cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Exploratory Survey of Incorporation of Gender- and Sex-related Differences in the PharmD Curricula

Introduction: Clinical presentation and treatment in many disease states vary due to sex- and gender-differences. Sex-related pharmacokinetic differences are particularly important for pharmacists. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) currently has no standard for the inclusion of gender- and sex-related differences in the didactic PharmD curriculum, but encourages advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) to include diverse populations related to gender. The purpose of this survey is to explore faculty incorporation of gender and sex differences within the PharmD didactic curriculum in preparation for a nation-wide survey. Methods: A survey was created to determine how many clinical topics incorporated gender- and sex-related differences and to what extent this information was discussed in the classroom. The survey link was emailed to pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacokinetics faculty at Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Roosevelt University, Rosalind Franklin University, and Chicago State University. Chi square analyses were performed to examine relationships across participant responses. Results: A total of 56 faculty members participated in the survey, resulting in a 20% response rate. Of these, 30 (54.5%) faculty indicated that they discussed gender- and sex-related differences in the subject area in which they teach. Approximately 33% of respondents found gender- and sex-related differences very clinically important. Gender- and sex- related differences were taught in a variety of subject areas, including cardiology, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Conclusion: With no current standard, faculty members independently choose to include gender- and sex-related differences in their lecture topics and the extent of the discussion. Faculty should be aware of this lack of standardization and that they are independently responsible for including gender- and sex-related differences in their particular topics. Because the surveyed faculty find gender- and sex-related differences clinically important and literature suggests differences in medications depending on gender and sex, further research is planned to provide insight on a national level. Treatment of Human Subjects: IRB exemption granted Type: Original Research
Freestanding silver dendrite/graphene oxide composite membranes as high-performance substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering

Abstract Herein we report the facile synthesis of freestanding silver dendrite (AgD)/graphene oxide (GO) composite membranes, and demonstrate their use as an efficient and robust substrate with large-area uniformity and good reproducibility for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications. The as-prepared composite membranes exhibit excellent sensitivity for detecting rhodamine 6G and 5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid). The results suggest that AgD/GO nanocomposite membrane holds great promise as a high-performance SERS substrate for plasmonic sensing applications.
Political science and the European Research Council

The ERC has been a pivotal innovation in the set of funding instruments that the European Commission has established for fostering research and innovation in the European Union. With more than 8000 projects funded so far, it is worth asking about empirical evidence regarding the ERC’s specific impact on the social sciences. This article provides some basic data, along with descriptive statistics, on the social scientists who have been sitting on ERC evaluation panels, and on ERC-funded research projects from the social sciences. The article ends with a discussion of the data and poses questions for further investigations.
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTIONS IN PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS, INCLUDING SENILE DEMENTIA

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the electrophysiological correlates of cognitive dysfunctions in psychiatric patients, including senile dementia. In psychiatric patients, many different features of the attentional processes have been reported to be deficient, including selective attention, vigilance, and switching attentional sets. Abnormalities of the motor system itself, including elevations in creatinine phosphokinease and pathological muscle fibers, have been reported and EMG studies of schizophrenics' reaction time suggest that peripheral factors may be important in differences previously held to be caused solely by central dysfunction. The evoked potential (EP) technique seems particularly appropriate for separating these differing central and peripheral attention factors and for localizing attentional deficits in particular cortical areas. By examining the sensory response at a neurophysiological level, using EP techniques, some of the methodological problems may be partially overcome. Tasks requiring little or no instructions on overt performance can be developed and the need for a motor response obliterated.
Predicting Learning Difficulty Based on Gaze and Pupil Response

E-Learning is transforming the way education is imparted. Today, millions of students take self-paced online courses. However, the content and language complexity often hinders comprehension and this together with lack of immediate help from the course instructor leads to weak learning outcomes. Ability to predict difficult content in real time enables eLearning systems to adapt content as per students' level of learning. The recent introduction of low-cost eye trackers has opened the new class of applications based on eye response. Eye tracking devices can record eye response to the visual element or concept causing a learning difficulty. The response and the variations in eye response to the same concept over time may be indicative of the level of learning. In this paper, we use eye movement measures to predict the levels of learning associated with a term/concept. The main contribution of this study is the spatio-temporal analysis of eye response to a term/concept. Proposed system analyses slide images, extracts words (terms), maps the eye response to words, and prepares a term-response map. A majority voting classifier trained with terms of known learning levels uses this term response map to classify a term as novel or familiar. The proposed system achieves 61% accuracy when predicting learning difficulty.
On the Experience of Awaiting Uncertain News

At some point in life, everyone must wait for important news—whether the news from college applications, job interviews, medical tests, academic exams, or even romantic overtures. Until recently, the psychological literature on stress and coping had largely overlooked these common and often distressing experiences. However, the past 5 years have seen significant advances in the understanding of waiting experiences, revealing insights into the nature, time course, and consequences of distress during waiting periods; individual differences in these experiences; and effective and ineffective strategies for coping with this type of uncertainty. This article reviews the emerging findings from this growing literature and provides suggestions for future research in this area.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy has a Lower Risk of Postoperative Bleeding Than Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Measures to reduce postoperative bleeding (POB) after bariatric surgery is skewed toward laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). We use 2015 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) to characterize the differences in bleeding rates between LSG and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses (LRYGB). Propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regressions tested for independent differences in POB rates. A total of 168,093 patients from 742 centers were identified in the data set. After selection 36,925 patients with LRYGB and 20,020 patients with LSG were included in the analysis. A total of 710 (1.25%) patient suffered a POB. The independent odds of POB were 38% lower for patients having LSG compared with those having LRYGB (odds ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval=0.51-0.76). This difference is more pronounced with intraoperative securing of the staple line. Appropriate measures to reduce POB after each type of bariatric procedure is warranted.
Introduction: Stimulate the mitochondria! A Bonington approach to improving assisted reproductive technology outcomes or a call to action?

This introduction reviews the background of mitochondrial transplantation. Its goals are to provide both basic and clinical insights into mitochondria and reproduction. The articles will review the biology of mitochondria, mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitochondrial stress (unfolded protein response), discuss novel imaging technology, fluorescent lifetime imaging microscopy to visualize mitochondria and their function in oocytes and early embryos, provide a critical and objective review of the data suggesting and refuting the possible use of mitochondrial DNA as well as other emerging technologies as a biomarker for embryo viability and finally to review the use of mitochondria as a rejuvenation tool in human in vitro fertilization.
Online Mob Programming: Effective Collaborative Project-Based Learning

This lightning talk presents an ongoing effort investigating the use of a collaborative programming paradigm originating in industry called Mob Programming, for effective collaborative learning in the classroom. In industry, Mob Programming involves the participation of a group of developers solving one problem at the same time and place. Developers take turns cycling through a structured process for collaboration having been assigned pre-defined roles responsible for brainstorming ideas, deciding on a path forward and implementing the consensus decision respectively. Pedagogically, there are several compelling reasons to motivate the adoption of Mob Programming in learning settings . First, the collaboration is well-structured meaning that the interaction between even a large group of students will not descend into chaos. Second, students are assigned to roles, which allows for the differentiation of responsibilities and development of skills in different aspects of solving the problem. Third, the rotation of assigned roles allows students to learn and exhibit multiple competencies as well as appreciate bringing different perspectives to bear on solving the problem. In order to investigate whether this promise is borne out in practice, the paradigm is currently being investigated in the context of a Cloud Computing course offered online to undergraduate and graduate students at a large American university and its satellite campuses. Since this effort is still underway, faculty who implement or are interested in implementing collaborative learning for this classrooms are invited to attend and provide feedback or consider joining the effort to investigate this paradigm for use in learning settings.
PERFORMANCE OF THE ANALYTICAL PLOTTER

In spite of the lack of extensive experimental data at this, in a sense, early stage of development, some very interesting indications of the eventual performance of the Analytical Plotter can be s...
Deep-learning model for predicting 30-day postoperative mortality.

Abstract Background Postoperative mortality occurs in 1–2% of patients undergoing major inpatient surgery. The currently available prediction tools using summaries of intraoperative data are limited by their inability to reflect shifting risk associated with intraoperative physiological perturbations. We sought to compare similar benchmarks to a deep-learning algorithm predicting postoperative 30-day mortality. Methods We constructed a multipath convolutional neural network model using patient characteristics, co-morbid conditions, preoperative laboratory values, and intraoperative numerical data from patients undergoing surgery with tracheal intubation at a single medical centre. Data for 60 min prior to a randomly selected time point were utilised. Model performance was compared with a deep neural network, a random forest, a support vector machine, and a logistic regression using predetermined summary statistics of intraoperative data. Results Of 95 907 patients, 941 (1%) died within 30 days. The multipath convolutional neural network predicted postoperative 30-day mortality with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.867 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.835–0.899). This was higher than that for the deep neural network (0.825; 95% CI: 0.790–0.860), random forest (0.848; 95% CI: 0.815–0.882), support vector machine (0.836; 95% CI: 0.802–870), and logistic regression (0.837; 95% CI: 0.803–0.871). Conclusions A deep-learning time-series model improves prediction compared with models with simple summaries of intraoperative data. We have created a model that can be used in real time to detect dynamic changes in a patient's risk for postoperative mortality.
Investigating the effect of geometric dimensions of median traffic barriers on crashes: Crash analysis of interstate roads in Wyoming using actual crash datasets.

Abstract Introduction Despite the numerous safety studies done on traffic barriers’ performance assessment, the effect of variables such as traffic barrier’s height has not been identified considering a comprehensive actual crash data analysis. This study seeks to identify the impact of geometric variables (i.e., height, post-spacing, sideslope ratio, and lateral offset) on median traffic barriers’ performance in crashes on interstate roads. Method Geometric dimensions of over 110 miles median traffic barriers on interstate Wyoming roads were inventoried in a field survey between 2016 and 2018. Then, the traffic barrier data collected was combined with historical crash records, traffic volume data, road geometric characteristics, and weather condition data to provide a comprehensive dataset for the analysis. Finally, an ordered logit model with random-parameters was developed for the severity of traffic barrier crashes. Based on the results, traffic barrier’s height was found to impact crash severity. Results Crashes involving cable barriers with a height between 30″ and 42″ were less severe than other traffic barrier types, while concrete barriers with a height shorter than 32″ were more likely involved with severe injury crashes. As another important finding, the post-spacing of 6.1–6.3 ft. was identified as the least severe range in W-beam barriers. Practical applications The results show that using flare barriers should reduce the number of crashes compared to parallel barriers.
A Simple App to Teach Regression

This paper introduces a simple free web app that can teach regression to anyone who can point and click. Originally designed to teach Justice Department attorneys enough about regression so that they could cross examine rival experts, the app ``inverts'' the usual pedagogy: instead of showing users how to run regressions on data, it asks them to click on a graph to ``create'' data to achieve a given outcome, like a statistically significant line. Successful completion of each task is rewarded with immediate feedback that reveals the principle behind the exercise. This paper describes short, intuitive exercises to teach: (i) hypothesis testing, statistical significance and confidence intervals, (ii) the difference between correlation and causality, and (iii) how to diagnose functional form mis-specification. These exercises can be completed in just a few minutes.
Consent Rates Reported in Published Pediatric Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective To determine the average reported consent rate for published pediatric randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and whether this rate varies by trial characteristics. Study design A review of pediatric RCTs published in Medline in 2009, 2010, or 2015 was performed. Secondary analyses of prior trials, trials including adults, trials not requiring consent, or trials with missing or unclear consent data were excluded. Consent rate was defined as the number of patients enrolled divided by number of eligible patients where families were approached. Random effects meta-regression was conducted to determine the weighted average consent rate. Results Of 2347 trials identified, 1651 were excluded. An additional 418 of 696 (60%) were excluded because the consent rate was missing or unclear. The average consent rate for 278 included RCTs was 82.6% (95% CI, 80.3%-84.8%) and was higher for vaccination compared with behavioral trials and for industry-funded compared with National Institutes of Health-funded or other government-funded trials. The average consent rate was Conclusions Although the average consent rate for published trials was reasonably high, approximately one-quarter of trials had consent rates of
Multi-Platform Expansion of the Virtual Human Toolkit: Ubiquitous Conversational Agents

We present an extension of the Virtual Human Toolkit to include a range of computing platforms, including mobile, web, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). The Toolkit uses a mix of in-...
Innovation and Firm Performance in the People’s Republic of China: A Structural Approach with Spillovers

We adopt a structural framework to study the process of indigenous innovation and its impact on firm performance in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In our analysis we use a rich source of panel data comprising almost 70,000 private Chinese firms operating in the PRC from 2004 to 2007. Relying on a structural innovation framework, we estimate the effects of technological learning during each phase of the structural model: (i) the firm’s decision to innovate, (ii) the innovation effort, (iii) the innovation throughput, and (iv) the firm performance. We show that in the early stages of innovation, Chinese firms fail to incorporate learning spillovers into their innovation effort, even when considering their absorptive capacity. Conversely, we found that in the later stages of innovation, learning spillovers positively increase firms’ innovation output as well as their performance, especially for firms with high absorptive capacity.
Predictable Risk Factors of Upper-Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis in a Level I Trauma Center

Background Venous thromboembolism is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in hospital patients, especially that of the lower extremities. Risk factors and diagnostic elements of upper-extremity deep-vein thrombosis (UEDVT) are poorly understood compared to those of the lower extremities. The primary objectives of this study were to identify predictive risk factors of secondary UEDVT. Methods This retrospective study included all nonpregnant patients aged >18 years who had undergone upper-extremity duplex scans to check for the presence of secondary UEDVT at Richmond University Medical Center from January 2014 to March 2020. Patients were stratified by presence or absence of UEDVT. Collected data points included patient demographics, comorbidities, central-line use, platelet count at time of scan, length of stay, and overall mortality. IBM 27.0 was used for all statistical analysis, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results A total of 1,009 upper extremity venous duplex studies were included. There were no significant differences in age, sex, race, or mean platelet levels between patients diagnosed with DVT and those without (p<0.05). After multinomial regression analysis, central venous catheter (CVC; 26.8% versus 78.5%, aOR 1.770, 95% CI 1.150-2.725; p<0.002), peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line (17.5% versus 82.5%, aOR3.254, 95% CI 1.997-5.304; p<0.001), hypertension (67.8% versus 28.8%, aOR 1.641, 95% CI 1.136-2.369; p<0.001), chronic kidney disease (CKD; 34.5% versus 65.5%, aOR 1.743, 95% CI 1.201-2.531; p<0.001), and malignancy (27.1% versus 74.6%, aOR 1.475, 95% CI 0.994-2.190; p<0.053) were found to be independent predictors of UEDVT. Conclusion Use of CVC or PICC line, preexisting diagnosis of hypertension, malignancy, and CKD were independent risk factors of UEDVT, while there was no significant correlation between increased platelet levels and UEDVT.
Enabling QoS for Collaborative Robotics Applications with Wireless TSN

This paper addresses the challenges in guaranteeing accurate time synchronization and deterministic data delivery over wireless using collaborative robotics as an example application. The paper describes a methodology to map application layer QoS requirements from the ROS2 (Robotics Operating System 2) and DDS (Data Distribution System) middleware, used to develop robotics applications, to the link layer transport based on Wireless Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) capabilities built on Wi-Fi. The paper provides experimental results from a prototype implementation of a collaborative task between two robots enabled by WTSN time synchronization and traffic shaping over Wi-Fi. The results demonstrate how time synchronized time-aware scheduling over Wi-Fi can be configured to meet the QoS requirements of the robotics application even in the presence of background traffic sharing the same channel.
Inclusive Leadership: A Multilevel Integrative Model

Amongst the growing outcry for denouncing discrimination and embracing inclusion of diverse members in organizational life, the idea of cultivating inclusive leadership has come to the fore. The na...
Association of E484K and L452R spike protein mutations with SARS-CoV-2 infection in vaccinated persons---Maryland, January - May 2021

Abstract Background The E484K and L452R amino acid substitutions on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 are associated with reduced neutralization by antibodies from acquired immunity. This study examines the respective association of these mutations with infection in persons who had previously received a COVID-19 vaccine. Methods Genetic sequences from SARS-CoV-2 specimens collected from Maryland residents and reported to Maryland Department of Health were linked to vaccination history. The prevalence of infections in fully vaccinated persons -- defined as being at least two weeks past receiving the final scheduled dose of a COVID-19 vaccine series -- was compared between infections caused by viruses carrying E484K to those not carrying E484K, and between infections caused by viruses carrying L452R to those not carrying L452R, using logistic regression to adjust for confounding. Results Of 9,048 sequenced SARS-CoV-2 specimens examined, 265 (2.9%) were collected from fully vaccinated persons. In adjusted analysis, the E484K substitution was associated with an increase in the odds of the sequenced specimen being collected from a fully vaccinated person (OR 1.96, 95% CI, 1.36 to 2.83). The L452R mutation was not significantly associated with infections in vaccinated persons (OR 1.07, 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.68). Conclusion Though more than 97% of SARS-CoV-2 infections were in persons who were not fully vaccinated, the E484K mutation was associated with increased odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection in vaccinated persons. Linking vaccination and sequencing data can help identify and estimate the impact SARS-CoV-2 mutations may have on vaccine effectiveness. Summary In viruses sequenced for Maryland’s routine SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance, the spike protein amino acid substitution E484K was more prevalent in viruses that infected vaccinated people than in viruses that infected people who were not vaccinated.
Prevalence, Bias, and Rank List Impact of Illegal Questions in Surgical Specialty Residency Interviews.

Objective The purpose of this study is to characterize illegal questions as defined by federal law and to assess their impact on applicants’ rank lists across four surgical specialties. Design A survey was developed and sent to surgical specialty residency applicants. The survey asked demographics, the frequency of questions about age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, family status and impact on final rank list. Applicants were asked to respond anonymously based on their experience at all institutions at which they interviewed during the interview cycle. Results were compared by applicant specialty and gender. Setting A large university-affiliated academic medical center Participants Survey was administered to 3854 applicants (comprising between 28.9% and 41.2% of applicants nationwide) to general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, urology, and otolaryngology residency programs at a single institution during the 2018 and 2019 cycles. A total of 1066 applicants completed the survey. Results A total of 789 (74.0%) of applicants reported being asked at least one illegal question during the interview process at any institution. Applicants to orthopaedic surgery programs were most likely to be asked illegal question (n = 315, 81.6%), and general surgery applicants were least likely to be asked illegal questions (n = 324, 66.8%, p Conclusions Illegal questions in surgical specialty residency interviews are common, vary by specialty and applicant gender, and lower programs on applicants’ rank lists. This data should serve to inform larger and more inclusive studies in the future. Programs should focus on educating interviewers on illegal topics in an effort to minimize illegal topics that may alienate applicants and contribute to workplace discrimination.
Self-Care of African Immigrant Adults with Chronic Illness.

This cross-sectional study aims to describe the self-care of adult African immigrants in the US with chronic illness and explore the relationship between acculturation and self-care. A total of 88 ...
The Influence of Sonographer Experience on Skeletal Muscle Image Acquisition and Analysis

The amount of experience with ultrasonography may influence measurement outcomes while images are acquired or analyzed. The purpose of this study was to identify the interrater reliability of ultrasound image acquisition and image analysis between experienced and novice sonographers and image analysts, respectively. Following a brief hands-on training session (2 h), the experienced and novice sonographers and analysts independently performed image acquisition and analyses on the biceps brachii, vastus lateralis, and medial gastrocnemius in a sample of healthy participants (n = 17). Test–retest reliability statistics were computed for muscle thickness (transverse and sagittal planes), muscle cross-sectional area, echo intensity and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness. The results show that image analysis experience generally has a greater impact on measurement outcomes than image acquisition experience. Interrater reliability for measurements of muscle size during image acquisition was generally good–excellent (ICC2,1: 0.82–0.98), but poor–moderate for echo intensity (ICC2,1: 0.43–0.77). For image analyses, interrater reliability for measurements of muscle size for the vastus lateralis and biceps brachii was poor–moderate (ICC2,1: 0.48–0.70), but excellent for echo intensity (ICC2,1: 0.90–0.98). Our findings have important implications for laboratories and clinics where members possess varying levels of ultrasound experience.
The AO / ASIF Principles:Fracture (Cast) Disease

Restoration of anatomic relations correlates highly with functional outcome in the hand. The priorities in treatment are a stable, well-maintained reduction and early motion. Prolonged immobilization, especially in a nonfunctional cast, can lead to a vicious cycle of pain, swelling, and unresolved edema. Edema fluid is a proteinaceous exudate that will congeal into scar tissue around joints and tendons and cause joint stiffness, contracture, and tendon adhesions. Muscle atrophy, brawny skin /induration, and osteoporosis follow. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy may sometimes occur and further complicate the picture. This constellation of symptoms and physical changes has been called “fracture disease.” Like proud flesh and suppuration in soft tissue healing, it is not a necessary part of fracture repair and can be avoided. Prevention is the best treatment. All fracture treatment, whatever the method, must be geared to achieve stability and function to prevent these complications.
Estimation of the Battery Degradation Effects on the EV Operating Cost during Charging/Discharging and Providing Reactive Power Service

Dynamic environment of the power system can be better controlled by the smart usage of electric vehicles (EVs). EVs with their diverse capabilities can create opportunities for Distribution System Operator (DSO) to improve the efficiency, economics, and sustainability of power delivery system. For instance, reactive power support can be provided by EVs quickly, when needed by the DSO. This type of ancillary service is becoming a necessity, due to higher power demands and continuous change in supply-demand environment. On the other hand, high battery price discourages consumers to purchase EVs. Therefor, creating ways to reduce the overall battery cost by generating revenue through participation in the power market, could be a win-win situation for both, EV owner and the DSO. Revenue generation for EVs could be achieved by supplying active and/or reactive power. In this paper, we present a model of EV operating as a reactive power service provider, considering the battery degradation, as a function of active power flow. The developed model includes charger technical constraints. Simulation results show optimal operating cost estimation, taking into consideration the effect of the battery degradation on charging, discharging and reactive power service of the EV under different scenarios. Results indicate significant change in active power charging and discharging patterns when the battery degradation cost is included. Revenue generating potential of providing reactive power service by EVs could be an encouraging fact for EVs to participate in reactive power market.
Agile Systems Manager for Enterprise Wireless Networks

Advances in enterprise wireless networks with wireless LAN along with the need for a pervasive computing is leading to a very large growth in a number of managed elements. The conventional management model of a centralized manager does not work well in this highly evolving network that is characterized by mobility and intermittent connectivity. This paper motivates a need for an agile systems manager, one that is resource and network aware and redistributes the management logic within a "virtual" management station to operate effectively in changing network conditions. This paper proposes mobile agent based approach for systems management infrastructure that can deploy, reconfigure, load balance and react to environment change autonomously. The paper presents a performance management implementation for managing a midsized network composed of combination of wireless and wired network elements. The paper presents experimental results that show significant advantages of the agile management system over the conventional management system.
Illness centrality, disclosure, and well-being in younger and middle-aged adult cancer survivors

Objectives. Cancer survivorship is often linked with identity reconstruction, and the extent to which individuals identify with their cancer experience may be an important aspect of their adjustment to longer-term cancer survivorship. However, little is known about the extent to which cancer is central to one's identity or the relations of centrality of cancer to identity with well-being. Further, the impact of cancer identity centrality might be moderated by the extent to which survivors openly disclose their survivorship status. The present study examined centrality of cancer and well-being along with the potential moderation effect of disclosure. Design and methods. Using a cross-sectional design, 167 participants (cancer survivors aged 18–55, diagnosed 1–3 years prior) completed measures of demographics, centrality of cancer identity, openness/disclosure, and well-being (including health-related quality of life [HRQOL], positive and negative affect, intrusive thoughts, life satisfaction, and post-traumatic growth). Results. Cancer identity centrality was fairly low while disclosure/openness was fairly high. In regression analyses, centrality was adversely related to most measures of well-being, except unrelated to physical HRQOL and post-traumatic growth. Openness/disclosure about cancer survivorship status was positively related to most measures of well-being but did not moderate relationships between centrality and well-being. Conclusions. These findings support the notion that both cancer identity centrality and openness/disclosure are important aspects of the cancer survivorship experience that may impact well-being and warrant further research.
High-Accuracy Expressions for Rotational-Vibrational Energies of O2, N2, NO, and CO Molecules

Application of the Hamilton-Jacoby theory and the Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization rule to the rotating Morse oscillator yields analytical expressions for the rotational-vibrational energy levels of the O 2 , N 2 , NO, and CO molecules in electronic ground states. The expressions give more realistic values of the moderately and highly exalted rotational-vibrational levels than the corresponding levels obtained from the common truncated expansion solution of the Schrodinger equation for the rotating Morse oscillator.
A computer program for analyzing enzyme kinetic data using graphical display and statistical analysis

A computer program, PENNZYME (M. C. Kohn, L. E. Menten, and D. Garfinkel, Comput. Biomed. Res. 12, 461, 1979), that fits trial rate laws to enzyme and transport steady-state kinetic data by nonlinear regression has been enhanced. The new version includes a set of mnemonic commands which can be displayed in a menu at the user's option. Graphic displays of measured data and computed curves, as well as deviations between them (residual plots) have been added to aid the user in determining if a model is free of bias or systematic error. Other features include the ability to display the variance-covariance matrix of the parameters, to hold individual parameters constant during an optimization, and to optimize error models for the experimental data by the extended-least-squares technique.
Individual and classwide patterns of teachers' questioning in mainstreamed social studies and science classes☆

Abstract Research indicates that frequency of teacher questioning is a reliable, if not precise, predictor of student achievement. In this study, teacher questioning behavior within middle school social studies and science mainstreamed classrooms was monitored at two different levels: teacher to whole class (macro) and teacher to individual student (micro). At the micro level, there were no differences in teacher questioning between content areas for either mainstreamed or regular education students. However, teachers did ask more academic questions than non-academic questions. In addition, teachers asked more academic questions to mainstreamed than to regular education students in science classes. At the macro level, no differences in teacher questioning occurred between content areas. Overall, teachers asked more direct than open-ended or clarifying questions. Finally, when teacher questioning patterns based on the two levels were compared, fewer than one-half of all teachers were classified similarly by both measures. The results are discussed in terms of the functions of classroom observation measures and the influence of student type and curriculum content on teacher questioning. The latter was particularly important given the policies of many educational systems that support the return of students with mild academic handicaps to regular classroom settings, that is, mainstreaming practices.
Lipopolysaccharide increases ambient temperature preference in C57BL/6J adult mice

Abstract The hypothesis was tested that animals exposed to a potentially dangerous endotoxin would attempt to behaviorally elevate their body temperature, perhaps in an effort to engage those immunological mechanisms which would counter the adverse effects of the endotoxin. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli injected subcutaneously (100 μg) in adult C57BL/6J mice increased gradient temperature preference by 2.4°C over saline controls. The increase in body temperature of 1.1°C after LPS injection was due to the preference for higher ambient temperatures and was not the result of a systemic reaction to LPS (animals not exposed to the gradient did not differ in body temperature). In summary, our data indicate that adult mice self-induce a febrile response, perhaps as an attempt to compensate for the physiological impact of the endotoxin.
Regulation of Adipose Cell Development In Utero

The condition of obesity is impacted by increases in fat cell number, fat cell size, or a combination of the two. It is generally believed that fat cell number is dependent on the age of onset and the degree of obesity. This review provides an update on intrauterine growth of fetal adipose tissue, the earliest period of proliferation onset, and the factors that interact to enhance or suppress development. Fetal adipose tissue development is regulated by the complex interaction of maternal, endocrine, and paracrine influences that initiate specific changes in angiogenesis, adipogenesis, and metabolism. Developmental stages and metabolic processes influenced by specific hormones and paracrine factors have been identified through examination of the offspring of obese and diabetic pregnancies, hormonal manipulation during late pregnancy in animal models, and the use of cell culture. Collectively, the results of the studies cited herein delineate the basis for imprinting or conditioning of fetal preadipocytes at the paracrine/autocrine level and a role of thyroxine, glucocorticoids, and other hormones in fetal adipose tissue development and metabolism.
A small scale Z-pinch device as an intense soft X-ray source

Abstract A small scale (400 J) device to study the application of radiation emitted by a plasma Z-pinch to microscopy and microlithography has been built. As a pulsed emitter of soft X-rays the Z-pinch is an inexpensive source for high resolution flash microscopy of thin films, and live and unstained biological specimens. In the repetitive mode, radiation from the device was used to expose resists for microlithography. Windows of different plastics shielded the resists from debris and allowed exposure of resists in air. The use of different pinching gases allowed tunability of radiation.
A Patient with Pseudohypoparathyroidism with Increased Serum Calcium and lα,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D after Exogenous Parathyroid Hormone Administration

The cause for the normal calcemic response to exogenous parathyroid hormone (PTH) was explored in a case of pseudohypoparathyroidism. The diagnosis of pseudohypoparathyroidism in this 29-yr-old woman was well established, since she had hypocalcemia (6.6 mg/dl), hyperphosphatemia (5.0 mg/ dl), high serum immunoreactive PTH, and negligible urinary cAMP response to exogenous PTH. Treatment with Amphojel slightly increased serum calcium (to 7.4 mg/dl) and lowered serum phosphorus (to 4.1 mg/dl) without altering the serum concentration of lα,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D]. After im administration of parathyroid extract (400 U/day for 4 days), serum calcium increased to 9.2 mg/dl, commensurate with significant elevations in serum 1,25(OH)2D (from 1.2 to 2.6 ng/dl) and fractional (intestinal) calcium absorption (from 0.22 to 0.43). The results suggest that the synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D upon PTH challenge was relatively intact and may have accounted for the normal calcemic response.
The Nisonger CBRF: A Child Behavior Rating Form for Children with Developmental Disabilities.

Although the rate of behavior and emotional problems of children with mental retardation is considerably higher than the rate among typically developing children, there is a shortage of tools for assessing persons with mental retardation. The Child Behavior Rating Form (CBRF) was modified by altering instructions and adding new items describing behavior problems known to occur in children with mental retardation. The adapted scale was named the Nisonger CBRF. Three hundred sixty-nine children being assessed at a University Affiliated Program for MR/DD were rated on the CBRF by their parents and teachers. Independent factor analyses of parent and teacher ratings produced two Social Competence subscales and six Problem Behavior subscales. These results were largely consistent across rater types and similar to prior findings with the CBRF. Internal consistency was generally high, parent-teacher agreement was satisfactory, and subscales from the Nisonger CBRF correlated highly with analogous subscales from the Aberrant Behavior Checklist. The Nisonger CBRF appears to be a promising new tool for assessing behavioral and emotional problems in children with mental retardation; however, further psychometric work is warranted.
PVC/wood-flour composites compatibilized with chlorinated polyethylene

Chlorinated polyethylene has been demonstrated to be an effective compatibilizer for dissimilar materials in various mixed-polymer or recycled-polymer systems. In this paper the use of chlorinated polyethylene to compatibilize polymer/natural-fiber composites is discussed. Examples of applications in PVC/wood-flour composites are given.
Macroscopic Finite Element for a Single Lap Joint

*† Macroscopic finite elements are elements with an embedded analytical solution used to carry out efficient, mesh independent finite element analysis. In the present study, this method of macro elements was applied to a single lap joint. The adherends were modeled as Euler-Bernoulli beams, and the adhesive layer assumed to be in a state of plane stress. The field equations were derived using the principle of minimum potential energy, and the resulting solutions for the displacement fields were used to generate shape functions and a stiffness matrix for a single finite element. Simplifying assumptions incorporated in the model development were evaluated by comparing with several corresponding 2-D finite element models with different joint parameters. The results showed that the derived macroelement results in considerable cost savings in computational modeling of structural systems that contain multiple lap joints.
Etiology and diagnosis of bilateral leg edema in primary care

Abstract Purpose: To identify the causes of bilateral leg edema in a primary care setting, and to determine the ability of primary care providers to arrive at the correct diagnosis using the information available at the initial clinical encounter. Patients and Methods: Fifty-eight ambulatory adult patients with bilateral leg edema were enrolled at an inner city family practice during a 3-year period. Historical information, physical examination findings, and clinical impressions of primary care providers were compared with the results of laboratory evaluations consisting of echocardiograms, venous duplex ultrasound leg scans, serum albumin levels, and when appropriate, 24-hour urinalyses. Results: Forty-five patients (78%) completed the study. The initial clinical impression was venous insufficiency in 32 (71%) patients and congestive heart failure in 8 (18%) patients. In actuality, 15 (33%) patients had a cardiac condition as a cause of their leg edema, and 19 (42%) had pulmonary hypertension. All of the patients with heart disease, and almost all of those with pulmonary hypertension, were age 45 years or older. Only 10 (22%) of the subjects had venous insufficiency. Renal conditions, medication use, and hypoalbuminemia were less common. Conclusions: Utilizing clinical information only, many patients with cardiopulmonary pathology were incorrectly diagnosed as having more benign conditions, most commonly venous insufficiency. Echocardiographic evaluation, including an estimation of pulmonary artery pressure, may be advisable in many patients with bilateral leg edema, especially if they are at least 45 years old.
Epidemiologic study of dental emergencies among utilizers in an insured population in Washington, USA.

Abstract This is a study of the epidemiology of dental emergencies based on information abstracted from the microfilmed dental claim forms of a large American insurance program in 1981–82. Overall, about 4% of all dental visits were classifiable as emergencies. There were significant seasonal and age variations in dental emergencies. There was no variation with respect to geographic regions in the State of Washington (USA) or sex. Paradoxically, residents in regions having fluoridated water supplies were at equal risk of developing dental emergencies due to dental caries, relative to those residing in non-fluoridated regions. There was also no difference in risk associated with insurance deductibles, although generally deductibles are thought to deter first-contact visits.
Amplitude ambiguities in pseudoscalar meson photoproduction

We consider the problem of determining amplitudes from observables for the case of pseudoscalar meson photoproduction. We find a number of surprisingly simple constraints which give necessary conditions for a complete set of measurements. These results contradict one of the selection rules derived previously. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Skull of Palaechthon nacimienti

SPECIES in or near the ancestry of living primates first appear in the late Cretaceous and early Palaeocene of North America. Subsequent adaptive radiation of the Purgatorius-like ancestral stock produced the plesiadapoid families (Plesiadapidae, Carpolestidae, Paromomyidae) of the middle and late Palaeocene. Specialised members of all three families survived into the early Eocene, the paromomyid genus Phenacolemur persisting into the late Eocene. Most of the plesiadapoid species are known only from incomplete dentitions. In 1948, a crushed but nearly complete skull of a paromomyid was recovered from strata of middle Palaeocene age in the Kutz Canyon area of the San Juan Basin, New Mexico. The specimen has been described by Wilson and Szalay1, who assign it to a new species (P. nacimienti) of the genus Palaechthon, known also from the mid-Palaeocene of Montana and Wyoming. The loss of the upper and lower first premolars excludes P. nacimienti from the ancestry of some of the Eocene prosimian lineages. Nevertheless, its persistently primitive molar morphology suggests that it may more closely resemble the last common ancestor of the plesiadapoids and the Eocene primates of modern aspect than do other plesiadapoids for which cranial remains are known. Skulls or partial skulls are known for dentally more specialised genera of each plesiadapoid family: Plesiadapis (Plesiadapidae), Carpolestes (Carpolestidae), and Phenacolemur (Paromomyidae).) We present here a reconstruction of the skull of P. nacimienti, together with some preliminary functional interpretations of its cranial and dental anatomy.
Cardiac effects of 1-?-acetylmethadol. IV. Mechanism of inotropic effects*1

Abstract 1-α-Acetylmethadol (LAAM) and its major metabolites (1-α-acetylnormethadol and 1-α-acetyldinormethadol) produce a biphasic inotropic response in vitro in guinea pig atrium. Lower concentrations increase contractile height and higher concentrations decrease it. The positive inotropic response was blocked by dl -propranolol and attenuated by pretreatment of the animal with 6-OH-dopamine. These results indicate that endogenous norpinephrine mediates the positive inotropic response to LAAM and congeners. The narcotic agonist decreased the positive inotropic response to increasing concentrations of Ca 2+ . This finding suggests that LAAM decreases availability of extracellular Ca 2+ , thereby producing a negative inotropic response.