cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gene Expression Signatures Characterized by Longitudinal Stability and Interindividual Variability Delineate Baseline Phenotypic Groups with Distinct Responses to Immune Stimulation

Human immunity exhibits remarkable heterogeneity among individuals, which engenders variable responses to immune perturbations in human populations. Population studies reveal that, in addition to interindividual heterogeneity, systemic immune signatures display longitudinal stability within individuals, and these signatures may reliably dictate how given individuals respond to immune perturbations. We hypothesize that analyzing relationships among these signatures at the population level may uncover baseline immune phenotypes that correspond with response outcomes to immune stimuli. To test this, we quantified global gene expression in peripheral blood CD4+ cells from healthy individuals at baseline and following CD3/CD28 stimulation at two time points 1 mo apart. Systemic CD4+ cell baseline and poststimulation molecular immune response signatures (MIRS) were defined by identifying genes expressed at levels that were stable between time points within individuals and differential among individuals in each state. Iterative differential gene expression analyses between all possible phenotypic groupings of at least three individuals using the baseline and stimulated MIRS gene sets revealed shared baseline and response phenotypic groupings, indicating the baseline MIRS contained determinants of immune responsiveness. Furthermore, significant numbers of shared phenotype-defining sets of determinants were identified in baseline data across independent healthy cohorts. Combining the cohorts and repeating the analyses resulted in identification of over 6000 baseline immune phenotypic groups, implying that the MIRS concept may be useful in many immune perturbation contexts. These findings demonstrate that patterns in complex gene expression variability can be used to define immune phenotypes and discover determinants of immune responsiveness.
Outsourcing and Innovation

Michael Porter and Jan Rivkin in a March 2012 Harvard Business Review article argue that problems associated with the current recession pale in comparison to the problems of national competitivenes...
Utilization of Service Learning in Emergency Management Programs in the United States

Emergency management academic programs continue to strive toward linking students’ theoretical and practical knowledge before they enter the evolving and challenging field of emergency management. ...
As escolas e o enigma do AGCS (Acordo Geral de Comercio de Servicos)

This article aims at focusing on the GATS and its influence over state schools in England. The two first sections provide an overview of the GATS and the WTO. The third section deals with the implications and effects of these agreements to public schools. The conclusion is that every aspect of our lives is potentially open to capital invasion and that the commercial administration of our schools is an aspect of this
Comparison of low-dose and standard-dose total skin electron beam therapy in mycosis fungoides.

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, comprising approximately two-thirds of cases [1]. MF typically follows an indolent course marked by relapse after treatment with...
Autophoresis of two adsorbing/desorbing particles in an electrolyte solution

Classical diffusiophoresis describes the motion of particles in an electrolyte or non-electrolyte solution with an imposed concentration gradient. We investigate the autophoresis of two particles in an electrolyte solution where the concentration gradient is produced by either adsorption or desorption of ions at the particle surfaces. We find that when the sorption fluxes are large, the ion concentration near the particle surfaces, and consequently the Debye length, is strongly modified, resulting in a nonlinear dependence of the phoretic speed on the sorption flux. In particular, we show that the phoretic velocity saturates at a finite value for large desorption fluxes, but depends superlinearly on the flux for adsorption fluxes, where both conclusions are in contrast with previous results that predict a linear relationship between autophoretic velocity and sorption flux. Our theory can also be applied to precipitation/dissolution and other surface chemical processes.
A 1 Gbps 3.5-4.75 km Communication Link Based on a 5G 28 GHz 8×8 Phased-Array

This paper presents a 200 Mbps to 1 Gbps communication link at a distance of 3.5-4.75 km using two highperformance 28 GHz 8×8 phased-arrays. The 8×8 transmit array achieves an EIRP of 53–54 dBm to overcome the 132.5-135.2 dB path loss at these large distances. The error vector magnitude (EVM) was measured with different data rates and at different scan angles in the azimuth plane. An EVM of <36% was achieved for a maximum data rate of 1 Gbps, which is enough for QPSK with FEC (forward error correction). At 200 Mbps with QPSK modulation, an EVM of 17% was achieved. To our knowledge, this work is the first demonstration of communication links at few kilometers using 5G phased-arrays.
Zeros of Riemann's Zeta Function are Uniformly Distributed, but not Random: An Answer to Calude's Open Problem.

It is known that the imaginary parts of the roots of the Riemann’s ζ−function are uniformly distributed. This fact led Calude to a natural question: is the corresponding sequence (of binary expansions merged together) random in the sense of Martin-Lof? Our answer is negative: this sequence is not random.
Decay-Free Radiation in Uniform Grating Couplers with Exceptional Points

We report a grating coupler capable to efficiently project a constant-intensity free-space beam due to exceptional points in a photonic band diagram. Our device enables a new route to project arbitrarily wide free-space top-hat beams.
The development of remote laboratory sessions at the stability wind tunnel of virginia tech during the coronavirus pandemic

This paper discusses the remote delivery of wind tunnel experiments performed at the Stability Wind Tunnel of Virginia Tech, in April 2020, during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic The originally in-person laboratories were transformed to entirely remote sessions, on a time-frame of a few weeks, to ensure the delivery of the laboratory sessions and the safety of all participants via social distancing and the use of widely-available video conferencing software The paper outlines the structure of the laboratory sessions, comprising the tour of the facility, data acquisition, and data visualization alongside with all information technology components used to ensure the successful remote delivery of the laboratory sessions After the two-week-long experimental campaign, participating students provided feedback on the efficacy of the laboratories via a detailed questionnaire It was found that the students were highly satisfied with the remote delivery of the laboratory sessions but showed a preference for in-person laboratories © 2021, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA All rights reserved
GPR clutter suppression by online stochastic tensor decomposition

The clutter suppression is an active research area for ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and the current trends use low rank and sparse decomposition (LRSD) based methods which provide an overwhelming...
Non-Rheumatic Immune-Related Adverse Events

With expanding use of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) is increasing, posing a new clinical challenge for practitioners. The spectrum and incidence of irAEs differ by the immune checkpoint molecule that is blocked, such that CTLA-4 inhibitors are associated with colitis and hypophysitis, while PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with pneumonitis and thyroiditis. However, despite ICI type, irAEs can affect every organ system in the body. Improved irAE outcomes are related to their timely recognition and management. This chapter explores what is known about the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of non-rheumatic irAEs. In addition, we include an examination of late-breaking research into the prevention and management of irAEs.
An independent examination of the equivalence of the standard and digital administration formats of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-5th Edition.

Abstract A new administration format for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fifth Edition (WISC-V; Wechsler, 2014) was introduced in 2016 on Q-interactive, Pearson's digital platform for test administration and scoring. The current study examined the measurement unit equivalence of the WISC-V standard and digital administration formats using counter-balanced administration of the 10 primary subtests to measure intellectual ability. The results indicated that correlations (r) between standard scores on subtests and composites administered in each format were generally moderate, with mean rs of 0.64 for subtests and 0.71 for composites after correction for attenuation, with the lowest rs for processing speed. Split-plot ANOVAs were conducted to examine within-subjects main effects for administration format and order and their interaction. The results of these analyses revealed significant main effects for format for the Full Scale IQ and Processing Speed composite scores, with small to medium effect sizes (ds > 0.40). These format effects largely stemmed from the non-equivalence of the Coding subtest, which is used to derive both composites. For Coding, the main effect for format was statistically significant, with a large effect size (d = 0.69). Statistically significant administration order by format interaction effects were also observed for a number of composites and subtests, with medium to large effect sizes (ƞps2 > 0.20). In each case, higher mean scores were observed when the WISC-V was administered first in digital format. Implications of these results for research and practice are discussed.
Behavioural plasticity of motor personality traits in the common vole under three-day continual observation in a test box.

Abstract In animals, behavioural personality traits have been well-documented in a wide array of species. However, these traits, different between individuals, are not completely stable in individuals. They show behavioural plasticity like many other phenotypic traits. This plasticity is able to overcome some weak aspects of personality trait behavioural strategy. In the present study, we examined the relationship between motor personality traits and behavioural plasticity in the common vole (Microtus arvalis) using a PhenoTyper (PT) box (Noldus). During a three-day test, four behavioural motor activity parameters were monitored in 47 voles: distance moved, (loco)motion duration, motion change frequency, sprint duration. Consistency repeatability (RC) of the parameters from the PT test was very high, with all values ≥ 0.91. To select the best linear mixed-effect models (LMMs), several predictors (test day, sex, body weight) were tested. Only test day had a significant effect on the dependent variables and other predictors did not improve the LMMs. Further, we found significant effects of random intercepts (motor personality traits) and slopes (behavioural plasticity), as well as significant negative correlations between them for all behavioural parameters. Our results indicate that motor personality traits were connected with behavioural plasticity. Moreover, we revealed a significant positive correlation between the random slopes of (loco)motion duration and motion change frequency. This relationship could indicate some central plasticity of motor personality traits. In conclusion, negative correlations between the motor personality traits and the behavioural plasticity demonstrate expression of convergent tendency from both opposite trait values. This corresponds with different ideas on ability to compensate personality effects or to prepare for potential future conditions. In the laboratory, plasticity of personality traits take place whenever an animal is placed e. g. in a breeding box for the first time or is left for a long time in an experimental apparatus.
Efficacy of the Method of Four Coefficients to Determine Charge-Carrier Scattering

The investigation of the electronic properties of semiconductors from transport measurements (i.e., resistivity, Hall, and Seebeck coefficient measurements) is challenging due to the averaging of charge-carrier dynamics inherent in such measurements. Here, we investigate the incorporation of a fourth measurement of electronic transport, the Nernst coefficient, into the analysis, termed the method of four coefficients. This approach yields the Fermi level, effective mass, scattering exponent, and relaxation time prefactor. We begin with a review of the underlying mathematics and investigate the mapping between the four-dimensional material property and transport coefficient spaces. We then investigate how the traditional single-parabolic band method yields a single, potentially incorrect point on the solution subspace. This uncertainty can be resolved through Nernst coefficient measurements and we map the span of the ensuing subspace. We conclude with an investigation of how sensitive the analysis of transport coefficients is to experimental error for different sample types.
Student defensiveness as a threshold to reflective learning in software design

Reflective practice is considered to play an important role in students' learning as they encounter difficult material. However, students in this situation sometimes do not behave reflectively, but in less productive and more problematic ways. This paper investigates how educators can recognize and analyze students' confusion, and determine whether students are responding reflectively or defensively. Qualitative data for the investigation comes from an upper-level undergraduate software engineering and design course that students invariably find quite challenging. A phenomenological analysis of the data, based on Heidegger's dynamic of rupture, provides useful insight to students' experience. A comparison between that approach and a sampling of classic sources in scholarship on learning, reflectiveness, and defensiveness has implications for teaching and education research in software design - and more generally. In addition, a clearer understanding of the concepts presented in this paper should enable faculty to bring a more sophisticated analysis to student feedback, and lead to a more informed and productive interpretation by both instructor and administration.
Innovation Motivation: Behavioral Effects of Post-Employment Restrictions

While post-employment restrictions may encourage firms to invest in employee skill and research and development (R&D), such restrictions may also under certain circumstances discourage employees from investing in their own human capital and work performance. The article reports the findings of an original experimental study designed to unpack the effects of post-employment restrictions on task performance. The results demonstrate that under certain conditions of contractual restrictions, when tasks involve pure effort and are relatively easy to perform, individuals will abandon the tasks at higher rates, spend less time on task, and overwhelmingly fail more often to find the correct solution. At the same time, our findings show that under the same restrictions but different types of tasks – tasks that invoke internal talent and creativity rather than pure effort – some of these effects, including time on task and quality of performance, largely disappear. Significant gaps in task completion remain even under the more creative tasks. Traditional economic models view post-employment restrictions, primarily covenants not-to-compete, as necessary limitations stemming from the assumption that absent such contractual protections, employers would under-invest in research and development and employee training. This study enriches the analysis of human capital development and proposes a dyadic-dynamic investment model. It demonstrates in an experimental setting that regulatory and contractual background affects motivation and performance. The article complements recent empirical evidence about positive spillovers effects stemming from increased labor mobility with a behavioral analysis that suggests further positive effects, offering a nuanced view of the costs and benefits of post-employment contractual and regulatory restrictions.
Use of a world wide web page in an introductory electrical power and controls course

In the past three years, the world wide web (WWW) has grown faster than even Bill Gates ever imagined. As the web has grown it has also became easier to create materials for the web. While it originally took a great deal of expertise to create a home page, now anyone with a current version of a major word processor can create one. This in turn has opened the door to the routine use of the WWW for instructional purposes. This paper describes the author's experience using a WWW homepage to assist his students in an introductory electrical power and controls course. It starts with a short discussion of available software and the software he chose, then describes the material that was posted to the WWW for the students including examples, and concludes with a short discussion of student reaction to the homepage.
Erythema Nodosum as a Drug Eruption

Erythema nodosum (EN) is the most common form of panniculitis and is a form of septal panniculitis, or inflammation of the fat. It is associated with many conditions including infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal), pregnancy, medications, autoimmune conditions, and malignancies. Half of all cases are idiopathic. Associated medications that are known to cause EN include oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), sulfonamides, penicillin, bromides, iodides, TNF inhibitors and granulocyte colony stimulating factors (G-CSF). Clinically, patients present with symmetrically distributed red, tender nodules on the anterior lower legs. Lesions last from days to weeks and then resolve without scarring. Treatment is directed at treating the underlying disorder. Supportive measures include rest, leg elevation, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Collective Bargaining, Interest Arbitration, and the Delivery of Police Services:

Most municipal police officers in the U.S. are unionized, and a large number of police unions have access to compulsory interest arbitration to resolve negotiating disputes. This article contains a...
In vivo comparisons of constitutive cytochrome P450 3A activity assessed by alprazolam, triazolam, and midazolam

Background Previous studies have not demonstrated good correlations between various presumed phenotypic measures of in vivo cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A activity. However, in reality, few have used appropriate and validated in vivo probes that consider the complexities of CYP3A. Accordingly, the disposition of 3 closely related benzodiazepines with extensive and similar CYP3A-mediated metabolism characteristics but different pharmacokinetics was investigated, and correlations between the drugs were examined. Methods The single-dose oral clearances of alprazolam, midazolam, and triazolam and the systemic clearances of the latter 2 drugs were separately determined in 21 healthy subjects (10 men) according to a randomized experimental design with a minimum 1-week period between the individual studies. An erythromycin breath test was also performed. Results After intravenous administration, systemic clearance varied 3-fold compared with a 6-fold range in clearance after an oral dose for all 3 drugs. However, mean values differed markedly between the drugs, with the systemic clearance of midazolam being almost double that of triazolam (383 ± 73 mL/min versus 222 ± 54 mL/min). Oral clearances were even more dissimilar: alprazolam, 75 ± 36 mL/min; triazolam, 360 ± 195 mL/min; and midazolam, 533 ± 759 mL/min. Estimates of CYP3A-mediated extraction by the intestine and liver indicated approximately equal contributions by both organs but larger values for midazolam than for triazolam, and these differences accounted for the differences in oral bioavailability, 30% ± 13% versus 55% ± 20%, respectively. Statistically significant (P = .001 to .004) correlations between the 3 drugs' oral clearances ranged from 0.60 to 0.68 (rs value), whereas the correlation for the systemic clearances of midazolam and triazolam was 0.66 (P = .001). No statistically significant relationships were observed between any of the clearance parameters and the erythromycin breath test. Conclusion Despite alprazolam, midazolam, and triazolam having markedly different pharmacokinetic characteristics, statistically significant correlations were present between the oral and systemic clearances of the 3 drugs, consistent with a major involvement of CYP3A in their metabolism and elimination. However, the magnitude of the coefficients of determination (rs) was such to suggest that an in vivo probe approach, even with the use of valid phenotypic trait values, will be unable to accurately and reliably predict the pharmacokinetic behavior of another CYP3A substrate, as determined by the enzyme's constitutive activity. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 76, 341–349; doi:10.1016/j.clpt.2004.07.003
Seasonal Variation in the Distribution of Two Species of Symphyla Found in California

The members of the class Symphyla are widely distributed throughout the world and have been encountered in population studies conducted by Morris (1922, 1927), Thompson (1924), Edwards (1929), Sawa (1930) and Williams (1931). The garden centipede, Scutigerella immaculata (Newp.), may occur in great numbers in many localities and has been reported as doing serious damage to growing crops in the United States, England, France, Portugal and the Hawaiian Islands. While working with this species in the delta region of the Sacramento River, the writer noted marked variations in populations. An investigation was therefore undertaken to determine the cause of these fluctuations.
Theory of metastable group-IV alloys formed from CVD precursors

Using chemical-vapor deposition (CVD) precursors, group-IV compounds such as ${\mathrm{Si}}_{4}\mathrm{C}$ and ${\mathrm{Ge}}_{4}\mathrm{C},$ which incorporate 20 at. % carbon, have been synthesized. Here we present systematic ab initio studies of the electronic and structural properties of group-IV compounds formed from CVD precursors. We also propose a class of precursor molecules for materials containing 25 at. % carbon. These compounds are energetically comparable to already synthesized materials (e.g., ${\mathrm{Ge}}_{4}\mathrm{C})$ and are semimetallic within the local-density approximation. In addition, we give information for two previously proposed group-IV compounds, ${\mathrm{Si}}_{2}{\mathrm{Sn}}_{2}\mathrm{C}$ and ${\mathrm{Ge}}_{3}\mathrm{SnC},$ which are direct-gap semiconductors and match the lattice of silicon to within 1%.
Stabilization over additive white noise forward and feedback channels

In this paper, we study the problem of stabilizability of LTI systems over both the forward (from the controller to the plant) and feedback (from the sensor to the controller) channel. We adopt the additive white noise (AWN) channel with a prescribed power constraint as our channel model. For first order systems, we derive explicitly the necessary and sufficient conditions for stabilizability and show the tradeoff between the minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) required for the forward and feedback channel. We also show explicitly that the use of two-parameter controller in this problem assumes better performance.
Effect of silicon pre-nitridation on the formation of the interfacial layer during pulsed laser deposition of thin dielectric oxide films

Abstract Thin high- k dielectric Y 2 O 3 and ZrO 2 films were grown directly on Si by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The interfacial layer formed between the Si and the deposited oxide film was characterized. Since this layer has a detrimental effect on the MOS capacitance of the films, an attempt to modify its characteristics was performed through UV-assisted low-temperature nitridation of the surface to create a barrier layer that suppresses Si diffusion through the interface. It was confirmed by structural characterization that this surface pretreatment results in a thinner interfacial layer.
Cytokines (IL-1β and TNFα) in relation to biochemical and immunological effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in rats

Abstract Previous studies in different strains of rats and mice have shown that the inhibition of gluconeogenesis as a result of reduced liver phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activity together with appetite suppression play critical roles in the acute toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Recent immunological studies in rats demonstrated that exposure to low doses of TCDD resulted in an early and enhanced IgG response to immunization with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and an enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction as well as a positive popliteal lymph node (PLN) response. However, high doses of TCDD suppressed the DTH reaction. This study aimed at examining the involvement of cytokines (IL-1 and TNF) in mediating the above effects. Liver samples from a previous dose-response study on DTH reaction were investigated, in which rats were treated with TCDD (1, 3, 10, 30 and 90 μg/kg) and immunized with an antigen. mRNA levels of IL-1β were elevated begining at the 1 μg/kg (non-lethal) dosage group with a maximum increase of about 5-fold above controls in the 90 μg/kg (lethal) dosage group. mRNA levels of TNFα were also significantly elevated begining at the 30 μg/kg dosage group. These results suggest that at low doses of TCDD, increased IL-1β could be responsible for immune function stimulation, whereas at high doses of TCDD, greatly elevated TNFα and IL-1β levies may exacerbate or mediate acute toxicity including immune suppression and related biochemical effects. A time course study (60 μg TCDD/kg without immunization) revealed that liver mRNA levels of TNFα were significantly elevated starting 24 h, and reaching a maximum 48 h after dosing with TCDD. This change was accompanied by a transient increase of mRNA levels of IL-1β at day 4 after TCDD dosage. Thus, these data demonstrated that TCDD alone (without immunization) can cause transient increases of mRNA levels of TNFα and IL-1β in liver. Results from these experiments suggest that TCDD-induced cytokine changes may play important roles in various effects of TCDD.
Learning Achievement in Sons of Alcoholics

Adolescent sons of alcoholics, equated to sons of nonalcoholics on age, intelligence, and grade level, performed significantly more poorly on a standardized test of educational achievement Family environment and rated behavioral disturbance were not systematically correlated with educational achievement. Upon controlling for the effects of psychopathology, the highest and most numerous correlations were found between neuropsychological performance and educational achievement These findings suggest that cognitive impairment may be associated with the vulnerability for alcoholism.
The role of nitric oxide in modulating brain activity and blood flow during seizure.

The role played by nitric oxide (NO) in modulating seizure activity and cerebral blood flow (CBF) during seizures was investigated in rats. Seizures were induced with bicuculline (a GABA antagonist, 1.2 mg kg-1, i.v.). Each animal was subjected to an initial bicuculline-induced seizure followed by treatment with either L-nitroarginine (L-NA, a NO synthase inhibitor) or its less active enantiomer D-NA as a 50 mg kg-1 bolus followed by an infusion of 1 mg kg-1 min-1. The animals then received a second bicuculline treatment. Seizure duration was monitored using EEG and CBF was measured with laser-Doppler. There was no difference in seizure duration before or after D-NA administration. Seizure duration doubled from (6 +/- 1 to 12 +/- 2 min p < 0.05) following inhibition of NO synthase with L-NA. The increase in CBF that accompanied the seizure activity paralleled the seizure duration. Our data support the concept that (1) NO acts as an endogenous anticonvulsant, with seizure duration doubling when NO synthase is acutely inhibited, and (2) that NO is not the messenger that couples CBF to metabolism during bicuculline-induced seizures.
Health effects associated with ozone and nitrogen dioxide exposure

Of the oxidants and nitrogenous compounds found in ambient air, O3 and NO2 are among those most thoroughy investigated. Large health data bases have been compiled in air quality criteria documents, which serve as the basis for review of primary (health) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for each pollutant. When comparisons can be made, O3 is generally more toxic than other photochemical oxidant species at or near ambient levels, although NO2 does not appear to be of more concern with respect to carcinogenesis. Public health effects of concern for O3 range from acute symptoms (e.g. cough) and decreased lung function to persistent functional changes and permanent scarring of lung tissue, a possible precursor to chronic lung disease. Impairment of immune defenses and increased susceptibility to lung infection have also been associated with O3 exposure. Populations at greatest risk include exercising healthy persons, children, and those with preexisting lung disease. Nitrogen dioxide exhibits similar health effects but at higher concentrations. These effects include acute symptoms and lung function impairment, increased susceptibility to acute respiratory infection, and possibly conditions leading to chronic lung disease. Populations potentially at risk include children, asthmatics, and individuals who exercise in the presence of NO2. Health effects data for O3 and NO2 are under consideration in the current review of both primary NAAQS.
Internal Lifschitz tails

We consider an Anderson model inv dimensions with a potential distribution supported in (a, b)∪(c, d), wherec− b>4v. We prove the existence of Lifschitz tails at the edges of the internal gap at b+2v andc− 2v. This reproves results of Mezincescu.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES

One of the main theories which explains government intervention in the regulation of economic activities in the society is “Public Interest Theory.” This theory holds that regulation is required by the public for the correction of inefficient or inequitable market policies.
STUDENT, FACULTY, AND DEPARTMENT CHAIRMEN RATINGS OF INSTRUCTORS: WHO AGREES WITH WHOM?

The present study explored two related questions: 1) What is the level of agreement between student ratings of instruction, faculty self-ratings, and department chairmen ratings? 2) What aspects of instruction are considered most important by each group in determining overall instructional effectiveness? The study was conducted at a small liberal arts college and included 83 essentially full-time faculty. The resutls revealed little agreement regarding overall instructional effectiveness, and at best modest agreement between students and department chairmen concerning certain specific aspects of instruction such as the development of subject matter competence. Finally, students, in arriving at an assessment of overall instructional effectiveness, appeared to stress different dimensions of instruction than did faculty and department chairmen.
Polystyrene Palladium Nanocomposite for Hydrogen Sensing

ABSTRACT In this paper, we report on the structure and hydrogen gas sensing properties of polystyrene palladium nanowire composites. Granular palladium nanowires (with 250 nm diameter) have been electrodeposited on Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite (HOPG). In order to measure the electrical response of the sensor the nanowires were transferred to an insulating polystyrene surface. Polystyrene thin films with the thickness of about 150 nm were formed on a glass microslide by a dip-coating technique from a chloroform solution. Silver microelectrode pads were patterned on the surface of the nanocomposite by shadow masking technique. All stages of sensor device fabrication and its mechanism were monitored with application of atomic force microscopy technique (contact, non-contact, and force modulation modes).
Brain functional domains inform therapeutic interventions in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and pediatric bipolar disorder

A deeper understanding of how the relationships between impulsivity, reward systems and executive function deficits may be similar or different in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) is fundamental for better defining phenotypy in these two developmental illnesses, and moving towards improved treatment and intervention. We focus our article on recent neurocognitive and neuroimaging data examining the behavioral and neural aspects of poor behavior regulation, response inhibition and reward systems in ADHD and PBD. In light of recent research evidence, we propose that the common behavioral manifestations of impulsivity in ADHD and PBD may indeed originate from different neural mechanisms mediated by altered reward systems. In order to define and differentiate these mechanisms, unlike previous approaches, our theoretical model examines the interface of the dorsal frontostriatal circuit, involved in behavior regulation, and the ventral frontostriatal circuit, w...
Zebrafish Melanophilin Facilitates Melanosome Dispersion by Regulating Dynein

Summary Background Fish melanocytes aggregate or disperse their melanosomes in response to the level of intracellular cAMP. The role of cAMP is to regulate both melanosome travel along microtubules and their transfer between microtubules and actin. The factors that are downstream of cAMP and that directly modulate the motors responsible for melanosome transport are not known. To identify these factors, we are characterizing melanosome transport mutants in zebrafish. Results We report that a mutation (allele j120 ) in the gene encoding zebrafish melanophilin (Mlpha) interferes with melanosome dispersion downstream of cAMP. Based on mouse genetics, the current model of melanophilin function is that melanophilin links myosin V to melanosomes. The residues responsible for this function are conserved in the zebrafish ortholog. However, if linking myosin V to melanosomes was Mlpha's sole function, elevated cAMP would cause mlpha j120 mutant melanocytes to hyperdisperse their melanosomes. Yet this is not what we observe. Instead, mutant melanocytes disperse their melanosomes much more slowly than normal and less than halfway to the cell margin. This defect is caused by a failure to suppress minus-end (dynein) motility along microtubules, as shown by tracking individual melanosomes. Disrupting the actin cytoskeleton, which causes wild-type melanocytes to hyperdisperse their melanosomes, does not affect dispersion in mutant melanocytes. Therefore, Mlpha regulates dynein independently of its putative linkage to myosin V. Conclusions We propose that cAMP-induced melanosome dispersion depends on the actin-independent suppression of dynein by Mlpha and that Mlpha coordinates the early outward movement of melanosomes along microtubules and their later transfer to actin filaments.
Information Technology in Health Care Systems: Barriers to Adoption

This presentation provides graph of macro-level data on the efficiency, safety, and health benefits of electronic health record (EHR), global system utilization savings, information expenditures, and medical revenue after operating costs. Game theory suggests that investing in an EHR can be a good strategy even if it has a negative ROI.
Changes in metabotropic glutamate receptor expression following spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) initiates biochemical events that lead to an increase in extracellular excitatory amino acid concentrations, resulting in glutamate receptor-mediated excitotoxic events. These receptors include the three groups of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Group I mGluR activation can initiate a number of intracellular pathways that increase neuronal excitability. Group II and III mGluRs may function as autoreceptors to modulate neurotransmission. Thus, all three groups may contribute to the mechanisms of central sensitization and chronic central pain. To begin evaluating mGluRs in SCI, we quantified the changes in mGluR expression after SCI in control (naive), sham, and impact injured adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g). SCI was produced at spinal segment T10 with a New York University impactor (12.5-mm drop, 10-g rod of 2-mm diameter). Expression levels were determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses at the epicenter of injury, as well as segments rostral and caudal. The group I subtype mGluR1 was increased over control levels in segments rostral and caudal by postsurgical day (PSD) 7 and remained elevated through PSD 60. The group I subtype mGluR5 was unchanged in all segments rostral and caudal to the injury at every time point measured. Group II mGluRs were decreased compared to control levels from PSD 7 through PSD 60 in all segments. These results suggest that different subtypes of mGluRs have different spatial and temporal expression patterns following SCI. The expression changes in mGluRs parallel the development of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia following SCI; therefore, understanding the expression of mGluRs after SCI may give insight into mechanisms underlying the development of chronic central pain.
A SPAYED-RAT ESTROGEN ASSAY METHOD AND ITS APPLICATION TO PURE ESTROGENS AND URINE EXTRACT1

THE METHOD described here was devised for the assay of the phenol fraction II from urine extracts in which the concentration of estrogenic material was too Jl. low to assay by the usual spayed rat method (I-4). Preliminary studies indicated that a weeklypriming with pure theelin approximately 48 hours before injecting the unknown made the rats much more sensitive. Subsequent studies and the application of the method as finally adopted confirm this and the data presented here establish the reliability of the method which has been in use in this laboratory for the past five years. The estrogen preparations and standards used in these studies were made up to definiteconcentrations in sesame oil by the author and submitted to Mr. Donald Otway for assay under a code unknown to him. The standards were prepared by dissolving pure, crystalline theelin2 in sesame oil.
The Utility of Degree of Implementation Measures in Program Implementation and Evaluation Research.

This article describes a systematic effort to evaluate and refine the implementation of an innovative educational program. In the first section, the need for research on program implementation is argued. In the second section, the program to be implemented is described, along with the development and validation of the instrumentation and procedures for assessing the degree of implementation. Results from a study of program implementation are summarized in the third section. Finally, implications of the study's findings for future research on program implementation and evaluation are discussed.
Cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy in perioperative management of left ventricular assist device and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients.

Purpose of reviewNeurologic injury remains a common complication in patients undergoing mechanical support for cardiac and respiratory failure with either left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been recogni
par genes and the pathology of chromosome loss in Vibrio cholerae

The causes and consequences of chromosome loss in bacteria with multiple chromosomes are unknown. Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the severe diarrheal disease cholera, has two circular chromosomes. Like many other bacterial chromosomes, both V. cholerae chromosomes contain homologues of plasmid partitioning (par) genes. In plasmids, par genes act to segregate plasmid molecules to daughter cells and thereby ensure plasmid maintenance; however, the contribution of par genes to chromosome segregation is not clear. Here, we show that the chromosome II parAB2 genes are essential for the segregation of chromosome II but not chromosome I. In a parAB2 deletion mutant, chromosome II is mislocalized and frequently fails to segregate, yielding cells with only chromosome I. These cells divide once; their progeny are not viable. Instead, chromosome II-deficient cells undergo dramatic cell enlargement, nucleoid condensation and degradation, and loss of membrane integrity. The highly consistent nature of these cytologic changes suggests that prokaryotes, like eukaryotes, may possess characteristic death pathways.
Pulmonary valve regurgitation secondary to bacterial endocarditis in heroin addicts

Abstract Two cases of pulmonary valve regurgitation secondary to right-sided staphylococcal endocarditis in heroin addicts are oresented, and the characteristic features of the diastolic murmur are described. Intracardiac phonocardiography localizes the murmur at the pulmonary valve and is the simplest, most reliable method for documentation of the lesion.
The Relationship Between Conformity to Masculine Norms and Men’s Health Behaviors: Testing a Multiple Mediator Model

Relationships between men’s scores on subscales of the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory-46 (CMNI-46) and the Health Behavior Inventory-20 (HBI-20) are complex. Some subscales appear to act as risk factors, as predicted by the Gender Role Strain Paradigm (GRSP), and others as protective buffers, as predicted by positive masculinity and social norms theories. We compared the relative strengths of these two theories in explaining the buffering effects by assessing the roles of two theorized positive aspects of the traditional masculine role (general self-efficacy and emotional stability) and a key construct of social norms theory (perceptions of men’s normative health behaviors) in mediating the relationships between CMNI-46 and HBI-20. We evaluated a multiple mediator model of these relationships with 585 men who responded to an online survey. Emotional stability was not a mediator, but general self-efficacy and perceptions of normative health behaviors together partially mediated the relationship between CMNI-46 and HBI-20, transmitting a protective buffering effect. However, an examination of the individual mediating effects indicated that perceptions of normative health behaviors better accounted for the buffering effect. The results are discussed in terms of future research, implications for health care practitioners, and limitations.
Children's Behavior During Teacher-Directed and Child-Directed Activities in Head Start:

The sociallbehavioral characteristics of 63 preschool children with low and high language abilities were observed for 60 min during teacher-directed structured activities and 60 min during child-directed unstructured activities in Head Start classrooms. Children with low language were observed to have significantly higher rates of disruptive behavior and negative responses, fewer initiations to peer interactions, and shorter durations of engagement than children with high language. Boys with low language abilities were more likely to be disruptive than girls with either low or high language abilities. Teachers praised children with low language significantly less often than children with high language. These findings suggest that children with lower language abilities are at greater risk for problem behaviors and poor social skills than children with higher language abilities.
Reginald H. Fitz, appendicitis, and the Osler connection—A discursive review

ON JUNE 18, 1886, i n Washington, D.C., a stocky, balding, mustachioed, 43-year-old man mounted the podium at the inaugural meeting of the Association of American Physicians and delivered a monumenta l address on "Perforating Inflammation of the Vermiform Appendix, with Special Reference to its Early Diagnosis and Treatment. ''1 With this report on 257 cases, Reginald Heber Fitz (1843-1913), Shattuck Professor in Pathological Anatomy at Harvard University, initiated the modern concept of appendicitis and launched a revolutionary change in medicine and surgery (Fig. 1). In recognizing the true nature of appendicitis, he thus consigned to obsolescence and oblivion the old ideas of typhlitis, perityphlitis, and paratyphlitis. These terms, unfortunately inconstant in definition, referred respectively to inflammation of the cecum, inflammation of the per i toneum covering the cecum, and inflammation of the connective tissue behind the cecum. Fitz described the pathologic condition and clinical features of the disease and stressed the importance of early diagnosis and surgical intervention. No doubt the prestigious inaugural meeting of the Association of American Physicians and the presence of approving luminaries such as William Osler provided Fitz with a forum that greatly enhanced the impact of his presentation. This, together with the progressive scientific climate of the late nineteenth century, were undoubtedly major contributory factors to Fitz's success. William Osler (1849-1919), renowned clinician, teacher, bibliophile, and humanist, was a founder of the organization and a participant in this first meeting. He wrote: "The coming-of-age party of clinical medicine in America was held in June, 1886, in Washington, with the inauguration of the Association of American Physicians . . . . The meeting was made memorable by two pa-
Ergonovine provocation to assess efficacy of long-term therapy with calcium antagonists in Prinzmetal's variant angina

In the patient with Prinzmetal's variant angina, the response to therapy with calcium antagonists may be assessed symptomatically, electrocardiographically (that is, by ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring), or by response to ergonovine provocation. Although some studies have suggested a good relation between anginal frequency and ergonovine responsiveness in these patients, none has compared ambulatory electrocardiographic activity with the results of ergonovine provocation during the long-term administration of calcium antagonists. Therefore, the present study was performed to compare ergonovine responsiveness with both clinical and ambulatory electrocardiographic activity in patients with Prinzmetal's variant angina during long-term therapy with placebo, verapamil, and nifedipine. Accordingly, 27 patients with variant angina (19 men and 8 women, mean age 52 years) received placebo and verapamil for 2 months each, after which 23 of the 27 also received nifedipine for 2 months. All patients kept a diary of chest pains, and all had weekly 24-hour 2-channel ambulatory electrocardiographic (Holter) monitoring, from which episodes of transient S-T segment deviation were quantitated. During the final week of therapy with each agent, ergonovine was administered, beginning at 0.025 mg and incrementally increasing to 0.20 mg. It was discontinued when the patient had chest pain with S-T segment elevation ≥0.1 mV or received a total dose of 0.50 mg. Of the 74 tests, 59 were negative; 6 of the negative tests occurred during a treatment period in which the patient had >10 chest pains/week and >25 episodes of S-T segment deviation/week. Of the 15 positive tests, 8 became positive during administration of