cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of Fasting Blood Glucose to Predict Vascular Outcomes Among Individuals Without Diabetes Mellitus (from the Northern Manhattan Study)

It is still controversial whether fasting blood glucose (FBG) is associated with the risk of vascular outcomes among nondiabetic subjects. We sought to determine whether FBG is associated with vascular outcomes and whether this association differs among various racial or ethnic groups. In the Northern Manhattan Study, a total of 2,372 subjects (mean age 68.8 ± 10.7 years, 36% men) without a history of diabetes mellitus, stroke, or myocardial infarction (MI) were followed for an average of 7.5 years for ischemic stroke, MI, and combined vascular events defined as either ischemic stroke, MI, or vascular death. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of FBG-associated risk for vascular outcomes after adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index, hypertension, current smoking, previous coronary artery disease, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alcohol intake, and physical activity. The incidences of MI, ischemic stroke, and combined vascular events were 5.5, 6.3, and 20.0 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. Each SD increase of FBG (27 mg/dl) was associated with statistically significantly increased risks of combined vascular events (hazard ratio 1.20, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.31) and MI (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.44), but the effect was weaker, evident for ischemic stroke (hazard ratio 1.13, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.34). FBG was significantly associated with incident ischemic stroke among African-American subjects (hazard ratio 1.38, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.74) and incident MI among Hispanic subjects (hazard ratio 1.24, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.55). In conclusion, FBG was an independent predictor for vascular outcomes among individuals without history of diabetes from this multiethnic cohort. The effects were more apparent for MI than for ischemic stroke; however, FBG was a strong predictor of ischemic stroke among African-American subjects.
When Death Doesn't Come Easily: A Palliative Care Services Experience with Palliative Extubation (721)

stressors reported by patients with dependents included functional limitations, health-related uncertainty, financial worries, pain, and concerns about their children’s future. V. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that advanced cancer patients with dependent children in the home are at a higher risk for depression than patients without dependent children. VI. Implications for Research, Policy, or Practice. Implications of this study include the need for further research on the impact of parenting on advanced cancer patients, and better understanding of the type of support needed by advanced cancer patients with children.
Spectral-based Simulations of Particle-laden Turbulent Flows ⋆

In this paper, we discuss the application of spectral-based methods to simulation of particle-laden turbulent flows. The primary focus of the article is on the past and ongoing works by the authors. The particles are tracked in Lagrangian framework, while direct numerical simulation (DNS) or large-eddy simulation (LES) is used to describe the carrier-phase flow field. Two different spectral methods are considered, namely Fourier pseudo-spectral method and Chebyshev multidomain spectral method. The pseudo-spectral method is used for the simulation of homogeneous turbulence. DNS of both incompressible and compressible flows with one- and two-way couplings are reported. For LES of particle-laden flows, two new models, developed by the authors, account for the effect of sub-grid fluctuations on the dispersed phase. The Chebyshev multidomain method is employed for the works on inhomogeneous flows. A number of canonical flows are discussed, including flow past a square cylinder, channel flow and flow over backward-facing step. Ongoing research on particle-laden LES of inhomogeneous flows is briefly reported.
Novel optically active dopants for ferroelectric liquid crystals

Abstract Optically active compounds derived from 1-(4-substituted-phenyl)ethanols were evaluated as a dopant for ferroelectric liquid crystals. The effects of the restriction of the rotational freedom around the chiral center on the spontaneous polarization and the response time will be discussed.
Comparison of push and pull control strategies for supply network management in a make-to-stock environment

The performance differences of ‘push’ and ‘pull’ strategies for operational planning and control of a make-to-stock supply network under different environmental conditions (forecast error and initial levels of inventory) were explored. Results suggest that control strategy, forecast error and levels of inventory buffer all significantly affect each of the performance measures studied. Under all combinations of different conditions of inventory buffer level and forecast error, push outperforms pull in terms of customer service level and throughput, while pull outperforms push in term of total inventory. In terms of throughput and customer service level, push is more sensitive to forecast error but less sensitive to levels of inventory buffer than pull.
Isolated Tricuspid Insufficiency

Isolated tricuspid insufficiency can be a well-tolerated lesion, as illustrated by a 32-year follow-up in one patient reported here. A second case of recent onset is also described. The 13 reported cases of isolated tricuspid insufficiency due to trauma can be divided into two groups: ruptured papillary muscle or ruptured chordae tendineae and/or valve. All patients with ruptured papillary muscle were dead or had surgery within 4 months after trauma. The earliest surgery in the chordae tendineae group was 1½ years after trauma. Physical findings in isolated tricuspid insufficiency are distinctive; the electrocardiogram usually shows incomplete right bundle-branch block, and the chest roentgenogram shows cardiomegaly. Indicator-dilution curves from the right atrium and pulmonary artery are useful for confirmation of the diagnosis. Surgery is indicated when papillary muscles are ruptured, but conservative treatment is probably usually indicated in the other patients.
A measure to evaluate the closeness of Satterthwaite's approximation

Satterthwaite's approximation of the distribution of a nonnegative linear combination of independent mean squares is addressed in this article. A measure is developed to quantify the closeness of this approximation by using certain optimization results given by THIBAUDEAU and STYAN (1985). The main advantage of the proposed measure is to provide a theoretical framework for determining conditions under which Satterthwaite's approximation may be inadequate. This is demonstrated in three examples portraying frequently encountered problems in analysis of variance.
Induction of Schistosoma mansoni Glutathione S-Transferase by Xenobiotics

Abstract The effects of 3-methylcholanthrene, butylated hydroxyanisole, and phenobarbital on the expression of glutathione S -transferase (GST, EC 2.5.1.18) were examined in the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni . GST specific activity toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene increased by 170% in parasites recovered from mice injected with 3-methylcholanthrene and 230% in parasites recovered from mice maintained on a diet containing butylated hydroxyanisole. These increases in specific enzyme activity were paralleled by accumulation of mRNA hybridizing to pGT16.4, a cDNA clone that encodes the most abundant GST subunit, Sm GST-3. Northern hybridization analysis showed a 5-fold increase in mRNA hybridizing to pGT16.4 72 h after exposure to 3-methylcholanthrene, a 10-fold increase after 12 days exposure to butylated hydroxyanisole, and a 6-fold increase 16 h after treatment with phenobarbital. In contrast, no accumulation of mRNA hybridizing to either of two other cDNA clones that encode the Sm GST-4 and Sm GST-6 subunits was detected. Hybrid select translation using pGT16.4 combined with reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatographic analysis demonstrated that in addition to Sm GST-3 mRNA, the clone also hybridized to mRNA species encoding the Sm GST-1 subunit, a member of the same isoenzyme family. High-pressure liquid chromatographic analysis of GST affinity purified from butylated hydroxyanisole-exposed parasites revealed a 2.5-fold increase in the concentration of Sm GST-1 and Sm GST-3 present compared with an equivalent amount of tissue from control organisms. There was no change, however, in the Sm GST-1 to Sm GST-3 ratio (1:6), indicating that both subunits were induced to the same extent by this agent. The results of these studies suggest that alterations in GST expression may influence the parasite′s survival within the host environment.
Microstructure and properties of copper alloys following 14-mev neutron irradiation

Abstract The microstructure of copper and three single-phase copper alloys (Cu-5% Al, Cu-5% Mn, Cu-5% Ni) has been examined following a room-temperature 14-MeV neutron irradiation up to a maximum fluence of2× 1021n/m2 (10−3 dpa). The irradiation produced small defect clusters, many of which were resolvable as stacking fault tetrahedra (SFT) or triangle loops. Alloying did not affect the overall cluster density or size distribution, but it did cause a significant reduction in the density of SFT and triangle loops. The overall defect cluster size was independent of fluence with a mean and most probable diameter of ~ 2.6 and ~ 1.7 nm, respectively. There was no evidence of direct cascade overlap in this study. Cascade overlap effects are estimated to become significant for fluences ~ 10 22 n m 2 . The overall defect cluster density was found to vary as N ~√φt with a short transition period for all four metals. Re-examination of published data indicates that this relationship may be broadly applicable over the irradiation temperature range of 80 to 400 K. Logarithmic plots of the cluster density versus fluence showed anomalous curvature due to the nonlinear defect survival rate. Logarithmic plots should not be used exclusively to determine the fluence dependence of radiation damage processes.
Templating of inorganic and organic solids with electrospun fibres for the synthesis of large-pore materials with near-cylindrical pores

The use of silica, polystyrene and poly(L-lactide) electrospun fibres as templates to produce inorganic and organic macroporous materials is demonstrated. Mercury intrusion–extrusion porosimetry and nitrogen adsorption were employed to characterise the porous structure of fibre-templated, carbon, alginate, and silica materials. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that negatives of “spaghetti pile” like deposits of non-woven electrospun fibres constitute the random macropore network of these materials.
Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico: Fishery characteristics and biological reference points for management

Abstract Gulf menhaden, Brevoortia patronus, plays a key ecological role in the northern Gulf of Mexico and supports the second largest commercial fishery by weight in the United States. Here we describe that fishery and propose biological reference points (BRPs) for its management. The BRPs represent targets and limits of both fishing mortality rate (F) and population fecundity (Ψ), where target is defined as the management goal, and limit, a value to be avoided (F ΨLimit). We assess stock status relative to the BRPs by fitting a statistical catch-age model to fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data spanning 1964–2004. Results indicate that in the terminal year neither limit reference point is exceeded (F2004/FLimit = 0.75 and Ψ2004/ΨLimit = 1.86). Of possible concern, however, is a recent increase in fishing mortality and decrease in population fecundity. With these trends, terminal values exceed their targets (F2004/FTarget = 1.16 and Ψ2004/ΨTarget = 0.93), although by little relative to uncertainty in the estimates. Sensitivity analyses show these results are robust to model assumptions.
On the bulk modulus of particulate composites

Abstract The present study contains numerical evaluations of the macroscopic bulk modulus of materials containing spherical particles. The effects of load, volume fraction of particles, and material properties of the constituents with particular emphasis on the effect of plasticity on the bulk modulus are explored. It is shown that the bulk modulus of such composites is often load dependent.
Approximate describing function for double-valued nonlinearities

An approximate method for determining the describing function of a smooth double-valued nonlinearity is derived; the formula requires the values of the nonlinear function at only three input levels for symmetric nonlinear devices. The result is exact for third-order polynomials and should be sufficiently accurate for most practical problems.
Sensitivity enhancement in solution NMR: Emerging ideas and new frontiers

Modern NMR spectroscopy has reached an unprecedented level of sophistication in the determination of biomolecular structure and dynamics at atomic resolution in liquids. However, the sensitivity of this technique is still too low to solve a variety of cutting-edge biological problems in solution, especially those that involve viscous samples, very large biomolecules or aggregation-prone systems that need to be kept at low concentration. Despite the challenges, a variety of efforts have been carried out over the years to increase sensitivity of NMR spectroscopy in liquids. This review discusses basic concepts, recent developments and future opportunities in this exciting area of research.
Reliability of high I/O FCBGA corner stake materials

Commercial-off-the-shelf area array package (COTS AAP) technologies in high-reliability versions are now being considered for use in a number of electronic systems. Although to improve mechanical resistance of fragile flip-chip die within package, these advanced electronic packages commonly use underfill for the die attachment; full or partial corner underfilling may also be required at the printed circuit board (PCB) level to improve assembly reliability, particularly under mechanical and fatigue loading. This paper first presents a comprehensive summary of literature surveyed on the application of underfill materials, thermal cycle reliability of underfill for flip-chip die with conventional balls, and compare to the recent advanced versions with fine copper-pillar interconnects. Then, it presents reliability due to underfilling at the board level, discussing key parameters that influence thermal cycle and mechanical reliability of AAPs with underfill, edge-bond, and corner stake. Finally, it presents thermal cycle test data with optical and microsectional photomicrographs of a high I/O flip-chip ball grid array (FCBGA) assembled onto PCB and then added corner staking or additional center staking to improve mechanical resistance to vibration and drop testing. Drop test results and failure mechanisms for a 1704 I/O FCBGA package assembly with and without corner/center staking also presented.
Review: D-dimer levels predict risk for recurrent VTE after anticoagulant therapy is stopped

Source Citation Verhovsek M, Douketis JD, Yi Q, et al. Systematic review: D-dimer to predict recurrent disease after stopping anticoagulant therapy for unprovoked venous thromboembolism. Ann Intern...
Social‐work Services in an Emergency Department: An Integral Part of the Health Care Safety Net

Objective:To quantify and describe the activities of social workers dedicated to a large urban emergency department (ED). Methods:A retrospective case series of all patients seen by social workers in an urban university hospital ED over a period of six weeks. Results:Social-work service was provided to 5% of ED patients. Three distinct groups of patients were usually seen by social workers: the elderly, young adults, and children less than 5 years of age. The median age of the group referred for social work services was greater than that of the ED population as a whole; triage acuity also was greater in the referred group. The types of services provided varied with age. Among those patients with social-work consultations, the average time spent with each patient was over one hour and did not vary according to the age, sex, race, or insurance status of the patient. More than 60% of the social worker's time was spent with patients or their significant others. Conclusion:Social workers provide valuable services to ED patients. The availability of social workers in the ED reduces the demands for emergency physicians and nurses to arrange home health care, nursing home placement, and other social-service functions. Cost savings through diversion of nonacute social admissions are possible. The types of services provided vary and depend to a large extent on patient age. The availability of dedicated social-work personnel in the ED and the education of emergency personnel regarding the services that they can provide should be beneficial for patients, staff, and the hospital served.
An Urban School/Liberal Arts College Partnership for Teacher Development.

The Technology Institute, a school/university partnership between a liberal arts college and five urban public schools districts, is described. The partnership provides inservice teacher development opportunities for secondary teachers in urban schools. Factors that have influenced the evolution of the program over 8 years are highlighted. College faculty and school practitioners learned that transforming the institute from a traditional university/school partnership to a more collaborative model required that they (a) provide support collaboratively, (b) nurture flexibility, (c) demonstrate results, and (d) seek multiple sources of support.
Using Actuated Cilia to Regulate Motion of Microscopic Particles

Marine animals use microscopic elastic filaments, or cilia, to capture food particles that are suspended in the surrounding solution [1, 2]. In the respiratory tract, active cilial layers facilitate the transport of particulates such as dust or mucous. These motile cilia experience the surrounding fluid as a highly viscous, low Reynolds number environment, where the effects of inertia are negligible [2]. Nevertheless, by oscillating in a periodic, time-irreversible manner, the elastic cilia can generate net currents within the fluid and thereby, effectively transport and direct microscopic particles. The behavior of these biological cilia provides a useful design concept for creating microfluidic devices where actuated “synthetic cilia” would regulate the movement of micrometer-sized particles, such as biological cells and polymeric microcapsules.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Independent genetic control of maize starch-branching enzymes IIa and IIb: Isolation and characterization of a Sbe2a cDNA

In maize (Zea mays L.) three isoforms of starch-branching enzyme (SBEI, SBEIIa, and SBEIIb) are involved in the synthesis of amylopectin, the branched component of starch. To isolate a cDNA encoding SBEIIa, degenerate oligonucleotides based on domains highly conserved in Sbe2 family members were used to amplify Sbe2-family cDNA from tissues lacking SBEIIb activity. The predicted amino acid sequence of Sbe2a cDNA matches the N-terminal sequence of SBEIIa protein purified from maize endosperm. The size of the mature protein deduced from the cDNA also matches that of SBEIIa. Features of the predicted protein are most similar to members of the SBEII family; however, it differs from maize SBEIIb in having a 49-amino acid N-terminal extension and a region of substantial sequence divergence. Sbe2a mRNA levels are 10-fold higher in embryonic than in endosperm tissue, and are much lower than Sbe2b in both tissues. Unlike Sbe2b, Sbe2a-hybridizing mRNA accumulates in leaf and other vegetative tissues, consistent with the known distribution of SBEIIa and SBEIIb activities.
Lipid synthesis and ultrastructure of adult rat hepatocytes during their first twenty-four hours in culture

Abstract Enzymatically separated hepatocytes were cultured on collagen-coated plates and coverslips and studied during a 24 h period. Impaired lipid synthesis and ultrastructural evidence of cellular injury were apparent in freshly isolated cells immediately after perfusion. After 4–5 h in culture, most of the hepatocytes that adhered to the collagen showed marked improvement in morphology and in their ability to synthesize lipids and glycogen. Dye exclusion studies indicated that many damaged hepatocytes were selectively removed by changing the culture medium after 4 and 24 h. Evidence is also presented for the retention of feedback regulation of fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis by cultured hepatocytes. The experiments indicate that after a short recovery period, hepatocytes in primary culture are well suited for evaluating in vitro lipid synthesis. A novel thin-layer chromatographic method for determining synthesis of seven different lipid classes was also developed in the course of the study.
Linear correction terms for cluster expansions for quantum solids

Terms that are linear functions of the particle displacements can be added to the effective potentials in Jastrow-type wave functions for a quantum solid without affecting the exact values of any expectation value. However, these correction terms do affect estimates for expectation values that are obtained by using only leading terms in a cluster expansion. Criteria for determining the coefficients in these linear terms are proposed. Without those term included, the cluster expansion values for the kinetic and potential energies differed from the “exact” Monte Carlo values by 18–42%. Including the linear correction terms reduced this difference to 1–25%. Including the correction terms had less effect on the total energy.
Differential expression of disrupted-in-schizophrenia (DISC1) in bipolar disorder.

Background The disruption of the disrupted-in-schizophrenia (DISC1) gene segregates with major mental illnesses in a Scottish family. Association of DISC1 with schizophrenia has been reported in several ethnic groups, and now recently with mood disorder. Methods A family-based association study of DISC1 and bipolar disorder (BP) in 57 bipolar pedigrees was conducted. Then, we examined possible association of bipolar disorder with DISC1 mRNA expression in human lymphoblasts. We also studied the correlation of several clinical features with the levels of DISC1 mRNA expression. Results Haplotype analysis identified one haplotype (HP1) that was overtransmitted to the BP phenotype ( p = .01) and a second haplotype that was undertransmitted (HP2). There was a gender influence in the transmission distortion, with overtransmission of HP1 to affected females ( p = .004). A significant decrease in DISC1 mRNA expression was observed in lymphoblasts from affected HP1 group compared to those from unaffected subjects with the HP2 ( p = .006). Further, a higher number of manic symptoms correlated with lower levels of DISC1 expression ( p = .008). Conclusions These results suggest that decreased mRNA levels of DISC1 expression, associating with the risk haplotype, may be implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.
Promoting worker loyalty: an empirical analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the link between worker loyalty and expected rewards, with special attention to reward desirability. Design/methodology/approach – Using employee-employer matched data collected from over 10,880 employees in nearly 670 workplaces in six culturally and economically diverse former socialist countries, the authors investigate the link between worker loyalty and expected rewards, taking into account reward desirability. Worker loyalty is measured using a composite of four variables related to participant’s commitment to staying at his/her organization. The authors employ both OLS and fractional logit regression analysis, clustering at the firm level, and restricting the pooled sample to include only those participants who responded to all questions used in this analysis. In the basic model, the authors include expected rewards, with an extensive set of worker and workplace controls; in the extended model, the authors add reward desirability and the ...
Modulation of hemorrhagic shock by intestinal mucosal NG-nitro-L-arginine and L-arginine in the anesthetized rat.

Maintaining intestinal function protects against shock of various origins. Nitric oxide (NO) can protect tissues. The present research examined whether the presence of 50 μM N G -nitro-L-arginine (NOLARG), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, or L-arginine (LARG), the substrate of NOS, in the jejunal lumen of the anesthetized rat could affect the progress of hemorrhagic shock. The jejunal lumen was perfused with saline containing 14 C-inulin and 3 H 2 O to measure net H 2 O absorption and absorptive site blood flow (ASBF). Luminal NOx (NO 3 - +NO 2 - ) secretion into the gut effluent and blood pressure (BP) were also measured. The animals were bled to and maintained at 40 mmHg for 60 min and then reinfused. Survival time was significantly decreased in luminally-perfused NOLARG animals, but was significantly increased in LARG perfused animals. Most deaths occurred during the hemorrhage periods. Animals perfused with LARG through the ileal lumen required significantly less blood to be reinfused to maintain blood pressure during the hemorrhage periods. There were not significant differences in BP among surviving animals. Net H 2 O absorption and ASBF were significantly decreased only in NOLARG-perfused animals in the period just before and after reinfusion. There were no significant differences in luminal NOx secretion among the groups. Thus, intestinal mucosal NOS substrates or antagonists modulate the progress of hemorrhagic shock, but the mechanism was not defined in these experiments.
Aspect-oriented documentation

This workshop will demonstrate and explain the creation of documentation for Aspect-Oriented programs written in Java and PHP. Fundamentals of Aspect-Oriented Programming, separation of concerns, motivation for Aspect-Oriented Programming, and principles of documenting Aspect-Oriented Programming will be presented.
Real Estate Settlement Pricing: A Theoretical Framework

This paper examines the pricing of real estate settlement services. Prices charged by real estate brokers, title insurers, private mortgage companies and other settlement service providers have been a public policy issue for a decade. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 did little to alleviate public concerns or change pricing practices. The paper provides both a conceptual framework and some observations on how prices for settlement services are determined. It concludes that the demand has little to do with the services themselves, but rather depends on the demand for housing. This creates an environment for unnecessary services to be performed and for prices to be far in excess of cost.
Kraepelin and Bleuler had it right: people with schizophrenia have deficits sustaining attention over time

An inability to sustain attention was noted in the original clinical descriptions of schizophrenia, but the vast majority of experimental studies have failed to report a performance decrement over time, calling this observation into question. To test for such deficits when task conditions conform to basic science taxonomy for the validity of sustained attention tasks, a dynamic stimulus array was presented in which targets, differing subtly from standard stimuli, were presented infrequently and unpredictably. Both people with schizophrenia (PSZ, n 40) and healthy control subjects (HCS, n 29) displayed a reduction in hit rate and an increase in reaction time (RT) from the first to the second 5-min period. Thereafter, the hit rate of HCS recovered and remained stable, while that of PSZ continued to decline. When performance at task onset was equated between groups, the decrement over time in PSZ remained of the same robust magnitude. Thus, when the nature of the task challenges sustaining attention over time, PSZ display a clear deficit in this ability.
Beyond classroom-based early field experiences: understanding an “educative practicum” in an urban school and community

Abstract This study examined experiences of preservice teachers in an urban school and community-based early field experience—integrated with foundations of education and general methods courses—which took place in a southwestern city in the United States. Drawing on observations, interviews, reflective writings, and focus groups, we examine the kinds and qualities of experiences that preservice teachers had in the course. We also consider ways in which early field experiences in teacher education remain problematic and might be challenged and reconfigured to better prepare teacher candidates for teaching students from diverse backgrounds in urban schools.
Deciphering Articulation and State/System Policies and Agreements

This chapter provides a brief description of articulation agreements and policies intended to facilitate transfer; examples of institutional partnership, system-level, and statewide approaches; and observations about the characteristics, underlying assumptions, and utility of these agreements and policies.
Goals and task difficulty expectations modulate striatal responses to feedback

The striatum plays a critical role in learning from reward, and it has been implicated in learning from performance-related feedback as well. Positive and negative performance-related feedback is known to engage the striatum during learning by eliciting a response similar to the reinforcement signal for extrinsic rewards and punishments. Feedback is an important tool used to teach new skills and promote healthful lifestyle changes, so it is important to understand how motivational contexts can modulate its effectiveness at promoting learning. While it is known that striatal responses scale with subjective factors influencing the desirability of rewards, it is less clear how expectations and goals might modulate the striatal responses to cognitive feedback during learning. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the effects of task difficulty expectations and achievement goals on feedback processing during learning. We found that individuals who scored high in normative goals, which reflect a desire to outperform other students academically, showed the strongest effects of our manipulation. High levels of normative goals were associated with greater performance gains and exaggerated striatal sensitivity to positive versus negative feedback during blocks that were expected to be more difficult. Our findings suggest that normative goals may enhance performance when difficulty expectations are high, while at the same time modulating the subjective value of feedback as processed in the striatum.
Structure of the sea urchin U1 RNA repeat

Abstract The genes coding for U1 RNA in the sea urchin L. variegatus are present in a 1400 base pair tandem repeat. One member of the repeat has been cloned and its sequence determined. The repeat unit contains a single copy of the gene for L. variegatus U1 RNA. This gene encodes an RNA which is 75% homologous to mammalian U1 RNA. The L. variegatus U1 RNA could assume a secondary structure similar to that proposed for other U1 RNAs. In addition the L. variegatus U1 RNA is precipitated by anti-SM and anti-RNP antisera. Analysis of the L. variegatus genomic DNA using the cloned U1 gene as a probe reveals a major and a minor type of repeat unit. The two repeated units are the same length but differ in a number of restriction enzyme sites clustered 200-500 bases down-stream from the gene. The monomer we have cloned and sequenced is a representative of the minor repeat. A sequence (GATAA) which is -41 to -37 bases 5' to the gene has homology to the putative RNA polymerase II promoter. Fifteen bases 3' of the gene is a sequence (CAAAGAAAGAAAA) which is very similar to the sequence found 3' of the sea urchin histone genes. The two Hha I, Hpa II and Ava I sites in the repeat are all unmethylated in sperm DNA.
Importance of ultrasound in work-up of a cystic neck mass.

A 30-year-old healthy female was referred to an otolaryngologist for evaluation of a left-sided neck mass. She was diagnosed with a branchial cleft cyst (BCC) and scheduled for excision. A second opinion was obtained. Ultrasound performed by an in-office surgeon revealed a 3.1 9 3.3 9 1.7-cm hypoechoic neck mass consistent with a cyst in the upper neck, which was located deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), posterior to the carotid sheath, and displacing the internal jugular vein anteriorly (Fig. 1). Also noted was an indeterminate subcentimeter thyroid nodule in the left superior thyroid pole with suspicious features. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) demonstrated only cystic contents but was strongly positive for thyroglobulin. The characteristic of the aspirate, however, was consistent with colloid. Neck CT was performed and re-confirmed the presence of the cystic neck mass with no additional adenopathy noted (Fig. 2).
Near- to far-field imaging of phase evolution of light emanating from a metal nanoslit

We report near- to far-field measurement of optical wavefronts emanating from a nanoslit formed in a thin (50 nm thick) Ag film. The evolution of optical phases is imaged using a self-interference technique in conjunction with a scanning probe method. The phase relationship of the slit-transmitted waves with respect to the direct transmission through the thin metal film is quantitatively established. The singular-phase points resulting from the interplay of slit diffraction and surface plasmons are identified in the intermediate-field region.
A new and simple synthesis of alkoxy- and aryloxymethyllithium reagents (roch2li)

Abstract A series of halomethyl alkyl and aryl ethers can be converted to the corresponding organolithium reagents (ROCH 2 Li) in a one-flask operation by sequential treatment (1) with stannous chloride-lithium bromide complex in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and (2) with n-bultyllithium.
Hormone Stimulation of Type III Adenylyl Cyclase Induces Ca2+ Oscillations in HEK-293 Cells

Various forms of cross-talk between the Ca2+ and cAMP signal transduction systems can occur in animal cells depending upon the types of adenylyl cyclases present. Here, we report that Ca2+ oscillations can be generated by hormone stimulation of type III adenylyl cyclase expressed in HEK-293 cells. These Ca2+ oscillations are apparently due to the unique regulatory features of type III adenylyl cyclase, which is stimulated by hormones and inhibited by elevated Ca2+in vivo. Ca2+ oscillations were generated by glucagon, isoproterenol, or forskolin stimulation of type III adenylyl cyclase and were dependent upon the activity of cAMP- and calmodulin-dependent protein kinases. Ca2+ oscillations were not solely dependent upon cAMP increases since dibutyryl cAMP or (Sp)-cAMP did not stimulate Ca2+ oscillations. We hypothesize that stimulation of type III adenylyl cyclase leads to increased cAMP, activation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors, and elevation of intracellular Ca2+. As free Ca2+ increases, type III adenylyl cyclase activity is attenuated by CaM kinase(s) and intracellular cAMP levels decrease. When cAMP levels drop below a threshold level, the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor is dephosphorylated and Ca2+ is resequestered. This cycle is repeated if type III adenylyl cyclase is chronically exposed to an activator. This unique mechanism for generation of Ca2+ oscillations in cells is distinct from others documented in the literature.
Metacognition in animals: Trends and challenges

There is widespread agreement that metacognition is not demonstrated if alternative explanations account for putative meta-cognition data. However, there is less agreement on which studies are protected from alternative explanations. We have argued that existing experiments on uncertainty monitoring can be explained by low-level explanations without assuming metacognition (Crystal & Foote, 2009). The field would benefit from the development of accepted standards for what is required to produce a convincing example of metacognition in animals.
An experimental approach to psychocutaneous problems. II. Simultaneous recording of psychotherapeutic interviews and galvanic skin response.

The purpose of this report is to present the technical details of an experimental ** method in which psychotherapeutic interviews and galvanic skin response are recorded simultaneously.
Health Insurance and the Labor Supply Decisions of Older Workers: Evidence from a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Expansion.

This paper exploits a major mid-1990s expansion in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health care system to provide evidence on the labor market effects of expanding health insurance availability. Using data from the Current Population Survey, we employ a difference-in-differences strategy to compare the labor market behavior of older veterans and non-veterans before and after the VA health benefits expansion to test the impact of public health insurance on labor supply. We find that older workers are significantly more likely to decrease work both on the extensive and intensive margins after receiving access to non-employer based insurance. Workers with some college education or a college degree are more likely to transition into self-employment, a result consistent with “job-lock” effects. However, less-educated workers are more likely to leave self-employment, a result suggesting that the positive income effect from receiving public insurance dominates the “job-lock” effect for these workers. Some relatively disadvantaged sub-populations may also increase their labor supply after gaining greater access to public insurance, consistent with complementary positive health effects of health care access or decreased work disincentives for these groups. We conclude that this reform has affected employment and retirement decisions, and suggest that future moves toward universal coverage or expansions of Medicare are likely to have significant labor market effects.
The use of simulation and gaming in information systems research

Research in management information systems and in information, communication or intelligence systems in general has grown significantly within the past decade. Yet although significant work is evident at both the theoretical level with the development of information economics and statistical decision theory and at the technical level as is evidenced by the development of complex on-line networks and advanced information storage and retrieval systems, little research which has focused upon information systems has utilized gaming and simulation techniques. Such techniques have been used by the authors in a series of related studies into information systems and decision processes. The paper contains two major experimental studies. The first is a series of information economics experiments where discreet event simulation is utilized to estimate the ex ante value of more timely information in a fifteen period decision process which contains four random environmental variables.The ex ante value and the information value which is realizable given the actual decision environment are then used as a standard with which to compare actual, realized information values obtained in controlled experiments. The empirical results obtained include evidence with respect to the value of more timely information, the value of detailed budgetary feedback and the impact of these information differences on learning rates.The second main study described in this paper considers gaming used to analyze an on-line directive planning system. In this context it is not possible to estimate information value, but experimental data with respect to user attitudes, type and degree of information utilization and the impact of decision approach is obtained.
THE ANATOMY OF SECRETION IN THE FOLLICULAR CELL OF THE THYROID GLAND : III. The Acute Effect in Vivo of Thyrotropic Hormone on Amino Acid Uptake and Incorporation into Protein by the Mouse Thyroid Gland

The paper contains a description of the fine structure of the thyroid gland of the normal rat. The follicular colloid, a homogeneous substance of faintly granular texture, is bounded by cuboidal or low columnar epithelial cells. Numerous pleomorphic microvilli, often permeated by small vesicles extend from the apices of the epithelial cells into the colloid. Many small, membrane-limited vesicles lie in the superficial cytoplasmic layer just below the apical plasmalemma. The ergastoplasmic sacs of the follicular cells are dilated and contain a substance resembling colloid. They are of irregular outline, and the larger sacs tend to be located in the base of the cells. The Golgi apparatus lies in the vicinity of the nucleus and consists primarily of numerous small, membrane-bound droplets with a homogeneous content. Droplets, similar to the Golgi vesicles but larger, lie in the same vicinity and are tentatively identified as colloid droplets. The colloid droplets contain an extremely fine, dense particulate material. Other droplets with a denser, more heterogenous content are also present. Both the follicular cells and the perifollicular capillaries are bounded by a continuous basement membrane. The capillary endothelium is in certain regions extremely attenuated and is pierced by numerous patent pores, 450 A in diameter. The marked similarity between the presumptive colloid droplets and vesicles of the Golgi apparatus suggests that the droplets arise from this organelle. On morphological grounds alone no relation can be established between any of the organelles of the follicular cell and the process of colloid resorption.
Individual Variation In The Vigor Of Self Pollen And Selfed Progeny In Hibiscus Moscheutos (Malvaceae)

In some self-compatible species, self pollen tubes grow more slowly than outcross pollen, presumably leading to low selfing rates when mixtures of self and outcross pollen reach the stigma simultaneously. Here we show that the competitive ability of self pollen differed among individuals of Hibiscus moscheutos. Self pollen tubes grew slower than outcross pollen in three plants, faster than outcross pollen in four plants, and showed no difference in five other plants (based on rates of callose plug formation). Levels of inbreeding depression were examined by comparing progeny from self and outcross pollinations in seven maternal families. Self pollination led to reduced seed number in only one maternal family, and a slight decrease in seed size was seen in two maternal families. Considerable inbreeding depression occurred later in the life cycle, and the degree of inbreeding depression varied among maternal families of 6-week-old plants. Our results demonstrate the potential for unpredictable effects of pollen competition on individual selfing rates, which in turn may affect progeny vigor. This complex situation contrasts with previous reports of species in which outcross pollen consistently outcompetes self pollen (cryptic self-incompatibility).
Brain and Behavioral Evidence for Altered Social Learning Mechanisms among Women with Assault-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Current neurocircuitry models of PTSD focus on the neural mechanisms that mediate hypervigilance for threat and fear inhibition/extinction learning. Less focus has been directed towards explaining social deficits and heightened risk of revictimization observed among individuals with PTSD related to physical or sexual assault. The purpose of the present study was to foster more comprehensive theoretical models of PTSD by testing the hypothesis that assault-related PTSD is associated with behavioral impairments in a social trust and reciprocity task and corresponding alterations in the neural encoding of social learning mechanisms. Adult women with assault-related PTSD (n = 25) and control women (n = 15) completed a multi-trial trust game outside of the MRI scanner. A subset of these participants (15 with PTSD and 14 controls) also completed a social and non-social reinforcement learning task during 3T fMRI. Brain regions that encoded the computationally modeled parameters of value expectation, prediction error, and volatility (i.e., uncertainty) were defined and compared between groups. The PTSD group demonstrated slower learning rates during the trust game and social prediction errors had a lesser impact on subsequent investment decisions. PTSD was also associated with greater encoding of negative expected social outcomes in perigenual anterior cingulate cortex and bilateral middle frontal gyri, and greater encoding of social prediction errors in the left temporoparietal junction. These data suggest mechanisms of PTSD-related deficits in social functioning and heightened risk for re-victimization in assault victims; however, comorbidity in the PTSD group and the lack of a trauma-exposed control group temper conclusions about PTSD specifically.
Reduced-Attitude Boresight Guidance and Control on Spacecraft for Pointing, Tracking, and Searching

A guidance and a control law are developed to maneuver the boresight axis of a spacecraft relative to a reference vector, using knowledge of the reference vector and the angular rates of the spacecraft. Therefore, this can be used in cases when the full attitude is not known or when the angle of the spacecraft around the boresight or reference vector does not need to be controlled. A Lyapunov-based analysis is performed to prove asymptotic stability of the system to a reference trajectory. Even in the presence of inertia uncertainty, it is shown that asymptotic stability to a stationary attitude can be guaranteed. To assist with practical gain selection, a linear analysis is performed. Finally, the boresight guidance and control laws are applied to four different scenarios to demonstrate their utility. The first two show examples of pointing in an inertially-fixed direction and tracking a time-varying target. The third and fourth demonstrate searching tasks. A novel example of searching for the Sun by red...
Observations on the Nest-building and Reproductive Behavior of a Resin-gathering Bee: Dianthidium ulkei (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

Nest construction behavior of Dianthidium ulkei (Cresson) and aspects of the reproductive ecology are described. D. ulkei constructs nests of plant resin, pebbles, and debris, and incorporates an abdominal secretion that may aid in use of the resin. Males are larger than females and are territorial at nest sites. It is noted that females are not passive in mating and suggested that factors other than mate size and territoriality be considered in studies of bee reproductive biology.
Digital phase detection for DVD using an adaptive dual-arm correlator

Correlation techniques are used widely in communications, sonar, radar, medical and other signal processing systems. The most desirable property of correlation as a Digital Phase Detector (DPD) is the ability to measure the time delay between two similar signals. This paper proposes the use of correlation techniques to generate DPD signals which can be used in place of conventional phase detectors and filters. The proposed correlator generates two quadrature position error signals and a plus or minus 1/2 track position error signal. The correlator length is adaptively adjusted to provide the appropriate signal bandwidth.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.