cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What do patients say about their experience with urinary catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters

Abstract Background Little is known about the patient experience with urinary catheters or peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). We sought to better understand patient perspectives on having a urinary catheter or a PICC by reviewing open-ended comments made by patients about having either of these 2 devices. Methods As part of a larger study, we asked patients about certain catheter-related complications at the time of catheter placement and on days 14, 30, and 70 (PICCs only). In this larger project, we performed a structured assessment that included an open-ended question about other comments (initial interview) or problems (follow-up interview) associated with the device. For the current study, we conducted a descriptive analysis of these open-ended comments, classifying them as positive, negative, or neutral. Results Positive comments about urinary catheters accounted for 9 of 147 comments (6%), whereas positive comments about PICCs accounted for 10 of 100 comments (10%). Positive comments for both catheter types were mostly related to convenience. More than 80% of comments about both types of devices were negative and fell into the following areas: catheter malfunction; pain, irritation, or discomfort; interference with activities of daily living; provider error; and other. Conclusions Our findings underscore the need to optimize the patient experience with placement, ongoing use, and removal of urinary catheters and PICCs.
Use of Training, Validation, and Test Sets for Developing Automated Classifiers in Quantitative Ethnography.

Using automated classifiers to code discourse data enables researchers to carry out analyses on large datasets. This paper presents a detailed example of applying training, validation and test sets frequently utilized in machine learning to develop automated classifiers for use in quantitative ethnography research. The method was applied to two dispositional constructs. Within one cycle of the process, reliable and valid automated classifiers were developed for Social Disposition. However, the automated coding scheme for Inclusive Disposition was rejected during the validation stage due to issues of overfitting. Nonetheless, the results demonstrate the beneficial potential of using preclassified datasets in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the automation process.
Synthesis of azido-substituted benzaldehydes via SNAr chemistry

Abstract Conditions for the formation of azidobenzaldehydes and azidobenzonitriles using sodium azide in DMSO under typical SNAr conditions are described. This simplifies access to these valuable building blocks compared to the more common sequences reported in the literature. Interestingly, fluorosubstituted aryl ketones and esters do not afford azides, but instead amine products.
Surgical repair of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery

Objective To review the experience of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery.Methods 36 patients were admitted,17 males and 19 females,the median age was 9.5 months.12 were associated with severe mitral regurgitation,10 with left ventricular aneurysm,1 with patent ductus arteriosus,2 with patent foramen ovale.33 pa tients underwent surgical repair,of which 3 underwent left coronary artery (LCA) ligation,1 underwent mitral valve replacement,29 underwent reestablishment of a dual coronary system with direct aortic reimplantation of the left coronary artery into the aorta,incidental mitral valvoplasty in 7 patients,mitral valve replacement in 1,patent ductus arteriosus ligation in 1 and patent foramen ovale closure in 2.Results Two patients died in the hospital,one postoperative patient lost follow-up,one underwent LCA reimplantation suddenly died 3 days after discharged,one received coronary artery bypass graft 2 years after LCA ligation,the remainder were asymptomatic during a follow-up of 1 to 73 months.one of the patients who did not underwent surgical repair lost follow-up,when one suddenly died 2 months after discharged,the remained one was asymptomatic during a follow-up of 5 months.Conclusion Echocardiography combined with spiral CT angiography is a good method for ALCAPA diagnosis.Good surgical outcome of ALCAPA can be achieved by reestablishing a dual coronary system with direct aortic reimplantation of the left coronary artery into the aorta,and left ventricular dysfunction could be significantly improved.Incidental mitral valvoplasty may be helpful in early rehabilitation but poor in long-term prognosis.Left ventricular aneurysm could be improved so a incidental resection of left ventricular aneurysm was not suggested. Key words: Heart defects, congenital ; Cardiac surgical procedures ; Mitral regurgitation ; Heart aneurysm ; Left coronary artery ; Anomalous origin ; Pulmonary artery
Manufacturing strategies in fluorinated polymers and composites

Abstract One of the leading challenges in the development of new, multifunctional polymer products is process feasibility. Many of the standard coating, molding, and extrusion technologies are riddled with multivariable problems that dictate part quality, scalability, and process design. These challenges are exasperated when implementing fluorinated polymers due, in part, to their high melt viscosity, corrosive decomposition products, and surface energy limitations. Solving these problems promises products with high thermal stability, tunable interface properties, and corrosion resistance. While there have been many breakthroughs over the years in process design and formulation, fluoropolymer processing has entered an age of new processing solutions thanks to additive manufacturing. However, many of the age-old processing challenges have created resistance in implementing AM methods to their full potential. This chapter serves to revisit traditional processing strategies in hopes of bringing that intuition to fluoropolymer additive manufacturing.
Prophylactic Foscarnet for Human Herpesvirus 6: Effect on Hematopoietic Engraftment after Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation

ABSTRACT The high incidence of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) reactivation, potentially interfering with engraftment after umbilical cord blood (UCB) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), remains a major challenge. To potentially address this problem, we evaluated the effect of prophylactic foscarnet administered twice daily beginning on day +7 and continuing through engraftment in 25 patients. To determine the impact of foscarnet on HHV-6, engraftment, and other transplantation outcomes, we compared results in 61 identically treated patients with hematologic malignancies. Treatment and control groups underwent reduced-intensity conditioning UCB HCT with a conditioning regimen of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and total body irradiation 200 cGy with or without antithymocyte globulin (ATG), using sirolimus plus mycophenolate mofetil immune suppression. The treatment and control groups were similar in terms of age, disease risk, use of ATG, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index, and graft CD34 cell dose; however, foscarnet-treated patients were less likely to receive a double UCB graft and to be treated more recently (2016 to 2018). The cumulative incidence of HHV-6 reactivation by day +100 was 63% for all patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 51% to 75%) and was not significantly different between the 2 groups. HHV-6 reactivation occurred at a median of 34 days in the foscarnet group and 25.5 days in the control group. The incidence of neutrophil engraftment at day 42 was higher in the foscarnet group compared with the control group (96%; [95% CI, 83% to 100%] versus 75% [95% CI, 64% to 85%]; P
Vascular surgery triage during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a marked increase in hospital utilization, medical resource scarcity and rationing of surgical procedures. This has created a need for strategies to triage surgical patients. Here, we describe our experience using the American College of Surgeons (ACS) COVID-19 Guidelines for Triage of Vascular Surgery Patients in an academic surgery practice. METHODS: We used the ACS Guidelines as a framework to direct the triage of vascular surgery patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. We retrospectively analyzed the results of this triage during the first month of surgical restriction at our hospital. Patients undergoing surgery were identified by reviewing the operating room schedule. We reviewed the electronic medical record (EMR) and assigned an ACS Category, Condition and Tier Class to each completed surgery. Surgeries that were postponed during that same time period were identified from a prospectively maintained list. We reviewed the EMR for all postponed surgeries and assigned an ACS Category, Condition and Tier Class to each surgery. We reviewed the EMR for all postponed procedures to identify adverse events related to the treatment delay. RESULTS: We performed 69 surgeries in 52 patients during the study period. All surgeries were performed to treat emergent, urgent or time-sensitive elective diagnoses. Forty-seven surgeries (68%) were from Tier 3 and 22 (32%) were from Tier 2b. We did not perform any surgeries from Tier 1 or 2a. We postponed surgery in 66 patients during the same time period. Thirty-six (55%) were from Tier 1, 22 (33%) were from Tier 2a, 5 (8%) were from Tier 2b and 3 (5%) could not be assigned a Tier Class. No Tier 3 surgeries were postponed. Three patients (4.5%) experienced an adverse event that could be attributed to the treatment delay. CONCLUSIONS: The ACS Triage Guidelines provided an effective method to decrease vascular surgical volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic without an increase in patient morbidity. The clinical utility of the Guidelines would be strengthened by incorporating the SURGCON/VASCCON threat level alert system.
Soif de styles: pour un accroissement d’existence

This article is a personal account of Gaetan Brulotte’s conception of literary creation as a Canadian francophone writer. Using his latest collection of short stories as his starting point, Brulott...
Nurses on the front line: The 1918 influenza pandemic and COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: This article identifies and describes the experiences of US nurses in the 1918 influenza pandemic and compares them to nurses' experiences today as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings are based on traditional historical methods with a social history framework. Because of advances in nursing, medicine, and science, nurses' work is quite different today than it was in 1918. Yet two facts remain the same: In the setting of a pandemic of a dangerous virus for which there are few proven treatments and no vaccine, skilled nursing care is critical to patient outcomes; and support from federal, state, and local governments, community organizations, and volunteers is as important now as it was in 1918.
Brief report: the moderating effect of stress mindsets on associations between stress during pregnancy and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Research suggests that the extent to which stress is perceived as enhancing or debilitating can impact how stress is experienced, stress reactions, and stress-related outcomes. Given that there is a salient perception of stress as harmful during pregnancy, our aim was to investigate stress mindsets as a moderator of established associations between prenatal stress and elevations in anxiety and depression. DESIGN A survey design was used, yielding cross-sectional and longitudinal data. METHODS Participants (n = 388) completed a survey that included measures of stress, anxiety and depression, and stress mindsets during their pregnancy; a subset responded to a brief follow-up questionnaire assessing mental health outcomes six to eight weeks postpartum (n = 103). RESULTS Stress mindsets in pregnancy moderated the effect of perceived and pregnancy stress on prenatal anxiety and depression, as well as the effect of prenatal ratings of the pregnancy as a stressor on postpartum depression. The positive effect of stress on mental health outcomes grew stronger when stress was viewed as more debilitating, but was no longer significant when stress was viewed as more enhancing. CONCLUSIONS Though further research is needed, a positive stress mindset could be protective against some of the negative effects of prenatal stress.
Parathyroid Gland Hyperplasia in Renal Failure

Introduction S econdary hyperparathyroidism, a frequent complication of chronic renal failure, is characterized by parathyroid hyperplasia and enhanced synthesis and secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). As summarized in Figure 1, high circulating PTH levels are not only a major contributor to osteitis fibrosa and bone loss, typical features of renal osteodystrophy, but also to a variety of systemic defects including cardiovascular complications which increase mortality in renal failure patients. A link between the mechanisms controlling proliferation and hormonal production also exists in normal parathyroid cells, which respond to the stimulus of chronic hypocalcemia not only by an increase in PTH release but with a secondary expansion in cell mass. The mechanisms responsible for this link, however, remain poorly understood. In renal failure, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and vitamin D deficiency are the three main direct causes of hyperparathyroidism. Hyperphosphatemia and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (l,25(OH)2D3) deficiency also enhance parathyroid function indirectly by lowering serum calcium (Ca).^'^'^ The regulation of PTH synthesis by Ca, phosphate (P) and vitamin D has been extensively studied. PTH-gene transcription is tightly controlled by Ca and l,25(OH)2D3 through mechanisms that involve the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) and the vitamin D receptor (VDR), respectively. ' As renal disease progresses, a reduction in parathyroid content of both proteins renders the parathyroid glands more resistant to suppression of PTH synthesis and secretion in response to Ca and l,25(OH)2D3.^'^^ Serum Ca and P levels also control PTH synthesis through post-transcriptional mechanisms that involve the binding of cytosolic proteins to the 3'-untranslated region of the PTH mRNA, thus regulating transcript stability and consequently, PTH translation rates. ' ' Changes in the levels of serum Ca, P, l,25(OH)2D3 and in the parathyroid content of the CaSR and the VDR also have a dramatic impact on parathyroid tissue growth. ' ' However, the lack of an appropriate parathyroid cell line has precluded a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms mediating the potent effects of the three main regidators on the rate of parathyroid cell proliferation already induced by uremia. This chapter summarizes the current understanding of parathyroid tissue growth and presents new insights, emerging from the 5/6 nephrectomized rat model, into the molecular mechanisms contributing to the regulation of parathyroid hyperplasia in early uremia by Ca, P and l,25(OH)2D3.
Optimum Linear Systems: Steady-State Synthesis

The previous chapter was concerned with the analysis of signals and systems. We study now a much more difficult problem, the synthesis or design of systems which are optimum in some sense. Since it will turn out that we are interested principally in linear systems with random inputs and with criteria of optimization which are statistical in nature, it might be appropriate to call this general area by the term statistical design or statistical optimization theory for linear systems.
How to make a federation manageable

Nowadays, the setup of seamless, cross-organizational working environments is a challenging task, mainly because of security-related problems. The available options for cross-domain collaboration are often dysfunctional, expensive and not in line with the organization's business needs. Despite the proliferation of claims-based mechanisms like SAML, WS-Trust or WS-Federation, additional guidance is necessary how to effectively apply these technologies. The architectural pattern and ideas presented in this talk are an attempt to solve a common class of problems in collaboration space.
Advanced feature selection methodology for automatic target recognition

The paper investigates independent feature selection as used in neural networks for solving classification problems. Radial basis functions and wavelet transforms are used to preprocess the input data. A class of nonorthogonal classifiers is defined and their properties are investigated. It is demonstrated that nonorthogonal classifiers perform better than the orthogonal ones. Feature selection using mutual information is also investigated. Independence of features based on the information content is defined and used to select features for synthesis of ontogenic neural networks. Simulation results using synthetically generated radar returns showed promise for automatic target recognition.
Physical examination of the female internal and external genitalia with and without pelvic organ prolapse: A review

Pelvic organ prolapse, a herniation of pelvic organs through the vagina, is a common condition in older women. Pelvic organ prolapse distorts vaginal anatomy making pelvic examination difficult. A clinician must accurately identify anatomic landmarks both in women presenting with symptoms of prolapse and in women noted to have coincidental prolapse during routine gynecologic examination. We present a systematic approach to the female pelvic examination including anatomic landmarks of the external genitalia, vagina, and uterus in women with normal support as well as changes that occur with pelvic organ prolapse. Knowledge and awareness of normal anatomic landmarks will improve a clinician's ability to identify defects in pelvic support and allow for better diagnosis and treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.
Equivalent Pass/Fail Decisions

In competency testing, it is sometimes difficult to properly equate scores of different forms of a test and thereby assure equivalent cutting scores. Under such circumstances, it is possible to set standards separately for each test form and then scale the judgments of the standard setters to achieve equivalent pass/fail decisions. Data from standard setters and examinees for a medical certifying examination were reanalyzed. Cutting score equivalents were derived by applying a linear procedure to the standard-setting results. These were compared against criteria along with the cutting score equivalents derived from typical examination equating procedures. Results indicated that the cutting score equivalents produced by the experts were closer to the criteria than standards derived from examinee performance, especially when the number of examinees used in equating was small. The root mean square error estimate was about 1 item on a 189-item test.
Threshold for Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency on Glucose Metabolism in Obese Female African-American Adolescents

Context: Vitamin D status can influence insulin resistance. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in obese African-American (AA) adolescent females in a southeastern latitude and to determine the relationship of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] with insulin and glucose dynamics. Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a University Children’s Hospital. Methods: Serum 25(OH)D, fasting glucose, PTH, serum calcium, serum lipids, serum transaminases, and C-reactive protein were assessed. Indices of insulin sensitivity and resistance were determined from an oral glucose tolerance test. Subjects were classified as vitamin D deficient or sufficient, based on the traditional vitamin D deficiency definition [serum 25(OH)D <20 ng/ml] and also by a lower 25(OH)D cut-point of 15 ng/ml or less. Results: A total of 51 AA adolescent females (body mass index, 43.3 ± 9.9 kg/m2; age, 14 ± 2 yr) were studied. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were 20 ng/ml or less in 78.4% and 15 ng/ml or less in 60.8% of subjects. There were no significant group differences in the metabolic outcomes when subjects were classified using the traditional vitamin D deficiency definition. The Matsuda index of insulin sensitivity was significantly lower (P = 0.02), and insulin area under the curve was significantly higher (P = 0.04) in subjects with 25(OH)D concentrations of 15 ng/ml or less vs. those with higher concentrations. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in obese, AA female adolescents and may promote insulin resistance. Our data suggest that a 25(OH)D concentration of 15 ng/ml or less may be the threshold by which vitamin D deficiency confers negative effects on insulin sensitivity.
Unilateral multicystic kidney disease.

Summary Unilateral multicystic kidney disease is a congenital condition characterized by replacement of normal kidney tissue by multiple cysts of varying size held together loosely by connective tissue. The condition should not be confused with the other cystic lesions of the kidney and should be classified as a separate entity since it is apparently always unilateral and has a favorable prognosis. It is most often discovered early in life and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an abdominal or flank mass in the newborn infant or child. The etiology of this condition is discussed and the previously reported cases are reviewed. The 2 cases presented bring the total to 31 recorded in the literature.
Interference-aware topology control and QoS routing in multi-channel wireless mesh networks

The throughput of wireless networks can be significantly improved by multi-channel communications compared with single-channel communications since the use of multiple channels can reduce interference influence. In this paper, we study interference-aware topology control and QoS routing in IEEE 802.11-based multi-channel wireless mesh networks with dynamic traffic. Channel assignment and routing are two basic issues in such networks. Different channel assignments can lead to different network topologies. We present a novel definition of co-channel interference. Based on this concept, we formally define and present an effective heuristic for the minimum INterference Survivable Topology Control (INSTC) problem which seeks a channel assignment for the given network such that the induced network topology is interference-minimum among all K-connected topologies. We then formulate the Bandwidth-Aware Routing (BAR) problem for a given network topology, which seeks routes for QoS connection requests with bandwidth requirements. We present a polynomial time optimal algorithm to solve the BAR problem under the assumption that traffic demands are splittable. For the non-splittable case, we present a maximum bottleneck capacity path routing heuristic. Simulation results show that compared with the simple common channel assignment and shortest path routing approach, our scheme improves the system performance by 57% on average in terms of connection blocking ratio.
Beyond the first trimester screen: can we predict who will choose invasive testing?

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine what factors, in addition to a positive first trimester aneuploidy screen, correlate with a pregnant patient's decision to undergo invasive prenatal testing. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies referred to the Johns Hopkins Prenatal Diagnosis and Treatment Center between 2001 and 2009 with an indication of positive first trimester screen. We compared demographic factors and numerical first trimester screen results with invasive testing uptake. Risk difference calculations and linear modeling were used for analysis. Results: A total of 171 eligible patients were identified. Maternal age, race, residual risk, marital status, and year of first trimester screen correlated significantly with invasive testing uptake. Family history was predictive of invasive testing uptake for patients younger than 35 years only. Type of elevated risk (trisomy 21 vs. 18 and 13), assisted reproductive technology status, parity, and increase from age-related risk were not predictive. A general linear model for relative risk with Gaussian error showed significant interaction between the variables of age and family history, so the two traits were analyzed separately (P = 0.009). Conclusions: Among patients with positive first trimester screen results, several demographic traits are predictive of invasive testing uptake. This information can help providers to identify patients at increased risk of declining invasive testing and can help providers anticipate educational needs. Further investigation should be conducted to elucidate the causes of these differences, which may relate to misinformation about the testing options and differences in values systems.
Communication and Decision-Making in Seriously Ill Patients: Findings of the SUPPORT Project

OBJECTIVES: The Study to Understand Prognoses and Preferences for Outcomes and Risks of Treatments (SUPPORT) represents one of the largest and most comprehensive efforts to describe patient preferences in seriously ill patients, and to evaluate how effectively patient preferences are communicated. Our objective was to review findings from SUPPORT describing the communication of seriously ill patients' preferences for end-of-life care. METHODS: We identified published reports from SUPPORT describing patient preferences and the communication of those preferences. We abstracted findings that addressed each of the following questions: What patient characteristics predict patient preferences for end of life care ? How well do physicians, nurses, and surrogates understand their patients' preferences, and what variables are correlated with this understanding ? Does increasing the documentation of existing advance directives result in care more consistent with patients' preferences ? RESULTS: Patients who are older, have cancer, are women, believe their prognoses are poor, and are more dependent in ADL function are less likely to want CPR. However, there is considerable variability and geographic variation in these preferences. Physician, nurse, and surrogate understanding of their patient's preferences is only moderately better than chance. Most patients do not discuss their preferences with their physicians, and only about half of patients who do not wish to receive CPR receive DNR orders. Factors other than the patients' preferences and prognoses, including the patient's age, the physician's specialty, and the geographic site of care were strong determinants of whether DNR orders were written. In SUPPORT patients, there was no evidence that increasing the rates of documentation of advance directives results in care that is more consistent with patients' preferences. CONCLUSIONS: SUPPORT documents that physicians and surrogates are often unaware of seriously ill patients' preferences. The care provided to patients is often not consistent with their preferences and is often associated with factors other than preferences or prognoses. Improving these deficiencies in end-of-life care may require systematic change rather than simple interventions.
Housing price dynamics and convergence in high-tech metropolitan economies

Abstract This paper estimates the joint effects of spatial diffusion and high-tech industry transmission on housing prices. I find these effects are significant but generate different short-run dynamics and long-run convergence of housing prices. The spatial diffusion effect is instantaneous but short-lived, whereas the high-tech industry effect is persistent. The dynamics conclusion is supported by estimates of a dynamic panel model using data of 42 high-tech metropolitan areas. A further convergence test shows that it is the high-tech industrial transmission mechanism, not the spatial diffusion, to drive the housing price convergence.
Colloidal Graphite-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization MS and MSn of Small Molecules. 2. Direct Profiling and MS Imaging of Small Metabolites from Fruits

Due to a high background in the low-mass region, conventional MALDI is not as useful for detecting small molecules (molecular masses <500 Da) as it is for large ones. Also, spatial inhomogeneity that is inherent to crystalline matrixes can degrade resolution in imaging mass spectrometry (IMS). In this study, colloidal graphite was investigated as an alternative matrix for laser desorption/ionization (GALDI) in IMS. We demonstrate its advantages over conventional MALDI in the detection of small molecules such as organic acids, flavonoids, and oligosaccharides. GALDI provides good sensitivity for such small molecules. The detection limit of fatty acids and flavonoids in the negative-ion mode are in the low-femtomole range. Molecules were detected directly and identified by comparing the MS and MS/MS spectra with those of standards. Various fruits were chosen to evaluate the practical utility of GALDI since many types of small molecules are present in them. Distribution of these small molecules in the fruit was investigated by using IMS and IMS/MS.
Measurements of dose distributions in small beams of 6 MV x-rays

Dose distributions produced by small circular beams of 6 MV X-rays have been measured using ionisation chambers of small active volume. Specific quantities measured include tissue maximum ratios (TMR), total scatter correction factors (St), collimator scatter correction factors (Sc) and off-axis ratios (OAR). Field sizes ranged from 12.5 to 30 mm diameter, and were defined by machined auxiliary collimators with the movable jaws set for a 4 cm*4 cm field size. Due to the lack of complete lateral electronic equilibrium for these small fields, the accuracy of the measurements was also investigated. This was accomplished by studying dose response as a function of detector size. Uncertainties of 2.5% were observed for the central axis dose in the 12.5 mm field when measuring with an ionisation chamber with a diameter of 3.5 mm. The total scatter correction factor exhibits a strong field size dependence for fields below 20 mm diameter, while the collimator scatter correction factor is constant and is defined by the setting of the movable jaws. Off-axis ratio measurements show larger dose gradients at the beam edges than those achieved with conventional collimator systems. Corrected profiles measured with an ionisation chamber are compared with measurements made with photographic film and LiF thermoluminescent dosemeters.
Evaluation of a token system for juvenile delinquents in a residential setting

Abstract The influence of a token economy in a residential treatment facility for delinquents was evaluated in three areas of behavior: (a) in-house chore performance, (b) littering in the facility, and (c) school performance as reflected in daily evaluations by teachers. Chore performance and littering were influenced favorably by the token system. School performance, however, appeared to be unaffected by the reversal of the token program. Reasons for this finding are discussed and the need underscored that existing token systems evaluate the effectiveness of their program contingencies on a regular basis.
Perceptions of partner drinking problems, regulation strategies and relationship outcomes

The current research evaluates how perceptions of one's partner's drinking problem relate to attempts to regulate partner behavior and relationship functioning, and whether this varies by perceptions of one's own drinking. New measures are offered for Thinking about your Partner's Drinking (TPD) and Partner Management Strategies (PMS). Participants included 702 undergraduates who had been in a romantic relationship for at least three months. Participants completed an online survey assessing perceptions of problematic drinking for one's self and partner, ways in which attempts were made to regulate or restrain their partner's drinking, relationship outcomes (i.e., satisfaction, commitment, trust, and need fulfillment), and alcohol use and consequences for self and partner. Factor analyses supported a single factor for Thinking about your Partner's Drinking (TPD) and two factors for the Partner Management Strategies (PMS) scale (i.e., punishment and reward). Results using structural equation modeling indicated that perceiving one's partner to have a drinking problem was associated with lower relationship functioning. Further, this association was mediated by strategies using punishment aimed at changing one's partner's drinking, but was not mediated by strategies using rewards. Finally, moderation results suggested that this relationship was not as detrimental for participants who perceived they also had an alcohol problem. In sum, perceiving one's partner to have a drinking problem was associated with relationship problems through punishing regulation strategies, and was weaker among individuals who also perceived themselves to have a drinking problem.
Analysis of SecA dimerization in solution.

The Sec pathway mediates translocation of protein across the inner membrane of bacteria. SecA is a motor protein that drives translocation of preprotein through the SecYEG channel. SecA reversibly dimerizes under physiological conditions, but different dimer interfaces have been observed in SecA crystal structures. Here, we have used biophysical approaches to address the nature of the SecA dimer that exists in solution. We have taken advantage of the extreme salt sensitivity of SecA dimerization to compare the rates of hydrogen–deuterium exchange of the monomer and dimer and have analyzed the effects of single-alanine substitutions on dimerization affinity. Our results support the antiparallel dimer arrangement observed in one of the crystal structures of Bacillus subtilis SecA. Additional residues lying within the preprotein binding domain and the C-terminus are also protected from exchange upon dimerization, indicating linkage to a conformational transition of the preprotein binding domain from an open to a closed state. In agreement with this interpretation, normal mode analysis demonstrates that the SecA dimer interface influences the global dynamics of SecA such that dimerization stabilizes the closed conformation.
The origin of annulate lamellae in the oocyte of the ascidian, Boltenia villosa stimpson

The formation of the extranuclear annulate lamellae has been revealed to be connected with a process of nuclear emission which is very active during the previtellogenetic stages of the Boltenia oocyte development. This process involves both of the nuclear membranes. At many spots on the surface of the nuclear envelope, the outer membrane pulls away from the inner membrane, thus forming what has been designated as “blisters” of various sizes and shapes. Masses of nuclear content, apparently not from the nucleolus, are pushed into the blisters. These blisters may become detached from the nuclear envelope and lie free in the cytoplasm. But in many cases, the detachment seems delayed, and in each blister many emission masses are squeezed tightly together and flat one on top of the other. These masses, in sections, may present the appearance of a stack of elongated outlines. The membrane, limiting any two adjacent masses in close contact, develop annuli. It is thus that an annulate lamella is formed. Whether an annulate lamella is formed between a pair of neighboring masses depends on their proximity. So the production of the annulate lamellae is incidental to, but not a necessary part of the process of nuclear emission. After the original outer nuclear membrane forming the blister has disintegrated, the annulate lamellae are left exposed in the cytoplasm.
Safely creating correct subclasses without seeing superclass code

A major problem for object-oriented frameworks and class libraries is how to provide enough information about a superclass, so programmers can safely create new subclasses without giving away the superclass's code. Code inherited from the superclass can call down to methods of the subclass, which may cause nontermination or unexpected behavior. We describe a reasoning technique that allows programmers, who have no access to the code of the superclass, to determine both how to safely override the superclass's methods and when it is safe to call them. The technique consists of a set of rules and some new forms of specification. Part of the specification would be generated automatically by a tool, a prototype of which is planned for the formal specification language JML. We give an example to show the kinds of problems caused by method overrides and how our technique can be used to avoid them. We also argue why the technique is sound and give guidelines for library providers and programmers that greatly simplify reasoning about how to avoid problems caused by method overrides.
What Were the Crusades

What were the Crusades anyway? What brought them about? When did they occur and where did they take place? Who participated in them and what was their motivation? Scholars in recent years have prod...
Image-Based Trajectory Estimation for Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

In this article we present an image-based approach to estimate the probe position trajectory in scanning tunneling microscopes (STMs). STMs are key enabling tools in the experimental investigation and manipulation of nano and sub-nano scale phenomena; however, due to an inability to measure the STM-probe position, typical STMs are limited to low bandwidth operations to ensure positioning accuracy. To overcome sensor deficiencies, thus enabling higher bandwidth STMs, an image-based method which produces discrete samples of the STM-tip trajectory has been developed. In this article we explore how the STM calibration sample and the output affect the reconstructability of the STM trajectory.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Proton spectroscopic imaging of the thalamus in treatment-naive pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Abstract Background: Neurobiological abnormalities in the thalamus, particularly the dorsomedial nucleus of the thalamus, are believed to be involved in the pathophysiology of obsessive–compulsive disorder. Although obsessive–compulsive disorder commonly arises in childhood and adolescence, no prior study has examined the thalamus in pediatric obsessive–compulsive disorder patients. Methods: In this study, N -acetyl-aspartate, a putative marker of neuronal viability, creatine/phosphocreatine, and choline levels were measured in the lateral and medial subregions of the left and right thalami using a multislice proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging sequence in 11 treatment-naive, nondepressed obsessive–compulsive disorder outpatients, 8–15 years old, and 11 case-matched control subjects. Results: A significant reduction in N -acetyl-aspartate/choline and N -acetyl-aspartate/(creatine/phosphocreatine + choline) was observed in both the right and left medial thalami in obsessive–compulsive disorder patients compared with control subjects. The N -acetyl-aspartate/choline and N -acetyl-aspartate/(creatine/phosphocreatine + choline) levels did not differ significantly between case–control pairs in either the left or the right lateral thalamus. Reduction in N -acetyl-aspartate levels in the left medial thalamus was inversely correlated with increased obsessive–compulsive disorder symptom severity. Conclusions: These findings provide new evidence of localized functional neurochemical marker abnormalities in the thalamus in pediatric obsessive–compulsive disorder. Our results must be considered preliminary, however, given the small sample size.
Exploring the contexts of urban science classrooms. Part 2: The emergence of rituals in the learning of science

In Part 1 of this paper, I described the corporate and communal nature of research, teaching, and learning in urban science classrooms as both a theoretical approach to understanding, and way of viewing practices within these fields. By providing a new approach to theorizing the cultural misalignments that are prevalent in urban schools, I look to provide an informative tool for investigating under-discussed dynamics that impact science teaching and learning. In this body of work, I further expose the nature of the corporate|communal by describing practices that define communal practice. I do so conversant of the fact that synthesizing my previous work on corporate and communal practices necessarily pushes science education researchers and teachers to look for somewhat tactile explications of communal practices. That is to say, if communal practices do exist within the corporate structures of science classrooms, how do they present themselves and how can they be targeted? This paper begins a journey into such a study and focuses on student transactions, fundamental interactions and rituals as a key to redefining and attaining success in urban science classrooms.
Serum electrolytes in the hypophysectomized rhesus monkey.

Hypophysectomy in the rhesus monkey results in a small but statistically significant reduction in serum sodium concentration and a statistically significant rise in serum potassium concentration. Restriction in sodium intake, however, does not produce a further alteration in serum sodium and potassium concentration.
State lotteries as duopoly transfer mechanisms

Government-sponsored lotteries can be traced back at least as far as Caesar Augustus, who instituted legalized gambling for the purpose of rebuilding Rome (Mote, 1984). We are also told that Queen Elizabeth introduced a lottery in 1549, and that lotteries were used to provide financial support for the Virginia Company's founding of Jamestown (Johnson, 1960). No less authority on the topic than Captain John Smith reported that lotteries were "the reall and substantial food by which Virginia has been nourished." (Johnson, 1960: 161.) Later, lotteries were used by the Continental Congress and several colonies to fund the Revolutionary War, and such venerable institutions as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Dartmouth benefited from their use (Kaplan, 1984). In more recent times, lotteries provided an important source of revenues for the depressed post-Civil War Southern states. But criticism regarding their moral implications and corruption in their operation is given as the explanation for Congressional action that foreclosed state lotteries in 1895 by prohibiting the use of the mail for distributing lottery tickets and information (Tillett, 1983). In that same year, Congress passed a national income tax, which was struck down by the court. Some might argue that the demise of state lotteries was related to the federal government's attempt to extend its ability to collect
Using the web as a phonological corpus: a case study from Tagalog

Some languages' orthographic properties allow written data to be used for phonological research. This paper reports on an on-going project that uses a web-derived text corpus to study the phonology of Tagalog, a language for which large corpora are not otherwise available. Novel findings concerning the phenomenon of intervocalic tapping are discussed in detail, and an overview of other phonological phenomena in the language that can be investigated through written data is given.
Video Games and Aggression in Children

This study examined the effect of playing an aggressive or nonaggressive video game on fifth-graders' free play. Twenty-two pairs of boys and 20 pairs of girls were randomly assigned to one of three conditions. One of the children in each pair played a video game rated by peers as aggressive, a video game with little aggression, or a non-video maze-solving game for 8 minutes. The other child watched. Each child was then left individually to engage in free play in a separate room for 8 minutes, and also given the opportunity to deliver rewards and punishments to another child. The results were similar for both players and observers. Girls evidenced significantly more general activity and aggressive free play after playing the aggressive video game. Girls' activity decreased and their quiet play slightly increased after playing the low aggressive game compared to the control group. Neither video game had any significant effect on boys' free play. Neither girls nor boys gave significantly more punishments or rewards after playing any of the games.
Socioeconomic and psychosocial gradients in cardiovascular pathogen burden and immune response: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis.

Background—The biologic mechanisms linking socioeconomic position and psychosocial factors to cardiovascular disease (CVD) are not well understood. Immune response to persistent pathogens may be one of these mechanisms. Methods—We analyzed cross-sectional data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (N=999) composed of adults age 45–84. Log-binomial regression and ordinal logistic regression models were used to examine associations of socioeconomic factors and psychosocial factors with pathogen burden and immune response among those infected. Pathogen burden was assessed based on seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus-1, and Chlamydia pneumoniae and antibody levels were used to characterize high immune response to all four pathogens. Results—Low education was a strong and significant independent predictor of higher pathogen burden after adjustment for covariates (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37, 1.19–1.57). Among subjects seropositive for all four pathogens, low education and a higher level of chronic psychosocial stress showed a positive association with higher antibody response, although associations were no longer significant in models with all covariates included (OR = 1.64, 95%CI 0.82–3.31 for lowest vs. highest educational category and OR= 1.29, 95%CI 0.96–1.73 for a one level increase in chronic stress). Conclusion—Pathogen burden and heightened immune response may represent a biological pathway by which low socioeconomic position and chronic stress are related to increased rates of cardiovascular disease.
Fibronectin-Induced Cell Spreading and Down-Regulation of 12-Lipoxygenase Expression in Megakaryocytic DAMI Cells

Abstract During maturation of small immature megakaryocytes to mature platelet producing megakaryocytes the arachidonic acid metabolizing enzyme 12-lipoxygenase is expressed. Here we show that cells of the megakaryocytic cell line DAMI flatten and spread on fibronectin substrate in a way which may be similar to the spreading observed with bone marrow-derived megakaryocytes. The effect on DAMI cell morphology may be attributed to the RGD motif (Arg-Gly-Asp) of fibronectin. Incubation of DAMI cells with fibronectin downregulated 12-lipoxygenase expression about 85-90 %. We discuss the hypothesis that 12-HETE in megakaryocytes may act as a sensor for megakaryocyte attachment to matrix components.
Real-time simulation of a twelve-pulse full converter

Within this paper, a method for the real-time simulation of a twelve-pulse full converter is described. The method is based on a finite-difference simulation of the homogeneous state model of the converter with the inputs clamped over an integer multiple of solution time steps. The simulation code described was written in FORTRAN and executed on IBM RISC System/6000 machines. The computation time required for each simulation time step was 40 μs, which satisfied the real-time constraint. The resultant code is suitable for inclusion in a system-level simulator where multiple subsystems are simulated in parallel on multiple processors.
Phosphodiesterases of tobacco cell cultures and the intact plant

Abstract Tobacco cells grown in suspension culture contained a higher specific activity of acid phosphodiesterase than tissues of the intact plant. The activity of the cells increased with age. The presence of alkaline phosphodiesterase both in the cultured cells and the intact plant was demonstrated, and the properties were partially characterized.