cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPLANATORY REINFORCEMENT IN PROGRAMMED LEARNING OF PSYCHOLOGICAL CONCEPTS

Sun2mary.-Apparently reinforcement modifies learning indirectly by determining the activities in which the learning process occurs. As indicated by the responses of 432 Ss enrolled in general psychology, explanatory reinforcement was superior to non-cxplanarory reinforcement in the learning of concepts. The role of reinforcement in learning has been controversial. Thorndike (1911 ) implied in his Law of Effect chat reinforce~nent was necessary for both learning and performance as rewards tend to stamp in behavior. Hull ( 1951 ), however, stated that performance but not learning was determined by reinforcement. Deese (1958) conc;udes chat "rhere is now strong evidence that reinforcement is not necessary for learning, although it does probably modify learning . . . This is not because reinforcement is necessary to learning but because reinforcement indirectly modifies what animals learn by determining what they do." The present hypothesis is that explanation as reinforcement in learning a concept facilitates performance more than a non-explanatory reinforcement as the former provides Ss with greater cognitive experience. By explanatory reinforcement is meant that S's choice results in further information about or explication of the correctness of the choice. By non-explanatory reinforcement is meant the usual information chat S's choice is correct or incorrect. Ss were 432 college students, mainly at the sophomore level, enrolled in classes in general psychology at Central Misso~~ri State College. They were divided into experimental groups (326 Ss) and the control groups (106 5s). The experimental groups used the programmed material in addition to the ordinary work of the class. The programmed material was classified into explanatory reinforced material, Class A; non-explanatory reinforced material, Class B; and no reinforcement, Class C. The programs were four-response multiple-choice exercises presenting the major concepts discussed in 13 chapters in Morgan's text (1961 ). The number of concepts programmed for each chapter ranged from 35 to 40. Strips of paper about 1 in. wide covered the printed responses to the mulciplechoice exercises. The variation in the quality of the material necessitated the use of a rotation system. The class of reinforcement changed when each one-third of the course was completed. For the Fall quarter the sequence of reinforcement was ABC which means that for the first third of the course Ss received Class A reinforce
Umbilical Vein Catheterization

* Abbreviations: CDC, : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CVC, : central venous catheter DV, : ductus venosus UVC, : umbilical venous catheter Please watch the video below depicting resistance to the passage of an umbilical venous catheter. Think first, then answer the question below.⇓ Figure. Click here to view the video. (Reproduced with permission of Akshaya Vachharajani, MD, and The Saigh Foundation Pediatric Simulation Center, St. Louis Children's Hospital & Washington University School of Medicine. Copyright 2012.) How long can an umbilical venous catheter be used without risk of blood stream infection? 1. 1 week 2. 5 days 3. 4 weeks 4. 14 days 5. 10 days Time out is not recorded on the video to protect the identity of the neonate. The video depicts the resistance to the passage of the catheter. A momentary resistance was frequently but not always felt as the catheter tip entered the ductus venosus (DV) in a study by Dunn. (1) A study revealed that all 50 (100%) of the neonates examined by ultrasound had a patent DV on day 1. (2) Only 33 (66%) of these neonates had a patent DV at 5 days of age. The resistance felt is most probably due to the anatomy and not DV closure. This is because the DV connects the …
Adipose Tissue Composition and Cell Size In Fall Migratory Thrushes (Turdidae)

Fat deposition is one of the most important and constant physiological events associated with migration in birds (see reviews by King and Farner, 1956 and 1965; Farner, 1960; and Odum, 1960a, 1960b, and 1965). Odum, Rogers, and Hicks (1964) have advanced the hypothesis that before and during migration periods lipid deposition and depletion in adipose tissues occur without appreciable changes in the weight of water and other nonfat components in the body as a whole, in possible contrast to man, where changes in nonfat components may accompany obesity. In spite of the intensity of recent investigation of this subject, the morphology and histology of the storage adipose tissue have not been adequately described. In this study the gross morphology, composition, and histology of the easily dissectible fat bodies were investigated in samples of thrushes obtained during autumn migration. The special purpose of this effort was to determine if the changes of histology and composition of the adipose tissue are consistent with the hypothesis of the homeostasis of the nonfat components in migrating birds. As an index of possible concurrent changes in fatty acid composition, iodine numbers were also determined.
Weight-loss attempts and reporting of foods and nutrients, and biomarkers in a national cohort.

Weight-loss attempts and reporting of foods and nutrients, and biomarkers in a national cohort
The Convexification Approximation Method for the Monetone Global Optimization

The monotone optimization is to maximize a monotone objective function constrained by monotone functions. This paper proposes a new convexification transformation method to convert a monotone function into a convex function. The monotone optimization problem can then be converted to an equivalent convex maximization or concave minimization problem. Thus we can adopt the Hoffman's outer approximation method to find the global optimal solution. We compare the proposed convexification method with Tuy's Ployblock outer approximation method. The illustrative example shows clearly that the convexification method is superior to the Tuy's method in solving the monotone problem.
Zinc repletion with organic or inorganic forms of zinc and protein turnover in marginally zinc-deficient calves

We conducted two experiments using marginally Zn-deficient (-Zn) calves to determine which supplemental chemical form of Zn would most rapidly reverse certain Zn deficiency signs and to determine whether a change in protein turnover had occurred in Zn deficiency. In Exp. 1, 40 crossbred beef heifers were allocated by BW to four groups. The control group received 23 mg Zn/kg diet DM from ZnSO4 supplemented to the -Zn diet (17 mg Zn/kg diet DM). The three other groups received the -Zn diet. After 21 d, based on a decreased (P < .05) feed efficiency, they were deemed -Zn. Cell-mediated immune (CMI) response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was reduced (P < .05) but plasma and liver Zn were unaffected in the -Zn calves. Zinc was repleted by feeding iso-Zn amounts (23 mg Zn/kg diet DM) from Zn lysine, Zn methionine, or ZnSO4. At 8 h after injection of PHA, control CMI response values were similar to Zn Methionine, and Zn lysine was lower (P < .05). In Exp. 2, 10 Holstein steers were allocated by BW to two groups. One group received the -Zn diet, and the other received the +Zn diet. Urine collections were obtained from both groups of calves when the -Zn calves showed a decrease (P < .05) in feed efficiency relative to the controls and when they were repleted with 23 mg Zn/kg diet DM from ZnSO4 and their feed efficiency had returned to that of the controls. Urinary 3-methylhistidine indicated that -Zn calves had less (P < .05) daily protein degradation than the controls. Refeeding Zn to the -Zn group did not change BW or daily protein degradation. Results indicated that a marginal Zn deficiency decreased fractional accretion rate, increased (P < .05) urine excretion, and tended to increase (P < .19) Na and decrease (P < .12) K concentrations in the urine.
Nail disorders: Kids are not just little people

Nail disorders comprise an important subset of dermatologic conditions and often pose both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the clinician. Presentation and management can differ in adults and children. Proper understanding of these differences is important in delivering optimal patient care. This contribution discusses three common nail disorders in adults and children, onychomycosis, melanonychia striata, and trachyonychia, highlighting distinct features in the adult and pediatric populations.
Silica Enrichment in a Volcanic Setting Using Petrographic Analyses and Mass Balance Calculations Using Trace Element Zircon

Formulating the original composition of weathered tephra can be a challenging task. A previous study by Wadia (1998 and 2007) demonstrated the enrichment of silica according to the hypothesis that the percentage of aluminum oxide remains constant within the unweathered parent material and its weathered counterpart (Faure, 1991), which indicated the average enrichment of silica to be 6.5%. This study demonstrates the enrichment of microcrystalline-cryptocrystalline quartz in the Reid's Mistake Formation of the Newcastle Coal measures of Sydney Basin, Australia, incorporating petrographic analyses and MBC (mass balance calculations) using trace element zircon as the immobile element. For MBC, zircon is more favorable, as it is a trace element that tends to be immobile during the process of chemical weathering. The composition of the unweathered reference samples was collected from the Tertiary volcanic complexes of Northeastern New South Wales and Southeastern Queensland. ICP-AES (inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy) was used to determine the chemical composition of the weathered samples. The quantitative enrichment of silica was provided by performing MBC using zircon as the immobile trace element. The petrographic analyses results indicated that the tephra was subjected to chemical weathering in a meteoric regime, as represented by minerals observed in the weathered tephra. The silica enrichment by MBC involving zircon resulted in 40.11%, which is indicative of chemical weathering, and was additionally supported by the presence of chert lenses in the volcanic horizon, indicating the enrichment of silica as a result of chemical weathering.
A quantum chemistry study of curvature effects on boron nitride nanotubes/nanosheets for gas adsorption

Quantum chemistry calculations were performed to investigate the effect of the surface curvature of a Boron Nitride (BN) nanotube/nanosheet on gas adsorption. Curved boron nitride layers with different curvatures interacting with a number of different gases including noble gases, oxygen, and water on both their convex and concave sides of the surface were studied using density functional theory (DFT) with a high level dispersion corrected functional. Potential energy surfaces of the gas molecules interacting with the selected BN surfaces were investigated. In addition, the charge distribution and electrostatic potential contour of the selected BN surfaces are discussed. The results reveal how the curvature of the BN surfaces affects gas adsorption. In particular, small curvatures lead to a slight difference in the physisorption energy, while large curvatures present distinct potential energy surfaces, especially for the short-range repulsion.
Low-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry for an information barrier based on a multi-criteria template-matching approach

Abstract Gamma-ray spectrometry has been successfully employed to identify unique items containing special nuclear materials. Template information barriers have been developed in the past to confirm items as warheads by comparing their gamma signature to the signature of true warheads. Their development has, however, not been fully transparent, and they may not be sensitive to some relevant evasion scenarios. We develop a fully open template information barrier concept, based on low-resolution measurements, which, by design, reduces the extent of revealed sensitive information. The concept is based on three signatures of an item to be compared to a recorded template. The similarity of the spectrum is assessed by a modification of the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test to confirm the isotopic composition. The total gamma count rate must agree with the template as a measure of the projected surface of the object. In order to detect the diversion of fissile material from the interior of an item, a polyethylene mask is placed in front of the detector. Neutrons from spontaneous and induced fission events in the item produce 2.223 MeV gamma rays from neutron capture by hydrogen-1 in the mask. This peak is detected and its intensity scales with the item's fissile mass. The analysis based on MCNP Monte Carlo simulations of various plutonium configurations suggests that this concept can distinguish a valid item from a variety of invalid ones. The concept intentionally avoids any assumptions about specific spectral features, such as looking for specific gamma peaks of specific isotopes, thereby facilitating a fully unclassified discussion. By making all aspects public and allowing interested participants to contribute to the development and benchmarking, we enable a more open and inclusive discourse on this matter.
Replication Origin Sequences

Double-stranded (DS) DNA is the major form of genetic material in most organisms. One major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosomes is that each of the former contains single replication origin (ori), whereas the latter usually have multiple ori dispersed throughout the chromosomes. Having multiple ori facilitates the replication of a large amount of DNA during the limited time span of the S phase of the cell cycle. Duplication of DS DNA starts from either specific or preferred sequences called ori. The replication initiator protein(s), depending on the organism, recognizes either specific or preferred ori sequences to direct the assembly of the replication complex (replisome) preparatory to the replication initiation/elongation processes. Initiation of replication seems to be the principal step at which replication is regulated by multiple mechanisms. These regulatory mechanisms restrict replication to occur once and only once per cell cycle, thereby maintaining the ploidy level of the genome.
Self Determination Theory, Identity Development, and Adolescence

This chapter discuss the nature of self-determination in the context of adolescent development and identity development. The chapter reviews definitions of adolescence and the many factors that contribute to the onset and offset of this critical developmental period. Then, two theoretical perspectives for understanding adolescence are introduced: Identity development theory and Self-Determination Theory. The chapter closes with some thoughts on future directions for research on self-determination development during adolescence.
In vitro studies in reproductive immunology: 1. Suppression of cell-mediated immune response by human spermatozoa and fractions isolated from human seminal plasma

Abstract Components of the male mammalian genital tract are capable of inhibiting in vitro cell-mediated immune responses. In the current study, intact human spermatozoa in a concentration of 10 7 cells/ml inhibited both spontaneous and PHA-M- and Con A-induced blast transformation of normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Similar inhibitory properties were found in human seminal plasma using concentrations of 100 and 400 μg/ml. Sephadex G-100 chromatography of seminal plasma yielded five fractions (F 1 - F 5 ) which were qualitatively assessed by SDS-polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis. Fractions 1 and 4 inhibited spontaneous blast transformation while fractions 1 and 3 inhibited mitogen-induced blastogenesis. Normal leukocyte migration was not affected by fractions. It is concluded that suppression of blast transformation might be due to a spermatozoal or seminal plasma component(s) able to bind receptors on lymphocytes specific for PHA-M and Con-A.
Cryptic speciation and gene flow in a migratory songbird Species Complex: Insights from the Red-Eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus).

Abstract Migratory species that alternate between sympatry and allopatry over the course of an annual cycle are promising subjects for studies seeking to understand the process of speciation in the absence of strict geographic isolation. Here we sought to identify cryptic species and assess rates of gene flow in a clade of neotropical migrant songbirds in which geography and taxonomy are currently out of sync: the Red-Eyed Vireo (V. olivaceus) Species Complex. Phylogenetic, clustering, and statistical species delimitation analyses found that V. olivaceus includes two non-sister lineages migrating in opposite directions across the equator. Analyses of gene flow identified low levels of introgression between two species pairs, but none between northern and southern olivaceus. We also identified substantial well-supported conflicts between nuclear and mitochondrial topologies. Although the geographic distribution of mito-nuclear discordance is suggestive of hybridization and mitochondrial capture, we found no evidence of introgression in the nuclear genome of populations with discordant mitochondrial gene trees. Our study finds that species boundaries match breeding range and migratory phenology rather than the existing taxonomy in this group, and demonstrates the utility of genomic data in inferring species boundaries in recently diverged clades.
Temporal Relationship of Sex Risk Behaviors and Substance Use Severity Among Men in Substance Use Treatment.

Sex risk behaviors and substance use are intertwined. Many men continue to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors even when enrolled in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. We hypothesized that changes in sex risk behaviors would coincide with changes in drug/alcohol use severity among men in SUD treatment. During an HIV risk-reduction trial, men in methadone maintenance and outpatient drug-free treatment (N = 359) completed assessments at baseline and six months after. We assessed changes in sex risk and substance use severity, using the Addiction Severity Index–Lite (ASI-Lite), controlling for treatment condition. In multinomial logistic regressions, decreased alcohol severity was significantly associated with decreases in reported sex partners, and increased alcohol severity was significantly associated with increases in reported sex partners. Increasing drug use severity was significantly associated with maintaining and initiating sex with a high-risk partner, while decreasing alcohol use severity wa...
Comparison of Tibial Sesamoid Position on Anteroposterior and Axial Radiographs Before and After Triplane Tarsal Metatarsal Joint Arthrodesis.

We reviewed the radiographic results of a group of patients who had undergone triplane correctional tarsometatarsal arthrodesis for symptomatic hallux abducto valgus with metatarsus primus abducto valgus. Of the 21 feet included in the present review, 17 (81%) displayed radiographic findings of metatarsal pronation preoperatively based on axial sesamoid views and positive lateral round sign on anteroposterior radiographs. At a mean follow-up period of 5.2 ± 1.6 months, a significant improvement in the tibial sesamoid position (TSP) on both anteroposterior (AP) and axial radiographs was measured. A negative metatarsal round sign, indicating correction of coronal plane metatarsal rotation, was observed in 20 of the 21 feet (95.2%) on AP radiographic evaluation. All 21 patients (100%) had obtained resolution of sesamoid subluxation on the sesamoid axial view at the final follow-up examination. The sesamoid axial position was consistently normal when the round sign was absent, and the TSP was in the normal range of 1 to 3 on the AP radiograph. Sesamoid subluxation from the normal position with the tibial sesamoid on or lateral to the crista was noted in 4 feet (19%) preoperatively and 0 feet postoperatively. This confirmed that lateral round sign of the first metatarsal head and a high TSP noted on the AP radiograph are both related to metatarsal pronation and can be corrected concurrently with coronal plane varus rotation of the first metatarsal as a part of the procedure.
Case 2: Hematuria in a Preterm Neonate

A 26-week-old female twin is born via cesarean delivery due to nonreassuring fetal heart tones noted in the 38-year-old mother. The pregnancy has been complicated by unequal placental sharing and velamentous cord insertion for this twin. Apgar scores are 2 and 7 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. Her birthweight is 25% lower than that of her twin. Her clinical course is complicated by respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary hypertension. On day 12 after birth, she develops fluid- and pressor-resistant hypotension secondary to fulminant sepsis. Notably, her international normalized ratio (INR) is 2.4 (normal, <1.1) and platelet count is 57×103/μL (57×109/L; normal range, 150–450×103/μL [150–450×109/L]). She proceeds to develop oliguria, which initially responds to fluids and diuretics. The following day, she becomes anuric, which is preceded by the passage of blood clots in the urine. Her blood urea nitrogen is 52 mg/dL (18.5 mmol/L; normal range, 7–20 mg/dL [2.5–7.1 mmol/L]) and creatinine concentration is 1.59 mg/dL (140.5 μmol/L; normal range, 0.8–1.2 mg/dL [70.7–106 μmol/L]. Abdominal ultrasonography shows nonocclusive aortic thrombus with patent renal arteries and renal veins. Kidneys are normal in size without evidence of hydronephrosis …
The Association Between Service Members' Participation in Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief and Mental Health Symptoms and Treatments

ABSTRACT Introduction: There is a scarcity of research establishing a relationship between mental illness and the U.S. military service members who participate in the field of military humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR). One of the few studies in this area showed that participation in military HA/DR was not associated with depressive symptoms, however, the study was limited by sample size. This study examined (1) the relationship between participation in military HA/DR and mental health symptoms and military stress and (2) the relationship between HA/DR and mental health treatment and therapy. Materials and Methods: Data from the 2011 Health Related Behaviors Survey was used. The analytic sample consisted of U.S. military service members who participated in HA/DR (the Haiti earthquake and Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf) (n = 573) compared to those who participated in non-HA/DR deployments from 2007 to 2011 (n = 986). Multivariate models were used to examine the relationship between t...
Spatial Gene Profiling in the Ischemic Heart: Fibroblasts Put on Their SOX.

Article, see p 1396 Heart failure is a chronic and progressive condition that involves dysfunction and changes in essentially all major cell types present within this organ. The cardiac fibroblast has been largely overlooked in contributing to the eventual demise of the heart in chronic disease states, although fibrosis and the accumulation of extracellular matrix, which are predominately regulated by the cardiac fibroblast, are clearly part of the sequela.1 Therefore, a better understanding of the cardiac fibroblast and its role in the diseased heart at the molecular and genetic levels will be critical in designing new therapeutic approaches to address the multitiered dysfunction that occurs in the failing or acutely injured heart. The study by Lacraz et al2 in this issue of Circulation utilized a new high-spatial resolution transcriptomics technology called tomo-seq.3,4 This novel technological approach allows for bioinformatics-based mapping of differentially expressed genes from spatially oriented cryosections across the infarcted heart at various time points. The authors identified 3-dimensional and inversely correlated signatures of genes involved in molecular signaling pathways relevant to calcium-handling, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and fibrosis in both human …
SP-A2 contributes to miRNA-mediated sex differences in response to oxidative stress: pro-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxidant pathways are involved

Human innate host defense molecules, surfactant protein A1 (SP-A1), and SP-A2 differentially affect the function and proteome of the alveolar macrophage (AM). We hypothesized that SP-A genes differentially regulate the AM miRNome. Humanized transgenic mice expressing SP-A1 and SP-A2 were subjected to O3-induced oxidative stress (OxS) or filtered air (FA), AMs were isolated, and miRNA levels were measured. In SP-A2 males, we found significant changes in miRNome in terms of sex and sex-OxS effects, with 11 miRNAs differentially expressed under OxS. Their mRNA targets included BCL2, CAT, FOXO1, IL6, NF-kB, SOD2, and STAT3. We followed the expression of these transcripts as well as key cytokines, and we found that (a) the STAT3 mRNA significantly increased at 4 h post OxS and returned to baseline at 18 h post OxS. (b) The anti-oxidant protein SOD2 level significantly increased, but the CAT level did not change after 4 h post OxS compared to control. (c) The anti-apoptotic BCL2 mRNA increased significantly (18 h post OxS), but the levels of the other transcripts were decreased. The presence of the SP-A2 gene had a protective role in apoptosis of AMs under OxS compared to mice lacking SP-A (knockout, KO). (d) Pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 protein levels were significantly increased in SP-A2 mice compared to KO (4 and 18 h post OxS), which signifies the role of SP-A2 in pro-inflammatory protein expression. (e) SOD2 and CAT mRNAs changed significantly in OxS indicating a plausible role of SP-A2 in the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species. (f) Gonadectomy of transgenic mice showed that sex hormones contribute to significant changes of the miRNome expression. We conclude that SP-A2 influences the miRNA-mediated sex-specific differences in response to OxS. In males, these differences pertain to inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxidant pathways.
“The Spirit of Children Past”: A Century of Children's Spirituality Research1:

Children's spirituality has roots in more than a century of research conducted around the world. An overview of some of this research is provided, reflecting four phases that emerged over time, eac...
Nuevas Palabras / New Words

Translated by Sean ManningThese poems first appeared on American Poems (La Isla de Siltola, 2015); the translations are unpublished.No puedo mas que desearte suerteen tus nuevas palabras, abrirte e...
Prediction of thermal conductance at liquid-gas interfaces using molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and theoretical calculations, we study heat transfer across liquid-gas interfaces within a planar heat pipe. To determine the thermal conductance (Kapitza conductance), GK, at the interface, two heat transfer mechanisms, namely, conduction and evaporation/condensation are considered. In the case of interfacial heat conduction, gas molecules, particularly non-condensable gas molecules, exchange heat with liquid surfaces through gas-liquid collisions, and the theoretical expression for GK is derived from the kinetic theory of gases. For interfacial heat transfer by evaporation or condensation, the theoretical expression for GK is derived from the Schrage relationships. To assess the accuracies of the theoretical expressions for GK, we compare these theoretical predictions to the GK obtained directly from MD simulations. For all cases studied, the theoretical predictions agree with the MD simulation results very well. If the density of non-condensable gas in the heat pipe is much higher than that of the working fluid in the gas phase, we find that the interfacial heat conduction could contribute significantly to the total heat flux across the liquid-gas interfaces. The effect of GK at liquid-gas interfaces on the overall heat transfer efficiency in a planar heat pipe is discussed.
The Empirical Basis for the Hypothesis

This chapter presents the empirical evidence to justify the rejection of existing hypotheses about the productivity of Amazonian ecological zones relative to subsistence technology. The first body of evidence to be presented has to do with the agricultural potential of the major Amazonian tropical forest soils and others like them. This evidence shows that despite arguments to the contrary by anthropologists and geographers, Meggers' evaluation of agricultural potential in the Amazonian tropical forests is correct. The sustained-yield intensive cultivation of the major Amazonian tropical forest soils is not possible with aboriginal methods, and it may not be possible even with modern agricultural methods. The character of the major tropical forest soils of the Amazon lowlands is a product of their long geological history. The parent materials of these soils are the long and intensely weathered products of the erosion of rocks in the Andes mountains and Guiana and Brazilian shields.
Networking for Learning and Teaching English for Specific Purposes

The Project was affected throughout by political and economic barriers, but some adoption of technological enhancements occurred nonetheless. The Project set up interim websites for the partner institutions and faculty (some of which are ongoing), created a mailing list for participants, offered workshops in Oregon and Tunisia for faculty and administrators, and continues to provide online consultation and support. The teaching of English for Specific Purposes in Tunisia has been enhanced where Internet and computer resources are available. Rapid growth in Internet availability to faculty and students bodes well for future use. It was clear from this experience that teachers, even in countries without extensive resources, can take advantage of low-cost or free Internet material available for online or offline use. A theme often repeated throughout the Project, too, was that teachers were preparing not only for the present, but also for the future. As computer and Internet access continue to expand in educational institutions, English language teachers need to be prepared to seize opportunities as they arise and to create, sustain, and extend change. The Project benefited both the American and the Tunisian partners by offering an opportunity to share ideas in a new environment and thus gain a broader understanding of the uses and limitations of technology in education. Our teaching will be better for it.
Tortuosity of carotid and vertebral arteries: a magnetic resonance angiographic study

Nine patients (group A) were found on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to have excessive carotid artery, vertebral artery, and vertebrobasilar junction tortuosity. A control group (group B) were age- and sex-matched to group A patients, were selected randomly from our MRA or stroke data banks, and had not undergone MRA for evaluation of migraine, "carotidynia," or pulsatile tinnitus. Factors more prevalent in group A patients included migraine, chronic daily headache, carotidynia, pulsatile tinnitus, and a positive family history of headache. Factors more prevalent in group B patients included a positive family history of stroke, large-vessel atherosclerosis, and scan evidence of ischemic infarctions; many group B patients had undergone MRA for stroke or transient ischemic attack evaluation. Men were slightly underrepresented at 44%, and were younger than women (34 +/- 6 years vs. 43 +/- 3 years; p = 0.01). Relationships in this preliminary study between arterial tortuosity and migraine seem evident.
Effects of Low-to-Moderate Doses of Gamma Radiation on Mouse Hematopoietic System.

In this study, we investigated the effects of low-to-moderate doses of radiation in mice, given our limited understanding of the health risks associated with these exposures. Here, we demonstrate t...
Intervention Outcomes of Two Treatments for Muscle Tension Dysphonia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that stretch-and-flow voice therapy (SnF) is noninferior to resonant voice therapy (RVT) for speakers with muscle tension dysphonia. Method ...
Recombining non-qualitative reality

Haecceitism and Hume’s Dictum are each controversial theses about necessity and possibility. According to haecceitism, there are qualitatively indiscernible possible worlds that differ only with respect to which individuals occupy which qualitative roles. According to Hume’s Dictum, there are no necessary connections between distinct entities or, as Humeans sometimes put it, reality admits of “free recombination” so any entities can co-exist or fail to co-exist. This paper introduces a puzzle that results from the combination of haecceitism and Hume’s Dictum. This puzzle revolves around the free recombination of non-qualitative properties like being Socrates. After considering several responses to this puzzle, I defend an ideology-driven solution, which dispenses with non-qualitative properties like being Socrates in favour of primitive theoretical ideology while, at the same time, preserving a commitment to both haecceitism and Hume’s Dictum.
Match fitness landscapes for macromolecular interaction networks: Selection for translational accuracy and rate can displace tRNA-binding interfaces of non-cognate aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases

Advances in structural biology of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) have revealed incredible diversity in how aaRSs bind their tRNA substrates. The causes of this diversity remain mysterious. We developed a new class of highly rugged fitness landscape models called match landscapes, through which genes encode the assortative interactions of their gene products through the complementarity and identifiability of their structural features. We used results from coding theory to prove bounds and equalities on fitness in match landscapes assuming additive interaction energies, macroscopic aminoacylation kinetics including proofreading, site-specific modifiers of interaction, and selection for translational accuracy in multiple, perfectly encoded site-types. Using genotypes based on extended Hamming codes we show that over a wide array of interface sizes and numbers of encoded cognate pairs, selection for translational accuracy alone is insufficient to displace the tRNA-binding interfaces of aaRSs. Yet, under combined selection for translational accuracy and rate, site-specific modifiers are selected to adaptively displace the tRNA-binding interfaces of non-cognate aaRS-tRNA pairs. We describe a remarkable correspondence between the lengths of perfect RNA (quaternary) codes and the modal sizes of small non-coding RNA families.
Current Imaging Approaches and Challenges in the Assessment of the Intracranial Vasculature

Luminal imaging techniques, including CTA, MRA, and catheter digital subtraction angiography, currently serve as the primary imaging techniques used for the evaluation of intracranial vasculopathies. CTA has become the primarily used technique due to the combination of ease of access, lower cost, and noninvasive nature. Catheter angiography, however, remains the reference standard for vasculopathy characterization, differentiation, and lesion detection. This is due to the superior spatial and temporal resolution of catheter angiography. Catheter angiography permits for more accurate depiction of the morphology of vascular lesions, luminal effects related to the lesion, the relationship of the vascular abnormality to surrounding and originating structures, and the lesion’s temporal characteristics. While cross-sectional imaging continues to improve in spatial resolution, with new time-resolved techniques also available, the capabilities and resolution of catheter angiography also continue to improve, maintaining its position as the reference standard for luminal imaging techniques. In the current chapter, we discuss current standard vascular imaging techniques as well as newer luminal imaging techniques, their advantages and disadvantages, and their application to the assessment of intracranial vasculopathies.
Prenatal Antidepressant Use and Risk of Adverse Neonatal Outcomes

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the risk of neonatal outcomes from patterns of prenatal antidepressant use. METHODS: From the OptumLabs Data Warehouse, 226 932 singleton deliveries were identified. Antidepressant claims with coverage between the last menstrual period and 35 weeks’ gestation were converted to fluoxetine equivalents, and a longitudinal cluster analysis was performed. Outcomes included major cardiac malformations (11.7 of 1000 births), preterm birth (75.7 of 1000 births), and newborn respiratory distress (54.2 of 1000 births). The lowest trajectory was the primary reference group, and depression and anxiety with no antidepressant claims served as secondary reference groups. RESULTS: From 15 041 (6.6%) pregnancies exposed to an antidepressant, use patterns were best described as (1) low use (∼10 mg/day) with first-trimester reduction, (2) low sustained use (∼20 mg/day), (3) moderate use (∼40 mg/day) with first-trimester reduction, (4) moderate sustained use (∼40 mg/day), and (5) high sustained use (∼75 mg/day). Moderate sustained use increased the risk of major cardiac malformations, although results included the null when compared with depression or anxiety reference groups. Moderate sustained (adjusted risk ratio [RR] 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–1.49) and high sustained (adjusted RR 1.78; 95% CI 1.48–2.14) trajectories were associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. All 4 trajectories increased the risk of neonatal respiratory distress in a dose-response fashion (adjusted RRs 1.36 [95% CI 1.20–1.50] to 2.23 [95% CI 1.83–2.77]). CONCLUSIONS: Although findings support continuation of the lowest effective dose to treat depression or anxiety, which benefits the mother, they also highlight an increased risk for newborn respiratory distress in all groups and preterm birth at moderate to high sustained doses.
Ophthalmic adverse effects of taxanes: The Mayo Clinic experience.

Purpose:To investigate ophthalmic side effects of taxanes and compare side effect frequency, requirement for cessation of taxane therapy, visual acuity outcome, and concurrent systemic effects betw...
Advanced practice nurse professional advancement programs: a scoping review

Objective The objective of this review was to explore existing literature related to advanced practice nurse professional advancement programs, to examine and map the evidence, and to identify any gaps in the literature. Introduction Internationally, there is literature regarding the implementation and benefits of professional advancement programs for staff nurses, but there is scant literature addressing professional advancement programs for advanced practice nurses. Professional advancement programs may enhance workplace engagement and foster retention by empowering employees to grow and excel. Inclusion criteria This scoping review considered studies that included advanced practice nurses in direct patient care roles participating in professional advancement programs. The concept of the review was advanced practice nurse professional advancement programs and related criteria and characteristics (eg, length of service, performance review, educational preparation) and outcomes (eg, improved recruitment, retention, employee satisfaction). Studies conducted in any setting and geographical location where advanced practice nurses were employed were included. Methods Studies published in English from 1965 to search date were included. The databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO. The search for unpublished evidence and gray literature included ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, MedNar, and various hospital websites. Retrieval of full-text studies and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. The extracted data is presented in diagrammatic or tabular form with an accompanying narrative summary. Results Nine descriptive studies were included in this review. All nine studies detailed the names of advancement programs, and provided characteristics and criteria for advancement for those participating in the programs. In addition, six studies described benefits of advancement, two studies described outcomes associated with advancement, and two studies described outcomes and benefits. Conclusion There are few advanced practice nurse professional advancement programs discussed in the literature. In the included studies detailing these programs, there were wide variations in the names, criteria, and characteristics. There is also limited data available regarding outcomes associated with advanced practice nurse professional advancement programs.
To Unfold the Immigrant Paradox: Maltreatment Risk and Mental Health of Racial-Ethnic Minority Children.

Children of immigrants are often considered to be at increased risk of mental health problems due to families’ immigration-related stress and perceived discrimination and prejudice from the host country. However, many studies found them to have better developmental outcomes than children with native-born parents in the U.S.. This study aims to unfold this paradoxical phenomenon using data from a population-based cohort of children born in large U.S. cities. Specifically, we investigated differences in mental health outcomes between children of immigrants and those with native-born parents, stratified by children’s race-ethnicity. We also explored the mediating role of child maltreatment risk in the association of parental nativity status and race-ethnicity with children's mental health. Our findings supported the immigrant paradox, with better self-reported and parent-reported internalizing and externalizing outcomes in Hispanic and Black children of immigrants than their same race-ethnicity peers and White children of native-born. Such immigrant-native variations were partially explained by parents’ physically and psychologically abusive behaviors. Hispanic and Black children with immigrant parents were less likely to be physically or psychologically abused than their peers of native-born at ages 4-5, which translated into mental health advantages of children of immigrants at age 9. Our findings shed light on future research to further clarify the mechanism underlying different parenting practices between same race-ethnicity immigrants and native-born families so that culturally responsive interventions can be developed to safeguard racial-ethnic minority children’s mental health.
Texas Public Agencies' Tweets and Public Engagement During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Natural Language Processing Approach.

Background: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is characterized by different morbidity and mortality rates across different states, cities, rural areas, and diverse neighborhoods. The absence of a national strategy for battling the pandemic also leaves state and local governments responsible for creating their own response strategies and policies. Objective: This study examines the content of COVID-19–related tweets posted by public health agencies in Texas and how content characteristics can predict the level of public engagement. Methods: All COVID-19–related tweets (N=7269) posted by Texas public agencies during the first 6 months of 2020 were classified in terms of each tweet’s functions (whether the tweet provides information, promotes action, or builds community), the preventative measures mentioned, and the health beliefs discussed, by using natural language processing. Hierarchical linear regressions were conducted to explore how tweet content predicted public engagement. Results: The information function was the most prominent function, followed by the action or community functions. Beliefs regarding susceptibility, severity, and benefits were the most frequently covered health beliefs. Tweets that served the information or action functions were more likely to be retweeted, while tweets that served the action and community functions were more likely to be liked. Tweets that provided susceptibility information resulted in the most public engagement in terms of the number of retweets and likes. Conclusions: Public health agencies should continue to use Twitter to disseminate information, promote action, and build communities. They need to improve their strategies for designing social media messages about the benefits of disease prevention behaviors and audiences’ self-efficacy.
Long Term Retention of Programming Concepts Learned Using Tracing Versus Debugging Tutors

We studied long-term retention of the concepts that introductory programming students learned using two software tutors on tracing the behavior of functions and debugging functions. Whereas the concepts covered by the tutor on the behavior of functions were interdependent, the concepts covered by debugging tutor were independent. We analyzed the data of the students who had used the tutors more than once, hours to weeks apart. Our objective was to find whether students retained what they had learned during the first session till the second session. We found that the more the problems students solved during the first session, the greater the retention. Knowledge and retention varied between debugging and behavior tutors, even though they both dealt with functions, possibly because debugging tutor covered independent concepts whereas behavior tutor covered interdependent concepts.
Perspective on the Immunotherapy of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer has demonstrated low response rates to immunotherapy, due in part to late diagnosis, inherent immune resistance, and desmoplastic stroma. Signals in the tumor microenvironment that suppress effector immune cells include the physical barrier of the stroma and suppressive pro-oncogenic molecules secreted by immune myeloid cells and non-immune cells such as fibroblasts. Different strategies to overcome these barriers including vaccines, targeting suppressive myeloid cells, depleting stroma, and T cell therapy have been used thus far with mixed success. The outlook for pancreatic cancer includes rationale combinations of different treatment modalities and identification of biomarkers of response.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VISUAL AIDS IN MOTIVATIONAL COUNSELING ON ORALHEALTH LITERACY

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VISUAL AIDS IN MOTIVATIONAL COUNSELING ON ORAL HEALTH LITERACY By Christian Sargent Peck, DDS A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012 Director: Tegwyn H. Brickhouse, D.D.S., PhD. Chair, Department of Pediatric dentistry Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if motivational interviewing with written/illustrated infant oral health education provided to caregivers of pediatric dental patients increases caregivers’ oral health literacy compared to verbal only motivational instruction. Methods: This is a cohort study of caregivers and their child receiving oral health anticipatory guidance utilizing motivational interviewing with and without visual aids. Caregivers (N=20) of pediatric dental patients age 0-4 that presented to the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry for a new patient exam were recruited for the study. Caregivers were randomly assigned into 2 groups: the intervention group (IG), and the control group (CG). Each caregiver took a pre-test to determine their infant oral health literacy. Then the IG received infant oral health education using a flipbook, and the CG received the same information in verbal form.