cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological Studies of Reception of Facial Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SZ) are characterized by difficulty with social cognition and atypical reception of facial communication—a key area in the Research Domain Criteria framework. To identify areas of overlap and dissociation between ASD and SZ, we review studies of event-related potentials (ERP) to faces across ASD and SZ populations, focusing on ERPs implicated in social perception: P100, N170, N250, and P300. There were many inconsistent findings across studies; however, replication was strongest for delayed N170 latency in ASD and attenuated N170 amplitude in SZ. These results highlight the challenges of replicating research findings in heterogeneous clinical populations and the need for transdiagnostic research that continuously quantifies behavior and neural activity across neurodevelopmental disorders.
An open-source dual-beam spectrophotometer for citizen-science-based water quality monitoring

Abstract Efforts to understand and mediate threats to water supplies rely on collection of reliable data at large scale, a goal which is often limited by availability of tools that are both affordable and reliable. We present here a low-cost, easy-to-use, do-it-yourself (DIY) spectrometer for measurement of a variety of relevant solute concentrations when coupled with inexpensive commercially-available reagents. Comparison of its performance with commercial options demonstrates the potential value of this device as transparent, versatile, and accurate-enough alternative for widespread application.
Datawhys Phase 1: Problem Solving to Facilitate Data Science & STEM Learning Among Summer Interns

This design case details a data science summer learning experience designed by University of Memphis faculty for HBCU students (NSF #: 1918751) with recruiting assistance provided by LeMoyne-Owen College. The summer learning experience included elements of didactic and collaborative problem-solving during the first five weeks of the internship, followed by a three-week, team-based, problem-solving project using real-world data. While the course was originally designed as a face-to-face learning experience, the impact of COVID-19 necessitated a shift toward online digital spaces. The design case details the opportunities and challenges of STEM online learning and especially underscores the limitations of (a) existing data science technologies for instruction, (b) the shift toward instructional design of materials that supported more self-directed learning, and (c) collaborative problem-solving. Implications for design and practice are also considered.
International Focus Group Research: Planning international focus group research

Introduction I think that seventy percent of the effort for focus group discussions is in the planning, because once you have planned everything you are able to better control when things go wrong. (Researcher, Zambia) This chapter outlines the range of issues to be considered in planning international focus group research, highlighting the issues to be considered prior to beginning the fieldwork and once at the field location. Careful planning is fundamental to the successful implementation of focus group research, particularly when it is conducted in another country. The initial tasks involve clarifying the basic research issues, such as the research objectives, target population and utilisation of the research findings. Planning focus group research also involves seeking appropriate permissions, establishing local contacts, developing a suitable field team, providing training and organising logistics. All of these activities need to be conducted with sensitivity to local protocols, respect for cultural differences and a continued application of ethical principles. In addition, planning the research involves developing a realistic timetable and seeking an adequate budget. Conducting international focus group research also requires flexibility to meet the challenges that arise during the fieldwork process. However, with effective planning researchers can anticipate some of the difficulties that may occur and be in a better position to manage unexpected situations that may influence the quality of the research outcomes.
Application of Picosecond Spectroscopy to Organic Reaction Mechanisms

Organic reaction mechanisms are normally formulated in terms of bond rearrangements often without reference to the relevant time scale. This is due in part to the lack of information regarding the dynamics of structural rearrangements. For the most part the kinetics of reactions have been studied employing technologies that have inherent time resolutions that preclude direct observation of bond formation and cleavage processes. With the development of picosecond laser techniques one can begin to address in greater depth questions pertaining to the dynamics of chemical transformation. No longer is it necessary to describe the dynamics of structural rearrangements in terms of “greater than diffusion controlled”.
Hughlings Jackson’s Theory of Localization and Compensation

Hughlings Jackson might well have objected to the title of this book, but not because he eschewed either theory or controversy. Rather, I think he would have taken issue with the implications of the word “recovery.” It seems to imply the theoretical possibility of complete recovery; this he denied, at least at the physiological level in adults. “Compensation,” on the other hand, implies that one part may substitute for another to a greater or lesser degree. This concept arose almost inevitably from the theoretical base that he constructed for all of modem neurology.
Divergent Inducible Expression of P-Selectin and E-Selectin in Mice and Primates

We used in vitro and in vivo approaches to examine whether tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and oncostatin M (OSM), cytokines that bind to distinct classes of receptors, differentially regulate expression of P- and E-selectin in murine and primate endothelial cells. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells, TNF-alpha rapidly increased mRNA for E-selectin but not P-selectin. OSM elicited little or no change in mRNA for E-selectin, but induced a delayed and prolonged increase in P-selectin mRNA. TNF-alpha and OSM did not cooperate to further enhance P- or E-selectin mRNA. Intravenous infusion of Escherichia coli, which markedly elevates plasma lipopolysaccharide and TNF-alpha, increased mRNA for E-selectin but not P-selectin in baboons. In murine bEnd.3 endothelioma cells, TNF-alpha and OSM individually and cooperatively increased mRNA and protein for both P- and E-selectin. Intravenous injection of these cytokines also individually and cooperatively increased mRNA for P- and E-selectin in mice. We conclude that the murine P- and E-selectin genes respond to both TNF-alpha and OSM, whereas the primate P- and E-selectin genes have much more specialized responses. Such differences should be considered when extrapolating the functions of P- and E-selectin in murine models of inflammation to humans.
ИНСТРУМЕНТЫ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ПЕРСОНАЛОМ: КОНЦЕПЦИЯ КАЙЗЕН

Предложено применение слабо формализованных связей между подсистемами проектов, ориентированных на использование человеческого фактора, что создаёт основу для постоянного совершенствования организаций и порождает творческий климат
Wrestling with the New Economy: Judicial Rhetoric in Canadian Wrongful Dismissal Claims

Contemporary Law and Society scholars emphasize focused study of “law and the economy” yet empirical work on the legal implications of important economic transformations of the late twentieth century is limited. To address this issue, I analyze Canadian wrongful dismissal claims heard to judgment between 1981 and 1997 to understand how judges grappled with contradictions that arose between classic legal doctrine on the employment relationship, unstable economic conditions that limited employment opportunities for plaintiffs, and new business ideologies about employee expendability and flexibility. Findings demonstrate that judicial rhetoric was attentive to the contradictions that arose with the new economy, and unique responses were developed. These responses, however, varied according to specific socioeconomic contexts embedded within the seventeen‐year period under study. I conclude by suggesting the development of more dynamic theories of law and the economy to capture the ways in which law shifts in response to changing economic contexts.
Statistical gap Tauberian theorems in metric spaces

Abstract By using the concept of statistical convergence we present statistical Tauberian theorems of gap type for the Cesaro, Euler–Borel family and the Hausdorff families applicable in arbitrary metric spaces. In contrast to the classical gap Tauberian theorems, we show that such theorems exist in the statistical sense for the convolution methods which include the Taylor and the Borel matrix methods. We further provide statistical analogs of the gap Tauberian theorems for the Hausdorff methods and provide an explanation as to how the Tauberian rates over the gaps may differ from those of the classical Tauberian theorems.
Stationary Equilibria in an Overlapping Generations Economy with Stochastic Production

Abstract This paper generalizes the analyses of the existence, uniqueness, and stability of a non-trivial steady-state equilibrium in Galor and Ryder (J. Econ. Theory49 (1989), 360–375) to an overlapping generations economy with stochastic production. The study establishes sufficient conditions for the existence of a non-trivial stationary equilibrium as well as for the existence of a globally unique and stable non-trivial stationary equilibrium. It is shown that the existence of a non-trivial stationary equilibrium is not assured by conventional regularity conditions on the production function and preferences. Furthermore, multiplicity and indeterminacy of long-run equilibria appear to be commonplace. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C62, E13, O41.
Interfacial interactions of biomaterials in water decontamination applications

Understanding the fundamental aspects of transport through biomaterials is a necessity for a vast range of bio-related studies. Biofilm formation on the surface of adsorptive media such as granular activated carbon (GAC) has been extensively used to remove organic materials, nitrogen species, heavy metals, and other contaminants in wastewater treatment. In this study, a multilayer mass transfer system consisting of the reactor’s bulk fluid, diffusion layer, biofilm, and GAC is modeled. In order to consider the equilibrium at the interface of biofilm and activated carbon, Freundlich adsorption method is applied. The interfacial interactions are taken into account in the biodegradation process. The results of model prediction are compared with the available experimental data and show a very good agreement. The effect of biofilm formation on the reactor porosity is considered through a porous media approach. Furthermore, the influence of variation in particle diameters on the removal efficiency is studied. It can be seen that porosity alteration as a result of biofilm formation within the carbon bed has a noticeable effect on the removal efficiency.
Impact of Preventive Responses to Epidemics in Rural Regions

Various epidemics have arisen in rural locations through human-animal interaction, such as the H1N1 outbreak of 2009. Through collaboration with local government officials, we have surveyed a rural county and its communities and collected a dataset characterizing the rural population. From the respondents’ answers, we build a social (face-to-face) contact network. With this network, we explore the potential spread of epidemics through a Susceptible-Latent-Infected-Recovered (SLIR) disease model. We simulate an exact model of a stochastic SLIR Poisson process with disease parameters representing a typical influenza-like illness. We test vaccine distribution strategies under limited resources. We examine global and location-based distribution strategies, as a way to reach critical individuals in the rural setting. We demonstrate that locations can be identified through contact metrics for use in vaccination strategies to control contagious diseases.
A Comprehensive Embedded Systems Lab for Teaching Web-Based Remote Software Development

The paper discusses an approach to the implementation of a web-based lab to teach remote software development in courses focused on real-time embedded systems. The lab involves data acquisition and control access to remote devices as well as a capability of remote software development, uploading and debugging. Several different platforms are used focusing on teaching specific aspects of real-time embedded systems development, which includes: programming in VHDL at the chip design level, microcontroller programming at the board level, programming at the real-time kernel level with both Windows and Unix flavor, and using a broad spectrum of programming languages (C/C++, C#, Java, ASP.NET). Current lab status is presented and plans for future expansion are outlined.
An Instructional Cogeneration Laboratory Using Gas Turbine Technology

The Mechanical Engineering Department at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) has completed the design and constructed a $250,000 Instructional Cogeneration Laboratory devoted solely to undergraduate education. This facility will serve about 100 students per year in the Department’s Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) programs. The major components are a 75 kW natural gas fired gas turbine-generator connected to a electrical load bank, a waste heat boiler, four heat exchangers, an absorption chiller and an existing cooling tower. Computer based data acquisition will be used to monitor pressures, temperatures, flows and stack emissions. This project has provided an excellent learning experience for ME and MET students in their senior project classes. Initial laboratory exercises will measure performance of the major pieces of equipment; future plans call for developing a series of heat transfer experiments.© 1996 ASME
State-Level Political Context and Immigrant Homeownership in the USA

This study examines the relationship between the context of reception toward immigrants, as defined by the state-level political climate related to immigrants, and homeownership for foreign-born Latinos and Asians in the USA. We hypothesize that the passage of legislation that restricts individual rights or access to opportunities for immigrants sends an unwelcoming signal to immigrants, decreasing their level of comfort in the state and discouraging homeownership. Using data from the 2007 American Community Survey and data on immigrant legislation at the state-level from the National Conference of State Legislatures, we estimate probit models that predict the likelihood of homeownership for Latino and Asian immigrants living in unwelcoming or welcoming/neutral states. Research results suggest that residing in a state with an unwelcoming political climate toward immigrants is associated with lower likelihood of homeownership for Latino immigrants, but has no relationship with homeownership for Asian immigrants.
Procalcitonin levels in febrile infants after recent immunization.

BACKGROUND Procalcitonin has been identified as a useful blood marker of serious bacterial infection in febrile infants. Many infants present with a febrile reaction after receiving immunizations. The effects of immunization on procalcitonin have not been investigated. METHODS We performed a prospective observational cohort study at a large, urban pediatric emergency department. Infants or=38 degrees C were enrolled. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: infants with serious bacterial infection; subjects without serious bacterial infection who received recent (<48 hours) immunizations; and subjects without serious bacterial infection who did not recently receive immunizations. Procalcitonin was measured by using a quantitative immunometric assay. RESULTS Over 13 months, procalcitonin was measured for 271 infants. There were 44 (16%) patients with serious bacterial infection, 35 in the recent-immunization group, and 192 in the no-recent-immunization group. The median procalcitonin level for serious bacterial infection was 0.53 ng/mL, for recent immunization was 0.29 ng/mL, and for no recent immunizations was 0.17 ng/mL. Procalcitonin values were elevated for patients with serious bacterial infection compared with patients both with and without recent immunizations. Compared with patients who had no recent immunizations, procalcitonin levels were elevated in patients with recent immunization. Using a cut point of 0.12 ng/mL, the sensitivity of procalcitonin for serious bacterial infection was 96%, specificity was 23%, and negative predictive value was 96%. Two patients with recent immunization who had serious bacterial infection were identified with this cut point. CONCLUSIONS Among febrile infants with recent immunization, procalcitonin levels are increased compared with patients with fever and no identified bacterial infection. Despite this increase, procalcitonin can still reliably discriminate infants with serious bacterial infection.
Microwave irradiation and in vitro release of enzymes from hepatic lysosomes.

An exposure system for examining in vitro effects of microwave irradiation on cellular and subcellar components has been developed. The system was used to test the effect of 2.45-GHz CW microwaves on the release of two lysosomal enzymes. At a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 10, 50 or 100 mW/g (90 min) no effects were noted at 37° C (pH of 7.3) on lysosomal fragility as determined by the release of the lysosomal enzymes cathepsin D andβ-glucuronidase. When the medium was adjusted to pH 5.0, microwave irradiation of the lysosomal suspension had no effect on the acid-induced enhancement of release of lysosomal enzymes. The data indicate that microwave irradiation had no labilizing effect on the lysosomal membrane, although other microwave-membrane interactions not associated with enzyme release may occur.
Reevaluating the free-ion activity model of trace metal toxicity toward higher plants: Experimental evidence with copper and zinc

Across a diverse spectrum of organisms, the absorption and toxicity of trace elements are usually correlated with the activity of the free metal ion, but reported exceptions to this generalization are increasing. For the first time, we tested the validity of the free-ion activity model (FIAM) in the case of terrestrial plants and organic acids that may be abundant in the soil solution and rhizosphere. Short-term (48-h) root elongation of wheat (Triticum aestitvum L.) in a simple medium (2 mM CaCl2, pH 6.0) was used to probe the toxicity of Cu and Zn in the presence of malonate, malate, and citrate. Precautions were taken to prevent biodegradation of the organic acids, and its absence was confirmed by ion chromatography. Copper speciation was verified using a Cu-selective ion electrode, and published stability constants were modified to improve agreement between measured and calculated Cu2+ activities. With additions of both malonate and malate, Cu toxicity was alleviated but not to the extent predicted by the FIAM; the Cu-ligand complexes seemingly contributed to the toxicity. No such departures were observed with citrate and Cu nor with any of the three ligands in combination with Zn. Thus, exceptions to the FIAM occur with higher plants as well as with aquatic biota but do not seem to occur in a predictable or systematic fashion with respect to metal or organic acid under investigation. Several possible explanations for the observed departures from the FIAM are discussed, including the possibility of accidental cotransport of metal and ligand into the cytoplasm.
Suspected relative adrenal insufficiency in a critically ill cat

Objective: To describe a case of likely relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) in a cat with critical illness. Case summary: A cat recovering from polytrauma developed hypotension unresponsive to intravenous fluid support and vasopressor therapy. An adrenocorticotropin hormone stimulation test documented insufficient adrenal function. Treatment with exogenous low-dose glucocorticoids in addition to standard therapies resulted in rapid hemodynamic and clinical improvement. The cat ultimately recovered and was weaned from supplemental glucocorticoids. New or unique information provided: This is the first report of changes consistent with acquired RAI in a cat with critical illness.
Teaching advanced network security concepts to high school students in a laboratory-based summer camp environment

The Cyber Cave is a student learning program and recruitment tool jointly administrated by Murray State University's Program of Distinction in Telecommunications Systems Management and the Murray State University Center for Telecommunications Management. The Cyber Cave summer camp is a free week-long camp in which high school students attend to learn about and build a complex voice and data network. Students are exposed to several advanced technologies such as network security and are assigned many tasks such as building an advanced bridging firewall using the Linux operating system. Teaching such complex concepts can be very difficult to students with little to no prior experience with network security. This paper describes the approach used by the Murray State University Cyber Cave to expose high school students to advanced network security concepts. It details both the pedagogical and technical issues of how to approach such a complex and challenging task and analyzes the results of the experience as a recruitment tool for the Telecommunications Systems Management program at Murray State University.
An improved method for extracting sulfate from bituminous coals using formic acid

In connection with the determination of sulfate S, the sulfur mass balance for four bituminous coals was determined using different extraction procedures, including use of 1 M and 4.8 M HCl under nitrogen and under air, and at room temperature, 95 degrees C and boiling point. Since HCl extractions yielded poor S mass balances (as low as 83%), acid extraction with formic acid was also evaluated, Extractions with formic acid gave better S mass balances than those obtained using HCl, and the sulfate S yields agreed with those measured by the ASTM D-2492 HCl procedure. S-34/S-32 ratios determined by stable sulfur isotope mass spectrometry demonstrated that formic acid extraction was more selective for sulfate sulfur than the more rigorous HCl extractions.
Affinities and selectivities of divalent cation binding sites within an RNA tertiary structure.

A 58 nucleotide fragment of Escherichia coli large subunit ribosomal RNA, nucleotides 1051 to 1108, adopts a specific tertiary structure normally requiring both monovalent (NH4+ or K+) and divalent (Mg2+) ions to fold; this ion-dependent structure is a prerequisite for recognition by ribosomal protein L11. Melting experiments have been used to show that a sequence variant of this fragment, GACG RNA, is able to adopt a stable tertiary structure in the presence of 1.6 M NH4Cl and absence of divalent ions. The similarity of this high-salt structure to the tertiary structure formed under more typical salt conditions (0.1 M NH4Cl and several mM MgCl2) was shown by its following properties: (i) an unusual ratio of hyperchromicity at 260 nm and 280 nm upon unfolding, (ii) selectivity for NH4+ over K+ or Na+, (iii) stabilization by L11 protein, and (iv) further stabilization by added Mg2+. Delocalized electrostatic interactions of divalent ions with nucleic acids should be very weak in the presence of >1 M monovalent salt; thus stabilization of the tertiary structure by low ( Ca2+ >Sr2+ >Ba2+). Weak cooperative or anticooperative interactions between the sites, also dependent on ion radius, may also be taking place.
The eating experience after treatment for head and neck cancer: A review of the literature.

Summary Purpose: Research has identified significant challenges that patients experience following treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC). These include the physical and emotional impacts of the diagnosis and treatment, which compound weight loss and negatively impact eating ability. There is limited research about the lived experience and the changed meaning of food, eating and the eating experience after treatment for patients with HNC. The purpose of this review was to explore available research pertinent to the lived experiences of patients in regards to the changed meaning of food, eating and the eating experience after treatment for HNC. Principal results: The review identified a limited number of studies that focused on the eating experience and/or the changed meaning of food after a HNC diagnosis. However, the findings do highlight that there are physical, psychological/emotional and social losses associated with the changed meaning of food and eating within the HNC population. Conclusions: The eating experience is impacted after treatment for HNC. Physical, emotional and social losses in regards to the eating experience have been identified. Acknowledging the significance of eating challenges and the changed meaning of food is necessary to ensure patients receive the appropriate management and support to best manage these challenges in a timely manner.
Determination of the liquid surface composition of a binary mixture by photoelectron spectroscopy — adiponitrile and tris(dioxa-3,6-heptyl)amine

Abstract The Hc(l) photoelectron spectra of the liquid surfaces of adiponitrile, tris(dioxa-3,6-heptyl)amine and mixtures of the two have been measured and the ratio of concentrations derived by spectrum stripping. Using Gibbs' adsorption equation, the surface concentrations themselves were calculated. The results are consistent with a surface in which a monolayer of flattened amine molecules overlies a denser layer of adiponitrilc. The depth of surface sampled is between 1 and 2 monolayers.
Man-made radionuclides and sedimentation in the Hudson River estuary

Recently deposited fine-grained sediments in the Hudson River estuary contain radionuclides from global fallout produced by atmospheric bomb tests as well as from low-level releases of a local nuclear reactor. Accumulation rates of these nuclides are dependent on rates of sediment deposition and vary with location in the estuary by more than two orders of magnitude. Within the Hudson estuary, New York harbor is currently the zone of most rapid deposition of sediments containing radionuclides, some of which were released from a nuclear reactor about 60 kilometers upstream of the harbor.
Physical Mechanisms Responsible for Ice Adhesion

We studied an electrostatic model of ice adhesion based on the existence of the surface states of protonic charge carriers on the surface of ice. At distances greater than one intermolecular distan...
Cogeneration: History, Current Status, and Future Challenges

Cogeneration is defined as the sequential production of thermal and electrical energy from a single fuel source. Increasing costs of fuel and energy, together with the concerns for the environment due to pollutant emissions are driving factors for the implementation of cogeneration in industries. This paper discusses the history, current status and future of cogeneration. The discussion of cogeneration is based on the prime movers used in the cogeneration systems, and two case studies are provided as examples of the application of cogeneration in manufacturing and industrial plants.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Decreased expression of BRCA1 accelerates growth and is often present during sporadic breast cancer progression

We have characterized expression of the familial breast and ovarian cancer gene, BRCA1, in cases of non-hereditary (sporadic) breast cancer and analyzed the effect of antisense inhibition of BRCA1 on the proliferative rate of mammary epithelial cells. BRCA1 mRNA levels are markedly decreased during the transition from carcinoma in situ to invasive cancer. Experimental inhibition of BRCA1 expression with antisense oligonucleotides produced accelerated growth of normal and malignant mammary cells, but had no effect on non-mammary epithelial cells. These studies suggest that BRCA1 may normally serve as a negative regulator of mammary epithelial cell growth whose function is compromised in breast cancer either by direct mutation or alterations in gene expression.
Hibernation: intestinal protozoa populations in ground squirrels.

Quantitative analyses of protozoans provided estimates of caecal populations before and after periods of hibernation in squirrels. In Citellus lateralis and C. beldingi, Entamoeba citelli is lost from the caecum during hibernation, whereas Entamoeba sp. (similar to E. muris) survives. Animals removed from the cold room while torpid failed to regain infections of E. citelli after resumption of normal activity. Both amoebae survived in caeca of animals kept active throughout winter at warmer temperatures. Few cysts of either amoeba were passed by active animals. The average number of cysts passed (0.42/pellet) was not increased by short periods of starvation. After the first week of hibernation, no cysts were recovered. Viable cysts of Entamoeba citelli were recovered from dried feces stored for 168 days. Cysts of Entamoeba sp. from the same feces were nonviable. This exceptional ability to survive may be due in part to the uniquely thick cyst wall of E. citelli. Ingestion of feces containing cysts was observed in animals not infected with Entamoeba. Several of these animals acquired infections and began passing cysts within 1 month. E. citelli survives winter as an infectious cyst outside its hibernating host. Reinfection occurs in the spring when hibernation is over.
Effect of emergency department crowding on time to antibiotics in patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia.

Study objective We hypothesize that emergency department (ED) volume and increased patient complexity are associated with lower quality of care, as measured by time to antibiotics for patients being admitted with community-acquired pneumonia. Methods This was a cross-sectional study at a university tertiary care hospital ED. Community-acquired pneumonia patients admitted from the ED and discharged between January 2004 and June 2005 were reviewed by our institution for The Joint Commission's antibiotic timing core measure. Medical records were abstracted for patient age, sex, race, mode of transport, arrival time, triage acuity, inpatient level of care, and arrival-to-antibiotic-administration times. Controlling for patient characteristics, multivariate logistic regression determined association of antibiotic administration within 4 hours of arrival, with total ED volume at the time of the community-acquired pneumonia patient's arrival, and with number of ED patients requiring admission at the time of arrival. Results Four hundred eighty-six patients were eligible for the study; antibiotic administration time was available for 405. Sixty-one percent of patients received antibiotics within 4 hours. Antibiotic administration within 4 hours was less likely with a greater number of patients (odds ratio 0.96 per additional patient; 95% confidence interval 0.93 to 0.99) and a greater number of patients ultimately admitted (odds ratio 0.93 per patient; 95% confidence interval 0.88 to 0.99) in the ED. The effect of additional patients was present below total ED capacity. Conclusion As ED volume increases, ED patients with community-acquired pneumonia are less likely to receive timely antibiotic therapy. The effect of additional patients appears to occur even at volumes below the maximum bed capacity. Measures to ensure that quality targets are met in the ED should consider the impact of ED volume.
Linguistic competence, reading, writing problems and remediation

The nature of the relation between oral language knowledge and reading behavior has been a matter of empirical and pedagogical inquiry for some time. In recent years, old observations on postulated relations have re-emerged and been described by new terminology. The necessity of relating orthography to phonology, or letters to sounds, addressed some 50 years ago in the writings of Bloomfield ( 1933), has resurfaced over the past decade as the necessity of bringing to awareness the phonological categories represented by letter symbols (Mattingly 1972; 1979). The ability to use higher order linguistic knowledge in reading, so well de scribed by Huey (1908) some eighty years ago, has over the past decade been described in the works of Halliday and Hasan (1976), Anderson (1978), and Rumelhart (1976; 1980). Regardless of the particular position held regarding the "precise" nature of the relation, all past and present theorists claim a relation between oral language knowledge and reading. A question that logically arises from the claim that there is a relation between oral language and reading is: Do all children with reading problems have a language problem? The answer to this question, as re gards children in regular classes, appears to be "yes," except for that com paratively small percentage of children who may have a visual perceptual problem (Shankweiler and Liberman 1972). However, the nature of the language problem which is the presumed basis for the reading problem may vary among children. A partial rationale for this position is the variable nature of the language problems of children with clearly diagnosed language problems. Even though these children have been diagnosed as belonging to a particular population (for example, dys phasic, autistic, cerebral palsied, etc.), the language problems of children
To download or not to download: an examination of computer security decision making

for tomorrow’s test when your antivirus software prompts you with a message indicating new virus definitions are available. Would you update the antivirus software now or later or not at all? Imagine now that you’re browsing online and you receive an instant message (IM) with a friendly greeting and a Web page link from one of your IM buddies. She asks that you follow the link to see an amusing picture. You’re not busy at the moment but would you click on the link? These vignettes illustrate the kinds of computer-security situations that people encounter on a daily basis. They are often mundane, seemingly small decisions that hide the potential for a security incident. While new authentication mechanisms can replace passwords to offer more secure and user-friendly security, any computer security situation that involves an action or decision from the user is open to risk. Therefore, understanding how users perceive and make security decisions is fundamental to designing security features that users will use and use well.
Impact and Temporal Trends of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the Drug-Eluting Stent Versus Bare Metal Stent Eras

Limited published data exist about how the introduction of drug-eluting stents (DESs) has affected the technical aspects of percutaneous coronary intervention and in-hospital patient outcomes in clinical practice. A total of 2,215 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for de novo coronary artery disease were divided into 2 cohorts: the pre-DES era (May 1, 2002 to April 30, 2003) and the DES era (May 1, 2003 to April 30, 2004). The procedural success rates (94.9% vs 96.4%, respectively; p = 0.075) and the in-hospital major adverse events (6.4% vs 5.7%, respectively; p = 0.53) were similar between the pre-DES and DES eras. The DES percentage of use increased from 49.5% in the first quarter to 84.1% in the final quarter of the first year after the introduction of this technology (p <0.0001). The results of our study have shown that despite more complex percutaneous coronary intervention procedures with tendencies for more complete lesion coverage and anatomic revascularization, the procedural success and in-hospital outcomes have been comparable since the introduction of DESs.
Short-period mutations of per affect a double-time-dependent step in the Drosophila circadian clock

Abstract Circadian (24 hour) PERIOD (PER) protein oscillation is dependent on the double-time ( dbt ) gene, a casein kinase I e homolog [1–3]. Without dbt activity, hypophosphorylated PER proteins over-accumulate, indicating that dbt is required for PER phosphorylation and turnover [3,4]. There is evidence of a similar role for casein kinase I e in the mammalian circadian clock [5,6]. We have isolated a new dbt allele, dbt ar , which causes arrhythmic locomotor activity in homozygous viable adults, as well as molecular arrhythmicity, with constitutively high levels of PER proteins, and low levels of TIMELESS (TIM) proteins. Short-period mutations of per , but not of tim , restore rhythmicity to dbt ar flies. This suppression is accompanied by a restoration of PER protein oscillations. Our results suggest that short-period per mutations, and mutations of dbt , affect the same molecular step that controls nuclear PER turnover. We conclude that, in wild-type flies, the previously defined PER‘short domain' [7,8] may regulate the activity of DBT on PER.
The occurrence and measurement of multiphase equilibria behavior

Abstract Process applications that depend on or are affected by multiphase equilibria are enumerated. A topographical discussion of the way multiphase liquid-liquid-vapor and solid-liquid-vapor equilibria manifest themselves in thermodynamic phase space is offered, supported by references to the behaviour of selected mixtures. Recent studies by investigators of multiphase equilibria behavior are cited, with attention being directed to their experimental methodologies.
The Therapeutic Community: exploring the boundaries ⋆

The past 20 years have demonstrated the effectiveness of therapeutic community (TC) treatment for drug abuse as it evolved in the United States. We now better understand the influence that psychodynamic features of TC treatment have on character disorder. Best perceived as a setting designed--as society is not--to encourage and support social learning, the TC has succeeded in modifying its programs and adapting self-help methods to serve drug abusers of all kinds and abusers of all drugs. Continued evolution of the TC depends upon development of its already-demonstrated capacity to affect disordered behaviour other than drug abuse. The growth of disordered populations in the United States and increasingly in Great Britain gives urgency to such future employment. Therapeutic communities and TC-like programs for non-drug abusers already exist. But widespread use depends upon strengthening the theoretical underpinnings of TC treatment and establishing closer working relationships between TC's and mainstream medical, mental health and social service institutions.
The intrinsic migratory capacity of memory T cells contributes to their accumulation in rheumatoid synovium.

Objective. Mechanisms controlling the infiltration of T cells into rheumatoid synovium have not been fully characterized. These studies were undertaken to investigate the relationship between T cell phenotype and migratory capacity, so as to elucidate mechanisms that might contribute to the accumulation of T cells at inflammatory sites. Methods. The characteristics of in vivo migrating cells were studied by dual-immunofluorescence FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorter) analysis of rheumatoid synovial and peripheral blood T cells. Migratory cells were also characterized using a recently developed in vitro assay, wherein peripheral blood T lymphocytes (PBTL) with the capacity to migrate through endothelial cell monolayers were retrieved and assessed. Results. Migratory CD4+ T cells from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and normal individuals were characterized as being CD45RA-, CD29bright, CD11abright, L-selectin-, CD54+, and CD58+. Migrating RA PBTL (compared with normal PBTL), however, were significantly enriched in activated HLA—DR+ T cells. RA synovial tissue lymphocytes exhibited a similar phenotype, but with decreased surface density of CD4 and an increase in HLA-DR and VLA-1. RA synovial lymphocytes exhibited a 2–3-fold increase in migratory capacity over normal and RA PBTL. Conclusion. These studies demonstrate the inherent migratory proficiency of CD4+ T cells that express a memory phenotype (CD29bright, CD11abright, and CD58+). In addition, enhanced transendothelial migration was observed for CD4+ T cells that were CD54+ and L-selectin—. These studies demonstrate that the migratory patterns of circulating lymphocytes may be correlated with their surface phenotype and that the intrinsic migratory capacity of memory T cells is one component contributing to their accumulation in the rheumatoid synovium.
Configurations and deviations of root canals of maxillary first premolars

Abstract One hundred plastic casts of the root canals of human maxillary first premolars were made and studied. The results revealed five morphologic categories ranging from teeth with one root, one canal, and one foramen to teeth with three roots, three canals, and three foramina. The incidence of maxillary first premolars with three roots, three canals, and three foramina was 6.0 per cent in this investigation as compared with previous findings which ranged from 0.0 to 1.2 per cent.
Identification of atomic numbers up to Z=60 by means of ΔE-E telescopes and a computerized method

Abstract A very sensitive method for the location of individual atomic numbers in ΔE - E telescope data is presented. Identification of elements up to Z =60 can be obtained for fragments from heavy ion deep-inelastic processes in the energy range of 1–3 MeV/amu using a telescope with ionization chamber ΔE and solid state E detector 1 ).
Microcanonical simulation of the four-dimensional SU(2) non-linear sigma model

Abstract We numerically study the four-dimensional SU(2) non-linear sigma model in the microcanonical ensemble by a method that directly enumerates the partition function. We studied lattices of sizes up to 8 4 and were able to compute the critical coupling to good accuracy and estimate the exponent ν. The method we describe can easily be extended to study theories where the measure is non-positive definite such as sigma models with a Wess-Zumino-Witten topological term.
Methylphenidate sensitization is prevented by prefrontal cortex lesion.

Abstract Methylphenidate (MPD), also known as Ritalin, is a widely used treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Repeated administration of MPD causes dose-dependent sensitization. MPD binds to dopamine (DA) transporters, and DA, therefore, remain in the synaptic cleft for longer time, resulting in an indirect DA agonist effect. MPD affects neurotransmission in brain regions including the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The mechanisms of sensitization to MPD are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of prefrontal cortex in effects of acute and chronic MPD administration, using the open field assay and male Sprague–Dawley rats with bilateral electrolytic lesions of PFC. After 1 day of control recording, following saline injection, the animals were divided randomly into three groups, (1) an intact control group, (2) a sham group, and (3) a lesion group. Then, groups 2 and 3 underwent surgery, followed by 5 days of recovery. Recordings were resumed following 1 day of saline injection and following six consecutive daily injections of 2.5 mg/kg MPD, 3 days of washout period, and another day of re-challenge injection of 2.5 mg/kg MPD. Acute MPD elicited increases in locomotor activity, similar to those observed from intact animals, in both sham and lesion groups. The sham group was behaviorally sensitized while the PFC lesion group failed to exhibit behavioral sensitization. These results suggest that the PFC does not interfere with the acute effects of MPD on locomotor activity but is required for development of behavioral sensitization to MPD.
Enzyme activities and biological functions of snake venoms

While snake venoms are well characterized pharmacologically, the evolutionary history and functional utility of snake venoms has not been thoroughly investigated. Hypotheses advanced over the past hundred years suggest that snake venoms may increase evolutionary fitness by facilitating one or more of three functions; prey capture, defense, and digestion. This review provides a new approach to analyzing these hypotheses by reviewing patterns of venom enzyme activity from over one hundred species of venomous snakes. The patterns uncovered suggest that venoms found among the subfamilies, Elapinae, Viperinae, and Crotalinae do not statistically differ with regard to phospholipase A2, phosphomonoesterase, and phosphodiesterase activities. While this finding supports theories that venomous snakes may have evolved from a single common ancestor, viperine and crotaline venoms are shown to have proteolytic activities (e.g. L-amino acid oxidase, nonspecific endopeptidase, and trypsin-like activity) that are dramatically higher than elapine venoms. The proteolytic activities of venoms are significantly higher in the more recently derived crotalines, suggesting that the evolution of these venoms may be influenced by their digestive function. This review also introduces a novel index for comparing 'toxic risk', a measure that takes into account venom yield as well as toxicity. The results suggest that the toxic risk of these three subfamilies do not differ significantly despite their distinct evolutionary histories. This review also identifies taxa whose venom enzyme activities are dissimilar from their confamilials. Because of their unique venom properties, taxa whose venom greatly differs from their confamilials may prove useful for testing forthcoming hypotheses about the biological function and evolutionary history of snake venoms.
Single-mask fabrication of high-G piezoresistive accelerometers with extended temperature range

This paper presents a fabrication process in which all components of an in-plane piezoresistive accelerometer are fabricated simultaneously using a single mask. By dry-etching a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer that has a specific resistivity, piezoresistors are defined and isolated from each other and from the bulk silicon without the pn-junctions normally required in piezoresistive sensors. In addition to simplifying the fabrication, the temperature range is also extended when compared to conventional piezoresistive accelerometers, due to the absence of pn-junctions. Single-axis accelerometers, designed for an acceleration range of 1 G to 500 G with a sensitivity of 1 mV G−1, were fabricated and tested, and linear output characteristics were demonstrated. The temperature performance was also characterized. The temperature coefficient of sensitivity (TCS) was 0.3% °C−1 and the temperature coefficient of offset (TCO) was 20 mG °C−1.
Template-directed synthesis of oligoguanylates in the presence of metal ions.

Abstract We have studied the condensation reaction of ImpG † on a poly(C) template, in the presence of various metal ions. With Mg 2+ as co-catalyst we confirmed that Pb 2+ and Zn 2+ are effective catalysts. A catalytic effect was also observed for Bi 3+ , Sb 3+ and Mn 2+ . Bi 3+ and Sn 2+ , like Pb 2+ , favored the formation of 2′-5′ linkages. With Mn 2+ a rather complex mixture of oligomers is formed, some of which contain pyrophosphate linkages. None of the metal ions investigated behaved like Zn 2+ in favoring the formation of the naturally occurring 3′-5′ linkages.
Pigmented Follicular Cysts

Pigmented follicular cysts are newly described cutaneous cysts with characteristic histology. They are usually single pigmented lesions occurring in men between 20 and 63 years of age that often are mistaken for nevi. The eighth case of this newly described cyst is presented; a brief review of epithelial cysts and how they differ from pigmented follicular cysts also is reported.