cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integration of newly introduced and resident sows following grouping

Behavioral observations were conducted on three groups (replicates) of 40 crossbred female swine (10–21 days post-coitum) to determine the duration of social isolation of newly introduced animals, following introduction into a previously established group. Each group comprised 30 ‘resident’ animals, consisting of 15 sows and 15 gilts, which had been housed together for 12–14 days in the experimental pen (15.3 m × 3.8 m). To each resident group, ten ‘new’ animals, consisting of five sows and five gilts which were unfamiliar to the resident group, were added. Videotaped observations were made of aggressive behavior involving new pigs during the 48 h following grouping. Spatial location, composition and size of subgroups among all pigs during periods of inactivity were recorded on Days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 21 following grouping. The location within the pen of resident and new animals, and the composition of subgroups were used to assess the degree of social integration between new and resident animals. During the initial 3 h post-grouping, new sows spent more time fighting (1.19 min per sow) than new gilts (0.27 min per gilt) (P P>0.30). In Replicates 2 and 3 there was more integration than had been previously observed, but the amount of segregation was still significantly high (P = 0.001). It appears that the social isolation experienced by a new group of pigs when placed into an established group may be a temporary condition as some movement towards integration begins by 21 days post-grouping.
Effect of format on learning disabled and non-learning disabled students' performance on a hands-on science assessment

Abstract Students with learning disabilities often perform poorly on multiple-choice tests that emphasize recall and factual knowledge. This study compared the effect of two alternative assessmentsa constructed diagram test and a written questionnaireon fourth-grade learning disabled (LD) and non-learning disabled (Non-LD) students' learning. As part of a larger investigation of different approaches to hands-on science learning, 172 students (including 33 LD students) in six urban and two suburban classrooms participated in the study. Results indicate that students' assessment outcomes are a function of learner status (LD, low, average and high achieving) and level of domain specific knowledge after instruction. After controlling for domain specific knowledge, students with LD, and low and average achieving students obtained higher scores on the constructed diagram test than on the questionnaire. High achieving students were not sensitive to format differences, performing comparably on the two measures. The facilitative effect of the diagram format may have been due to differences in the primary symbol systems (graphic vs. text) and the openness of the response format (constrained vs. open) of the constructed diagram and questionnaire, respectively.
Humoral Factors Involved in the Mechanism of Reactivity of the Microplate Leukocyte Adherence Inhibition Assay

To study If specific antigen(s)-induced adherence inhibition is due to direct cell contact or mediated by a soluble factor, spleen cells and enriched populations of B-cells and T-cells from normal C57B1/6J mice and mice bearing progressively growing MCA-38 tumors were incubated with MCA-38 tumor antigen(s) and control B-16 melanoma antigen(s) for one hour at 37d`C. The supernatants of these cultures were harvested and evaluated for their ability to induce adherence inhibition of normal peritoneal cells. Supernatants of MCA-38 sensitized B-cells but not T-cells could induce adherence inhibition of normal peritoneal cells. Furthermore, supernatants of MCA-38 sensitized spleen cells could not induce adherence inhibition of normal peritoneal cells, despite the fact that these cells can directly undergo specific antigen(s)-induced adherence inhibition. However, the sensitized spleen cells, after removal of the supernatant, were less adherent than comparable cells incubated with- media alone, suggesting that th...
Long-Term Effects of Clofibrate (Atromid-S) on Serum Lipids in Man

Clofibrate was administered to 45 patients for varying periods of time up to 4 years with no evidence of chronic toxicity. Clofibrate was more effective in lowering serum triglycerides than serum cholesterol, with more than 75% of all patients with elevated triglycerides having at least a 25% reduction in triglycerides, the absolute reduction in triglycerides being directly correlated with pretreatment values. A reduction in serum cholesterol of 15% or more was obtained in 50% of all patients, those individuals with elevations of triglycerides having the greatest reduction in serum cholesterol as well as being most likely to respond.
Potent and highly selective inhibitors of the protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B.

Several protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) have been implicated as regulatory agents in the insulin-stimulated signal transduction pathway, including PTP1B, PTPα, and LAR. Furthermore, since all three enzymes are suggested to serve as negative regulators of insulin signaling, one or more may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. We report herein the acquisition of highly selective PTP1B-targeted inhibitors. We recently demonstrated that PTP1B contains two proximal aromatic phosphate binding sites [Puius, Y. A., Zhao, Y., Sullivan, M., Lawrence, D. S., Almo S. C., and Zhang, Z. Y. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 94, 13420−5], and we have now employed this structural feature to design and synthesize an array of bis(aryldifluorophosphonates). Not only do the lead compounds serve as potent inhibitors of PTP1B but, in addition, several exhibit selectivities for PTP1B versus PTPα, LAR, and VHR that are greater than 2 orders in magnitude.
Temperature Measurements for Transmission Lines Based on Passive Optical Sensing

In order to achieve real-time monitoring of high-voltage lines, a temperature measurement system for transmission lines based on the online passive FBG sensors is proposed. The temperature linearity of the FBG sensors designed by bi-metal package is greater than 0.999, which guarantees great mechanical strength and temperature measurement performance. The sensors are fixed to the lines by a specially designed fixture. This temperature measurement system for transmission lines based on optical sensing is running on 110kV line with strong scalability, which could monitor temperature changes of the conductor in real time.
Defining the Interface between the C-terminal Fragment of α-Transducin and Photoactivated Rhodopsin

A novel combination of experimental data and extensive computational modeling was used to explore probable protein-protein interactions between photoactivated rhodopsin (R*) and experimentally determined R*-bound structures of the C-terminal fragment of α-transducin (Gtα(340-350)) and its analogs. Rather than using one set of loop structures derived from the dark-adapted rhodopsin state, R* was modeled in this study using various energetically feasible sets of intracellular loop (IC loop) conformations proposed previously in another study. The R*-bound conformation of Gtα(340-350) and several analogs were modeled using experimental transferred nuclear Overhauser effect data derived upon binding R*. Gtα(340-350) and its analogs were docked to various conformations of the intracellular loops, followed by optimization of side-chain spatial positions in both R* and Gtα(340-350) to obtain low-energy complexes. Finally, the structures of each complex were subjected to energy minimization using the OPLS/GBSA force field. The resulting residue-residue contacts at the interface between R* and Gtα(340-350) were validated by comparison with available experimental data, primarily from mutational studies. Computational modeling performed for Gtα(340-350) and its analogs when bound to R* revealed a consensus of general residue-residue interactions, necessary for efficient complex formation between R* and its Gtα recognition motif.
Body image across three generations of Americans: Inter-family correlations, gender differences, and generation differences

Three-hundred-and-eighty-one participants (undergraduates, their parents and grandparents) completed body image (BI; current minus ideal figure ratings) and dieting attitude measures. We found the usual gender gap in BI for the undergraduates (females’ BI worse than males’), but not for the parents and grandparents. This was due to males’ worsening BI with age; females’ BI did not differ across generations. The gender gap in dieting attitudes (females more likely to diet) also narrowed with increasing age (again due to males’ changing attitudes), but remained significant across generations. In all three generations, females underestimated the size of the figure males found most attractive, whereas males overestimated the analogous figure for females. Finally, we found significant inter-family correlations for BI and dieting for all groups except undergraduate females. We discuss these results within cultural and evolutionary theoretical frameworks.
Do Auditor-Provided Nonaudit Services Improve Audit Effectiveness?*

JENNIFER R. JOE, Georgia State UniversitySCOTT D. VANDERVELDE, University of South Carolina1. IntroductionIn recent years, there has been a heated debate over whether auditors should beallowed to provide any nonaudit services to their audit clients.' Public accountingfirms and other proponents of auditor-provided nonaudit services argue that perform-ing both audit and nonaudit services for the same client increases audit effectivenessand audit efficiency because it promotes a more comprehensive understanding ofthe client. For example, Terry Strange, global managing partner of KPMG, arguesthat "non-audit services enhance audit effectiveness" (cf. Norris 2000). However,opponents of auditor-provided nonaudit services, many of whom advocate a com-plete ban on such services, argue that acting in a dual capacity as auditor andconsultant/adviser compromises auditor independence and objectivity. Bazerman,Loewenstein, and Moore (2002) argue that the structural aspects of accounting andcharacteristics of human nature can cause unconscious bias in an auditor's judge-ments in the direction of the client's preferences. Bazerman et al. point out thatperforming nonaudit services for audit clients increases the auditor's attachment tothat client, leading to bias in judgement. Former Securities and Exchange Com-mission (SEC) chairman Arthur Levitt expresses a similar sentiment: "I think thatany kind of consulting in this environment makes the audit look at least in ques-tion" (cf. Revell and Burke 2003). Many users of audit reports also share this view.According to a survey of financial analysts, 83 percent of analysts believe that"objectivity is threatened even when the non-audit fee is less than the audit fee"(emphasis added) (SEC 2001).In this paper, we use an experiment to investigate (a) whether knowledgegained from working on a nonaudit task can be transferred to enhance the perfor-mance of audit tasks, and (b) whether any knowledge transfer can be achieved ifthe auditor only reviews the nonaudit workpapers prepared by nonaudit staff in thesame audit firm or a different audit firm. Thus, this study focuses on the cognitive
Real-time system identification for load monitoring and transient handling of Dc-Dc supplies

Switching mode power supply (SMPS) behavior depends entirely upon known component values and often unknown load impedances. Load change produces voltage over- and undershoots and a design-point shift. In most cases, the controller is blind to these shifts. However, load knowledge is an essential design parameter and should precede optimal and adaptive control techniques. System identification algorithms implemented on digital processors open new opportunities in control and system performance. Typical studies in SMPS identification are based on offline steady-state measurements that form nonparametric frequency-domain models. This paper investigates real-time system identification algorithms that generate parametric models - a practical form for pole-placement and root-locus design. Two key metrics are introduced: parameter error and convergence time to describe algorithm accuracy and speed, respectively, after abrupt parameter changes - a common SMPS load scenario. Hardware and simulation results will show that an algorithm called recursive least squares, in its most basic form, could reasonable approximate the input-to-inductor current plant for static loads during startup, but not for abrupt load steps.
Shortened Telomeres in Families With a Propensity to Autism.

Objective Shortened telomeres have been linked to poorer health outcomes. Exposure to psychological stress is associated with accelerated telomere shortening, and a well-established body of evidence indicates that families with a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience heightened levels of psychological stress. Also, alterations in a number of biological processes implicated in telomere length dynamics (i.e., oxidative stress, DNA methylation) have been linked to ASD susceptibility. We examined whether families of children with ASD who have an infant show shortened telomeres. Method Saliva samples were collected from infants, their older sibling (proband), and parents in families with or without a child with ASD. Infants and their families were designated as high-risk for ASD (HRA; n = 86) or low-risk for ASD (LRA; n = 118) according to the older siblings' diagnostic status. We used the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) telomere assay to determine relative average telomere length for each participant. Results HRA families demonstrated significantly shorter telomere length relative to LRA families. This effect was observed at the individual family member level, with infants, probands, and mothers in HRA families showing reduced relative telomere length compared to individuals in LRA families; although not significant, fathers of high-risk infants showed a similar pattern of decreased telomere length. Conclusion Families of children with ASD who have an infant show shortened telomeres relative to families with no history of ASD. These results suggest that such "high-risk" families should be monitored for the physical and mental health consequences that are often associated with accelerated telomere shortening.
Conventional and liquid-based cervicovaginal cytology: A comparison study with clinical and histologic follow-up

Increased rates of squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) diagnosis with liquid-based cervicovaginal cytology (CVC) methods are well documented. This retrospective study compares the ability of the ThinPrep Pap Test (TP) and the conventional Pap smear (CP) to detect biopsy-proven SIL and to exclude nonneoplastic disease. All CVC reports from January 1999 through December 2000 from seven community Family Medicine clinics affiliated with the University of Nebraska were reviewed. For women with at least one CVC diagnosis of epithelial cell abnormality (ECA), follow-up histology, cytology, and clinical data were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square method. SIL was diagnosed in 166 of 3,286 patients by TP (5.1%) and in 169 of 4,872 patients by CP (3.5%) (P < 0.001); 32 of the TP diagnoses (1.0%) and 34 of the CP diagnoses (0.7%) were high-grade SIL (HSIL). Atypical squamous or glandular cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS/AGUS) was the most severe abnormality diagnosed by TP in 218 patients (6.6%) and by CP in 279 patients (5.7%). Follow-up histology data on CVC SIL diagnoses showed evidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in 94 patients screened by TP (2.9%) and in 79 patients screened by CP (1.6%) (P < 0.001); the biopsy diagnoses were CIN 2 or CIN 3 in 34 patients in the TP group (1.0%) and in 28 patients in the CP group (0.6%) (P < 0.025). Follow-up of patients in whom the first ECA CVC diagnosis was ASCUS or AGUS disclosed a positive predictive value for CIN of 22.8% for TP ASCUS/AGUS diagnoses and 11.9% for CP ASCUS/AGUS diagnoses (P < 0.005). In this population, TP was significantly better than CP in detecting biopsy- proven disease and in screening out benign abnormalities.
Effect of Adjoining Aromatic Ring upon Excited State Proton Transfer. o-Hydroxybenzaldehyde

Abstract The ground and first few excited states of o-hydroxybenzaldehyde (oHBA) are computed at the CIS and MP2/CIS levels with a 6-31+G** basis set, with emphasis on its intramolecular H-bond. These results are compared with those for malonaldehyde, which differs from oHBA in that it lacks an adjoining benzene ring. In most respects, the addition of the latter aromatic system exerts surprisingly little influence upon the properties of malonaldehyde. With the exception of the 1ππ* state, electronic excitation weakens the H-bond and simultaneously raises the barrier to proton transfer in either system. Unlike the symmetric transfer potential in malonaldehyde, the enol and keto tautomers of oHBA are chemically distinct. π→π* excitation reverses the preference for the enol tautomer in the ground state. This reversal is connected with the changing degree of aromaticity in the benzene ring of oHBA. The asymmetric transfer potential in oHBA leads to forward and reverse barriers of different magnitude. When this factor is accounted for by an averaging procedure, the transfer barriers in oHBA are remarkably similar to those of the corresponding states of malonaldehyde.
Quantifying the Placebo Effect in Psychological Outcomes of Exercise Training: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

The placebo effect could account for some or all of the psychological benefits attributed to exercise training. The magnitude of the placebo effect in psychological outcomes of randomized controlled exercise training trials has not been quantified. The aim of this investigation was to estimate the magnitude of the population placebo effect in psychological outcomes from placebo conditions used in exercise training studies and compare it to the observed effect of exercise training. Articles published before 1 July 2013 were located using Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and The Cochrane Library. To be included in the analysis, studies were required to have (1) a design that randomly assigned participants to exercise training, placebo, and control conditions and (2) an assessment of a subjective (i.e., anxiety, depression, energy, fatigue) or an objective (i.e., cognitive) psychological outcome. Meta-analytic and multi-level modeling techniques were used to analyze effects from nine studies involving 661 participants. Hedges’ d effect sizes were calculated, and random effects models were used to estimate the overall magnitude of the placebo and exercise training effects. After adjusting for nesting effects, the placebo mean effect size was 0.20 (95 % confidence interval [CI] −0.02, 0.41) and the observed effect of exercise training was 0.37 (95 % CI 0.11, 0.63). A small body of research suggests both that (1) the placebo effect is approximately half of the observed psychological benefits of exercise training and (2) there is an urgent need for creative research specifically aimed at better understanding the role of the placebo effect in the mental health consequences of exercise training.
Workers' Compensation Claims in the Hospitality Industry: a Comparative Study

Workers' compensation claims are becoming increasingly expensive for employers. Because of the high accident rate in the hospitality industry, it has been assumed that the industry also incurs a high rate of workers' compensation claims. However, no studies have yet analyzed these claims in detail. The results of this study indicated that the hospitality industry has an extraordinarily high rate of costly workers' compensation claims. The types and nature of the most commonly claimed injuries are identified, as well as the body areas injured most often and the most common causes of these injuries. Finally, a costanalysis of the most commonly claimed injuries is presented. These results will lead to risk-aversion methods that could decrease the frequency and, therefore, the cost of workers' compensation claims for the hospitality industry.
Design and analysis of a double superimposed chamber valveless MEMS micropump.

AbstractThe newly designed micropump model proposed consists of a valveless double chamber pump completely simulated and optimized for drug delivery conditions. First, the inertia force and viscous...
Telechelic Polyphosphazenes: Reaction of Living Poly(dichlorophosphazene) Chains with Alkoxy and Aryloxy Phosphoranimines

A modification of the method for synthesis of well-defined mono- and ditelechelic polyphosphazenes via the living, cationic polymerization of phosphoranimines has been developed. This process provides access to phosphazene block, comb, and graft copolymers that contain organic or organosilicon macromolecules. Several alkoxy and aryloxy phosphoranimines, RO(CF3CH2O)2PNSiMe3 (R = Ph, MeOPh, C10H7, BOC−NH−CH2CH2, t-BuMe2SiO(CH2)5, C8H11, and CH2CH−C6H4), were synthesized via the reaction between a bromophosphoranimine and the appropriate sodium alkoxide or aryl oxide. These species are potential initiators or terminators, useful for the synthesis of telechelic polyphosphazenes with etheric linkages rather than the amino linkages used previously. Ditelechelic polymers, RO[(CF3CH2O)2PN]n−P(OCH2CF3)3OR, were prepared by terminating living poly(dichlorophosphazene) chains, [Cl3PN−(Cl2PN)n−PCl3]+[PCl6]-, with these alkoxy or aryloxy phosphoranimines. Alternatively, monotelechelic polyphosphazenes were produced th...
Distributed processing communications software support for operation within an SNA network

The Distributed Processing Programming Executive (DPPX) operating system has network configuration requirements placed on it. This paper discusses those requirements and the way in which they are met, including those that result from the various configurations possible with a DPPX system. In addition, the unique way in which terminal resources are supported in DPPX and the dynamic approach to resource definition in the DPPX system are described. Finally, application definition and application usage of the network configuration capabilities of DPPX are discussed.
“Arizona Jim”: The Westerns of Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.

Abstract Although relatively neglected today in scholarly studies, the Western films of Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. revealed the American West of the Progressive Era as a vital geography, an ironic compound of “eastern” experience and “western” hopes. Coupled with Fairbanks's athletic exuberance, they influenced Hollywood Westerns' representations of masculinity for decades to come.
Application of Multiscale Crystal Plasticity Models to Forming Limit Diagrams

A polycrystal plasticity model is used to conduct parametric studies of forming limit diagrams (FLD) and to compare with experimental data. The Marcinak and Kuczynski [13] method is applied. It is confirmed that the onset of necking is retarded by increases in the ratio of initial band to sheet thickness and material strain rate sensitivity. It was also demonstrated that initial texture plays an important role in FLD response, as has been shown in other recent studies [6,26,7]. It is shown that a texture resulting from plane strain compression to one-tenth of the initial thickness gives a predicted FLD that more closely matches measured data than that based on an initially isotropic texture. The influence of a relatively softer response in terms of effective stress in torsional shear than in compression (i.e., shear softening) on FLDs is investigated with the aid of a hardening surface formulation along with the polycrystal plasticity texture evolution model. It is shown that necking behavior can be significantly affected by shear softening, particularly for initially textured sheets. It is also demonstrated that the hardening surface formulation provides additional flexibility in modeling FLD behavior beyond that afforded by classical polycrystal plasticity.
On the balance of forces and radial accelerations in hurricanes

The degree to which the gradient or cyclostrophic wind equation is applicable for hurricane winds above the surface friction layer is tested on 10 levels in four hurricanes (8 different days) in which aircraft of the National Hurricane Research Project of the United States Weather Bureau flew radial leg penetrations during the 1957–58 seasons. All 10 levels flown were between 6,000 and 16,000 ft altitude and each level had six or more radial leg penetrations except one that had five. Application of the cylindrical radial equation of motion is made for the constant-pressure levels flown. Results show that there is lack of radial balance by a wide margin between pressure gradient, centrifugal and Coriolis forces. Evaluation of the local and advective changes of the substantial derivative only partly makes up for this lack of balance. It is therefore necessary to postulate the existence of internal radial friction, both in an instantaneous fixed-coordinate system and in one that moves with the storm centre. This residual radial friction averages 25 to 30 per cent of the pressure-gradient force. As a consequence, the gradient wind equation in both cyclindrical and in natural coordinates is invalid. Also, steady-state or deepening hurricanes must have stronger pressure gradients than corresponding centrifugal and Coriolis accelerations. Comments on the possible mechanism for this internal friction are given.
Treatment of bleeding esophagogastric varices due to extrahepatic portal hypertension: Results of portal-systemic shunts during 35 years

From 1958 to 1990, elective therapeutic portal-systemic shunt (PSS) procedures were performed for recurrent bleeding esophagogastric varices in 162 children and adults with extrahepatic portal hypertension (EHPH) resulting from portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The onset of EHPH was in childhood for at least 74% of patients. Of the 162 patients, 147 were eligible for and received 5 years of follow-up (100%), and 117 were eligible for and received 10 years of follow-up (100%). The longest follow-up was 35 years. The cause of PVT was unknown in 68%, neonatal omphalitis in 12%, umbilical vein catheterization in 8%, peritonitis in 6%, trauma in 4%, and thrombotic coagulopathy in 2%. The number of variceal bleeding episodes ranged from 2 to 18 (mean, 5.6). None of the patients had clinical, biochemical, or liver biopsy evidence of liver disease. Esophageal varices were demonstrated by endoscopy, and/or contrast x-rays, and/or angiography in all patients. Visceral angiography was always used to demonstrate the extent of portal obstruction and the veins available for shunting. Before referral, the following procedures had failed: endoscopic sclerotherapy (68 patients), splenectomy alone (32 patients), central splenorenal shunt with splenectomy (10 patients), transesophageal varix ligation (12 patients). Three types of PSS were used: (1) central side-to-side splenorenal without splenectomy (75 patients, 46%); (2) central end-to-side splenorenal with splenectomy (34 patients, 21%); and (3) mesocaval (end-to-side cavomesenteric) (53 patients, 33%). PSS reduced the mean corrected portal pressure from 292 to 28 mm saline. All patients survived the procedure and left the hospital (100%). The actuarial survival rate for 5 years is 99%, and for 10 years is 96%. Three of the 6 deaths were unrelated to EHPH or PSS. Shunt patency for up to 35 years was demonstrated in 98% of patients by angiography and/or ultrasonography. In four patients (2%), all of whom had end-to-side splenorenal shunts, shunt thrombosis and rebleeding developed 3, 4, 4, and 6 years (respectively) after PSS. There were the only patients who experienced rebleeding. A diligent and repeated effort was made to detect portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE), and no instance of PSE was found during 3 to 35 years of follow-up. Liver function and morphology remained normal, and hypersplenism was corrected in all patients. Quality of life was good in 98% of patients, and 5 years after PSS 96% were gainfully employed, engaged in full-time homemaking, or attending school.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The impact of silicon nano-wire technology on the design of single-work-function CMOS transistors and circuits

This three-dimensional exploratory study on vertical silicon wire MOS transistors with metal gates and undoped bodies demonstrates that these transistors dissipate less power and occupy less layout area while producing comparable transient response with respect to the state-of-the-art bulk and SOI technologies. The study selects a single metal gate work function for both NMOS and PMOS transistors to alleviate fabrication difficulties and then determines a common device geometry to produce an OFF current smaller than 1 pA for each transistor. Once an optimum wire radius and effective channel length is determined, DC characteristics including threshold voltage roll-off, drain-induced barrier lowering and sub-threshold slope of each transistor are measured. Simple CMOS gates such as an inverter, two- and three-input NAND, NOR and XOR gates and a full adder, composed of the optimum NMOS and PMOS transistors, are built to measure transient performance, power dissipation and layout area. Simulation results indicate that worst-case transient time and worst-case delay are 1.63 and 1.46 ps, respectively, for a two-input NAND gate and 7.51 and 7.43 ps, respectively, for a full adder for a fan-out of six transistor gates (24 aF). Worst-case power dissipation is 62.1 nW for a two-input NAND gate and 118.1 nW for a full adder at 1 GHz for the same output capacitance. The layout areas are 0.0066 µm2 for the two-input NAND gate and 0.049 µm2 for the full adder circuits.
Gas-Phase Chemistry of Vanadium Oxide Cluster Cations 3. Reactions with CCl4

The reactions of selected vanadium oxide cluster cations with carbon tetrachloride were studied using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer coupled with a laser vaporization source. The vanadium oxide species VO2+, V2O4-6+, V3O6-8+, V4O8-11+, V5O11-13+, V6O13-15+, and V7O16-18+ demonstrated several pathways for reaction with CCl4. The chloride ion transfer reaction is the dominant reaction pathway for the smaller clusters that contain three or fewer vanadium atoms. For the larger clusters, the abstraction of two chlorine atoms with the transfer of oxygen to the neutral reactant molecule dominates their reactions with CCl4, leading to the production of phosgene. This is consistent with the reactions that occur over the condensed-phase vanadium oxide catalyst for the degradation of carbon tetrachloride to phosgene and carbon dioxide. In addition, oxidation reactions are observed to occur more readily for clusters that contain vanadium atoms with oxidation states lower then +5.
Influence of Certain Chemicals on the Growth and Alkaloid Formation of Claviceps purpurea (Fries) Tulasne in Artificial Culture

A report is presented on the effect of physical factors and of several chemical compounds incorporated into synthetic media to test hypotheses on the biogenesis of lysergic acid in Claviceps purpurea.
Out for a Smoke: The Impact of Cigarette Craving on Zoning Out During Reading

Cigarette craving has powerful effects on cognitive functioning, which may promote smoking behavior and relapse. One area of cognition that has had little impact on craving research is human consciousness. Developments in consciousness research using a mindless-reading paradigm permit examination of the effects of craving on both the occurrence and the awareness of mental lapses. Forty-four smokers, who were either nicotine deprived (crave condition) or nondeprived (low-crave condition), performed a mindless-reading task. This task assesses both self-caught and probe-caught mind-wandering episodes to distinguish between lapses that are within and outside of awareness. Compared with the low cravers, those in the cigarette-crave condition were significantly more likely to acknowledge that their mind was wandering when they were probed. When we adjusted for this more-than-threefold increase in zoning out, craving also lowered the probability of catching oneself. Results suggest that craving simultaneously increases mental lapses while reducing the metacognitive capacity to notice them.
Debating Curricular Strategies for Teaching Statistics and Research Methods: What Does the Current Evidence Suggest?

Coursework in statistics and research methods is a core requirement in most undergraduate psychology programs. However, is there an optimal way to structure and sequence methodology courses to facilitate student learning? For example, should statistics be required before research methods, should research methods be required before statistics, or should statistics and research methods be taught in a combined, integrated fashion? In this article, we first review the current empirical evidence on whether there is a preferred format and sequencing of methodology courses to enhance student learning outcomes. Then we summarize an assessment study conducted at our own institution comparing a nonintegrated, two-course sequence that required statistics before research methods and an integrated, two-course sequence in which students shifted in an out of research methods and statistics units during each semester on short-term and long-term student outcomes. Our results revealed that students enrolled in the integrat...
Risk of Spontaneous Abortion in Women with Childhood Exposure to Parental Cigarette Smoke

There is increasing concern over whether environmental exposures early in life may impact health in adulthood. Recent evidence suggests that prenatal or childhood exposure to cigarette smoke may result in poorer reproductive health later in life. Among 2,162 nonsmoking women recruited from three Boston, Massachusetts, clinics who underwent assisted reproductive treatments between 1994 and 2003, adjusted odds ratios for pregnancy outcomes in the initial treatment cycle were calculated in relation to self-reported childhood exposure to parental cigarette smoke. Women who reported having two parents who smoked during their childhood had increased odds of a spontaneous abortion compared with women reporting that neither parent smoked (adjusted odds ratio = 1.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.0, 3.0). A trend for increased risk was observed for women reporting that zero, one, or two parents smoked. In secondary analysis, the authors also found suggestive evidence for increased risk of failed embryo implantation among women reporting current secondhand tobacco smoke exposure. Future large studies of pregnancy loss are needed that can distinguish women's tobacco smoke exposure in childhood from that taking place in utero.
Solid-Phase Extraction of THC Metabolite from Urine using the Empore Disk Cartridge Prior to Analysis by GC-MS

The Empore disk cartridges (C 18 ) were evaluated for sample preparation in the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry confirmational assay for the 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ 9 -tetrahydro-cannabinol (THCCOOH) metabolite. The performance of the Empore disk cartridges, determined by the recovery, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the assay was comparable with the performance of a widely used solid-phase extraction cartridge (Spec C 18 cartridges) and the traditional liquid-liquid extraction technique. The Empore disk cartridges showed an average recovery of 89% at low concentrations of 6 ng/mL of the THC metabolite spiked into urine. The recovery was consistent across three different lots of Empore disk cartridges. The within-run precision of the assay at a concentration of 18 ng/mL had a coefficient of variation of 2%, and the LOD and LOQ were determined to be 1 ng/mL.
Repeated Auctions with the Right of First Refusal and Asymmetric Information

This paper characterizes a set of Nash equilibria in a first-price sealed-bid auction with the right of first refusal using two bidders and asymmetric information regarding the bidders’ value distributions. The equilibria for multiple bidders and a more general value distribution are also presented
Teriflunomide for the treatment of relapsing- remitting multiple sclerosis

Teriflunomide, a once-daily, oral disease-modifying therapy, is a valuable new treatment option for the management of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. This article reviews key efficacy and safety data arising from pivotal teriflunomide studies that demonstrate the utility in treating both treatment-naive patients and those previously treated with another disease-modifying therapy who, for a variety of reasons, may require an alternative treatment.
Patient satisfaction associated with lower emergency department use but more hospitalisations and higher costs and mortality

Commentary on: Fenton JJ, Jerant AF, Bertakis KD, et al. The cost of satisfaction: a national study of patient satisfaction, health care utilization, expenditures, and mortality. Arch Intern Med 2012; 172: 405– 11.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] With the ascent of patient-centred medical homes and accountable care organisations in the USA, patient satisfaction is being seen as an outcome that should be elevated to a performance measure on par with the process of care. Health systems are encouraged to be patient-centred, and patients are encouraged to be consumers and choose providers on the basis of satisfaction (and other) metrics. It is expected that lower publicly reported satisfaction scores will motivate hospitals to improve care quality and patient satisfaction to retain the market share. The potential power of patient satisfaction is currently being tested by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which created the Hospital Compare website in 2005 to enable Medicare beneficiaries to compare hospitals by patient … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DArchives%2Bof%2BInternal%2BMedicine%26rft.stitle%253DArch%2BIntern%2BMed%26rft.issn%253D0003-9926%26rft.volume%253D172%26rft.issue%253D5%26rft.spage%253D405%26rft.epage%253D411%26rft.atitle%253DThe%2Bcost%2Bof%2Bsatisfaction%253A%2Ba%2Bnational%2Bstudy%2Bof%2Bpatient%2Bsatisfaction%252C%2Bhealth%2Bcare%2Butilization%252C%2Bexpenditures%252C%2Band%2Bmortality.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1001%252Farchinternmed.2011.1662%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F22331982%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1001/archinternmed.2011.1662&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=22331982&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F18%2F1%2Fe10.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000301381300007&link_type=ISI
Segmentation of cell images using an expert system

The objective of this work was to develop a rule-based expert system for recognition of single or overlapping cells. A local threshold was found automatically by gradient operations and then used for chain-code formation. The shape analysis was done on the chain code of cell edges. The curvature function was derived from the chain code. The rule-based expert system assisted in analyzing the curvature function and making decisions on object recognition. The preliminary results in this study demonstrate the potential of expert systems in cell image segmentation. >
The 2008 Leona Tyler Award Address: Core Values that Distinguish Counseling Psychology: Personal and Professional Perspectives

The empirical literature and the author's professional experience over four decades have convinced him that concerning practice patterns and work settings there is little to distinguish counseling psychology from other psychological practice specialties. What is distinctive are certain core values that undergird and distinguish this specialty. First, a definition of “values” is presented, followed by a brief review of a limited number of studies that address the topic of values and counseling psychology. Next, the author describes a qualitative study of the perceptions and beliefs of 18 experienced counseling psychology educators and trainers about core values that distinguish the specialty and set it apart from other psychology specialty practice areas. The final section presents nine proposed core values, most of which are distinctive to counseling psychology, derived logically from the themes of the literature and the interviews with the counseling psychology educators as filtered through the author's ...
Informationist programme in support of biomedical research: a programme description and preliminary findings of an evaluation.

Background: The informationist programme at the Library of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD, USA has grown to 14 informationists working with 40 clinical and basic science research teams. Purpose: This case report, intended to contribute to the literature on informationist programmes, describes the NIH informationist programme, including implementation experiences, the informationists’ training programme, their job responsibilities and programme outcomes. Brief description: The NIH informationist programme was designed to enhance the library's service capacity. Over time, the steps for introducing the service to new groups were formalized to ensure support by leadership, the team being served and the library. Job responsibilities also evolved from traditional library roles to a wide range of knowledge management activities. The commitment by the informationist, the team and the library to continuous learning is critical to the programme's success. Results / outcomes: NIH scientists reported that informationists saved them time and contributed to teamwork with expert searching and point-of-need instruction. Process evaluation helped refine the programme. Evaluation method: High-level, preliminary outcomes were identified from a survey of scientists receiving informationist services, along with key informant interviews. Process evaluation examined service implementation, informationists’ training and service components. Anecdotal evidence has also indicated a favourable response to the programme.
Fourier transform representation by frequency-time wavelets

A new concept of the A-wavelet transform is introduced, and the representation of the Fourier transform by the A-wavelet transform is described. Such a wavelet transform uses a fully scalable modulated window but not all possible shifts. A geometrical locus of frequency-time points for the A-wavelet transform is derived, and examples are given. The locus is considered "optimal" for the Fourier transform when a signal can be recovered by using only values of its wavelet transform defined on the locus. The inverse Fourier transform is also represented by the A/sup */-wavelet transform defined on specific points in the time-frequency plane. The concept of the A-wavelet transform can be extended for representation of other unitary transforms. Such an example for the Hartley transform is described, and the reconstruction formula is given.
Definitive characterization of rat hypothalamic mast cells

Mast cells have previously been identified in mammalian brain by histochemistry and histamine fluorescence, particularly in the rat thalamus and hypothalamus. However, the nature of brain mast cells has continued to be questioned, especially because the electron microscopic appearance often shows secretory granule morphology distinct from that of typical connective tissue mast cells. Here we report that mast cells in the rat hypothalamus, identified based on metachromatic staining with Toluidine Blue, fluoresced after staining with berberine sulfate, indicating the presence of heparin. These cells were also positive immunohistochemically for histamine, as well as for rat mast cell protease I, an enzyme characteristically present in rat connective tissue mast cells. In addition, these same cells showed a very strong signal with in situ hybridization for immunoglobulin E binding protein messenger RNA. However, use of antibodies directed towards immunoglobulin E or its binding protein did not label any cells, which may mean either the binding protein is below the level of detection of the techniques used or that it is not expressed except in pathological conditions when the blood-brain barrier becomes permeable. At the ultrastructural level, perivascular mast cells contained numerous, intact, electron-dense granules which were labeled by gold-labeled anti-rat mast cell protease I. These results clearly demonstrate the presence of perivascular mast cells in the rat hypothalamus, where they may participate in homeostatic processes.
Nanocomposite Fiber Based Web and Membrane Formation and Characterization

Electrospinning is used to produce polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers. Electrospun nano and micro sized fibers are collected on nonwoven fabrics to form a web and membranes. Optimization is carried out...
Shoreline extraction from light detection and ranging digital elevation model data and aerial images

There is an increased demand for understanding the accurate position of the shorelines. The automatic extraction of shorelines utilizing the digital elevation models (DEMs) obtained from light detection and ranging (LiDAR), aerial images, and multispectral images has become very promising. In this article, we develop two innovative algorithms that can effectively extract shorelines depending on the available data sources. The first is a multistep morphological technique that works on LiDAR DEM with respect to a tidal datum, whereas the second depends on the availability of training data to extract shorelines from LiDAR DEM fused with aerial images. Unlike similar techniques, the morphological approach detects and eliminates the outliers that result from waves, etc., by means of an anomaly test with neighborhood constraints. Additionally, it eliminates docks, bridges, and fishing piers along the extracted shorelines by means of Hough transform. The second approach extracts the shoreline by means of color space conversion of the aerial images and the support vector machines classifier to segment the fused data into water and land. We perform Monte-Carlo simulations to estimate the confidence interval for the error in shoreline position. Compared with other relevant techniques in literature, the proposed methods offer better accuracy in shoreline extraction.
Gender Differences in Navigation and Wayfinding using Mobile Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) technology is sufficiently mature, where it is possible to evaluate improvement in human performance. A critical aspect of human performance is individual differences in AR. In the present study, the effect of gender on human performance in a “search and rescue” navigation task is assessed. Six conditions were investigated in the study: Two control conditions (paper map or compass prior to entering the maze), and four experimental conditions (combinations of egocentric and exocentric maps, and a continuouslyon or on-demand map display). 120 subjects equally divided between males and females were tested. Pre and post test questionnaires were administered. GuilfordZimmerman (G-Z) scores indicate that males perform better than females in spatial visualization and orientation tasks. The time for maze traversal for females exceeded that of males by 127 seconds on average for the no map condition. Also, males had better performance in covering the maze.