cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A multimodal approach improves American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination scores

Abstract Background There are several factors that influence ABSITE scores, but the optimal approach for remediation of poor scores is unclear. Methods A structured academic curriculum and focused remediation program (FRP) were implemented to improve academic performances. Within a 15-year period, ABSITE and American Board of Surgery qualifying exam (ABS QE) results were compared before and after the establishment of the program using a paired T-test. Subgroup analysis was performed for residents who completed the FRP. Results After establishing the FRP, the mean scores increased from 49.3% to 60% (p = 0.001). The proportion of first-time pass rates for the ABS QE increased from 89.5% to 100% (p = 0.18). With the subgroup analysis of FRP residents, the average improvement on the next ABSITE exam score was 51 percentile points (p = 0.003), raw score increased by 80 (p = 0.01) and percent correct increased by 7 percentage points (p = 0.006). Conclusions A structured academic curriculum and FRP improves ABSITE scores. Additional strategies utilizing the self-regulated learning method can further assist trainees who remain struggling learners. Further study is required to determine direct correlation to the ABS QE.
Geochemical Evidence for Rare-Earth Element Mobilization during Kaolin Diagenesis

This study investigates how saprolization influences inherent rare-earth element (REE) source rock signatures and how depositional environment(s) and diagenetic reactions ultimately impact the REE signature within sedimentary kaolin bodies. Rare-earth element geochemistry signatures are particularly useful for tracking element sources and mobility and are, therefore, powerful tools in the investigation of clay mineral formation and diagenesis. Rare-earth element and bulk chemical compositions were determined using discrete chemical analyses and chemical imaging. Saprolitic materials show an enrichment in the light and heavy REEs, compared with the parent material, with enhanced Ce/Eu anomalies. Light REEs within sedimentary kaolins are associated with phosphate mineralogy and have experienced variable degrees of diagenetic fractionation and mobilization. Cretaceous kaolins display more light REE mobility compared with Tertiary kaolins, which show very little REE fractionation. Degrees of REE fractionation...
An in vivo model of functional and vascularized human brain organoids

Differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to small brain-like structures known as brain organoids offers an unprecedented opportunity to model human brain development and disease. To provide a vascularized and functional in vivo model of brain organoids, we established a method for transplanting human brain organoids into the adult mouse brain. Organoid grafts showed progressive neuronal differentiation and maturation, gliogenesis, integration of microglia, and growth of axons to multiple regions of the host brain. In vivo two-photon imaging demonstrated functional neuronal networks and blood vessels in the grafts. Finally, in vivo extracellular recording combined with optogenetics revealed intragraft neuronal activity and suggested graft-to-host functional synaptic connectivity. This combination of human neural organoids and an in vivo physiological environment in the animal brain may facilitate disease modeling under physiological conditions.
S-methyl N-butylthiocarbamate sulfoxide: selective carbamoylating agent for mouse mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase.

Liver mitochondrial low-Km aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2, EC 1.2.1.3), the isoform responsible for the conversion of acetaldehyde to acetate, is inhibited by the sulfoxide bioactivation products of Et2NC(O)SMe (from the alcohol aversion drug disulfiram), Pr2NC(O)SEt (the herbicide S-ethyl N,N-dipropylthiocarbamate), and BuNHC(O)SMe (from the fungicide benomyl). This study tested the hypothesis that bioactivated BuNHC(O)SMe, the most potent of these thiocarbamates, is a selective carbamoylating agent for ALDH2 of mouse liver in vivo and in vitro. [14C]BuNHC(O)SMe administered i.p. to mice labeled one principal mitochondrial protein, which cochromatographed with ALDH activity by in-gel assay after isoelectric focusing. The labeled protein was isolated by isoelectric focusing (pI 6.1) and SDS-PAGE (54 kDa) and identified as ALDH2 by sequencing of peptides from a tryptic digest. In vivo at 1.5 mg/kg, enzyme inhibition was 80%, and ALDH2 was the only mitochondrial protein labeled extensively, illustrating the outstanding potency and specificity. ALDH2 also was labeled upon incubation of mouse liver mitochondria with [14C]BuNH-C(O)SMe in the presence of microsomes (P450) and NADPH. In contrast, under similar conditions, [14C]Pr2NC(O)SEt sulfoxide labeled primarily two other proteins at approximately 58 and approximately 61 kDa, establishing a very different selectivity for the two sulfoxides. These findings are of interest relative to selective inhibitors and carbamoylating agents for ALDH2 and to alcohol aversion upon exposure to herbicides and fungicides.
Moire-Schlieren, Time-Differential Interferometry, and Enhanced Sensitivity of Faraday Rotation Measurements

There are experiments where the density or the density gradients are too large to allow conventional interferometric measurements. In such cases a schlieren measurement can yield useful information. Moire-schlieren has the distinct advantage over conventional schlieren in that a quantitative result is obtained without having to resort to intensity calibration [1]. The method is illustrated schematically in Fig. 1. Two coarsely ruled transmission gratings are mounted after the plasma. They are separated by a distance, D, and their rulings are slightly missaligned so that Moire-fringes are produced. The beam passes through a lens and is incident upon a masking screen, which is located a focal distance away from the lens. The coarsely ruled gratings produce many orders in this image plane. One of these orders is selected by an aperture and allowed to be incident upon the recording film. Rays from the collimated laser beam which are deflected by the density gradients of the plasma, which are perpendicular to the direction of the coarse gratings, distort the Moire-pattern, giving a large effective amplification to the deflection. The results appear to be the usual interferograms with the usual background fringes.
The Entrepreneurial Galaxy Reimagined: Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Your Mistakes

Both budding and experienced entrepreneurs can improve their chances of success if they can sharpen their self-awareness, enhance their situational sensitivity, and build their communication skills. This chapter provides very specific instructions about how to prepare for various kinds of negotiations (with actors in all parts of their entrepreneurial galaxy), how to handle moves while at the negotiation table, and how to reflect afterward. The goal is to prevent the typical mistakes that have been identified, detect mistakes that have been made inadvertently, and recover from these mistakes, especially when important relationships are threatened. The book re-conceptualizes entrepreneurship through the lens of negotiation and provides clear prescriptive advice based on practical findings. A special section is devoted to the challenges of gender and diversity, proposing techniques to overcome biases and to deal with cultural barriers. These concepts are then extended to discuss the advantages and methods of using agents to negotiate on your behalf.
Presenting Race: Institutional Contexts and Critiques

This special issue was inspired by the inaugural Consortium Workshop, Race-ing the Museum, funded by the A.W. Mellon Foundation. The contributions are mostly drawn from the participants of the workshop and their collaborators and students on projects begun after the workshop. Coming from anthropology, art, communication, education, and theatre arts, the articles in this edition are extremely diverse, taking a broad understanding of institutions. Like the workshop, this issue seeks to contribute to dialogues between fields surrounding issues of race, representation, and institutions.
Autophagy and the cell biology of age-related disease

Macroautophagy (autophagy) is a conserved lysosomal degradation process essential for cellular homeostasis and adaption to stress. Accumulating evidence indicates that autophagy declines with age and that impaired autophagy predisposes individuals to age-related diseases, whereas interventions that stimulate autophagy often promote longevity. In this Review, we examine how the autophagy pathway restricts cellular damage and degeneration, and the impact of these functions towards tissue health and organismal lifespan.
Perfect and Deficient Perfect Numbers

For n a positive integer, let σ(n) denote the sum of the divisors of n. The number n is said to be deficient perfect if σ(n)/n=(2x−1)/x for some x∈N . We show that every perfect number has a defici...
Modeling of Wide Area Ocean Reverberation and Noise

Evaluation of acoustic system performance and planning of at-sea acoustic measurements are examples that underline the need for robust, utilitarian models to predict the acoustic background reverberation and noise field that limit performance of active systems. This presentation describes two computer models -- ANDES and the AUAMP Baseline model -- that, in close to real time, predict and display such noise and reverberation fields and the corresponding beam reverberation response. The unique approach features a hands-off, automated data base extraction capability that sets up 3-D range-dependent environmental-input fields and provides a variety of computed files and full azimuthal graphics.
Characterization of Progressive Cicatrizing Conjunctivitis With Negative Immunofluorescence Staining

Purpose To characterize the clinical features of patients with direct immunofluorescence (DIF)-negative mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP). Design Retrospective case series. Methods Thirty-six patients who underwent a conjunctival biopsy for suspected MMP were included. Demographic and clinical information was collected. Main outcome measures included visual acuity, Foster stages, presence of extraocular involvement, history of autoimmune disease, and durations of follow-up. Results Thirty-two patients had a negative DIF. Of those, 2 had a positive DIF on repeat biopsy. Eleven showed progression of conjunctival scarring during a median follow-up of 42 months (range, 8-100 months) and were diagnosed with biopsy-negative MMP. Another 11 patients with a median follow-up of 54 months (range, 15-138 months) were diagnosed with cicatrizing conjunctivitis of other causes. The median visual acuity of patients with biopsy-negative MMP at presentation was significantly lower compared to patients with cicatrizing conjunctivitis of other causes (20/400 vs 20/40, P = .02). Conjunctival scarring score at presentation in both biopsy-positive and biopsy-negative MMP groups was significantly higher compared to patients with cicatrizing conjunctivitis of other causes (median Foster stage, 3 vs 1, P = .009; and 3 vs 1, P = .01, respectively). Conclusions Patients with progressive cicatrizing conjunctivitis likely have MMP in the absence of alternate diagnoses. Our findings emphasize that suspicion for MMP must remain high for patients who have Foster stage 3 conjunctival scarring on presentation or worsening of scarring during follow-up, even in the setting of negative DIF.
Integrated Control of a Motor/Generator Set Composed of Doubly Fed Induction Machines

This article considers the control problem for a motor/generator set, where a prime mover drives a generator and the electrical power produced drives a motor. Both the generator and the motor are assumed to be doubly fed induction machines with direct ac connection between their stators. The rotors are controlled by three-phase converters, so that operation is possible with motor and generator speeds that are different from each other, and not synchronized with the electrical frequency of the stator voltages. The strong couplings between the two machines motivate the design of an integrated controller. This article proposes a general framework for such a design based on a joint model of the two machines. A specific method is also developed for the control of the stator voltages and the motor velocity. In its simplest form, the proposed algorithm does not rely on current sensors. A current command option is also developed that ensures closer tracking and limiting of the rotor currents. The algorithm is relatively simple and all its parameters can be computed based on the estimates of the machine parameters. Practical implementation and testing can be performed rapidly. Experiments performed on a small-scale laboratory testbed show very good tracking performance of a speed reference profile.
Hospitalizations for Firearm Injuries in Children and Adolescents in the US: Rural versus Urban

Background: Firearm injuries are a leading cause of injury and death for children and adolescents in the United States. Prior research has identified male gender, non-white race, low median income and late adolescent age as risk factors for sustaining both fatal and non-fatal firearm injuries. There are limited data comparing rural versus urban firearm injuries in children and adolescents. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine how hospitalization rates due to firearm injuries differ between rural and urban settings, and to compare rates by …
Talker-Independent Speaker Separation in Reverberant Conditions

Speaker separation refers to the task of separating a mixture signal comprising two or more speakers. Impressive advances have been made recently in deep learning based talker-independent speaker separation. But such advances are achieved in anechoic conditions. We address talker-independent speaker separation in reverberant conditions by exploring a recently proposed deep CASA approach. To effectively deal with speaker separation and speech dereverberation, we propose a two-stage strategy where reverberant utterances are first separated and then dereverberated. The two-stage deep CASA method outperforms other talker-independent separation methods. In addition, the deep CASA algorithm produces substantial speech intelligibility improvements for human listeners, with a particularly large benefit for hearing-impaired listeners.
Keratinocytes are required for normal cold and heat sensation

Keratinocytes are the most abundant cell type in the epidermis, the most superficial layer of the skin. Historically, epidermal-innervating sensory neurons were thought to be the exclusive detectors and transmitters of environmental stimuli. However, recent work from our lab and others has demonstrated that keratinocytes are also critical for normal mechanotransduction and mechanically-evoked behavioral responses in mice. Here, we asked whether keratinocyte activity is also required for normal cold and heat sensation. We first observed cold-induced activity in mouse, rat, hibernating 13-lined ground squirrel, and human keratinocytes and determined that keratinocyte cold activity is conserved across mammalian species. Next, using transgenic mouse tissues and pharmacological tools, we determined that keratinocyte cold responses require the release of intracellular calcium through one or more unknown cold-sensitive proteins. This cold-induced keratinocyte activity is required for normal cold sensation as optogenetic inhibition of epidermal cells reduced reflexive behavioral responses to cold stimuli. Keratinocyte inhibition also decreased reflexive behavioral responses to heat stimuli. Lastly, we demonstrated that epidermal ATP-P2X4 signaling is required for normal cold and heat sensation. Based on these data and our previous findings, keratinocyte purinergic signaling is a modality-conserved amplification system that is required for normal somatosensation in vivo.
Direct evidence for decreased presynaptic inhibition evoked by PBSt group I muscle afferents after chronic SCI and recovery with step-training in the decerebrated rat

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in the disruption of supraspinal control of spinal networks and an increase in the relative influence of afferent feedback to sublesional neural networks, both of which contribute to enhancing spinal reflex excitability. Hyperreflexia occurs in ~75% of individuals with chronic SCI and critically hinders functional recovery and quality of life. It is suggested to result from an increase in motoneuronal excitability and a decrease in presynaptic and postsynaptic inhibitory mechanisms. In contrast, locomotor training decreases hyperreflexia by restoring presynaptic inhibition. Primary afferent depolarization (PAD) is a powerful presynaptic inhibitory mechanism that selectively gates primary afferent transmission to spinal neurons to adjust reflex excitability and ensure smooth movement. However, the effect of chronic SCI and step-training on the reorganization of presynaptic inhibition evoked by hindlimb afferents, and the contribution of PAD has never been demonstrated. The objective of this study is to directly measure changes in presynaptic inhibition through dorsal root potentials (DRPs) and its association to plantar H-reflex inhibition. We provide direct evidence that H-reflex hyperexcitability is associated with a decrease in transmission of PAD pathways activated by PBSt afferents after chronic SCI. More precisely, we illustrate that PBSt group I muscle afferents evoke a similar pattern of inhibition onto both L4-DRPs and plantar H-reflexes evoked by the tibial nerve in Control and step-trained animals, but not in chronic SCI rats. These changes are not observed after step-training, suggesting a role for activity-dependent plasticity to regulate PAD pathways activated by flexor muscle group I afferents.
Automated generation of optimal thematic architectural layouts using image processing

Abstract Thematic architectural layouts of many of the iconic buildings around the world were inspired by images from nature. This architectural design task is often complex and challenging as it requires the creation of optimal architectural layouts that resemble the selected image from nature while complying with all owner specified space allocation requirements. To support architects in this challenging task, this paper presents the development of a novel methodology to support architects and designers in automating the generation of thematic architectural layout designs that are inspired by images from nature. The methodology utilizes image processing to segment the nature-inspired image and analyze the segmented image to generate regions using region and boundary extraction algorithm. The methodology also integrates two novel optimization algorithms that are designed to optimize room assignments in the generated layout to maximize compliance with designer-specified adjacency requirements and optimize room areas to maximize the functional and operational performance of the architectural layout. An application example was analyzed to illustrate the use of the developed methodology and its novel capabilities in automating the generation of optimal thematic architectural layouts that preserve the image theme while complying with room adjacency and rooms area requirements.
Core Losses of Nanocrystalline Materials Under DC Bias Conditions

Numerous power electronics topologies rely on magnetic components operating with a DC bias flux, resulting in higher core losses. The losses of nanocrystalline gapped cores as a function of the DC flux density, up to 0.95 T, are reported in this paper for various AC flux density ripple, up to 300 mT peak-to- peak. An unprecedented relative loss level increase has been measured under large DC bias, and the phenomenon has been observed to be more pronounced at lower AC flux density ripple.
Gene Set Enrichment Analysis of Selenium-Deficient and High-Selenium Rat Liver Transcript Expression and Comparison With Turkey Liver Expression.

BACKGROUND Better biomarkers of selenium (Se) status and a better understanding of toxic Se biochemistry are needed to set safe dietary upper limits. In previous studies, differential expression (DE) of individual liver transcripts in rats and turkeys failed to identify a single transcript that was consistently and significantly (q < 0.05) altered by high Se. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of Se status on rat liver transcript expression data at the level of gene sets, and to compare transcript expression in rats with that in turkeys to identify common regulated transcripts. METHODS Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted on liver from weanling rats fed an Se-deficient basal diet (0.005 μg Se/g) supplemented with 0, 0.24 (Se-adequate), 2, or 5 μg Se/g diet as selenite for 28 d. In addition, transcript expression was compared with liver expression in turkeys fed 0, 0.4, 2, or 5 μg Se/g diet as selenite. RESULTS Se deficiency significantly downregulated the rat selenoprotein gene set but also upregulated gene sets for a variety of pathways, processes, and disease states. GSEA of 2 compared with 0.24 μg Se/g found no significantly up- or downregulated gene sets, showing that 2 μg Se/g is not particularly toxic to the rat. GSEA analysis of 5 compared with 0.24 μg Se/g transcripts, however, found 27 significantly upregulated gene sets for a wide variety of conditions. Cross-species GSEA comparison of transcript expression, however, identified no common gene sets significantly and consistently regulated by high Se in rats and turkeys. In addition, comparison of individual marginally significant (unadjusted P < 0.05) DE transcripts between rats and turkeys also failed to find common transcripts. CONCLUSIONS The dramatic increase in significant liver transcript DE and GSEA gene sets in rats fed 5 compared with 2 μg Se/g clearly appears to be a biomarker for Se toxicity, albeit not Se-specific. These analyses, however, failed to identify specific transcripts or pathways, biological states, or processes that were directly linked with high Se status, strongly indicating that adaptation to high Se lies outside transcriptional regulation.
Eucharist and Receptive Ecumenism: From Thanksgiving to Communion

All doctrinal development and debate occurs against the background of Christian practice and worship. By attending to what Christians have done in the eucharist, Kimberly Belcher provides a new perspective on the history of eucharistic doctrine and Christian divisions today. Stepping back from the metaphysical approaches that divide the churches, she focuses on a phenomenological approach to the eucharist and a retrieval of forgotten elements in Ambrose's and Augustine's work. The core of the eucharist is the act of giving thanks to the Father – for the covenant and for the world. This unitive core allows for significant diversity on questions about presence, sacrifice, ecclesiology, and ministry. Belcher shows that the key is humility about what we know and what we do not, which gives us a willingness to receive differences in Christian teachings as gifts that will allow us to move forward in a new way.
Density functionals with full nonlocal exchange, nonlocal rung-3.5 correlation, and D3 dispersion: Combined accuracy for general main-group thermochemistry, kinetics, and noncovalent interactions.

We introduce the HF-R35-D3(BJ) functional combining full nonlocal exact (Hartree-Fock-like, HF) exchange, inexpensive rung-3.5 correlation constructed from nonlocal one-electron operators, and nonlocal D3 dispersion corrections. HF-R35-D3(BJ) is among the first full-exact-exchange functionals offering competitive accuracy for general main-group thermochemistry, kinetics, and noncovalent interactions. HF-R35-D3(BJ) gives weighted mean absolute deviation WTMAD-2 8.5 kcal/mol across the entire GMTKN55 dataset, outperforming most dispersion-corrected semilocal functionals and approaching the accuracy of dispersion-corrected global hybrids. This requires six fitted parameters, three each in the nonlocal correlation and dispersion corrections. Full nonlocal exchange appears to help give accurate binding energies and reasonable energy orderings for water hexamers. These results motivate continued exploration of inexpensive nonlocal correlation corrections to nonlocal exchange.
Review of Tables and Particular Formulas

The expression for [1 − M 2 (2 λ)] 1/2 as a function (exponential expansion) of λ, (which expression occurs in section I.3 and in subsequent parts of the present work) is given in148. The quantity λ is given by (1.3.13).
Locomotor activity and exploration

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of locomotor activity and exploration. The analysis of the drug effects on general motor activity and exploratory behavior has been central to the field of behavioral pharmacology since its inception. In certain regard, the studies of motor activity form the very basis of the knowledge of drug effects on behavior. The term locomotor means movement from one location to another. In rodents, an important component of spatial exploration is locomotion, and this activity is one of the most prominent in the rat's repertoire of spontaneous behaviors. Although locomotion may be associated with exploration of an animal's environment, this behavior may not necessarily reflect true exploration. In other words, locomotor activity may be influenced by factors besides the drive to explore. In testing, the effects of drugs on spontaneous motor behaviors, it is important to be aware of this point. In this chapter, various theoretical ideas concerning exploration and general activity are considered. It addresses practical issues, such as what factors affect the measurement of exploration and motor behavior. The chapter describes specific methods and also discusses certain aspects of the experimental design.
The amino-terminal sequence of porcine pepsinogen.

Abstract Amino acid sequence studies were performed on (a) peptides obtained from tryptic hydrolysates of succinyl pepsinogen and (b) those isolated from a peptide mixture formed when pepsinogen is activated to pepsin. These peptides taken together with tryptic peptides obtained from reduced carboxymethylated pepsinogen establish the complete sequence of 41 residues at the NH2-terminal end of the single polypeptide chain of porcine pepsinogen. The amino acid composition of this segment is in excellent agreement with that estimated from the differences between the amino acid compositions of pepsinogen and pepsin. The positions of the 9 lysines, the 2 histidines, and the 2 arginines have been located and should allow a further assessment of the contribution of the basic amino acid residues to stabilization of the zymogen. In addition, it is proposed that pepsin is formed after cleavage of a glutamylisoleucyl bond between residues 41 and 42 of pepsinogen.
Practitioner research and formative assessment.

Summary Background Several workplace-based formative assessment (WFA) tools exist; however, text-based feedback is minimal but valuable because residents have difficulty extracting meaning from numerical scores or rankings. Our programme lacked a formal WFA programme, so we aimed to develop and assess a primarily text-based tool, named formative assessment of skills in training (FAST), using action research. Methods Action research (AR) methods, including iterative plan–act–observe–reflect cycles that included the FAST tool and our clinical context. Thirteen residents and 11 faculty members performed 133 assessments during three study cycles, and responded to post-use surveys. Results Overall, 83 per cent of participants indicated that FAST should be added to the resident curriculum. Time was perceived to be a barrier; however, time studies found that it did not prolong resident wait or patient visits. Changes were made to increase space for comments on the FAST form, and subsequently comment specificity and length increased. Discussion The FAST facilitates WFA in our programme and allows for specific written feedback with a copy retained by the resident. On average, it adds about 3 minutes to a clinic visit. The AR method facilitated WFA use, stakeholder buy-in, and FAST tool improvements. The FAST facilitates WFA in our programme and allows for specific written feedback
Non‐Adiabatic Effects in Electron Tunneling in Molecular Junctions

Most models on electron transport in molecular junctions implicitly assume that there is only one potential energy surface (PES) involved in transport. The current and/or the voltage across the junction may invalidate this assumption in a number of important situations. We recently developed a model for the description of STM‐induced unimolecular surface reactions as an electronic cotunneling process that takes explicitly into account the possibility of coupling of two PES via the interaction between the molecule and the electrode as described by the self‐energy. In this contribution we extend our model in the framework of a theory of nonadiabatic tunneling developed by Zhu and Lin. Our results may be of importance in the context and current and voltage‐induced processes in nano‐junctions and also on a more fundamental level to broaden our understanding of the relationship between molecular conductance and electron transfer reactions.
Information Transmission during Eye Movements

Target stimuli (the numeral 5 at 60 degrees to the left of the subject's fixation point) were extinguished at various times during the subject's eye movement to that stimulus and the subject was asked to guess what numeral had occurred. Threshold functions were constructed from these data, and it was found that at the beginning of the backward compensatory movement, very little information was transmitted. However, as the backward compensatory movement progressed, there was an increase in the correct identification of the stimulus, and a threshold was reached before the forward compensatory movement began.
Expectations about and experiences with insulin therapy contribute to diabetes treatment satisfaction in insulin-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes.

Summary Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate how patients’ expectations about and experiences with insulin therapy contribute to diabetes treatment satisfaction. Methods: The Expectations about Insulin Therapy (EAITQ) and the Experience with Insulin Therapy Questionnaires (EWITQ) were administered at baseline and end-point, respectively to insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes in a randomised trial comparing treatment algorithms for inhaled insulin. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between EAITQ and EWITQ scores, patient characteristics and patient-reported outcomes measures. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test compared EAITQ and EWITQ item score distributions. Differences between EAITQ and EWITQ scores were calculated to categorise patients according to the extent to which their expectations were met by experiences (i.e. unmet, met, exceeded). Results: EAITQ and EWITQ data were available for 240 patients (61% male, mean age 58 years, mean diabetes duration 10 years, mean baseline HbA1c 8.4%). Increasingly positive expectations were significantly associated with greater self-efficacy; greater levels of positive experiences were significantly associated with greater positive expectations, shorter diabetes duration, less symptom distress, greater well-being, self-efficacy and diabetes treatment satisfaction. Overall, patients’ experiences with inhaled insulin therapy were significantly more positive than their expectations: 58% patients’ experiences exceeded expectations, 29% patients’ experiences met expectations and 13% patients’ experiences did not meet expectations. Post hoc tests indicated that treatment satisfaction scores differed among these groups (all p < 0.01). Conclusion: Expectations may not independently impact treatment satisfaction, but the relationship with experiences significantly contributes to it. The EAITQ and EWITQ may be useful tools for clinicians to better understand patients’ expectations about and experiences with insulin therapy.
Quit Intention as a Predictor of Quit Attempts over Time in Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders

Background: Rates of smoking among adolescents with psychiatric comorbidityarehigh,despitethe well‐knownhealthrisks.Thecurrent longitudinal study examined patterns of quitting behavior in adolescent smokers with psychiatric comorbidity. Methods: The study evaluated 191 inpatient adolescents who had been enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of motivational interviewing versus brief advice for smoking cessation, and assessed their intentions to quit smoking. Results:Ratesofquitattemptsatpost‐hospital,1‐month,and6‐month assessmentswere23%,17%,and17%,respectively.Adolescentswho reported an intention to quit smoking (43%) were significantly more likely to report a quit attempt, regardless of psychiatric symptoms, cognitive factors, or substance use. Conclusions: Intention to quit smoking appears to translate to substantial quit behavior, even in a high‐risk adolescent population that may otherwise be viewed as uninterested in quitting, suggesting the need to proactively connect this population with adequate services and follow‐up support. (Am J Addict 2014;23:84–89)
Computing Match Functions for Curves in R2 and R3 by Refining Polyline Approximations

We believe geometry is particularly important in the medical domain because shape descriptions can help quantify diagnosis. Our work follows the geometric matching methods of [1] and [2] but is also related to [3] and [4].
The Evolution of Zoning Since the 1980s: The Persistence of Localism

Zoning is the regulation of the use of land by local government. Although it is the most jealously guarded municipal power, zoning is not a static institution. I demonstrate this by reviewing several "top down" attempts to reform zoning in the last three decades. Examples are the affordable housing movement and regulatory takings litigation. I argue that these reforms have either failed or tended to make local zoning more restrictive. I then review new research on the origins of zoning in Los Angeles and find evidence that zoning has always been more of a bottom up institution than most of its critics have assumed. Local knowledge of neighborhood conditions and widespread ownership of property are the most important factors that keep zoning local. Reforms that do not take into account these factors are not likely to succeed.
The Cuban Literacy Campaign at 50: Formal and Tacit Learning in Revolutionary Education

December 22, 2011, marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Cuban Literacy Campaign, an initiative that dramatically increased literacy rates across the island and consolidated the presence of the revolutionary government. While Cuban schools are widely celebrated, a paucity of recent scholarship persists treating the structure and tenets, as well as the formal and tacit content of Cuban education. Beginning with an analysis of the political content of the literacy campaign, this article reviews the structure and content of Cuban education with a focus on the role of ideology. While numerous scholars have demonstrated the prescriptive and reproductive function of schooling Euro-American contexts, little comparative international work has treated the interfunction of schooling and ideology in the Global South. This article locates the literacy campaign as the formal genesis of contemporary Cuban ideology. Indeed the literacy campaign was the beginning of a discursive relationship that continues today.
Beyond the “Psychological Placebo”: Specifying the Nonspecific in Psychotherapy

[Clin Psychol Sci Prac 18: 113–118, 2011] There are two major shortcomings in current psychotherapy research: the standards that are used to evaluate psychotherapy (especially the way control conditions are set up in outcome research) are often not acceptable, and nonspecific factors have been largely neglected (especially in cognitive and behavior therapies). I argue that theories of psychotherapy need to specify further the role of nonspecific factors in the development and maintenance of different disorders, and how nonspecific treatment factors can be made to be more effective in therapy, often by interacting with certain specific factors. This may be the major front in the future of psychotherapy research.
Myocardial revascularization in a hemophiliac

Abstract The case of a mild hemophiliac who underwent a successful and uncomplicated myocardial revascularization is presented. The procedures was safely performed while the patient was receiving factor VIIIC. Copyright © 1996 The International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery.
Homocysteine and glutathione peroxidase-1.

Mildly elevated homocysteine levels (Hcy) increase the risk for atherothrombotic vascular disease in the coronary, cerebrovascular, and peripheral arterial circulations. The molecular mechanisms responsible for decreased bioavailability of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) by Hcy involve an increase of vascular oxidant stress and inhibition of important antioxidant capacity. Glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1), a selenocysteine-containing antioxidant enzyme, may be a key target of Hcy's deleterious actions, and several experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated a complex relationship between plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), GPx-1, and endothelial dysfunction. Hcy may promote endothelial dysfunction, in part by decreasing GPx-1 expression; however, there is evidence to suggest that overexpression of GPx-1 can compensate for these effects. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the metabolism of Hcy, the effects of hyperhomocysteinemia observed in in vitro and in vivo models that lead to...
Cholinergic agents: Antinociception without morphine type dependence in rats☆

We have confirmed the work of others showing that loss in body weight is a predictable and consistent sign of opiate withdrawal in rats. Rats that were treated chronically with either oxotremorine or physostigmine displayed no weight loss or other signs of opiate-like withdrawal when the drugs were withdrawn. Furthermore, there was no difference in weight loss between morphine dependent rats substituted with saline and those substituted with either cholinergic drug. However, we did observe an increased mortality among rats substituted with a cholinergic agent compared with saline. Rats infused with a mixture of morphine plus oxotremorine or morphine plus physostigmine showed less weight loss, but not fewer behavioral signs, after the end of the infusion than rats treated only with morphine. It is concluded that the cholinergic agents did not cause a morphine-like physical dependence themselves, but appeared to antagonize to some extent the development or manifestation of opiate dependence.
Management of Toxins in the Environment: Discussion

My comments are confined to the paper by Phipps, Allen, and Caswell. The authors have thoroughly described the legislative content of Proposition 65, its implementation to date, and the economic-political environment in which implementation is occurring. Definitive conclusions about the social costs and benefits of Proposition 65, as the authors acknowledge, are premature given that the interpretation and implementation continue to evolve, particularly those provisions related to discharge of toxins into water supplies. Thus far, the legislation has been administered judiciously and efficiently-some would say conservatively and politically sensitively. The major beneficiaries to date probably have been the bevy of lawyers engaged to protect the status quo! Interim regulations adopted by the state regulatory agency have largely insulated the food and agricultural industries from major direct effects. Pre-existing federal and state standards for food, cosmetics, and drugs have been accepted as interim regulations for the purposes of administering Proposition 65, and materials falling under the purview of those standards are deemed to constitute no significant risk at least until assessments of fifty chemicals of concern are completed and reviewed by the Proposition 65 Scientific Advisory Panel. Use of pesticides regulated by FIFRA are similarly treated on an interim basis. Should these interim regulations be modified, there could be important impacts on the food and agricultural industries and a rash of court cases based upon federal-state rights to regulate products entering interstate com-
Electrorotation of Deformable Fluid Droplets

An equilibrium phase separated ternary system of polystyrene (PS)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/p-xylene was prepared, and the PS-rich phase was dispersed as droplets in a matrix of the PDMS-rich phase. The system was placed between vertical electrodes and the droplets rotated around a vertical axis perpendicular to the electric field direction in 4-8-kV cm-1 DC fields; in 2-4-kV cm-1, 0.1-Hz AC fields; and in 4-kV cm-1, 1-MHz AC fields, in some cases stopping, restarting, and changing the direction of rotation. They rotated less than a quarter of a turn back and forth in 1-10-Hz, 2-4-kV cm-1 fields and did not rotate at all in 1-kHz fields. Rotational velocities measured in the DC field were in agreement with an existing theory; those measured in the 0.1-Hz AC field and estimated in the 1-MHz AC field were in direct disagreement with a different existing theoretical treatment. When the PDMS-rich droplets were dispersed into a matrix of the PS-rich phase, the droplets elongated in the field direction in a 2-kV/cm, 0.1-Hz electric field. Occasionally a portion of the matrix phase broke off into the PDMS-rich droplet, rotated for a while, and then rejoined the matrix phase. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.
Creation of pseudo narrowing during coronary angioplasty.

Abstract Since the initial description of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) by Gruentzig et al,1 the application of PTCA has expanded dramatically, exceeding 300,000 cases annually. Along with this growth, patients with increasingly complex coronary arterial anatomy and lesions are being treated. Technologic advances, coupled with operator experience, have reduced acute procedural risk to an acceptable, although not negligible, level.2 During the performance of PTCA, the interventional cardiologist must quickly recognize and appropriately manage any complication that arises. In addition, the operator must be able to differentiate true complications from pseudocomplications; that is, the operator must recognize the artifactual nature of an apparent complication that is not necessarily what it appears to be. For instance, Espluges et al3 reported the appearance of persistent staining by contrast material of the arterial wall, suggesting significant dissection during PTCA while using a new monorail balloon catheter. The artifact disappeared with balloon deflation3. We report a patient in whom straightening of a tortuous coronary artery by a PTCA guidewire created the false impression of 2 new narrowings during PTCA.
Thermal decomposition of 1-methyl-3-ethylimidazolium chloride (MEIC)/aluminum chloride molten salts

Abstract The thermal decomposition of the room temperature molten salt system 1-methyl-3-ethyl-imidazolium chloride/aluminum chloride has been studied. The decomposition temperatures were determined from TG curves by drawing tangents to the curve. The intersection of the two lines was taken to be the onset of decomposition. The decomposition was a two-step process. The percent weight losses, calculated activation energies and procedural decomposition temperature values obtained indicate that the first step is decomposition of the organic cation. The upper operating temperature of a battery utilizing this system as an electrolyte would be limited by decomposition of the organic fraction of the melt, and was found to be around 270 ° C under the experimental conditions given.
An academic writing needs assessment of English-as-a-second-language clinical investigators.

Introduction: Academic writing for publication is competitive and demanding for researchers. For the novice English-as-a-second-language (ESL) researcher, the pressure to publish compounds the difficulties of mastering the English language. Very few studies have used ESL graduate and post-graduate students as academic writing research subjects. The purpose of this project was to assess the learning needs of ESL clinical investigators regarding academic writing for English scholarly publication. Method: A qualitative evaluation approach was used to examine the gap between the current and desired proficiency level for the academic writing of ESL clinical investigators. We considered the perspectives of seven ESL clinical investigators plus three mentors and three writing instructors. Semi-structured questions were asked. Field notes were organized using a field-work recording system. They were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Results: ESL clinical investigators do not accurately perceive their writing deficiencies. They have little knowledge of criteria for academic writing and they are influenced by their prior English learning experiences in their home culture, which engender passive attitudes toward seeking appropriate writing resources. Adequate time is especially needed to develop successful writing skills. Discussion: Four basic steps are recommended to guide program planners in developing ESL writing activities for professional learning: (1) recognize discrepancies, (2) establish clear standards and performance criteria for scholarly writing, (3) develop individual plans, and (4) organize long-term writing assistance.
Family patterns of developmental dyslexia: Clinical findings

Two separate groups of dyslexia families were ascertained through probands attending special schools for dyslexic students. An additional control group of families was ascertained through randomly selected students attending public schools. The 3 groups were interviewed by questionnaire about the family's demographic characteristics, and about the incidence of reading and spelling disorders in all first and second order relatives. One group of dyslexia families was also examined by standardized intelligence and academic achievement tests. Developmental dyslexia was found to aggregate in families; there were 4–5 times as many affected males as females among clinically identified students attending the special schools, but the sex ratio of affected relatives after probands had been excluded was approximately 1.4 males for every female. Sibs were at greater risk for reading difficulties when one parent was affected than when neither parent was affected. Sibs were also at greater risk for academic difficulties, and affected sibs were more severely impaired, when the father rather than the mother was the affected parent. In dyslexia families with 2 affected parents, the sibs were at greater risk, and the affected sibs were more severely impaired, than in families where only one parent was affected. Moreover, in families with 2 affected parents, both of the parents were more severely impaired in reading and spelling than parents of the same sex in families with one affected parent. Some indirect evidence is presented that assortative mating may codetermine patterns of affectedness in dyslexia families. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Analysis of R&D portfolio strategies for contract competition

The authors extend earlier technology assessment methods in two ways. First, multiple attributes of product quality and a firm's innovative strength in the respective technologies are viewed in aggregate, so as to balance the R&D portfolio and to maximize the expected returns on the discretionary funds. Secondly, rational competitor strategies, are obtained through simulation based on relative technological capabilities and R&D budgets. Both discrete project portfolios and continuous capabilities and effort levels can be considered. These extensions are illustrated with an example drawn from defense contracting. >