexts on socialization, and the importance of locating families in a network of socializations influenced are considered. Keywords: co-parenting; culture; ethnicity; family systems; family-work links; fathers; marital relationships; mothers; siblings; social capital; social class; socialization
Somatic mutations of the MEN1 tumor suppressor gene in sporadic gastrinomas and insulinomas

Gastrinomas and insulinomas are frequent in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). The MEN1 tumor suppressor gene was recently identified. To elucidate the etiological role of the MEN1 gene in sporadic enteropancreatic endocrine tumorigenesis, we analyzed tumors (28 gastrinomas and 12 insulinomas) from 40 patients for MEN1 gene mutations and allelic deletions. One copy of the MEN1 gene was found to be deleted in 25 of 27 (93%) sporadic gastrinomas and in 6 of 12 (50%) sporadic insulinomas. MEN1 gene mutations were identified in 9 of 27 (33%) sporadic gastrinomas and 2 of 12 (17%) insulinomas and were not seen in corresponding germ-line DNA sequence. A specific MEN1 mutation was detected in one gastrinoma and in the corresponding germ-line DNA of a patient who had no family history of MEN1. Somatic MEN1 gene mutations and deletions play a critical role in the tumorigenesis of sporadic gastrinomas and may also contribute to the development of a subgroup of insulinomas.
Autophagy and Aging

Autophagy is a critical quality control pathway that is conserved across diverse systems ranging from simple unicellular organisms like yeast to more complex systems, for instance mammals. Although, the fundamental role of autophagy is to maintain cellular quality control through lysosomal degradation of unwanted proteins and organelles, recent studies have mapped several new functions of this pathway that range from fuel utilization, cellular differentiation to protection against cell death. Given the importance of this pathway in maintaining cellular homeostasis, it has been considered that compromised autophagy could contribute to several of the commonly observed age-associated pathologies including neurodegeneration, reduction of muscle mass, cardiac malfunction, excessive lipid accumulation in tissues and glucose intolerance. The present chapter describes the two best-characterized autophagy pathways—macroautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy, and discusses how changes in these pathways associate with age-associated disorders. Understanding how to maintain “clean cells” by activation of autophagy could be an attractive strategy to maintain healthspan in aged individuals.
Node expansion theorem for controlled sources

A node expansion theorem is presented wherein dependent sources are introduced into a passive or active network to modify systematically the node admittance matrix. An example of the use of the theorem is provided. >
When Food Becomes A Drug: Nonanabolic Nutritional Supplement Use in Athletes

The use of nonanabolic nutritional supplements for the sake of improving athletic performance is common, and the types of supplements used can have significant implications for the medical care of athletes. This review will address the most common and most controversial nonanabolic nutritional supplements, including recommendations regarding their use. Many supplements are marketed and promoted based on various theoretical benefits, often derived from limited animal studies, without any basis for recommending their human use. Physicians are trained to not recommend a nutritional supplement unless it is known to be effective, whereas athletes are oriented toward trying any supplement or ergogenic aid as long as it is safe, with the hope that it may be effective. The built-in error in most study designs is larger than the difference between winning and not qualifying at elite levels of competition, such that research may not always answer the questions raised by athletes. An honest discussion of the limitations of most supplements, and acknowledgment that some supplements may work some of the time in some athletes, may lead the physician to be more credible and useful to athletes in providing medical care and guidance that support their desire to improve their performance.
Punchthrough currents in sub-micron short channel MOS transistors

Abstract The punchthrough current in sub-micron MOS transistors is essentially initiated at the surface near the edge of source junction. A surface diffusion current ( I sdif ) originates from the injection of minority carriers from the source junction due to the combined effect of drain-induced-barrier-lowering (DIBL) and surface-band-bending ( Δφ so ). The DIBL effect increases with decreasing channel length. In addition, the extracted Δφ so from the punchthrough current indicates that surface space charges at the source edge shift from the accumulation/depletion mode for long sub-micron devices (≈0.62 μm) to the strong-inversion mode for deep sub-micron devices (≈0.12 μm). For intermediate sub-micron devices (≈0.37 μm), I sdif eventually converts to the bulk space-charge-limited current ( I scl ) as the connected source/drain depletion region expands with increasing drain bias. For long sub-micron devices only I sdif dominates, while for deep sub-micron devices it converts rapidly to I scl in the bulk depletion regions over the drain bias range investigated.
Measurement of Cationic and Intracellular Modulation of Integrin Binding Affinity by AFM-Based Nanorobot

Integrins are dynamic transmembrane cation-dependent heterodimers that both anchor cells in position and transduce signals into and out of cells. We used an atomic force microscope (AFM)-based nanorobotic system to measure integrin-binding forces in intact human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. The AFM-based nanorobot enables human-directed, high-accuracy probe positioning and site-specific investigations. Functionalizing the AFM probe with an arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD)-containing sequence (consensus binding sequence for integrins) allowed us to detect a series of peptide-cell membrane interactions with a median binding force of 115.1 ± 4.9 pN that were not detected in control interactions. Chelating divalent cations from the culture medium abolished these interactions, as did inhibiting intracellular focal adhesion kinase (FAK) using Y15. Adding 1 mM Mg2+ to the medium caused a rightward shift in the force-binding curve. Adding 1 mM Ca2+ virtually abolished the RGD-membrane specific interactions and blocked the Mg2+ effects. Cell adhesion assays demonstrated parallel effects of divalent cations and the FAK inhibitor on cell adhesion. These results demonstrate direct modulation of integrin-binding affinity by both divalent cations and intracellular signal inhibition. Additionally, three binding states (nonspecific, specific inactivated, and specific activated) were delineated from affinity measurements. Although other research has assumed that this process of integrin conformational change causes altered ligand binding, in this work we directly measured these three states in individual integrins in a physiologically based study.
Increased Monday Incidence of Life-Threatening Ventricular Arrhythmias Experience With a Third-Generation Implantable Defibrillator

Background Examination of the timing of cardiac events provides important pathophysiological information. Previous studies have shown that the onset of acute myocardial infarction occurs most frequently on Monday. The septadian (day of the week) pattern of occurrence of sudden cardiac death and lethal ventricular arrhythmias has not been examined previously. Methods and Results We examined the septadian distribution of life-threatening (cycle length <280 ms) ventricular arrhythmias in 683 consecutive patients receiving a Ventak PRx, a third-generation implantable defibrillator with an event recorder. There was a prominent Monday peak, with a midweek decline and a secondary peak later in the week. A marked trough is apparent on both weekend days. The observed pattern was independent of age, sex, ejection fraction, NYHA functional class, type of heart disease, and the use of antiarrhythmic drugs but was not observed in patients receiving β-blockers. Conclusions Potentially lethal arrhythmias are not random ...
Adaptive Pattern Movement for Mobile Games

This paper investigates a new method to create adaptive pattern movements from static templates. We show this approach is effective for games on low-power, resource-limited mobile information devices
Exploring the Paths of (Virus) Assembly

Assembly of viruses that have hundreds of subunits or folding of proteins that have hundreds of amino acids—complex biological reactions—are often spontaneous and rapid. Here, we examine the complete set of intermediates available for the assembly of a hypothetical viruslike particle and the connectivity between these intermediates in a graph-theory-inspired study. Using a build-up procedure, assuming ideal geometry, we enumerated the complete set of 2,423,313 species for formation of an icosahedron from 30 dimeric subunits. Stability of each n-subunit intermediate was defined by the number of contacts between subunits. The probability of forming an intermediate was based on the number of paths to it from its precedecessors. When defining population subsets predicted to have the greatest impact on assembly, both stability- and probability-based criteria select a small group of compact and degenerate species; ergo, only a few hundred intermediates make a measurable contribution to assembly. Though the number of possible intermediates grows combinatorially with the number of subunits in the capsid, the number of intermediates that make a significant contribution to the reaction grows by a much smaller function, a result that may contribute to our understanding of assembly and folding reactions.
Life as death scholars: passion, personality, and professional perspectives.

In death-averse American society, the field of thanatology is often socially and academically isolating. The purpose of this article is to describe the experiences of a group of death scholars and share insights gained as members of an interdisciplinary team. They discuss the ways in which they have created a special “safe” space for death study collaboration. The melding of their individual passions, personalities, and professional perspectives has allowed them to form a productive and satisfying work environment. Additional discourse in this field is needed on the nature and processes of such death-studies groups.
Interpretation of some metallic phase diagrams—II. Entropy of mixing☆

Abstract A new expression is obtained for the entropy of mixing of two or more metals by decoupling the volume-dependent variations and the pairwise correlations between ‘atoms’ in the Fisher expansion. The volume-dependent terms are the most important in aluminum-based alloys and depend very sensitively on the volume of mixing of these alloys, the volume expansion coefficient and isothermal compressibility of the pure metals involved.
Case Study: An Infection-Triggered, Autoimmune Subtype of Anorexia Nervosa

ABSTRACT Objective Certain cases of anorexia nervosa (AN) may be similar to the recently described subtype of childhood-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder hypothesized to be one of the pediatric infection-triggered autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders (PITANDs). Method Three clinical cases are reported. The first patient is a 12-year-old boy whose AN worsened acutely after a group A β-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) infection. His symptoms were alleviated after antibiotic treatment. Two other patients with possible PITANDs-related AN are described. Results An infection-triggered process may contribute to the pathogenesis of a subtype of AN. Conclusions Future research is needed to explore the nature of PITANDs and their relatioship with AN. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 1997, 36(8):1128–1133.
DRAM plate electrode bias optimization for reducing leakage current in UV-O/sub 3/ and O/sub 2/ annealed CVD deposited Ta/sub 2/O/sub 5/ dielectric films

A new plate biasing scheme is described which allowed the use of 65% higher supply voltage without increasing the leakage current for the UV-O/sub 3/ and O/sub 2/ annealed chemical-vapor-deposited tantalum pentaoxide dielectric film capacitors in stacked DRAM cells. Dielectric leakage was reduced by biasing the capacitor plate electrode to a voltage lower than the conventionally used value of V/sub cc//2. Ta/sub 2/O/sub 5/ films with 3.9 nm effective gate oxide, 8.5 fF//spl mu/m/sup 2/ capacitance and >
The stability of illuminated p-GaInP2 semiconductor photoelectrode

Abstract Thin p-GaInP2 films were tested 24 h in pH1 NH4NO3 solution at AM 1.5 G, and compared to that tested in 3 M H2SO4. Optical, SEM and EDX investigations confirmed that the surface of the tested sample in pH1 NH4NO3 was kept almost as that of an as-received one, while the sample tested in 3 M H2SO4 experienced extensive corrosion via selective dissolution of Ga. ICP analysis confirmed the very low dissolution of p-GaInP2 in pH1 NH4NO3 solution, compared to that in 3 M H2SO4. The GaInP2 sample tested in pH1 NH4NO3 solution had an XPS depth profile almost identical to that of an as-grown sample, we speculate that absorbed NH3 on the semiconductor surface could be responsible for the observed corrosion inhibition. Thus, the p-GaInP2 should last much longer when working in pH1 NH4NO3 solution, due to this inhibiting effect. This result shows promise toward meeting US DOE's 2013 goal of 8% STH efficiency for 1000 h duration.
The influence of environmental lighting on the amphibian pars intermedia: receptors and possible pathways.

The well-known "background adaptation" response of the anuran amphibians constitutes a clearly defined example of an effect of environmental illumination on pituitary secretion. Morphological studies strongly suggest that the secretion of MSH, the hormonal agent of background adaptation, is controlled by neurons which terminate in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary (pars intermedia). We have investigated the possible role of this innervation in the photic control of the pars intermedia ofRana pipiens by recording the electrical activity of single, intermediate lobe neurons with gold-plated, platinum-tipped micro-electrodes. These studies have shown that changes in illumination affect the activity of some neurons in the intermediate lobe, ant that the photoreceptors which mediate this response are clearly the lateral eyes. Light responsive neurons in the pars intermedia do not exhibit any detectable response to illumination of the pineal region. The latency of the response to light is consistent with the existence of a neural circuit linking the eyes with the pars intermedia, and studies of retinal projections in amphibians suggest several possible routes for a retino-pars intermedia pathway. The unique availability of the input and output stages of this retino-hypophyseal pathway may make it a useful model for the study of photo-neuroendocrine mechanisms.
Generalized Orthogonal Complement Based Divide and Conquer Algorithm for Constrained Multibody Dynamics

This paper presents an extension of the orthogonal complement based divide and conquer algorithm for constraint multi-rigid body systems containing closed kinematic loops in generalized topologies. In its current form, its a short article demonstrating the methodology for assembling the equations of motion in a hierarchic assembly process for systems containing multiple loops in generalized topologies.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The internal structure of the phenomenology of auditory verbal hallucinations

Background: Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) do not have uniform pathological significance. They affect patients with different brain disorders, and vary along multiple phenomenological dimensions. Evidence indicates that some of the phenomenological variables have specific neural substrates. Therefore, a comprehensive characterization of the phenomenological variations of AVH and the interrelationship between these variables was undertaken. Method: Twenty phenomenological variables were identified; on each AVH had a binary value (present or absent). Information about 11 of these variables were obtained from 30 patients. Hierarchical cluster (HC) and multidimensional scaling (MDS) analyses were performed to investigate the hidden structure and dimensions of these variables. Results: HC yielded two main clusters with further sub-clusters in each. The first cluster included hallucinations with low linguistic complexity, repetitive content, attributed to self, located in outer space, and associated with different kinds of control strategies. The second cluster included hallucinations with high linguistic complexity, systematized content, multiple voices, attributed to others, and located in inner space. In MDS, three dimensions were identified: linguistic complexity, self-other attribution, and inner-outer space location. Conclusion: The patterns of clustering and dimensional configuration of AVH characteristics were in accord with intuitive expectation and validated the patients' descriptions of their experiences. These findings could reflect aspects of the neural mechanisms of AVH. For example, the presence of neural specificity for each phenomenological variable, intermediate neural commonality for groups of variables, and a final common pathway for all subtypes of AVH. Another example is a differential level of language dysfunction according to the linguistic complexity of AVH.
Study Abroad Students: Designing Library Services to Meet Their Needs

ABSTRACT This article focuses on the design of library services to best meet the information needs of U.S. college students studying abroad. The authors begin by developing a possible theoretical model, first to explain the needs and information-seeking behavior of U.S. students abroad, and second to utilize this framework to design library services. The empirical grounding of the paper consists of research conducted by a Pennsylvania State University librarian at four study-abroad sites in Rome and Bologna, and the work of two librarians at colleges with high student participation in foreign study programs. In regard to the latter, the authors will discuss the way in which Dickinson College began a new program of library services to study abroad students, and present a Goucher College librarian's experience as a collaborative participant in a study-abroad program.
Seeking advice: Epistemic asymmetry and learner autonomy in writing conferences

Abstract Advice delivery generally assumes the epistemic asymmetry between the advice giver and the advisee as its central feature ( Hutchby, 1995 ); however, the principle of learner autonomy in educational interaction complicates the management of such an asymmetry between teachers and students. This paper analyzes how the seemingly conflicting aspects of advice delivery manifest within the context of writing conferences. The data consists of approximately 10 h of conference sessions held by three instructors and 30 students as part of a writing requirement at a major research university in USA. Using the methodology of conversation analysis, I investigate ways in which students use epistemic downgrades, in particular, ‘I don’t know + if/wh complement,’ to seek advice in two sequentially different environments: (1) as a response to the teacher's elicitation and (2) as an independent advice-seeking initiation. The analysis highlights the following functions of epistemic downgrades: (1) they confirm the participants’ epistemic asymmetry as a normative concern in their interaction; (2) they convey the participants’ orientation to learner autonomy; (3) they suggest the varying degrees of students’ knowledge and commitment to a particular line of action. The findings broaden the scope of conversation analytic research on turn design and action formation and have implications for our understanding of questioning and advice delivery within the field of pragmatics.
Ab-initio calculation of magnetic properties of Mn-doped ZnGeN2

Abstract We have performed a density functional theory within a generalized gradient approximation study of Mn-doped zinc germanium dinitride (ZnGeN2) semiconductor. Our results show Mn-doped ZnGeN2 to be antiferromagnetic for MnZn (Mn substitutes Zn site) and ferromagnetic for MnGe (Mn substitutes Ge site). Ferromagnetic state is also preferred if Mn atoms substitute both Zn and Ge sites. Formation of half-metallic ferromagnetism is possible in this type of material.
Manganese and magnesium homochiral materials: decoration of honeycomb channels with homochiral chains.

Five homochiral open-framework materials based on manganese and magnesium camphorates exhibit homochiral connectivity from one- to three-dimensions, highlighting the versatility of the synthetic system reported here. Two compounds contain a column of homochiral chains lining up the honeycomb channels of 3-D metal−oxygen frameworks, an unusual feature previously unobserved in inorganic−organic hybrids.
IGF-1 and insulin exert opposite actions on ClC-K2 activity in the cortical collecting ducts.

Despite similar stimulatory actions on the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)-mediated sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule, insulin promotes kaliuresis, whereas insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF...
Restenosis after Vascular Reconstruction

About 20-50% of vascular reconstructions used for restoration of circulation in atherosclerotic vessels fail because of restenosis. Despite progress in both experimental and clinical studies, the underlying mechanism of restenosis remains unclear. This has presented a problem for the targeting of pharmacological therapies, and so far the only effective cure for restenosis remains repetition of the operative treatment. However, the subsequent reconstructions are also subject to luminal narrowing. New approaches in preventing restenosis may involve identifying the patients most likely to be at risk, and treating them selectively with novel suppressive agents, or with combinations of already tested agents.
Review of Token Economies II

The previous chapter detailed programs with psychiatric patients, the mentally retarded, and individuals in classroom settings. While that research illustrates the extensive literature on token economies, it does not convey the breadth of applications. This chapter reviews a number of other populations that have been exposed to token-reinforcement procedures including delinquents, adult offenders, drug addicts, and problem drinkers. In addition, diverse uses of token programs in outpatient treatment both with children and adults are reviewed. Finally, applications with select populations who have been infrequently treated with token programs and in select research areas are briefly cited.
Sampling Assumptions in Introductory Statistics Classes

Simple random sampling is the foundation for almost every method taught in introductory statistics classes. Many students, however, have difficulty understanding the difference between simple random sampling and cluster sampling and determining whether the assumption of simple random sampling is met. We can find evidence of this difficulty in research articles reporting statistical findings: many analyze the data using simple random sampling assumptions even though a cluster sample was actually taken. We review several statistics texts' treatment of sampling assumptions for confidence intervals and hypothesis tests. We then propose activities that could be used in the classroom to help students gain a better understanding of the concepts of simple random sampling and confidence intervals.
Epikeratophakia-Present Results in Infants with Unilateral Cataract and Future Prospects

The management of monocular infantile cataract presents a difficult and challenging clinical problem. The methods used for optical correction after cataract removal include contact lenses, intraocular lenses and epikeratophakia. Epikeratophakia offers a permanent optical correction and eliminates the risks of intraocular procedures. Epikeratophakia is best suited for infants with uniocular aphakia who are contact lens non-compliant and who are still young enough to benefit from amblyopia therapy. The preoperative evaluation, the surgical technique, the postoperative management of epikeratophakia as well as the results of the Louisiana State University and the nationwide studies are presented. Future perspectives in the methods of preparation and preservation of epikeratophakia lenticules and the use of glues and synthetic materials are discussed.
Photic and Nonphotic Seasonal Cues Differentially Engage Hypothalamic Kisspeptin and RFamide‐Related Peptide mRNA Expression in Siberian Hamsters

Seasonally breeding animals use a combination of photic (i.e. day length) and nonphotic (e.g. food availability, temperature) cues to regulate their reproduction. How these environmental cues are integrated is not understood. To assess the potential role of two candidate neuropeptides, kisspeptin and RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP), we monitored regional changes in their gene expression in a seasonally breeding mammal exposed to moderate changes in photoperiod and food availability. Adult male Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) were housed under a long (16 h light/day; 16 L) or intermediate (13.5 L) photoperiod and fed ad lib. or a progressive food restriction schedule (FR; reduced to 80% of ad lib.) for 11 weeks. Gonadal regression occurred only in FR hamsters housed under 13.5 L. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify diencephalic populations of kisspeptin- and RFRP-immunoreactive cells, and quantitative PCR was used to measure gene expression in adjacent coronal brain sections. Photoperiod, but not food availability, altered RFRP mRNA expression in the dorsomedial sections, whereas food availability but not photoperiod altered Kiss1 expression in the arcuate sections; intermediate photoperiods elevated RFRP expression, and food restriction suppressed Kiss1 expression. Regional- and neuropeptide-specific activity of RFamides may provide a mechanism for integration of multi-modal environmental information in the seasonal control of reproduction.
Luminescent phosphonium polyelectrolyte prepared from a diphosphine chromophore: synthesis, photophysics, and layer-by-layer assembly

A luminescent phosphonium-containing polyelectrolyte (P1-OHx) has been prepared by polymerization of a chromophore-containing diphosphine. The resultant cationic polyelectrolyte displays solvatochromism and undergoes facile layer-by-layer assembly with anionic poly(acrylic acid) to form smooth, well-defined films. Solution and film characterization by absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy, and AFM imaging of films, are reported.
A controlled trial of propoxyphene and naltrexone in patients with tourette's syndrome

To investigate the effect of drugs acting on the endogenous opioid system, we studied 10 adults with Tourette's syndrome who received propoxyphene hydrochloride (260 mg/day), naltrexone hydrochloride (50 mg/day), and placebo in a double-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Using a self-report scale (Tourette's Syndrome Symptom List), subjects noted a significant (p less than 0.04) lessening of tics after treatment with naltrexone when compared with placebo. An improvement in performance on the Trail Making B test, a measure of attention and visuomotor sequencing and planning, occurred after receiving naltrexone when compared with placebo (p less than 0.08) or propoxyphene (p less than 0.02). The Trail Making B test best discriminated the treatments (p less than 0.02, analysis of variance). No other treatment effects were observed for several other measures of tic severity, attentional ability, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Our findings indicate that pharmacological manipulation of the endogenous opioid system does influence symptoms of Tourette's syndrome.
Adrenocortical Response to Adrenocorticotropin in Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Receptor-mediated uptake of low density lipoproteins (LDL) provides an important source of cholesterol for corticosteroid synthesis by human adrenocortical cells grown in tissue culture. Recent studies have indicated an impaired adrenocortical response to prolonged ACTH stimulation in patients with abetalipoproteinemia (who lack plasma LDL) and in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), who have a virtual absence of high affinity LDL receptors. In the present study we examined parameters of adrenocortical function in four women with well characterized heterozygous FH to asses whether a 50% reduction in the number of LDL receptors measured in vitro influenced the response of the adrenal cortex to prolonged stimulation with ACTH. Biochemical studies of the binding, internalization, and degradation of [125I]LDL were undertaken in cultured skin fibroblasts from each patient, and all patients had reduced LDL receptor activity. The adrenocortical response to a 36-h iv infusion of αACTH-(l–2...
Imaging and analysis of microcalcifications and lipid/necrotic core calcification in fibrous cap atheroma.

The presence of microcalcifications (µCalcs) >5 µm within the cap of human fibroatheroma has been shown to produce a 200-700% increase in peak circumferential stress, which can transform a stable plaque into a vulnerable one, whereas µCalcs 5 µm based on the gross morphological features of fibroatheromas, and the correlation between the size and distribution of µCalcs in the cap and the calcification in the lipid/necrotic core beneath it. Atherosclerotic lesions (N = 72) were imaged using HR-μCT at 2.1-μm resolution for detailed analysis of atheroma morphology and composition, and validated using non-decalcified histology. At 2.1-μm resolution one observes four different patterns of calcification within the lipid/necrotic core, and is able to elucidate the 3D spatial progression of the calcification process using these four patterns. Of the gross morphological features identified, only minimum cap thickness positively correlated with the existence of µCalcs > 5 µm in the cap. We also show that µCalcs in the cap accumulate in the vicinity of the lipid/necrotic core boundary with few on the lumen side of the cap. HR-μCT enables three-dimensional assessment of soft tissue composition, lipid content, calcification patterns within lipid/necrotic cores and analysis of the axial progression of calcification within individual atheroma. The distribution of µCalcs within the cap is highly non-uniform and decreases sharply as one proceeds from the lipid pool/necrotic core boundary to the lumen.
Molecular Depth Profiling of Sucrose Films: A Comparative Study of C60n+ Ions and Traditional Cs+ and O2+ Ions

Depth profiling of sucrose thin films was investigated with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) using 10 keV C60+, 20 keV C602+, and 30 keV C603+, and 250, 500, and 1000 eV Cs+ and O2+ as sputtering ions. With C60n+ ions, the molecular ion signal initially decreases and reaches a steady state that is about 38−51% of its original intensity, depending on the energy of the C60n+ ions. In contrast, with Cs+ and O2+ sputtering, molecular ion signals decrease quickly to the noise level, even using very low-energy (250 eV) ions. In addition, the measured width of the sucrose/Si interface is much narrower using C60+ ions than that using Cs+ or O2+ ions. To understand the mechanisms of sputtering-induced damage by these ions, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize the bottoms of these sputter craters. XPS data show very little chemical change in the C60+ sputter crater, while considerable amorphous carbon was found in the O2+ and Cs+...