cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disparities in Gender and Race Among Physician-Scientists: A Call to Action and Strategic Recommendations.

The size of the physician-scientist workforce has declined for the past 3 decades, which raises significant concerns for the future of biomedical research. There is also a considerable gender disparity among physician-scientists. This disparity is exacerbated by race, resulting in a compounding effect for women of color. Proposed reasons for this disparity include the time and expense physicians must devote to obtaining specialized research training after residency while at the same time burdened with mounting medical school debt and domestic and caretaking responsibilities, which are disproportionately shouldered by women. These circumstances may contribute to the overall gender disparity in research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Women apply for NIH grants less often than men and are therefore less likely to receive an NIH grant. However, when women do apply for NIH grants, their funding success is comparable to that of men. Increasing representation of women and groups underrepresented in medicine (UIM) requires not only improving the pipeline (e.g., through training) but also assisting early and midcareer women-and especially women who are UIM-to advance. In this article, the authors propose the following solutions to address the challenges women and other UIM individuals face at each of these career stages: developing specific NIH research training programs targeted to women and UIM individuals in medical school and residency; creating institutional and individual grant initiatives; increasing student loan forgiveness; setting up robust institutional mentorship programs for individuals seeking to obtain independent funding; providing childcare stipends as part of NIH grants; and instituting an NIH requirement that funded investigators participate in efforts to increase diversity in the physician-scientist workforce. Enabling more women and UIM individuals to enter and thrive in the physician-scientist workforce will increase the size and diversity of this critical component of biomedical research.
Training the Next Generation of Pediatrician-Advocates: A New Focus on the Inpatient Setting.

“Do you think she’ll be ready to go home tomorrow?” The team turns toward the father’s 6-year-old daughter. This is her tenth admission for status asthmaticus, and she is now on day 2 of continuous albuterol. “I know the roaches make her asthma worse, but our landlord is useless,” he explains. “I pick up her medications as often as I can, but the inhaler costs $200 since I lost my job and insurance.” The team explains the necessary steps before discharge. Outside the room, after a period of silence, the attending says, “Let’s space her albuterol and get her out of bed today.” Walking to the next room, the attending adds, “We should reach out to social work too.” As pediatric hospitalists, we encounter patients and families like this every day. Although we are confident in our ability to treat a patient’s acute illness and teach trainees evidence-based medical management, too often, we miss opportunities to both model and teach the role of the pediatrician-advocate in the hospital. Pediatrics was the first medical specialty to include “advocacy” in the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) program requirements for residency training. However, the “advocacy” requirement is formally designated as an “ambulatory experience,” significantly limiting its scope and impact.1 Advocacy and advocacy training can, does, and should occur across all pediatric clinical settings and specialties. The inpatient setting, where pediatric residents spend the majority of their time, is particularly well-suited to advocacy training. Intentional advocacy training in the inpatient setting would improve the skills of future pediatrician-advocates while also elevating the quality of inpatient medical care. We propose, therefore, that the ACGME change the language of the advocacy training requirement to either explicitly include “inpatient advocacy” (advocacy on behalf of patients admitted to the hospital and/or in an effort to …
A cognitive framework for understanding barriers to the productive use of a diabetes home telemedicine system.

Telemedicine has the potential to transcend geographic and socio-cultural barriers to the delivery of high quality health care to the medically underserved populations. However, there are significant cognitive and usability barriers. This paper presents a multifaceted cognitive evaluation of the IDEATel diabetes education and telemedicine program. The evaluation included a cognitive walkthrough analysis to characterize task complexity and identify potential problems as well as field usability testing in patients’ homes. The study revealed dimensions of the interface that impeded optimal access to system resources. In addition, we found significant obstacles corresponding to perceptual-motoric skills, mental models of the system, and health literacy. The objective of this work is to contribute to a design framework so that participants with a wide range of skills can better manage their chronic illnesses.
A Distal Forearm Fracture in Childhood Is Associated With an Increased Risk for Future Fragility Fractures in Adult Men, but Not Women

Distal forearm fractures are among the most common fractures during childhood, but it remains unclear whether they predict an increased fracture risk later in life. We studied a population-based cohort of 1776 children ≤18 years of age, from Olmsted County, MN, USA, who had a distal forearm fracture in 1935–1992. Incident fractures occurring at age ≥35 years were identified through review of complete medical records using the linkage system of the Rochester Epidemiology Project. Observed nonpathologic fractures resulting from no more than moderate trauma (fragility fractures) were compared with expected numbers estimated from fracture site–specific incidence rates, based on age, sex, and calendar year, for Olmsted County (standardized incidence ratios [SIR]). In 1086 boys (mean ± SD age; 11 ± 4 years) and 690 girls (10 ± 4 years) followed for 27,292 person-years after the age of 35 years, subsequent fragility fractures were observed in 144 (13%) men and 74 (11%) women. There was an increased risk for future fragility fractures in boys who had a distal forearm fracture (SIR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.6–2.3) but not girls (SIR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.8–1.2). Fragility fractures at both major osteoporotic (hip, spine, wrist, and shoulder) sites (SIR, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.1–3.3) and remaining sites (SIR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3–2.0) were increased in men, irrespective of age at distal forearm fracture as boys. A distal forearm fracture in boys, but not girls, is associated with an increased risk for fragility fractures as older adults. It is necessary to determine whether the increased fractures observed in men is due to persistent deficits of bone strength, continued high fracture risk activity, or both. Until then, men should be asked about a childhood distal forearm fracture and, if so, warrant further screening and counseling on measures to optimize bone health and prevent fractures.
Making a Case for Historical Teaching Cases

Development of legitimate teaching cases demands cases be factual, that is that they use “real people, real companies, real situations,” and, usually, present time. Rarely, do cases deal with historical happenings in which lives, as well as fortunes, could be lost to achieve desired ends. History provides rich material on which to build teaching cases with the added advantage of acquainting students with the past and the influence the past has in shaping the future. Answers to the question of “Why use historical teaching cases” are related to the more general question of “Why study history.” Both questions are addressed.
Modeling 2-D forward-scan sonar imagery for diffuse reflectors

Sonar images are formed by transmitting acoustic pulses and measuring the reflected sound power from the scene surfaces. The recorded signal by a sonar device encodes information about the shape and material properties of these surfaces. In this paper, we present a detailed derivation of an image model for a new class of high-resolution lens-based 2-D forward-look sonar systems, when the diffuse reflectance of scene/target can be characterized as Lambertian. A simplified single patch model is generalized to account for the finite pulse-width of the transmitted beam and the simultaneous arrival of scattered signals from multiple patches at the same range in a given azimuthal direction. Validating the model using intensity measurements of an isolated cylindrical target, we then demonstrate application for multi-path reflections from bottom surfaces.
Ten years of The leadership quarterly

This article reviews the founding of The Leadership Quarterly (LQ) and the 188 articles published in its first decade. Multiple methods were used to prepare this review including interviews with former and current LQ editors; quantitative techniques; and qualitative analysis to examine the themes, methods, and contributions of the journal during its first decade. Directions for future research are provided, which integrate a decade of LQ author directives with interviews of prominent leadership scholars and the current authors’ opinions grounded in the literature review.
Spontaneous laryngeal reinnervation following chronic recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

Objectives/Hypothesis To enhance understanding of spontaneous laryngeal muscle reinnervation following severe recurrent laryngeal nerve injury by testing the hypotheses that 1) nerve fibers responsible for thyroarytenoid muscle reinnervation can originate from multiple sources and 2) superior laryngeal nerve is a source of reinnervation. Study Design Prospective, controlled, animal model. Methods A combination of retrograde neuronal labeling techniques, immunohistochemistry, electromyography, and sequential observations of vocal fold mobility were employed in rat model of chronic recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. The current study details an initial set of experiments in sham surgical and denervated group animals and a subsequent set of experiments in a denervated group. Results At 3 months after recurrent laryngeal nerve resection, retrograde brainstem neuronal labeling identified cells in the characteristic superior laryngeal nerve cell body location as well as cells in a novel caudal location. Regrowth of neuron fibers across the site of previous recurrent laryngeal nerve resection was seen in 87% of examined animals in the denervated group. Electromyographic data support innervation by both the superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves following chronic recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Conclusions Following chronic recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in the rat, laryngeal innervation is demonstrated through the superior laryngeal nerve from cells both within and outside of the normal cluster of cells that supply the superior laryngeal nerve. The recurrent laryngeal nerve regenerates across a surgically created gap, but functional significance of regenerated nerve fibers is unclear. Laryngoscope, 123:2216–2227, 2013
Intelligence is multidimensional: Theoretical review and implications of specific cognitive abilities

Abstract Human resource management researchers typically treat cognitive ability as a unidimensional construct. The current paper reviews possible rationales for this choice, including practical convenience, the parsimony of Spearman's theory of general mental ability ( g ), positive manifold among cognitive tests, and empirical evidence of only modest incremental validity of specific cognitive abilities for predicting job and training performance over and above g . In contrast to HR researchers' dominant practice of treating cognitive ability as unidimensional, we recommend a renewed interest in narrower, second-stratum cognitive abilities. The renewed focus on multiple dimensions of intelligence is supported by several arguments, including superior empirical fit of hierarchical and oblique multifactor models over unidimensional models of cognitive test data, the Cattell–Horn–Carroll theoretical model and Carroll's large-scale empirical support for a hierarchical model of intelligence with several second-stratum factors (i.e., specific cognitive abilities), empirical evidence of modest incremental validity (typically at or above 2%) of specific cognitive abilities predicting job performance beyond g , the notion of a compatibility principle of the cognitive ability–job performance relationship in which specific abilities should predict specific criteria but not broad criteria, application of bifactor and relative importance methodologies to predict job performance via g and specific abilities simultaneously, evidence that adverse impact in hiring can be partly curtailed by differentially weighting specific cognitive abilities, and theoretical models of reciprocal causation among specific cognitive abilities which can explain positive manifold in the absence of g . After arguing for multidimensional models of intelligence, we review a variety of second-stratum cognitive abilities that have been described under the Cattell–Horn–Carroll model, highlighting similarities and differences among specific abilities.
MOLECULAR AND GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE RHIZOPINE CATABOLISM (MOCABRC) GENES OF RHIZOBIUM MELILOTI L5-30

Rhizopine (l-3-O-methyl-scyllo-inosamine, 3-O-MSI) is a symbiosis-specific compound, which is synthesized in nitrogen-fixing nodules of Medicago sativa induced by Rhizobium meliloti strain L5–30. 3-O-MSI is thought to function as an unusual growth substrate for R. meliloti L5–30, which carries a locus (mos) responsible for its synthesis closely linked to a locus (moc) responsible for its degradation. Here, the essential moc genes were delimited by Tn5 mutagenesis and shown to be organized into two regions, separated by 3 kb of DNA. The DNA sequence of a 9-kb fragment spanning the two moc regions was determined, and four genes were identified that play an essential role in rhizopine catabolism (mocABC and mocR). The analysis of the DNA sequence and the amino acid sequence of the deduced protein products revealed that MocA resembles NADH-dependent dehydrogenases. MocB exhibits characteristic features of periplasmic-binding proteins that are components of high-affinity transport systems. MocC does not share significant homology with any protein in the database. MocR shows homology with the GntR class of bacterial regulator proteins. These results suggest that the mocABC genes are involved in the uptake and subsequent degradation of rhizopine, whereas mocR is likely to play a regulatory role.
Conductive hearing loss and otopathology in cleft palate patients

OBJECTIVES: Assess incidence of conductive hearing loss, ear pathology, and associated communicative disorders in cleft palate patients.STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of 101 patients all treated at a tertiary facility since birth.RESULTS: The median patient age was 19 years old (range 8–25) at last follow-up, 35% female. Median age of cleft palate repair was 16 months (range 12–60). Median number of myringotomy tubes was 3 (range 1–7). Conductive hearing loss (CHL) greater than 20 db PTA was found in 25% of patients at last follow-up. Severity of CHL was mild in 75%, moderate in 21%, and severe in 4%. Cholesteatoma was identified in 5.9%. The mean age at resolution of CHL was 5 years (range 3–19). Risk factors associated with CHL at last follow-up included middle ear surgery (P = 0.016), cholesteatoma (P = 0.003), and 4 or more myringotomy tube insertions (P = 0.030). Associations between CHL and age at cleft repair, speech impairment, or learning disabilities were not found.CONCLUSIONS: Childre...
An Axial-Torsional Extensometer for Finite Deformation

This extensometer is suitable for use in the experimental determination of multiaxial plastic deformation and determination of fatigue fracture. The extensometer is applicable to tubular or solid cylindrical specimens. It has been calibrated, and error bounds are given in terms of linearity, crosstalk, and hysteresis. The diametral strain can also be measured, which is especially useful in the testing of materials with voids
Use of a life events calendar approach to elicit occupational history from farmers

Background Precise and valid exposure assessment is generally the primary challenge in retrospective occupational epidemiology studies, particularly when the only available method for exposure characterization is a personal interview. Agricultural workers may represent a particular challenge; for example, whereas many farmers have worked from childhood at the same location, raising the same crops and animals, they may have used different equipment, chemicals, and protective gear over time. One method to assist in recall is the “life events calendar,” a cognitive tool based on the subject's own life history to help anchor occupational activities in time. Methods Unstructured interviews of farmers, focus groups, and pilot interviews among rural men, primarily African-Americans, were conducted to create a questionnaire for obtaining farm history information within the context of personal life events. Results Farmers used both personal events and national events (as well as events relating directly to farming) to recall their activities. These subjects had extensive history of farming (10–75 years) and chemical use (median lifetime chemicals = 13). Conclusion The life events calendar provided a useful tool to facilitate the recall of a lifetime of agricultural activity. Life events calendars are useful additions to the tools available for retrospective occupational exposure assessment. Am. J. Ind. Med. 34:470-476, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Possible tectonomagnetic effect observed from mid-1989 to mid-1990, in Long Valley Caldera, California

Precise measurements of local magnetic fields have been obtained with a differentially connected array of three proton magnetometers in the Long Valley caldera region since 1984. Two magnetometers are located inside the caldera with a third reference magnetometer located 26km southeast of the caldera. After correction for secular variation, it is apparent that an anomalous 2 nT decrease in the magnetic field occurred from mid-1989 to mid-1990 at the magnetometer located closest to the center of the resurgent dome inside the caldera. During this period a significant increase in geodetic strain rate of 8.5 ppm/a was observed on the two-color geodimeter network within the caldera from October, 1989, to mid-1990 and a dramatic increase in seismic activity occurred from December, 1989 to July, 1990. A simple dilatational point-source model with pressure increasing by 52 Mpa from October 1989 to August 1990 at a depth of about 7km beneath the center of the resurgent dome can be fit to the strain data. If this same model is used to calculate piezomagnetic fields in the caldera, the results obtained agree with the observed local magnetic field data provided the Curie point isotherm is at a depth of ≤5km. Taken together, these magnetic, seismic and geodetic data suggest that an episode of active magmatic intrusion occurred from late 1989 to mid-1990 at a depth of about 7–8km beneath the resurgent dome within the Long Valley caldera. Other indications of this intrusion should be evident in measurements of leveling, local gravity, and seismic imaging data.
Activity patterns of a strokerehabilitation unit

Abstract Inflationary pressures are increasing the urgency for improving the efficiency of health care organizations. While many studies.have been done on the operation of the hospital, very few have employed observational methods. Previous observational research on the rehabilitation hospital has shown that patients spend considerable time in activities which are not designed to be therapeutic. The present study looked at a 22-bed stroke rehabilitation unit soon after it was formed and one year later. Time samples were recorded every half hour of the working day for a week during both periods of study. Results show that patients were seen in solitary behavior more frequently than in either treatment or in social behavior. Observations of staff found them to be engaged more frequently in indirect service activities than in direct patient care. Patterns of treatment changed in the year's interval. With more staff available the second year there was much more individual treatment, although the number of patients observed in treatment dropped slightly. The manner in which treatment is delivered to the patient is most heavily influenced by prevailing professional practice in physical medicine and rehabilitation in which there have been limited attempts at testing alternative models. Attention to increasing efficiency in treatment delivery and designing hospital environments for higher therapeutic benefit might help in reaching rehabilitation goals.
Collagen Content and Stiffness Affect the Biomechanical Response of Collagen Gels to Acupuncture In Vitro

Acupuncture is an ancient therapy that has been clinically proven for treating pain and nausea [1], though by unknown mechanisms. Recent in vivo and ex vivo studies demonstrate that acupuncture generates changes in the local tissue biomechanical environment, which may have been overlooked in previous neurophysiological studies [2].Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Regulation of Btk Function by a Major Autophosphorylation Site Within the SH3 Domain

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) plays a crucial role in B cell development. Overexpression of Btk with a Src family kinase increases tyrosine phosphorylation and catalytic activity of Btk. This occurs by transphosphorylation at Y551 in the Btk catalytic domain and the enhancement of Btk autophosphorylation at a second site. A gain-of-function mutant called Btk* containing E41 to K change within the pleckstrin homology domain induces fibroblast transformation. Btk* enhances the transphosphorylation of Y551 by endogenous Src family tyrosine kinases and autophosphorylation at the second site. We mapped the major Btk autophosphorylation site to Y223 within the SH3 domain. Mutation of Y223 to F blocks Btk autophosphorylation and dramatically potentiates the transforming activity of Btk* in fibroblasts. The location of Y223 in a potential ligand-binding pocket suggests that autophosphorylation regulates SH3-mediated signaling by Btk.
Alternative forms of song matching in song sparrows

Abstract Song matching, replying to a song with a similar song, occurs in many songbird species. Almost all investigations of song matching have been of type matching, where one bird's reply is unambiguously similar to the other's song (i.e. the same song type). In many populations, however, neighbours do not share song types, and therefore cannot type-match. We hypothesized that a bird lacking a true type match could still song-match a stimulus song with a song from his repertoire that was similar in some way the birds recognized. We tested this hypothesis in song sparrows, Melospiza melodia , in two playback experiments. We played the subject a stranger song that was similar to one or more of his songs, but a type match to none of them. In the first experiment, we used playback songs that began with two buzzes (‘double-buzz’ songs). In the second experiment, we used songs that began with a slow trill that increased in tempo ('speed-up' songs). Birds replied at rates significantly above chance with their own double-buzz, or speed-up song match to the respective types of playback. The results suggest that birds who do not share true song types, can still song-match each other. This broad-sense form of song matching may also occur in populations with low song type sharing. Copyright 2002 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .
Quantitative mass spectrometry of diabetic kidney tubules identifies GRAP as a novel regulator of TGFβ signaling

The aim of this study was to define novel mediators of tubule injury in diabetic kidney disease. For this, we used state-of-the-art proteomic methods combined with a label-free quantitative strategy to define protein expression differences in kidney tubules from transgenic OVE26 type 1 diabetic and control mice. The analysis was performed with diabetic samples that displayed a pro-fibrotic phenotype. We have identified 476 differentially expressed proteins. Bioinformatic analysis indicated several clusters of regulated proteins in relevant functional groups such as TGF-β signaling, tight junction maintenance, oxidative stress, and glucose metabolism. Mass spectrometry detected expression changes of four physiologically relevant proteins were confirmed by immunoblot analysis. Of these, the Grb2-related adaptor protein (GRAP) was up-regulated in kidney tubules from diabetic mice and fibrotic kidneys from diabetic patients, and subsequently confirmed as a novel component of TGF-β signaling in cultured human renal tubule cells. Thus, indicating a potential novel role for GRAP in TGF-β-induced tubule injury in diabetic kidney disease. Although we targeted a specific disease, this approach offers a robust, high-sensitivity methodology that can be applied to the discovery of novel mediators for any experimental or disease condition.
Single-Site Anionic Polymerization. Monomeric Ester Enolaluminate Propagator Synthesis, Molecular Structure, and Polymerization Mechanism

The synthesis and molecular structure of the first examples of monomeric lithium ester enolaluminates that serve as structural models for single-site anionic propagating centers, as well as the mechanism of their polymerization of methacrylates catalyzed by conjugate organoaluminum Lewis acids, are reported. Reactions of isopropyl α-lithioisobutyrate (2) with suitable deaggregating and stabilizing organoaluminum compounds such as MeAl(BHT)2 (BHT = 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenolate) in hydrocarbons cleanly generate lithium ester enolaluminate complexes such as Li+[Me2CC(OiPr)OAlMe(BHT)2]- (3). Remarkably, complex 3 is isolable and exists as a monomer in both solid and solution states. Unlike the uncontrolled polymerization of methacrylates by the aggregating enolate 2, the methacrylate polymerization by the monomeric 3 is controlled but exhibits low activity. However, the well controlled and highly active polymerization can be achieved by using the 3/MeAl(BHT)2 propagator/catalyst pair, which is convenie...
Theory of slow, steady state crack growth in polymer glasses

Abstract Cracks in polymer glasses can grow slowly preceded by a craze, a narrow zone of plastic cavitation. The craze widens by drawing more polymer from its surfaces into its fibrils but the fibrils themselves fail by local creep. When the crack tip moves at velocity v the loading at the crack tip can be described by a local stress intensity factor K which is the sum of the ‘apparent’ stress intensity factor KA and a plastic contribution Kp (usually negative). Kp is found to be −KP(K) v where P(K) is an integral over the craze boundary displacement law. Fibril failure by local creep leads to a power law, v ∞ Km. From these relations K and v can be determined as a function of KA. The plot of K vs. KA is multiple-valued with a stable branch (at high K) and an unstable branch (at low K) separated by a minimum value of KA which represents a threshold for stable, steady state crack growth. There is also a v threshold, below which cracks will not grow steadily. These predictions, the form of the v−KA curve and implications for slip-stick crack growth are compared with recent experiments.
Adenylate cyclase and β‐receptors in salivary glands of rats fed diets containingtrans fatty acids

The effects oftrans fatty acids on adenylate cyclase were determined in the submandibular salivary glands (SMSG) of rats fed diets containing 20% corn oil, 20% partially hydrogenated soybean oil (PHSBO) or 18% PHSBO + 2% corn oil. The fluoride-and isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities were higher in the SMSG from rats fed 20% PHSBO than in the control group fed 20% corn oil. The feeding of 2% corn oil with the diet containing 18% PHSBO resulted in a complete restoration of isoproterenol-stimulated and a partial restoration of fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. There was no significant difference in the concentration of the β-adrenergic receptor or in the receptor-binding affinity constants among the three dietary groups as measured by [3H]dihydroalprenolol (DHA)-binding. Higher fluorescence polarization of diphenyl hexatriene (DPH) was observed in SMSG membranes of rats fed diet containing 20% PHSBO than in the other two oils, suggesting that membrane fluidity may play a role in adenylate cyclase activity.
Cooperativity in Amide Hydrogen Bonding Chains. Relation between Energy, Position, and H-Bond Chain Length in Peptide and Protein Folding Models

The individual H-bond energies have been calculated at the B3LYP/D95** level for linear chains of H-bonding formamides containing from 2 to 15 monomeric units. The cooperative effect upon the stron...
On Formal Universals in Phonology

Understanding the universal aspects of human language structure requires comparison at multiple levels of analysis. While Evans & Levinson (E&L) focus mostly on substantive variation in language, equally revealing insights can come from studying formal universals. I first discuss how Artificial Grammar Experiments can test universal preferences for certain types of abstract phonological generalizations over others. I then discuss moraic onsets in the language Arrernte, and how its apparent substantive variation ultimately rests on a formal universal regarding syllable-weight sensitivity.
Heads or tails? Sexual dimorphism in helodermatid lizards

We tested the hypothesis that helodermatid lizards (Gila monsters, Heloderma suspectum Cope, 1869, and beaded lizards, H. horridum (Wiegmann, 1829)) show sexual dimorphism in morphological traits r...
The Effect of Feedback Packaging on Ratee Reactions1

In performance-feedback situations, reactions to the rater have been examined rarely. A clearer understanding of what causes negative reactions toward raters might be used by them to better control feedback outcomes without having to distort the feedback message. In Study I, ratee reactions to the packaging of feedback messages were examined in a laboratory experiment. A legitimizing statement included in the feedback message resulted in more positive reactions to the rater than when no such statement was presented. In addition, the use of less personal feedback language resulted in more positive reactions to the rater than when more personal language was used. Neither legitimization statement nor type of language significantly impacted reactions to the feedback message or perceptions of performance, indicating that they did not distort the feedback message. In Study 2, a laboratory observation, the use of more personal language by the rater was related negatively to ratee confidence in rater judgment and rater likability. More research on feedback packaging, with the goal of training raters in how best to convey the feedback message, is needed.
The influence of concentrated heating on the Hadley circulation

The studies of Lindzen and Hou (1988) of Hadley circulation forced by global heating distributions are extended to situations where heating is latitudinally concentrated. The qualitative effect of narrow heating is examined by means of simple 'equal area' arguments of the type developed by Held and Hou (1980). Numerical calculations for a continuous fluid are carried out, showing that the intensity of the resulting Hadley circulation depends on how the heating is concentrated. It is shown that only a mild concentration is needed to achieve agreement with observations.
Asteroid 6 Hebe: The probable parent body of the H-type ordinary chondrites and the IIE iron meteorites

— The S(IV)-type asteroid 6 Hebe is identified as the probable parent body of the H-type ordinary chondrites and of the IIE iron meteorites. The ordinary chondrites are the most common type of meteorites falling to Earth; but prior to the present study, no large mainbelt source bodies have been confirmed. Hebe is located adjacent to both the v6 and 3:1 resonances and has been previously suggested as a major potential source of the terrestrial meteorite flux. Hebe exhibits subtle rotational spectral variations, indicating the presence of some compositional variations across its surface. The silicate portion of the surface assemblage of Hebe is consistent (both in overall average and in its range of variation) with the silicate components in the suite of H-type chondrites. The high albedo of Hebe rules out a lunar-style space weathering process to produce the weakened absorption features and reddish spectral slope in the S-type spectrum of Hebe. Linear unmixing models show that a typical Ni-Fe metal spectrum is consistent with the component that modifies an H-chondrite spectrum to produce the S-type spectrum of Hebe. On the basis of the association between the H chondrites and the HE iron meteorites, our model suggests that large impacts onto the relatively metal-rich H-chondrite target produced melt bodies (sheets or pods) that differentiated to form thin, laterally extensive near-surface layers of Ni-Fe metal. Fragments of the upper silicate portions of these melt bodies are apparently represented by some of the igneous inclusions in H-chondrite breccias. Alternately, masses of metal could have been deposited on the surface of Hebe by the impact of a core or core fragment from a differentiated parent body of H-chondrite composition. Subsequent impacts preferentially eroded and depleted the overlying silicate and regolith components, exposing and maintaining large masses of metal at the optical surface of Hebe. In this interpretation, the nonmagmatic IIE iron meteorites are samples of the Ni-Fe metal masses on the surface of Hebe, whereas the H chondrites are samples from between and/or beneath the metal masses.
The effects of dissecting tools on the trace element concentrations of fish and mussel tissues

A comparison of the effects of dissecting tools composed of various materials on the trace element content of the muscle of the marine bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, and the soft tissues of freshwater mussels, Eliptio complanatus and Lampsilus radiata, is presented. The fish were dissected with blades made of stainless steel, Lexan plastic, titanium, and Teflon-coated stainless steel. The mussels were dissected with stainless and Teflon tools only. Elements measured included As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, Te, V, and Zn. Significant concentration differences (P = 0.01) were not found for any element in fish or mussel samples dissected by the different tools.
The Effect of Storage on the Biomechanical Behavior of Articular Cartilage—A Large Strain Study

The transplantation of stored shell osteochondral allografts is a potentially useful alternative to total joint replacements for the treatment of joint ailments. The maintenance of normal cartilage properties of the osteochondral allografts during storage is important for the allograft to function properly and survive in the host joint. Since articular cartilage is normally under large physiological stresses, this study was conducted to investigate the biomechanical behavior under large strain conditions of cartilage tissue stored for various time periods (i.e., 3, 7, 28, and 60 days) in tissue culture media. A biphasic large strain theory developed for soft hydrated connective tissues was used to describe and determine the biomechanical properties of the stored cartilage. It was found that articular cartilage stored for up to 60 days maintained the ability to sustain large compressive strains of up to 40 percent or more, like normal articular cartilage. Moreover, the equilibrium stress-strain behavior and compressive modulus of the stored articular cartilage were unchanged after up to 60 days of storage.
A Precision Programmable Bipolar V/f Instrumentation Module

A precision bipolar voltage-to-frequency converter, which is computer-programmable from a digital interface, has been produced at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. Utilizing NIM packaging, the 1 MHz V/f has sixteen ranges and may be operated from panel controls as well as remotely programmed. Intended for use in magnetic measurements, good performance and versatility suggest wider application. The instrument is described and the circuit design is discussed in detail. Tests of the first unit are discussed and instrument specifications are given.
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy assessed by unannounced pill counts conducted by telephone.

BACKGROUND Unannounced pill counts conducted in patients’ homes is a valid objective method for monitoring medication adherence that is unfortunately costly and often impractical. Conducting unannounced pill counts by telephone may be a viable alternative for objectively assessing medication adherence.
Colonialism and Landscape in the Americas: Material/Conceptual Transformations and Continuing Consequences

Despite a congenital relationship between colonization and geographic scholarship, and despite the significance of colonial landscape transformation to current social and environmental challenges, a comprehensive geographic theory of colonialism and landscape remains incipient at best. In this article, a historical sketch provides some basic perspective on the scope appropriate to such a theory by outlining how the goals of scholarship on colonial landscape transformation have changed over the last century in relation to social and environmental context. The subsequent analysis compares and contrasts prior and existing conceptualizations of colonialism and landscape, each emphasizing particular elements and relationships at the expense of others but all thus jointly delineating what a more comprehensive framework must include. That analysis provides a preliminary basis for elaborating a comprehensive geographic theory of colonialism and landscape with an immediate focus on the Americas.
A new approach to professional liability reform: placing obligations of stakeholders ahead of their interests

The authors utilize stakeholder theory to provide a new analysis of the professional liability crisis, by identifying the major stakeholders in our current system of professional liability, their respective obligations and self-interests, and how these interests are advanced and constrained by the current system. This stakeholder analysis reveals a core ethical obligation of all stakeholders: the preservation of the integrity of our current judicial system. The adverse impact of the pursuit of stakeholder self-interests, rather than fulfillment of their core, shared ethical obligation, on achievement of the goals of the current system, the deterrence of unsafe practice and compensation of injured patients, is then identified. The authors argue that approaches to reform of professional liability in obstetrics be based upon the common obligation of the stakeholders to fulfill the goals of the system, because attempts to align the myriad self-interests of the stakeholders will be futile.
Trends in blood mercury concentrations and fish consumption among U.S. women of reproductive age, NHANES, 1999-2010.

Abstract Background Consumption of finfish and shellfish is the primary exposure pathway of methylmercury (MeHg) in the US. MeHg exposure in utero is associated with neurodevelopmental and motor function deficits. Regulations and fish advisories may contribute to decreased exposure to mercury over time. Objectives Combine fish tissue mercury (FTHg) concentrations and 1999–2010 NHANES blood mercury concentrations and fish consumption data to investigate trends in blood mercury concentrations, fish consumption, and mercury intake in women of reproductive age. Methods Blood MeHg was calculated from the blood total and inorganic concentrations. Dietary datasets were combined to estimate 30-day fish consumption, then combined with FTHg concentrations to estimate mercury intake and mercury concentration in the fish consumed. Non-linear and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate trends over time. Results Regression analysis found NHANES 1999–2000 to have higher blood MeHg concentrations than the mean of the later releases ( p p =0.004). No trend was observed in fish consumption amount or mercury intake. A decreasing trend was found in the ratio of mercury intake to fish consumed ( p =0.04). Conclusions The analyses found blood MeHg concentrations in NHANES 1999–2000 to be significantly higher than the mean of the later releases. There was no trend in fish consumption amount across the study period. The analysis found a decreasing trend in the ratio of mercury intake to fish consumed, consistent with women shifting their consumption to fish with lower mercury concentrations.
Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary: extensive late recurrence after initial occult microscopic disease

Abstract BACKGROUND: Late recurrence can be extensive with initial, clinically undetectable, microscopic granulosa cell tumor of the ovary. CASE: We describe an 83-year-old patient who presented with extensive recurrent granulosa cell tumor of the ovary 6 years after undergoing abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for atypical endometrial hyperplasia with an incidental microscopic finding of ovarian granulosa cell tumor. CONCLUSION: Patients must be monitored closely after a diagnosis of ovarian granulosa cell tumor, even if the tumor is occult.
The high-power sliding-spark capillary discharge in vacuum: Variations and applications

High-power sliding-spark capillary discharges in vacuum may be operated so as to obtain soft x-ray radiation that is dominated by either line emission or continuum emission. In the latter case, black-body emission is obtainable with emission efficiencies exceeding 30% of input power. Adjustments in the spectral output of the discharge are achievable either with a conically tapered capillary or with electron-beam assisted heating of the discharge. Such devices are useful for high-resolution contact microscopy of wet, unstained, thin biological samples as well as for lithography.
Scintigraphy for the detection and quantification of subglottic aspiration: Preliminary observations

Abstract Eleven patients with previously documented aspiration underwent a radioisotopic swallowing study to detect and quantify airway penetration. In those subjects able to complete a rapid-acquisition phase during swallowing, no laryngotracheal penetration was seen despite previous evidence of aspiration. However, sequential static pulmonary imaging showed significant aspiration in three individuals. Attempts were made to measure the percentage of ingested material aspirated and the clearance rate from the airways. Eight patients (73%) failed to show definite evidence of aspiration on scintigrams. It is hypothesized that the lack of scintigraphic detection in previously proven aspirators was due either to interval improvement of the dysphagia or to difficult-to-detect laryngotracheal aspiration. Isotopic imaging during swallowing appears to have little utility; however, after ingestion, the technique can demonstrate more distal penetration not detected on videofluoroscopy. More studies are suggested to better define the sensitivity and specificity of scintigraphy in aspiration detection and to determine whether these techniques have prognostic value that could alter patient management.
Inhibition of interferon induction and signaling by paramyxoviruses.

Summary: The family Paramyxoviridae comprises a diverse group of viruses that includes several important human and veterinary pathogens. Members of this family have a non-segmented, single-stranded, negative sense RNA genome, a conserved gene order, and a similar replication strategy. Paramyxoviruses are divided into two subfamilies, Paramyxovirinae and Pneumovirinae, which comprise five genera and two genera, respectively. Viruses in each genus have developed strategies to circumvent the interferon (IFN) response by using a diverse array of proteins that are encoded within the phosphoprotein genes of the Paramyxovirinae or non-structural genes of the Pneumovirinae. This review focuses on the specific roles that these viral proteins play in the inhibition of IFN signaling and, to a lesser extent, on the mechanisms by which these proteins inhibit the induction pathways of IFN. An improved understanding of the interactions between viral proteins and the host innate immune response is critical to achieving a thorough comprehension of the pathogenesis of this important group of viruses. Hopefully this knowledge will support the development of more targeted vaccines and therapeutics to better prevent and control viral infection.
A Loss Severity Model for Residential Mortgages

The loss severity model, combined with prepayment and default models, can be used to project loss-adjusted cash flows for mortgage pools and deals. In addition, the loss model can be used for identifying potentially risky loans in a portfolio of subprime loans. In this article we analyze loss severities on mortgage loans with varying borrower and loan characteristics, and we develop a predictive model for projecting losses. We also show that simplistic models that rely heavily on loan-to-value ratio produce unreliable loss severity projections and that a more comprehensive approach, such as the one described in this article, is required for accurately estimating credit risk.
Bent Line Quantile Regression with Application to an Allometric Study of Land Mammals' Speed and Mass

Quantile regression, which models the conditional quantiles of the response variable given covariates, usually assumes a linear model. However, this kind of linearity is often unrealistic in real life. One situation where linear quantile regression is not appropriate is when the response variable is piecewise linear but still continuous in covariates. To analyze such data, we propose a bent line quantile regression model. We derive its parameter estimates, prove that they are asymptotically valid given the existence of a change-point, and discuss several methods for testing the existence of a change-point in bent line quantile regression together with a power comparison by simulation. An example of land mammal maximal running speeds is given to illustrate an application of bent line quantile regression in which this model is theoretically justified and its parameters are of direct biological interests.
El derecho como promotor de inversiones en países de Latinoamérica

En este articulo se analiza, desde la perspectiva del caso paraguayo, como una legislacion interna de aplicacion nacional que sea promotora e incentivadora a la inversion local y extranjera, sumada a un marco juridico internacional e institucional adecuado que otorgue, a traves de los mecanismos de resolucion alternativa de controversias como son la mediacion y el arbitraje, confianza y seguridad a los inversores, tanto nacionales como extranjeros, en una region de escasa percepcion de seguridad juridica y de adecuadas garantias a los inversionistas, como lo es la integrada por los paises latinoamericanos, puede contribuir en forma decisiva y fundamental para promover y mejorar el nivel de inversiones en un pais determinado. Asimismo se formulan sugerencias y conclusiones para mejorar la estructura legal e institucional para la promocion de las inversiones en los paises latinoamericanos que integran el MERCOSUR y la UNASUR.
INSPECTION AND TESTING METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING PROCESSES PART I: SELECTION OF METHODOLOGY

A review of destructive and nondestructive inspection and testing methods used in manufacturing processes for the purpose of developing a sound quality assurance program. The study describes the process of selecting a particular inspection or testing te..
ACQUIRING ACQUISITIONS LIBRARIANS

Abstract Reopened, extended and second searches for professional acquisitions positions in academic libraries are studied in order to identify characteristics of the initial search and the need for and methods followed in the second search.
To love your country as your mother Patriotism after 9/11

The practical power of appeals to patriotism implies that patriotism in one form or another is here to stay. As such, arguments for the repudiation of patriotism cannot avoid seeming a bit utopian ...