cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technology in Marketing Education: Insights from Sales Training

Company training programs provide insights for university classrooms, particularly those in schools and colleges of business. This research shows an increase in usage of technology based training among successful firms, but it is not growing as quickly as consumer use of self-service technologies because some firm goals require more personal training modes. The present findings regarding business adoption of training technology are consistent with consumer research that suggests satisfaction increases with experience in use. Also, selected technology must be congruent with learning goalsâ€“technological tools are more effective when students are learning related materialâ€“and results of training suggest increased efficacy when this is true. In this regard, university learning environments focused on business should utilize technology as appropriate to learning goals, but should not gratuitously replace traditional classroom learning activities.
The impact of guilt and type of compliance‐gaining message on compliance

Consistent with Cialdini's Negative State Relief Model it has been established repeatedly that targets of compliance‐gaining attempts comply with a request to help more frequently when those targets feel guilty than when they do not feel guilty. Expanding upon this result it was predicted that to the extent that a compliance‐gaining message serves as a cue to link compliance with the restoration of positive or neutral affect, the compliance rate would vary. Building upon this reasoning it was hypothesized that a positive self‐feeling compliance‐gaining message would be more effective in producing target compliance than would a direct request message when the target felt guilty, but that the opposite relationship would hold when the target was not feeling guilty. An experiment in which both guilt and message type were varied was designed to test this hypothesis. In the main, the data were consistent with these predictions.
After Access: Underrepresented Students' Postmatriculation Perceptions of College Access Capital.

This qualitative study explores the perceived impact of college-going capital gained during participation in a college access program. In three, semistructured interviews spanning the first-year co...
Submuscular plating of the distalfemur

Abstract A variety of implants are available for the treatment of distal femur fractures. However, continued problems includeinfection, nonunion, need for bone grafting, malunions, joint stiffness, and loss of fixation. “Biological plating” emphasizes maintenance of the soft tissue environment around the fracture. The concept of “biological plating” in supracondylar femur fractures has been very advantageous. The Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) for fractures of the distal femur combines these biological advantages of submuscular fixation with the biomechanical advantage of fixed angled, locked screws for fixation of the distal femoral block. The LISS may be particular helpful in the setting of complex articular pathology, a short distal segment, and osteoporotic bone. LISS methodology relies on traditional internal fixation of the articular surface, closed reduction of metaphyseal/diaphyseal component of the fracture, and placement of a submuscular LISS fixator. Percutaneous locking screws are then placed for proximal fixation. In this review, the evolution of submuscular fixation of supracondylar femur fractures and the technique are described.
Crystal structures of (η5-C5Me5)(η5-2,4-C7H11)Cr and (η5-C5Me5)-(η5-2,4-C7H11)CrCO. An example of ‘S’ 2,4-dimethylpentadienyl ligand geometry

Abstract The half-open chromocene complex (η 5 -C 5 Me 5 )(η 5 -2,4-C 7 H 11 )Cr ( 1 ) has been characterized by X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in space group P 1 with a = 7.592(2), b = 8.665(6), c = 12.452(14) A, α = 78.50(8), β = 79.41(6) and γ = 86.72(4)°, Z = 2, V = 787(15) A 3 and D calc = 1.19 g/cm 3 . The structure of this paramagnetic complex reveals a normal U-shaped pentadienyl moiety. Complex 1 is carbonylated in hexane solution under 40 psi CO at room temperature to yield the diamagnetic monocarbonyl adduct (η 5 -C 5 Me 5 )(η 5 -2,4-C 7 H 11 )CrCO ( 2 ). The X-ray structure of 2 has also been determined; the complex crystallizes in space group P 1 with a = 8.2810(14), b = 8.8096(17), c = 12.0825(24) A, α = 97.147(15), β = 91.712(15) and γ = 116.128(14)°, Z = 2, V = 781.7(3) A 3 and D calc = 1.319 g/ cm 3 . The structure of 2 reveals an unusual S-pentadienyl ligand geometry.
Evaluation of Commercial Thermal Insulation in Vertical Panels

The thermal conductance and resistance of vertical panels were measured. These panels were representative of wall building panels. Insulations tested included fiberglass, cellulose, rock wool, urea formaldehyde board stock and shredded foam, and polystyrene foam. The thermal resistances of these insula tions in a 3.5 inch vertical cavity has also been determined from these measurements.
Protein and vitamin intake and visceral leishmaniasis in the mouse.

Abstract Mice infected with Leishmania donovani were maintained on various purified diets. The infection in the normal mouse was characterized by a rise in parasite numbers over 1 to 4 weeks, followed by a number crisis which led to a low grade chronic infection of indefinite duration. A study of the influence of vitamin and protein deficiencies on this course of infection was undertaken. The administration of desoxypyridoxine (a pyridoxine analogue) to mice fed either basic or pyridoxine-free rations prior to infection resulted in an increase in the rate of accumulation of parasites observable as early as eight days after infection. The daily administration of pyridoxine to these deficient mice was found to reverse this effect. Pyridoxine deficiency induced later in the course of infection also resulted in increased parasite densities, and, in addition, did not allow the normal decrease in parasite numbers, after peak day, to occur. Pantothenic acid-deficiency was shown to have a dual effect on the number of L. donovani in the mouse. The injection of pantoyl taurine (a pantothenic acid analogue) and/or the deletion of pantothenic acid from the diet of the mouse resulted in a suppression of parasite numbers over the first 15 days of infection. After this time, an increase in the rate of accumulation of parasites was observed in pantothenate-deficient mice. Under the conditions of these experiments, the course of leishmaniasis was not altered in mice made thiamine deficient prior to or subsequent to infection. Mice placed on a protein-free diet prior to or following infection harbored significantly higher parasite burdens than those of pair-fed or ad libitum controls. The increase in parasite numbers resulting from protein depletion was found largely to be reversed by placing the deficient animals on an adequate diet.
Excitation of core coupled states in 87Sr and 89Sr via two-step processes in the 88Sr(p, d) and 88Sr(d, p) reactions

Abstract The excitation of core coupled states in 87Sr and 89Sr in single-neutron transfer reactions was investigated using the 88Sr(p, d)87Si and 88Sr(d, p)89Sr reactions at Ep = 27.1 MeV and Ed = 17.5 MeV with a resolution of about 18 keV. Angular distributions for states up to an excitation energy of about 3 MeV were obtained from 2°–80° in the (p, d) experiment and 4°–95° in the (d, p) experiment. DWBA calculations were performed and l-values and spectroscopic factors extracted for those states having a single-hole or single-particle character. The excitation of the so-called non-stripping states, originating from the coupling of a 1g 9 2 neutron hole or a 2 d 5 2 . neutron particle to the 2+ or 3− excited states of the 88Sr core were described by two-step calculations involving inelastic excitation of the core and transfer of a neutron. Very good agreement both in shape and magnitude between experimental and calculated angular distributions is obtained both for states excited only through a two-step mechanism and for states where a small direct excitation is allowed. In the latter case the extracted amplitudes for the direct transition agree with model calculations.
Boceprevir and treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

The addition of boceprevir to peginterferon and ribavirin has improved sustained response rates markedly. Boceprevir is effective in treatment naive, relapsers, partial responders, and null responders. Those with advanced fibrosis require 44 weeks of boceprevir therapy after a 4-week peg/ribavirin lead-in. The main side effect with boceprevir is anemia and ribavirin dose reduction is an effective strategy. This review examines the current treatment paradigm of boceprevir-based treatment of chronic hepatitis C, examining treatment paradigms, predictors of response, futility rules, as well as preliminary results from studies examining boceprevir efficacy in additional populations. Further follow-up in these cohorts will be required.
Transfer in Multiple-Sign and Transposition Problems: Implications for Osgood's Transfer Surface

Stmznzary.-Two experiments were designed to explore the nature of transfer in complex learning tasks and to investigate the role of stimuli and responses in these problems. Specific S-R combinations were manipulated in multiple-sign and transposition problems, using children as Ss. There were 5 experimental conditions in the first experiment and 12 in the second. Although positive rransfer was obtained with certain experimental treatments, there was no significant occurrence of negative transfer. Osgood's transfer surface was considered as interpretation of the transfer data. In the last two decades psychologists concerned with transfer have concentrated primarily upon attempting to formulate the fundamental laws governing all types of transfer. Experiments have frequently taken the form of a stimulus-response analysis of transfer, since the most elementary fashion in which two tasks can differ from one another is through some stimulus or response component. Most of these studies have involved the attaching of simple verbal responses to simple stimuli. It is believed that this same approach can be applied to the analysis of transfer in more complex problem-solving tasks. Thus, the primary purposes of the present study are twofold: (1) to explore the nature of cransfer in complex leazning tasks and (2) to investigate the role of stimuli and responses in these problems within the interpretative framework of Osgood's transfer surface. Attainment of these cbjectives was sought in two experiments in which the specific S-R combinations were manipulated in multiple-sign and transposition problems to determine the conditions resulting in positive or negative transfer. Multiple-sign problems are tasks, described by Harlow ( 1942 ) , which provide two or more cues on individual trials. Matching, nonmatching, and oddity tasks are examples of such prob:ems. One sign is the difference between the objectqualities of the stimuli represented; the other sign is the difference in frequency of the types of objects re~resented. Ss must use both signs to solve the problem. In s~~ch tasks, the reward of position and object is ambiguous on any given trial. Transposition problems are discrimination learning tasks which apparently require Ss to make relatiocal discriminations rather than to respond to the "ab'These experiments were conducted by the author in partial fulfillment of the requiremencs for the Ph.D. degree at Texas Christian University during the Spring of 1964. My appreciation is extended to Dr. Cecil C. Bridges, Department of Psychology, Texas Christian Universiry, who contributed significantly as director of this dissertat~on This paper was presented at the 1966 meeting of the Southwestern Psychological Assoc~ation. The author is now at Santa Clara University.
In vivo expression and mitochondrial import of normal and mutated tRNAthr in Leishmania

Abstract Evidence suggests that mitochondria of protozoans and plants contain nuclear-encoded tRNAs. In trypanosomatids, the entire set of tRNAs in the mitochondria are presumably imported from the nucleus, but the mechanism of tRNA import is not presently understood. In this study, we have employed a plasmid-encoded nuclear tRNA gene as a means of investigating tRNA expression and mitochondrial import in vivo in Leishmania tarentolae. Using a Leishmania plasmid, we cloned a 1-kb or 250-bp restriction fragment carrying the nuclear tRNAthr gene and three in vitro mutagenized derivatives: Tac6 (an insertion of 6 nucleotides at the anticodon loop), Td4 (a 4-nt insert at the D-loop) and Tv4 (a 4-nt insert at the variable arm). Leishmania cells stably transfected with these plasmids were then examined for tRNA expression and import by Northern analysis. The results show that the plasmid-encoded wild type tRNAthr gene produced a significantly elevated level of expression in the cytosol. Similarly, the Tac6-transfected cells exhibited a large abundance of the mutant RNA relative to the normal tRNA (chromosome-encoded gene transcripts) in the cytosol. Furthermore, the mutant Tac6 RNA was found imported into mitochondria, although the proportion of the mutant vs. normal tRNA in mitochondria was greatly reduced as compared to that in the cytosol. We suggest that the mitochondrial import machinery is capable of discriminating against the mutant RNA in favor of the normal tRNA for import. In another example, we found that the Tv4 gene showed expression, albeit somewhat reduced, but its import into mitochondria was completely blocked. Unexpectedly, the 4-base addition mutation (Td4) at the D-loop showed neither expression nor import. While these results clearly signify the importance of various segments within the tRNA gene for in vivo expression, our data underscore the significance of the variable loop for mitochondrial import. It is our belief that this plasmid-encoded tRNA gene expression system in Leishmania may be useful in gaining further insights on tRNA import.
Riesz points of upper triangular operator matrices

Two results are proved which concern Riesz points of upper triangular operator matrices. Applications are made to questions involving when Weyl's Theorem holds for an upper triangular operator matrix.
Encoding processes and the recall of text

Two experiments investigated the proposition that the amount of cognitive effort expended to encode information will be directly related to recall of that information. While previous research has shown that amount of processing may affect recall, these studies have generally drawn on the notion of an elaborated memory representation to explain their results. In this study, the amount of processing required to correctly interpret anaphoric relations was varied while the elaboration of the memory trace was held constant. These experiments employed a self-paced reading paradigm in which subjects read a series of short paragraphs and later were cued to recall the final sentence of each paragraph. It was found that recall was significantly improved when more processing was required to correctly interpret the anaphoric relationship expressed in the final sentence. These findings suggest that encoding processes can affect recall performance without elaboration of the memory representation.
Understanding mammary gland development through the imbalanced expression of growth regulators

Functional differentiation of mammary tissue progresses in distinct phases spanning puberty and pregnancy. Here we have analyzed and compared the effects of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1), TGF alpha, and whey acidic protein (WAP), the Notch-related cell fate protein Int3, and p53 and pRb on mammary development. We chose transgene expression from the WAP gene promoter which is only active in mammary alveolar cells. The imbalanced expression of these molecules specifically altered development and differentiation of the gland. While TGF alpha did not disturb alveolar outgrowth, little or no alveolar structures developed in the presence of Int3. TGF beta 1, WAP, and the expression of SV40 T-antigen-which inactivates p53 and PRb-reduced overall alveolar development. The expression of individual milk protein genes was affected differentially by the transgenes. A WAP-lacZ transgene served as an additional indicator of terminal differentiation of alveolar cells, Homogeneous expression of lacZ was seen in mice transgenic for lacZ, or for TGF alpha and lacZ. In contrast, only a few differentiated cells were observed in the presence of TGF beta 1 and Tag. Thus, the expression of growth regulators in the same defined subset of mammary cells results in distinct developmental changes and a specific pattern of alveolar differentiation.
Efficient biokinetic experimental designs

Of the experimental methods available for obtaining data to estimate the biological kinetic parameters μm, Ks, and Yeach requires considerable experimental effort, yet often yields somewhat imprecise estimates of the parameters, particularly Ks. Therefore it would be worthwhile to seek ways to get parameter estimates of greater precision using less experimental effort. The precision of parameter estimates is strongly dependent, upon the settings of the independent, variables used in the experiments. This dependence is explained and an attempt made to show how experimental settings can be determined that lead efficiently to precise parameter estimates with minimal effort.
Context-dependent effects of steroid chemosignals on human physiology and mood.

We examined the physiological and psychological effects of nanomolar amounts of steroids applied directly under the nose (Δ4,16-androstadien-3-one and 1,3,5,(10),16-estratetraen-3-ol). These potential human chemosignals were not consciously discernible in a strong-odor carrier (clove oil and propylene glycol). In a double-blind, within-subject, repeated-measures experiment with 65 subjects, we demonstrated that both steroids produced sustained changes in digit skin temperature and palmar skin conductance (an indicator of sympathetic nervous system tone) while the subjects were completing psychological questionnaires or reading. These effects, however, did not follow the sex-stereotyped pattern predicted by a sex attractant function. Both androstadienone and estratetraenol raised the skin temperature of men's hands and lowered it in women. Likewise, each steroid increased skin conductance, with a significantly greater effect on women than men. Women's responses were observed only in the sessions run by the male tester, an effect that may or may not be solely attributable to tester sex. Men's responses, in contrast, were not affected by this difference in socioexperimental condition. Similarly, women experienced an immediate increase in positive mood only in the presence of the male tester, while men's responses were unaffected by this socioexperimental context. One source of this sex difference may be the fact that the majority of women were in the late follicular phase of their menstrual cycle. Although it is premature to classify these steroids as pheromones, our data suggest that they function as chemosignals that modulate autonomic nervous system tone as well as psychological state.
Quality of home use of oral rehydration solutions: Results from seven healthcom sites

Abstract This study examined the volume of oral rehydration solutions given to children during diarrhea and the length of time the solutions are administered. It also attempted to test the importance of individual and contextual factors—especially mothers' knowledge—in explaining the administration of oral rehydration solutions. Data about the treatment of an episode of child diarrhea within the last three months were collected from large samples of mothers in seven sites in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The results showed that oral rehydration solutions were given in smaller volumes and for shorter periods of time than recommended. The majority of children received at least a glass (200–250 ml) of solution on the first day, but few received more than that. Daily administration of packet-based solutions or of sugar-salt solutions (promoted in two of the countries) during diarrhea was generally quite low, ranging from 16 to 60% of cases given an oral rehydration solution. However, in four out of six sites, at least half of the children with diarrhea for more than one day were given an oral rehydration solution for more than one day. The majority of children were given some form of other fluids (e.g. more water, special teas, or continued breastfeeding), but their value in preventing dehydration was not clear because the volume of other fluids given could not be assessed. Few of the hypothesized predictors of administration explained the variation in volume or duration of ORS/SSS administration within any specific country or across sites. The research points to the need for more information on the decision process used by mothers when treating their children's diarrhea and on outside factors influencing this process.
Depositional Environments of Wheeler Formation, Drum Mountains, Millard County, Utah: ABSTRACT

The Wheeler Formation in the Drum Mountains represents the transition between shoal and deeper open-shelf environments. Lithologic evidence suggests continuous deposition and frequent oscillation of lithotopes. The following facies can be recognized: (1) intra-shoal basin with mottled and thin-bedded intrasparites; (2) shoal with trilobite biosparites; (3) deeper open-shelf rhythmite consisting of thin-bedded pelsparite interbedded with fissile calcareous shale or argillaceous partings; and (4) deeper open-shelf shale. Faunal assemblages and types of fossil preservation further support the interpretation of a transition between shoal and open-shelf environments. Shallower facies are dominated by assemblages of diverse, probably benthic, nonagnostid trilobites, whereas the deeper facies are dominated by pelagic agnostid trilobites. In the shoal facies, trilobites are commonly disarticulated and are found in a sparry matrix, whereas rhythmites of the open-shelf facies commonly contain articulated specimens. End_of_Article - Last_Page 963------------
Potentiation of MK-801-induced breathing impairment by 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo(F) quinoxaline

Abstract The purpose of our study was to examine whether a significant interaction occurs between NMDA and non-NMDA receptor antagonists on respiratory function. For this purpose chloralose-anesthetized cats were used and respiratory minute volume ( V E ), tidal volume ( V t ) respiratory rate ( ƒ ), inspiratory and expiratory durations, and end tidal CO 2 (FeCO 2 ) were monitored. In some animals, phrenic nerve activity was also continuously recorded. In five spontaneously breathing animals, the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 was administered in a dose of 0.1 mg/kg i.v., and produced decreases in V E , V t , ƒ and increases in inspiratory duration and FeCO 2 . Using these five animals exhibiting respiratory effects from prior MK-801 dosing, we then administered the non-NMDA receptor antagonist NBQX (2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo(F)quinoxaline) i.v. in a dose of 3 mg/kg. This dose is too low to produce a neuroprotective effect in animal models of brain ischemia. In each of the five animals NBQX administration produced an immediate impairment of respiration, culminating in apneusis within 55 s after i.v. injection. In terms of phrenic nerve discharge, inspiratory duration was increased approximately 4-fold by MK-801, and with the addition of NBQX, continuous discharge of the phrenic nerve occurred. Finally, NBQX given i.v. to animals not pretreated with MK-801 had only a slight depressant effect on respiratory activity. These results obtained with co-administration of low doses of two drugs that block NMDA and non-NMDA receptors raise the spector that combined use of these agents to ameliorate disorders in neurological function may be extremely deleterious to respiratory function.
The rationale for combination versus single-entity therapy in hypertension

Abstract The rationale behind combination therapy relates to the fact that when two different classes of agents are combined, they may provide complementary, additive, or synergistic antihypertensive effects through different mechanisms. Lower doses of two drugs, which provide blood pressure reduction similar to higher doses of one drug, may enhance tolerability and improve compliance. Investigative efforts have been undertaken to explore fixed-dose combinations of drugs that do not include diuretics. The first nondiuretic fixed-dose combinations are an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor-calcium antagonist combination or a β-blocker-calcium antagonist combination. The rationale for an ACE inhibitor-calcium antagonist combination is based on the fact that both drugs reduce vasoconstriction through different mechanisms. The ACE inhibitor largely attenuates vasoconstriction through augmentation of vasodilatory kinins and reduction of the vasoconstrictive effect of angiotensin II, whereas the calcium antagonists, through attenuating the transmembrane flux of calcium, inhibit calcium-mediated electromechanical coupling in contractile tissue in response to numerous stimuli. Moreover, both classes of drugs facilitate salt and water excretion by the kidney through different mechanisms. The ACE inhibitor restores the renal-adrenal response to salt loading, whereas the calcium antagonist possesses intrinsic natriuretic properties through poorly described mechanisms of inhibiting renal tubular salt and water reabsorption. The combination of a β-blocker and dihydropyridine calcium antagonist is logical due to the different antihypertensive mechanisms of these drugs without risk of cardiac conduction abnormalities. There is evidence in clinical trials that ACE inhibitors may offset one of the major side effects associated with calcium antagonist therapy: pedal edema. Although the studies are small and the observations subjective, there is consistent evidence that the combination may provide an opportunity to reduce the likelihood of this common clinical problem. There is also evidence of reduced calcium antagonist-associated constipation and headache with this type of drug combination, likely because lower doses of this agent are used in combination with ACE inhibitors. However, there is no published evidence that calcium antagonists reduce the cough associated with the ACE inhibitor.
Residues of ethoxyquin in poultry tissues and eggs

Tissues of broilers raised experimentally on diets containing the feed antioxidant ethoxyquin (6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline) contained very low levels of this compound (<0.005 mg kg−1) both raw and after roasting. Residues were higher in liver (up to 0.063 mg kg−1) and highest in what appeared to be the major deposition site, the body fat (0.215 mg kg−1). The body fat of commercial broiler samples showed much lower levels (0.015-0.051 mg kg−1). Leg and breast muscles from laying hens after 30 weeks on the experimental diets had low ethoxyquin levels (< 0.005 mg kg−1) with a higher liver content (0.048 mg kg−1) and again the highest level in the body fat (0.238 mg kg−1). Eggs from these hens contained 0.031 mg kg−1 ethoxyquin, probably all in the yolk. Market samples of eggs from five major producers gave an average value of 0.011 mg kg−1. A rapid and considerable loss of ethoxyquin occurred in the feed troughs, the concentration dropping from 125 mg kg−1 to 90 mg kg−1 in four hours.
A Competing Risk Model: A One Organ Subsystem Plus a Two Organ Subsystem

A competing risk model is developed for an individual who is subject to two risks of death or failure. One risk is the failure of a single organ which has a constant hazard rate. The other risk is the failure of a two organ system in which one of the two organs must survive in order that the system not fail. Each organ in this two organ system has a constant hazard rate, and the hazard rate increases when only one organ is working. The two risks are assumed to operate independently. Maximum likelihood estimating equations are developed along with the formulas for the large sample variance-covariance matrix of the requisite parameters.
Mechanism of Stabilizer Acceleration in Electroless Nickel at Wirebond Substrates

This paper examines the mechanism of stabilizer concentration at electroless nickel wirebond electrodes. A one-step activation protocol was first achieved on copper substrates using acetic acid and dimethylamineborane. Thereafter nickel multilayers were grown onto the substrates using nickel sulfate heptahydrate as the source of nickel, sodium hypophosphite as the reducing agent, acetic acid as the complexing agent, and thiourea/lead acetate as the stabilizing agent. The morphology of the nickel layers and the effective concentration of the stabilizer were determined using quartz crystal microbalance, gravimetric techniques, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The plating rate was obtained by measuring the thickness of the Ni-plated using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. It was found that lead acetate completely inhibited the plating, and a bimodal distribution was observed as the concentration of the thiourea was varied. We proposed a mechanism for the effect of stabilizer in electroless Ni baths. This mechanism was confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared and EDX measurements. © 2003 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Physician Knowledge in the Use of Canister Nebulizers

The knowledge and skills of physicians were evaluated regarding some practical details of the usage of bronchodilators administered by canister nebulizers to determine the need for specific physician instruction in the correct usage. Fifty-five house officers and nonpulmonary attending staff from the Department of Medicine were interviewed individually. Each physician was handed a placebo canister and asked a senes of standard questions regarding the recognition, assembly, and correct inhalation technique of the device. Correct assembly of the device was performed by 68 percent and 36 percent of house officers and attending staff, respectively. Only 40 percent of the participants correctly performed more than four of the seven steps felt to constitute a correct inhalation maneuver. The results reveal inadequacies in physicians’ knowledge of the correct technical usage of canister nebulizers and suggest that greater attention be paid to instructing physicians in the correct inhalation technique if their role in patient education is to be effectively realized.
Use of Radiology Practice Guidelines and Compliance with Accreditation Standards in US and Canadian Dental Schools

In 1992 and 1997, all US and Canadian dental schools were surveyed by mail regarding the preferred initial radiographic examination prescribed for non-emergency, comprehensive-care patients (dentulous adults, edentulous adults, and children). In both survey years, a minority of US and Canadian dental schools reported using selection criteria for dentulous adults and children, while nearly all schools reported doing so for edentulous adults. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to investigate the relationship between the use of radiology selection criteria (vs. pre-determined routine examinations) in US and Canadian dental school clinics and three factors: (1) the credentials of the chief-of-service, (2) institutional funding, and (3) geographic region. "Credentials of the chief-of-service" is the single factor significantly related to the distributions of radiographic examinations prescribed for dentulous adults in both years (Fisher exact test, p ≤ 0.02). There are no statistically significant rela...
Retinal pigment epithelial cells activate uveitogenic T cells when they express high levels of MHC class II molecules, but inhibit T cell activation when they express restricted levels

Abstract The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays an important role in maintaining the privileged status of the eye. In this study, we examined the outcome of the in vitro interaction between uveitogenic T cells and non-activated or activated RPE cells. An interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP)-reactive T cell line was established and RPE cell monolayers prepared. The expression of MHC class II molecules on RPE cells activated by graded doses of IFN-γ was determined by flow cytometry. Proliferation and cytokine production of IRBP-reactive T cells were measured after exposure to IFN-γ-activated RPE cells. We found that RPE cells expressed various levels of MHC class II molecules depending on the concentration of IFN-γ used. IRBP-specific T cells could be stimulated or inhibited by exposure to RPE cells. The dual effect of RPE cells might be regulated via different levels of MHC class II molecules on the RPE cells. It suggests that controlling the immune activities of uveitogeneic T cells by varying the levels of MHC class II expression on the RPE might be one of the regulatory mechanisms by which the RPE maintains immune privilege in the eye.
Study of Markov decision process-based optimal switching algorithm performance for small power systems

In this paper, the author studies the effect of load flow analysis type (aka. full AC vs. decoupled), horizon (aka. number of steps beyond which discount factor drops to zero) and system stress (aka. magnitude of aggregate load) on the accuracy of optimal power system switching studies implemented via application of dynamic programming to a Markov Decision Process. The objective is to determine whether general guidelines may be established that allow a power system operator to obtain maximum benefit from such studies with minimal computational effort, guidelines that may help future engineers utilize more complex operating techniques. This paper addresses derivation of an innovative solution algorithm, development of appropriate simulation files and test cases, as well as data analysis and discussion of results. For this work, the author performed 240,000 optimal switching studies, in Matlab, for 100 randomly-generated 14-bus power systems derived from the IEEE Standard.
High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole in microliter volumes of chinchilla middle ear effusion and serum.

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure was developed to analyze 25-μl volumes of chinchilla middle ear effusion and 50-μl volumes of serum for trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. The small sample volumes were dictated by the chinchilla model of otitis media and our need to collect multiple samples over a 12-h drug dosing interval. The drugs were separated on a cyanopropylsilane column using acetonitrile-40 mM sodium phosphate, (16:84, v/v), pH 4.8. Trimethoprim and the internal standard were detected at 230 nm while sulfamethoxazole was detected at 250 nm. Middle ear effusion and serum samples were extracted with ethyl acetate-dichloromethane (25:75, v/v). The limit of quantitation was 0.5 μg/ml for sulfamethoxazole and 0.1 μg/ml for trimethoprim (coefficient of variation <20%), the limit of detection 0.25 and 0.05 μg/ml, respectively. Middle ear and serum samples of a chinchilla with experimentally induced otitis media receiving 10 mg/kg trimethoprim and 50 mg/kg sulfamethoxazole intramuscularly were collected over a 12-h period and analyzed. All statistics that validate the analytic method are reported.
Contaminants in the Upper Mississippi River: historic trends, responses to regulatory controls, and emerging concerns.

We synthesized information on selected contaminants in the Upper Mississippi River, summarized regulatory measures enacted to reduce pollution, and described biotic and ecosystem responses to regulatory actions. Contamination of the river with mercury and lead rapidly followed settlement of the basin by European immigrants in the mid-1800s. Metal contamination peaked in the 1960s and has since decreased substantially. DDT, its degradation product DDE, and PCBs biomagnified to concentrations that adversely affected wildlife in upper trophic levels. National (U.S.A.) environmental regulations enacted from 1972 to 1991 reduced discharges of wastes from point sources, improved wastewater treatment, and reduced or banned the production or usage of certain chemicals, such as DDT, PCBs, and lead. Responses to these regulatory measures include reductions in ecosystem contamination, reductions in biotic exposure, and recovery of affected wildlife populations. Recovery from pollution has been slow, however, and we conclude that proactive approaches focusing on prevention are highly preferable to reactive approaches in management of toxic substances. Past successes in reducing point-source pollution, which is greatest near urban areas, do not extend to nonpoint-source pollution, given that the existing regulatory framework does not adequately address nonpoint sources. The river continues to receive hundreds of recently synthesized chemicals, and the behavior and effects of most of these compounds in aquatic ecosystems are largely unknown. Emerging contaminants and recently discovered mechanisms of adverse biological effects, such as endocrine disruption, pose continuing challenges to scientists and environmental managers concerned with the ecological health of this riverine ecosystem.
Adapting a Face-to-Face Role-Playing Simulation for Online Play

The rapid acceleration of online course offerings presents a design challenge for instructors who want to take materials developed for face-to-face settings and adapt them for asynchronous online usage. Broadcast lectures are relatively easy to transfer, but adapting content is harder when classes use small-group discussions, as in role-playing or negotiation games. To be successful, such environments should address three interrelated design challenges: (a) sustaining engagement, (b) promoting content-focused discussion, and (c) promoting reflection-on-action. This article is a case study of how one interactive role-playing game, Island Telecom, was adapted for online play. We describe eight design features, including automated player roles and a structured team decision-making process, and show how they match with design challenges. Feedback from a recent run of this game shows that, although students still prefer to play face-to-face, they now also give favorable ratings to the online version. Feedback on specific adaptations is also presented.
Is the Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma Beneficial to Avoid CD4+ Lymphopenia and Other AIDS Manifestations in Patients Infected With Human Immunodeficiency Virus?

Introduction Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is one of the more rare T-cell lymphomas in Western countries. AITL involves multiple organs and is characterized by generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, fever, and skin rash. This neoplasm requently presents with autoimmune features and polyclonal hyperammaglobulinemia, which previously led AITL to be considered a ype of non-neoplastic hyperplasia. AITL is now widely recognized as a type of lymphoma, but a limited understanding of its athogenesis and behavior persists. It is known that AITL derives rom centrofollicular CD4 helper T-cells, which are believed to ndergo a series of mutations influenced by the Epstein-Barr virus EBV) and other viral infections. AIDS is characterized by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) induced depletion of CD4 T cells, which creates an immunocomromised environment and renders the host increasingly susceptible o opportunistic infections and development of B-cell lymphomas.
Coexistence of multiple spiral waves with independent frequencies in a heterogeneous excitable medium.

We studied the interactions and coexistence of stable spiral waves with independent frequencies in a heterogeneous excitable medium, using numerical simulations of a spatial system based on the FitzHugh-Nagumo cell model. When the heterogeneity of the medium exceeded a critical value, a transition took place from a single dominant spiral wave to a coexistence of multiple spiral waves with independent frequencies and $n:n\ensuremath{-}1$ wave conduction blocks. In this case, multiple spiral waves could coexist because they are ``insulated'' from each other by chaotic regions.
Extension-twist coupled damped composite strut: analytical and experimental evaluation

This paper documents the design, fabrication, and testing of a co-cured damped composite strut that uses the extension-shear coupling mechanism of off-angle composite materials to enhance the damping performance of a viscoelastic material. The viscoelastic material was placed between two graphite shells. The inner shell contains plies oriented at a positive ply angle in the first half of the tube and plies oriented at a negative ply angle in the second half of the strut. Due to the extension-shear coupling, the tube center section rotates when the tube undergoes axial deformation. The outer tube plies are oriented in the opposite manner so that the tube center rotates in the opposite direction as the inner tube for a given axial deformation. The relative rotation between the two shells places the viscoelastic material into shear providing damping, where the ply is determined that maximizes the damping performance. The same extension-shear coupling mechanism also allows the tube to damp torsion motion. The two shells were hard mounted to each other at their ends, by replacing the viscoelastic material with composite material, so that both tubes carry static loads. A finite element model was developed to predict axial and torsion properties. Stiffness properties were `measured' analytically via static condensation of the complex stiffness matrix. Trade studies were performed to determine optimal ply orientation and to determine the strut's effectiveness as a torsion damper for structural components such as a damped composite drive shaft. The approach is validated by performing a modal survey on a fabricated damped strut and on a baseline undamped strut (i.e. viscoelastic material is replaced with 4 plies of unidirectional graphite/epoxy with fibers oriented in the hoop direction). Natural frequency damping levels are presented for both strut's first bending and first axial modes.
Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Dalbavancin, a Novel Glycopeptide Antibiotic

Dalbavancin is a novel glycopeptide with a 2-dose, once-weekly dosing regimen that is being developed for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. Monte Carlo simulations were performed for dalbavancin using population pharmacokinetic data and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for clinical trial isolates. The time-dependent target was the maintenance of free drug concentrations above the MIC for 14 days (t>MIC). The concentration-dependent target was an area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)/MIC ratio of approximately 1000 for Staphylococcus aureus and 100 for Streptococcus sp. These targets were used to estimate susceptibility breakpoints for dalbavancin. For S aureus, the estimated susceptibility breakpoint was MIC. For Streptococcus sp, the estimated susceptibility breakpoint was at least 2 mug/mL. Because dalbavancin MIC(90)s for these species are well below these values, the analysis supports the use of once-weekly dosing regimens of dalbavancin in the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections.
The Collaborative Course: Innovative Teaching and Learning.

Advances in information technology provide an opportunity for academic librarians and professors to offer innovative collaborative courses. The purpose of collaboration between a faculty member and a professional librarian is to integrate instruction in the course subject matter with bibliographic instruction. This integration promotes learning information acquisition skills and critical thinking, as well as the use of library resources. Research skills that students need in order to use contemporary information technology are included. The integration of those skills with the subject material of the course is described. Two applications of freshman/sophomore level courses are discussed in the paper. Course rationale, topics, and course assignments are illustrated. It is argued that students must learn modern methods of acquiring information in order to make informed independent judgments and in order to achieve understanding in any particular discipline. Providing students with the skills required to ach...
Evaluation of in‐channel gravel storage with morphology‐based gravel budgets developed from planimetric data

[1] Gravel budgets developed from changes in river morphology have emerged as an important tool for exploring stream dynamics and sediment transport. In many cases, old aerial photographs are the only data available by which to evaluate past morphologic changes. Existing methods for building morphology-based gravel budgets from air photos are subject to several sources of uncertainty, including difficulty in identifying deposition within the active channel. In-channel deposition sites consist of submerged bars or general increases in bed elevation, both of which are virtually impossible to detect on air photos. However, bed deposition can be inferred when measured gravel storage losses are greater than the quantity of gravel exiting the study area at its downstream boundary. An integrated method combining measurements of gravel storage changes with a gravel routing procedure based on estimated gravel transport path lengths was developed to identify sites of bed aggradation. Inclusion of storage change results in the routing procedure reduces the uncertainty associated with the selection of appropriate transport path lengths. The method was applied to development of gravel budgets for a 50-year period in the lower Duchesne River, Utah. Areas in which the predicted bed aggradation was greatest displayed higher rates of channel activity and greater channel instability during subsequent time periods.
Keep the 'phospho' on MAPK, be happy.

Depression ruins the lives of millions of people, causing dysphoria and anguish. New findings in rodents and human brain shed light on the mechanisms of this disease, uncovering a phosphatase as a new target to treat depressive behaviors (pages 1328–1332 ).
Catalytic Domain of the p120 Ras GAP Binds to Rab5 and Stimulates Its GTPase Activity

Ras is a master GTPase switch controlling multiple signal transduction cascades in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. Rab5 is a local GTPase switch that is localized on early endosomes and controls early endosome fusion. This study demonstrates that the catalytic domain of p120 GTPase-activating protein (GAP), a well known Ras GAP, is able to interact physically with Rab5 and stimulate its GTPase activity. This GAP activity toward Rab5, however, cannot be extended to other Rab GTPases such as Rab3, Rab4, and Rab6, indicating that it is not a generic GAP for the Rab family of GTPases that regulate intracellular membrane fusion during endocytosis and exocytosis. The findings indicate a level of structural similarity between Ras and Rab5 unexpected from their primary sequences. They also suggest a possible signal transduction regulation of the Rab5-dependent endosome fusion via the Ras GAP.
Frontal Plane Studies of Homogeneous Torso Models

The accuracy of currently used vector methods of analysis of frontal-plane electrocardiograms and the behavior of the Wilson central-terminal voltage are investigated experimentally by means of an accurate unipolar voltage technic, using human torso models filled with a homogeneous conducting fluid in which is immersed a heart dipole. The errors entailed in the determination of the manifest heart vector from torso surface voltages by means of Einthoven's vector projection methods are found to be very sizable and strongly dependent upon the position of the heart dipole which is placed at various points within the heart volume in this investigation. Einthoven's angle α is found to depart from the actual heart-vector angle by –7 degrees to +41 degrees, at the instant when the manifest heart vector is a maximum, and the amplitude and shape of frontal-plane vector loops and limb leads are found to be considerably distorted, in many cases, as compared with the actual heart-dipole behavior. The Wilson central-te...