cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a Critical Care Ultrasonography Course

Background Widespread use of critical care ultrasonography (CCUS) for the management of patients in the ICU requires an effective training program. The effectiveness of national and regional CCUS training courses is not known. This study describes a national-level, simulation-based, 3-day CCUS training program and evaluates its effectiveness. Methods Five consecutive CCUS courses, with a total of 363 people, were studied. The 3-day CCUS training program consisted of didactic lectures, ultrasonography interpretation sessions, and hands-on modules with live models. Thoracic, vascular, and abdominal ultrasonography were taught in addition to goal-directed echocardiography. Learners rotated between hands-on training and interpretation sessions. The teacher-to-learner ratio was 1:3 during hands-on training. Interpretation sessions were composed of interactive small groups that reviewed normal and abnormal ultrasonography images. Learners completed a video-based examination before and after completion of the courses. Hands-on image acquisition skills were tested at the completion of the course. Results Average scores on the pretest and posttest were 57% and 90%, respectively ( P P P P Conclusions Learners demonstrated a significant improvement in written test scores that assessed cognitive and image interpretation abilities. In addition, they demonstrated acquisition of practical skills as evidenced by high scores during hands-on testing. Further studies are needed to determine if a simulation-based CCUS course will translate into effective clinical practice and to measure the durability of training. This 3-day course is an effective method to train large groups of critical care clinicians in the skills requisite for CCUS (image acquisition and image interpretation).
Perceptions of Barriers to and Facilitators of Participation in Health Research Among Transgender People

Purpose: Although transgender people may be at increased risk for a range of health problems, they have been the subject of relatively little health research. An important step toward expanding the evidence base is to understand and address the reasons for nonparticipation and dropout. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of barriers to and facilitators of participation in health research among a sample of transgender people in San Francisco, CA, and Atlanta, GA. Methods: Twelve in-person focus groups (FGs) were conducted; six (three with transwomen, three with transmen) were conducted in San Francisco and six FGs were conducted in Atlanta (three with transwomen and three with transmen). FGs were audiorecorded, transcribed, and uploaded to MaxQDA software for analysis. A codebook was used to code transcripts; new codes were added iteratively as they arose. All transcripts were coded by at least 2 of the 4 researchers and, after each transcript was coded, the researchers met to discuss any discrepancies, which were resolved by consensus. Results: Among 67 FG participants, 37 (55%) identified as transmen and 30 (45%) identified as transwomen. The average age of participants was ∼41 years (range 18-67) and the majority (61%) were non-Hispanic Whites. Several barriers that can hinder participation in health research were identified, including logistical concerns, issues related to mistrust, a lack of awareness about participation opportunities, and psychosocial/emotional concerns related to being "outed." A broad range of facilitators were also identified, including the opportunity to gain knowledge, access medical services, and contribute to the transgender community. Conclusion: These findings provide insights about the perceived barriers to and facilitators of research participation and offer some guidance for researchers in our ongoing effort to engage the transgender community in health research.
On the possibility of planar graphyne and graphdiyne chains

Abstract Density Functional Theory is used to show the possibility of the existence of planar chains of graphyne and graphidyne. The electronic and vibrational properties are calculated as a function of the chain length. Periodic boundary conditions are employed to calculate the dependence of the band gap on the wave vector. Both graphyne and graphidyne are predicted to be semi-conducting having a non zero band gap at the zone center. This gives them potential for interesting electronic applications.
Local therapy reduces the risk of liver failure and improves survival in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A comprehensive analysis of 362 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND Treatment methods for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) have improved, but their impact on outcome remains unclear. We evaluated the outcomes of patients definitively treated with resection, radiation, and chemotherapy for ICC, stratified by era. METHODS Clinico-pathologic characteristics, cause of death, disease-specific survival (DSS), and intrahepatic progression-free survival (IPFS) were compared among patients who underwent resection, radiation, or chemotherapy as definitive treatment strategies for ICC (without distant organ metastasis) between 1997 and 2015. Variables were also analyzed by era (1997-2006 [early] or 2007-2015 [late]) within each group. RESULTS Among 362 patients in our cohort, 122 underwent resection (early, 38; late, 84), 85 underwent radiation (early, 17; late, 68), and 148 underwent systemic chemotherapy alone (early, 51; late, 97) as definitive treatment strategies, and 7 patients received best supportive care. In the resection group, the 3-year DSS rate was 58% for the early era and 67% for the late era (P = .036), and the 1-year IPFS was 50% for the early era and 75% for the late era (P = .048). In the radiation group, the 3-year DSS was 12% for the early era and 37% for the late era (P = .048), and the 1-year IPFS was 48% for the early era and 64% for the late era (P = .030). In the chemotherapy group, DSS and IPFS did not differ by era. Patients treated with chemotherapy developed liver failure at the time of death significantly more frequently than patients treated with resection (P < .001) or radiation (P < .001). Multivariable analysis identified local therapy (resection or radiation) as a sole predictor of death without liver failure. CONCLUSION Survival outcomes have improved for local therapy-based definitive treatment strategies for ICC, which may be attributable to maintaining control of intrahepatic disease, thereby reducing the occurrence of death due to liver failure. Cancer 2017;123:1354-1362. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
CO2 diffusion into pore spaces limits weathering rate of an experimental basalt landscape

Basalt weathering is a key control over the global carbon cycle, though in situ measurements of carbon cycling are lacking. In an experimental, vegetation-free hillslope containing 330 m 3 of ground basalt scoria, we measured real-time inorganic carbon dynamics within the porous media and seepage flow. The hillslope carbon flux (0.6–5.1 mg C m –2 h –1 ) matched weathering rates of natural basalt landscapes (0.4–8.8 mg C m –2 h –1 ) despite lacking the expected field-based impediments to weathering. After rainfall, a decrease in CO 2 concentration ([CO 2 ]) in pore spaces into solution suggested rapid carbon sequestration but slow reactant supply. Persistent low soil [CO 2 ] implied that diffusion limited CO 2 supply, while when sufficiently dry, reaction product concentrations limited further weathering. Strong influence of diffusion could cause spatial heterogeneity of weathering even in natural settings, implying that modeling studies need to include variable soil [CO 2 ] to improve carbon cycling estimates associated with potential carbon sequestration methods.
Family Life and Marathon Running: Constraint, Cooperation, and Gender in a Leisure Activity

This qualitative study examines patterns in the ways families manage a family member's involvement in amateur marathon running. Drawing on in-depth interviews (N = 46), we found that families gener...
Effect of Regular Strength Tylenol© on Simocephalus serrulatus Population Growth

This experiment will consist of testing the effects of Regular Strength Tylenol© on Simocephalus serrulatus population growth. Population growth will be measured by recording the number of living S. serrulatus for each sample bi-weekly. There will be one control group and three experimental groups of differing concentrations of Regular Strength Tylenol©. Each group will consist of four sub-samples, with a starting population of ten S. serrulatus . The water for each sample will be prepared by filtering the cell four wetland water with a 120-micro-mesh. The water will be interchanged once a week with freshly filtered wetland water and the appropriate concentration of Regular Strength Tylenol© in order to maintain a relatively constant level of Regular Strength Tylenol© (ask Dr. Harvill how to dispose of previous batch). Two liters of water will be in each sample and concentrations will be measured in ng/L. The concentrations of the three experimental groups will be 63 ng/L, 112 ng/L, and 225 ng/L. Our procedure will follow a 12 hour day/night cycle.
Technical Refinements and Outcomes of the Modified Anterior Septal Transplant.

ImportanceSevere anterior septal deviation and resultant nasal obstruction represent a difficult surgical task to correct. The goal of surgery is to straighten the anterior dorsal and caudal struts...
The Protective Role of Mindfulness in the Relationship Between Perceived Discrimination and Depression

This study examined the potential buffering role of trait mindfulness in the relationship between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms in a community-based sample of racial and ethnic minority adults. Analyses conducted on 97 participants indicated that self-reported trait mindfulness moderated the relationship between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms. Individuals low in mindfulness experienced elevated depressive symptoms at high levels of discrimination. However, individuals high in mindfulness reported lower depressive symptoms at high levels of discrimination. Results remained robust when controlling for potential confounding effects of age, sex, and income. Results suggest mindfulness is an important individual difference that may confer resilience for racial and ethnic minority communities who experience disproportionate levels of discrimination-related stressors and health disparities. Findings point to the potential utility of interventions that target mindfulness as a modifiable skill that can be used specifically to cope with discrimination. Socio-cultural considerations for the use of mindfulness-based approaches in racial and ethnic minority communities are discussed.
INOTERSEN IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH HEREDITARY TRANSTHYRETIN AMYLOIDOSIS WITH POLYNEUROPATHY AND CARDIOMYOPATHY: RESULTS OF THE PHASE 3 STUDY NEURO-TTR

Hereditary transthyretin amyloid (hATTR) is a severe, progressive, disabling, and often fatal disease caused by deposition of amyloid in nerves and cardiac tissue that leads to multiorgan failure. Inotersen, a generation 2+ antisense oligonucleotide inhibitor of TTR protein production, was evaluated
Effects of Feeding Method on Infant Temperament

Publisher Summary This chapter identifies the earliest manifestations of behavioral style in human infants. It outlines the procedures that are employed to assess temperament and argues for the importance of certain dimensions relevant to later development. The criteria for importance are based on three considerations. First is the objective measurability of the dimensions, through the convergence of descriptions, assessments, and observations as appropriate. Second is the distinctiveness of the dimensions, that each involves a more or less independent aspect of temperament. Finally, the stability of the dimensions is of concern, that despite developmental change the components have a traceable link to later temperament, behavior, or other meaningful outcome. The chapter focuses on the relationship between early nutrition and temperament and analyzes the issue of early feeding regimen and its impact on the expression of temperament.
Regulation of Photosynthesis Gene Expression

Regulation of photosynthesis gene expression has been a long studied area of research with anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria. This area of study predates the classical analysis by Cohen-Bazire et al., (1957) who performed a detailed measurement of the repressing effects of light and oxygen on synthesis of the purple bacterial photosystem. In their study they demonstrated that shifting photosynthetically growing cells from anaerobic to aerobic conditions resulted in the immediate cessation of photopigment biosynthesis. A similar effect was also observed when photosynthetically grown cells are shifted from low to high light intensity. We now know that the repressing effects of these environmental factors is a result, in part, to the regulation of photosynthesis gene expression. It is this topic, the repressing effects of light and oxygen on photosynthesis gene expression, that this review will be centered. This chapter covers our current understanding of cis- and trans-acting factors that controls transcription of the light harvesting and reaction center structural genes as well as genes involved in photopigment biosynthesis.
Bit Allocation and Transform Coding

Often a signal coding system contains several different quantizers, each of which has the task of encoding a different parameter that is needed to characterize the signal. Each such parameter may have a different physical meaning and may require a different relative accuracy of reproduction to achieve a desired overall quality of the reconstructed signal. The number of bits available to collectively describe this set of parameters is inevitably limited. Consequently, a major concern of the designer of a coding system is bit allocation, the task of distributing a given quota of bits to the various quantizers to optimize the overall coder performance. In a broader sense, this is an interdisciplinary problem which arises in everyday life: how do we efficiently distribute a limited or scarce resource to achieve the maximum benefit?
A Return to Functional Analysis, the Search for Mechanisms of Change, and the Nomothetic-Idiographic Issue in Psychosocial Interventions:

In this invited commentary, I provide an historical and conceptual context for “The Future of Intervention Science: Process-Based Therapy” by Stefan Hofmann and Steven Hayes (this issue, p. 37). Sp...
Differences in Psychophysiological Reactions to Anxiety in Individuals with Varying Trait Anxiety Scores

This study investigated the differences in the psychophysiological reaction to anxious situations in individuals with higher (greater than or equal to 40) trait anxiety scores in comparison to those with lower (less than 40) trait anxiety scores. This information may be useful for convenient anxiety treatment options and health trackers toward effectively recording and interpreting physiological data from individuals who are generally more anxious. Ten adults completed an IRB (Institutional Review Board) approved study in which all participants completed the Trait Anxiety Scale (Form Y-2) of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and subsequently underwent four phases of baseline, introduction, virtual reality simulation, and recovery during which EEG (electroencephalogram), heart rate, and skin conductance data was collected. Participants also recorded their self-interpreted anxiety on a scale of 1-10 after each phase of the experiment. The brief introduction phase and virtual reality simulation were designed to elicit mild anxiety. Results show no statistically significance difference in average percent difference in skin conductance or heart rate changes between baseline to introduction, baseline to virtual reality or baseline to recovery between individuals with high (greater than or equal to 40) trait anxiety scores and average or low (less than 40) scores. These findings imply important information that trait anxiety does not necessarily correlate to more severe physiological reactions to anxious situations and confirms that manifestations of anxiety may vary greatly between individuals. Most importantly, evaluative measures for the effectiveness of potential health tracking applications or anxiety treatments would be most effective if perceived anxiety intensities were given more value than solely physiological data.
Bile Acid Synthesis Disorder Masquerading as Intractable Vitamin D-Deficiency Rickets.

Vitamin D-deficiency rickets, not responding to large treatment doses of oral vitamin D, suggest rare receptor mutations, malabsorption, or hepatobiliary dysfunction. We present a set of twins of Hispanic origin who presented with refractory vitamin D-deficiency rickets and failure to thrive (FTT) at 6 months of age. On follow-up, mild elevations in serum alanine transaminases and normal aspartate aminotransferase were noted. Subsequently, patients manifested fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies. More targeted evaluations revealed a diagnosis of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-C27-steroid oxidoreductase deficiency. Treatment with oral bile acid replacement with cholic acid resolved rickets and promoted weight gain. Bile acid synthesis disorders should be suspected in refractory rickets in infancy, particularly in a clinical setting of FTT, even in the absence of substantial abnormalities in liver-function tests.
Toward an Integral, Professional-Public Sociology: The Example of Gordon W. Allport

There has been much recent debate within sociology regarding academic versus applied approaches, as well as how to integrate these during a career. Sociologists interested in such issues might find both inspiration and an exemplar in social psychologist Gordon W. Allport. Well known for his leadership role in both personality and psychological social psychology, Allport has still not gained widespread recognition for his sociological contributions, especially his “public sociology.” As an undergraduate, Allport embraced the tradition of “social ethics” as taught at Harvard, which focused on social problems and social policy, and on individual engagement. Over the first two decades of a half-century career, Allport adapted to his “hard science” organizational and professional contexts and earned a tenured position primarily by building up a naturalistic psychology. But beginning in the early 1940s, he increasingly re-engaged with social ethics and overt reform efforts, with a focus on the social psychology and sociology of rumor, prejudice and racial and religious discrimination. Though a key architect of the interdisciplinary Department of Social Relations, he came to see that project as excessively value-neutral and he lobbied to revive a clear ethical commitment. Fittingly, Allport ended his career as the first incumbent of the Richard Clarke Cabot Professorship of Social Ethics. In this way, he bridged naturalistic psychology, sociology and social ethics in order to create an integral science oriented toward social justice.
Comparison of Transcription-Mediated Amplification and Real-Time PCR Assays for Hepatitis B Virus DNA Quantitation in Serum.

Background: The quantification of hepatitis B (HBV) DNA in serum is critical to identify patients requiring antiviral therapy and to monitor the response to treatment. Method: This study describes the evaluation of the Aptima HBV Quant Dx assay (Aptima HBV) performed on the automated Panther system. Results: Aptima HBV was linear from 1.70 to 7.70 log10 IU/mL with a commercial reference panel, as well as clinical specimens representing genotypes B and C, and total imprecision, as measured by the percentage coefficient of variation (%CV) at 2.0 log10 IU/mL was Conclusions: The Aptima HBV test affords a suitable alternative to CAP/CTM for serum virus load testing and provides a key component of the diagnostic algorithm for the global eradication of viral hepatitis.
Optimisation of fuel in fire tube saturated steam boiler

Considerable improvements have been made to minimise the fuel consumption in industrial boilers since a sizable portion of the operational cost can be reduced with fuel optimisation. In this study a combination of air preheater and condensing economiser is proposed to optimise the fuel usage in a fire tube heat boiler. The process utilises 10% excess air that is preheated to 96°C in an air preheater using the heat of stack flue gases. This improves the boilers efficiency by 3%. Moreover, makeup water is also heated to 84°C in the condensing economiser using the heat of stack flue gases coming from the air preheater. This proposed assembly extracts most of the energy from stack flue gases before it start to condense. A simulation using ASPEN HYSYS® shows that using preheated make up water and preheated combustion air, fuel demand in the boiler is reduced by 10%, thus making the process more economical.
Effect of niacin additions to corn-soybean meal diets on performance of pigs from weaning to finishing

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of adding crystalline niacin to low-protein diets on pig performance from weaning to market weight. Niacin was added at 0, 3, 9, 27, or 81 ppm to a low-protein test (LPT) diet fortified with crystalline amino acids and at 0 or 81 ppm to a positive control (PC) diet. Pens (four pigs/pen) were the experimental units with 12 and 8 pens per treatment during the 35-d nursery and 98-d growing-finishing phases, respectively. Niacin supplementation did not affect (P > .10) ADFI, ADG, gain:feed ratio, hair and skin condition, or the incidence of toe cracks and lameness during the nursery or the growing-finishing phases. There were no linear, quadratic, or cubic responses (P > .20) with increasing concentrations of added niacin in the LPT diets for the production criteria measured. Also, there were no interactions (P > .20) between niacin (0 or 81 ppm) and protein level (LPT or PC diets) for any of the criteria studied. Pigs fed the PC diets had greater (P < .05) ADFI, ADG, and gain:feed ratios over the entire experiment than pigs fed the LPT diets that contained 0 or 81 ppm of added niacin. In conclusion, the addition of niacin to low-protein or positive control corn-soybean meal diets did not improve pig performance criteria from weaning to market weight.
Understanding and Managing the Threat

The threat associated with the al Muhajiroun/Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jammah movement is extensive. This chapter discusses that how those threats are conceived and offers a more realistic and grounded threat analysis. The discussion begins with analyzing three core non-governmental, yet influential documents that discuss the threat posed by the ALM/ASWJ movement and challenges their conclusions. There is significant discussion on some of the more high-profile cases and what led individuals to engage in violence. The impacts of a misguided threat analysis are also profiled as is the current policy of ‘exceptualizing’ the threat of terrorism and the impacts that has on the extremists and their extended networks. The chapter concludes after discussing the ASWJ movement against the established literature on how terrorist groups end.
Do Doctors Grieve: Addressing Physician Grief and Cultivating Better Doctors

Physician grief over patient loss is ubiquitous and often leads to mental distraction and compromised treatment decisions. Through personal narrative and a literature review, it is not the grief itself which brews poor outcomes, but lack of discussion or addressing such grief. Open and direct discussion, therefore, seem the first steps to address physician grief and support healthier physicians.
"I'm in Pain; Why Don't You Believe Me?" Pain Management in Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) describes an inherited group of blood disorders that affect the lives of more than 4 million people around the globe. More than 43 million additional people are believed t...
Evidence to Inform Occupational Therapy Intervention With Adults With Intellectual Disability: A Scoping Review

Importance Occupational therapy practitioners use a range of habilitative and compensatory approaches to teach new skills or modify tasks and environments to address occupational performance among adults with intellectual disability (ID); therefore, they must identify and use available evidence to guide intervention planning. Objective To summarize the scope of evidence that can inform occupational therapy intervention with adults with primary or comorbid ID. Data sources Articles published in peer-reviewed journals between January 2002 and January 2018 and indexed in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Study Selection and Data Collection: A total of 159 articles met inclusion criteria and contained information on occupational therapy intervention with adults ages 18 yr or older with primary or coexisting ID. Findings Fifty-seven of the 159 articles focused on intervention to address occupational performance outcomes (i.e., employment, self-care, leisure and social interaction, community participation). Conclusions and relevance A wide range of literature is available to support occupational therapy intervention with adults with ID. Occupational therapy practitioners may be less knowledgeable about this evidence because much of it is located in non-occupational therapy or international journals. What This Article Adds: This scoping review provides occupational therapy practitioners with evidence to support high-quality occupational therapy intervention with adults with ID.
Musings in the twilight of my career

Abstract I present a summary of my research during the last few decades of research which focused on understanding the biochemical basis for maintaining an optimum metabolism to support long-term health. I realized that adequate levels of ∼40 vitamins and minerals needed as cofactors in thousands of metabolic reactions were critical for maintaining a healthy metabolism, and thus for longevity and prevention of chronic disease. Inadequate dietary intake of vitamins and minerals accelerates the risk of aging-associated diseases, leading to insidious damage. The Triage Theory provides a mechanistic rationale for such damage: shortage of a nutrient triggers a built-in rationing mechanism that allocates the scarce nutrient to proteins needed for immediate survival (survival proteins), at the expense of those needed for long-term survival (longevity proteins). Many as-yet-unknown longevity vitamins and proteins likely remain to be discovered. The fiber and nutrient-rich CHORI-bar was developed to fill gaps in inadequate diets; it yielded broadscale metabolic improvements. The health-related damages resulting from vitamin D deficiency and the positive effects of vitamin D supplementation were connected to numerous health-related problems, including the higher level of deficiency in people of color residing at northern latitudes. In general, prevention of degenerative diseases of aging requires expertise in metabolism, nutrition, biochemistry and regulatory functions.
3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase from avian liver. Catalytic properties.

Abstract The catalytic properties of microsomal 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase from avian liver have been investigated. Solubilized and highly purified reductase preparations were not cold labile and enzymic activity remained unchanged following preincubation at 37°C. The pH optimum was 6.8–7.0 and maximal catalytic activity was achieved with 2 mM dithiothreitol and 0.75 M KCl. The heat stability of the enzyme was studied and the addition of 0.75 M KCl, 0.8 mg/ml bovine serum albumin and 5 mM NADPH reduced the inactivation of the purified reductase associated with heat treatment at 65°C. At 37°C, 0.8 mg/ml bovine serum albumin enhanced the purified reductase activity by 100 (± 20)%. An improved assay was developed for the avian hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase and the specific activity of the purified enzyme increased from 1550 to 3300 nmol · min −1 · mg −1 . The K m values of solubilized and purified reductase for d -hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA were 1.05 MM and 1.62 μM, and for NADPH, 1 mM and 263 μM, respectively. The activities of the reductase preparations were non-competitively inhibited by coenzyme A, acyl-CoA esters and hydroxymethylglutarate. MgATP also reduced avian reductase activity. These modulators may play a role in the cellular regulation of the reductase activity.
Book Review: Orientalism and 'The Fall and Rise of the Islamic State'

Professor Feldman has provided in his latest book, The Fall and Rise of the Islamic State, a superficially positive account of Islamic history. He argues that the shari'a, the vast body of rules and norms developed by jurists on the basis of Muslim foundational text, operated in a manner in the medieval world that both legitimized and constrained the political authority, the Caliphate. He further maintains that the Islamist call for shari'a is to restore balance among competing institutions within the state and reinstitute the medieval rule of law in a modern context. Despite the apparent sympathy, the work is reminiscent of the type of material that Edward Said so devastatingly critiqued in his seminal study, Orientalism, in which Said argued that in studying the East, the West could do little more than project its own reductive, exoticizing vision of an inferior East. Three Orientalist themes can readily be gleaned from Professor Feldman's book. First, the Muslim East is a monolith, and a single narrative can accurately encapsulate it relatively well. Second, the Muslim East is exotic, incapable of rule of law on more secular terms, necessarily turning to a world of caliphs and medieval jurists to develop a template on which to build rule of law themes. Finally, the Muslim East is obsessed with and nostalgic for its past. Islamists seek nothing more than the resurrection of classical glories in a modern context, the balance of modernity seems to have little affected their vision. This review will reveal the manner in which these three Orientalist thematic constructions of the Muslim East are distorting in a manner that makes the Muslim polities unrecognizable to the Muslims who actually inhabit them.
Theoretical and methodological considerations in cross-generational research on parenting and child aggressive behavior.

The four studies in this special issue represent important advances in research on the intergenerational transmission of aggressive behavior. In this commentary, we review the key features and findings of these studies, as well as our own cross-generational study of aggression, the Columbia County Longitudinal Study. Next, we consider important theoretical issues (e.g., defining and operationalizing “aggression” and “parenting”; assessing reciprocal effects of parenting and child aggression; identifying the ages at which aggression should be assessed across generations; broadening the investigation of contextual and individual factors). We then discuss several methodological issues (e.g., determining the most informative measurement intervals for assessing prospective effects; sampling considerations; measuring potential moderating and mediating variables that might explain cross-generational continuities and discontinuities in parenting and aggression). Finally, we raise implications of cross-generational research for designing interventions targeting the reduction and prevention of child aggression.
Dynamic adhesion and separation of cells in vitro. I. Mathematical analysis of the experimental system

The contact interaction between cells and thewalls of microchambers through which the cells are passing are quantitated in terms of parameters which are estimated from macroscopic experimental data. For this purpose, an analysis is made of the internal geometry of glass bead-columns. A mathematical model is presented which describes the passage of cells down the column. This model relates the temporal pattern of the number of cells entering and leaving the bead-column to the “dynamic adhesive” properties of a cell as it passes through a microscopic section of the bead-column.
Pulmonary ventilation and cardiac activity in hibernating and arousing golden-mantled ground squirrels (Spermophilus lateralis)

Abstract Pulmonary ventilation was assessed in the hibernating and arousing golden-mantled ground squirrel by plethysmography and end-tidal gas analysis. The heart rate and electrocardiogram were monitored simultaneously with ventilation. The hibernating squirrels displayed a periodic respiratory pattern characterized by a variable breathing frequency and tidal volume and often exhibited characteristics of Cheyne-Stokes respiration. Apneic periods averaging 8 to 9 min resulted in a low overall breathing frequency. Cardiac activity in the hibernating ground squirrel was characterized by arrhythmias which correlated with ventilation and by alterations in the electrocardiogram typically seen in hibernating animals. Arousal from hibernation was accompanied by: (i) a replacement of periodic by continuous ventilation, (ii) a 25-fold increase in VE in the first hour which was accounted for by the increment in breathing frequency, and (iii) a marked decrease in the ratio of heart beats to breaths. The techniques developed in the present study will permit further quantitative investigations of pulmonary ventilation and its control in hibernating animals.
A comparison between xeroradiographs and conventional radiographs as an aid in root canal therapy for maxillary molars

The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of images obtained with dental xeroradiography to that obtained with conventional dental radiography during performance of root canal therapy on maxillary molars. For each step requiring radiographic information during endodontic treatment of 12 maxillary molars, a conventional radiograph and a xeroradiograph were made. This produced four pairs of images for each tooth treated as follows: (1) preoperative, (2) initial files for length determination, (3) master cones fitted, and (4) completed obturation of the root canal systems. The same x-ray machine was used as the source of radiation for all exposure with a setting of 70 kVp and 15 mA and with near identical projection for each pair of images achieved through use of a modified film holder and a custom positioning occlusal index made for each patient. Exposure time for the radiographs was 60 impulses (1 impulse = 160second) and for the xeroradiographs it was 42 impulses. Images of structures and items important in endodontic diagnosis and treatment were rated as unacceptable (0), poor (1), adequate (2), or optimal (3) by four independent evaluators. Analysis of data showed the following: images of bone trabeculae, periodontal ligament spaces, root morphology, root apices, and fine bony abnormalities were judged to be significantly better in the radiographs than in the xeroradiographs (p < 0.01) whereas there were no significant differences in image quality of pulp chamber morphology, root canal morphology, metallic measuring instruments, or endodontic filling materials.
FTIR/ATR study of protein adsorption and brushite transformation to hydroxyapatite

Previous study has demonstrated that brushite (CaHPO4 � 2H2O), modified by partial potassium substitution for calcium, can transform quickly into hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca5(PO4)3OH) when exposed to aqueous salt solutions at room temperature. Analyses techniques used in those studies required sample retrieval from solution, which may alter the sample surface. In this work FTIR/ ATR was used in analysis, enabling in situ study of the transformation within the aqueous environment. To test the biocompatibility of this brushite, cellular response to the transformation needs to be understood. Cellular response was initiated by bovine serum albumin adsorption on the brushite surface. The response was studied by monitoring the conformation of the adsorbed protein, which is critical to cellular reaction. This required monitoring the brushite transformation and surface adsorbed protein conformation simultaneously which can be realized using FTIR/ATR. Based on band fitting and second derivative results from the spectra it was found that the conformation of the adsorbed BSA changes during the brushite transformation to HA. This study also demonstrated that the deposition of the brushite could be monitored in real time which offers the possibility for studying surface bonding during electrodeposition. r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Equilibrium ensembles in general relativity

Consider a collection of particles that interact only via elastic point ‘collisions’ in a fixed background spacetime in the presence of some specified external fields. If there exists a time-like vector field that Lie derives the metric and the external fields, then it is possible to formulate sensible covariant analogues of the standard equilibrium ensembles from Newtonian statistical mechanics.
COMPUTER‐BASED COURSEWARE FOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Systems engineering is an integration activity which is difficult to teach by conventional means alone. Education and training efforts should be supported with computer-based courseware to augment textbooks, technical articles, case studies, and other written materials. The purpose of this paper is twofold: to describe the approach adopted at Virginia Tech in the instruction of systems engineering courses and to describe the development and utilization of computer-based courseware in these courses. While this courseware is applicable in teaching systems engineering generally, three academic courses and their continuing education counterparts will be featured as examples. These courses are: The Systems Engineering Process, Logistics Engineering, and Economic Evaluation of Projects.
Expanding Career Options for Young Women with Learning Disabilities

Young women with disabilities often achieve poor post-school employment outcomes and experience limited career opportunities. Case study methods were utilized to examine the major barriers and facilitators to career choice for young women with learning disabilities who graduated from high school and entered the workforce. Key variables that influenced career choice included (a) gender roles, (b) disability, (c) family and childhood experiences, (d) early work experiences, and (e) career exploration and counseling. Participants who had a solid foundation of employment experiences coupled with opportunities to explore and refine career goals were more likely to enter post-school employment related to their interests and goals.
Identification of acid-fast bacilli using pyrosequencing analysis

Pyrosequence identification of 117 isolates of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) was compared to both routine phenotypic methods and Sanger sequencing. Two (2) vendor-provided pyrosequencing primers specific for AFB were used for the study. Pyrosequence analysis correctly identified 114 (98%) of the tested 117 AFB isolates. Among the test Mycobacterium spp., 18 of 20 Mycobacterium spp. were identified correctly to the species level. All rapidly growing mycobacteria were correctly identified to species by pyrosequencing. Other slowly growing mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, and others were easily identified by pyrosequencing. Only Mycobacterium simiae and Mycobacterium scrofulaceum were not identifiable by the pyrosequence method. Among the 25 Nocardia isolates, all were correctly identified to the genus level. Identification of AFB by pyrosequence analysis provides both a rapid and accurate method for this group of organisms.
24.4: Display Sparkle Measurement and Human Response

A new method for quantifying “sparkle” uses a simple measurement which includes a pixelated source, a test sample, and an eye simulator. The degree of sparkle is calculated from the standard deviation of the pixel powers across a portion of the display. Measurements show excellent correlation to human response studies.
The Benefits of Using Short-Interval Satellite Images to Derive Winds for Tropical Cyclones

Abstract During the 1975, 1976 and 1977 North Atlantic hurricane seasons, NOAA's National Environmental Satellite Service (NESS) and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) conducted a cooperative program to determine the best resolution and frequency now available from satellite images for deriving winds to study and forecast tropical cyclones. Rapid-scan images were obtained in 1975 at 7.5 min interval from SMS 2 for Hurricane Eloise on 22 September and of tropical cyclone Caroline on 28, 29 and 30 August; in 1976 at 3 min intervals from GOES 1 for tropical storms Belle on 5 August and Holly on 25 October; and in 1977 at 3 min intervals Corn GOES 1 for tropical cyclone Anita on 30 and 31 August and 1 September. Cloud motions were derived from these images using the Atmospheric and Oceanographic Information Processing System (AOIPS) at GSFC. Winds that were derived from the movement of upper (∼200 mb) and lower tropospheric (∼900 mb) level clouds using rapid scan data were compared with the 15 and 30 m...
Acute and subacute parathion treatment: effects on cholinesterase activities and learning in mice.

The effects of parathion, an organophosphate insecticide, on the learning and memory of a one-trial passive-avoidance task and on blood and brain true cholinesterase (AChE) and pseudocholinesterase (ChE) activities were tested in mice. An acute dose of 6 mg/kg po was given to mice at various times either prior to the learning trial or the retest trial 24 hr later. A second group of animals was used to determine blood and brain AChE and ChE activities following parathion administration. In another study, various doses (1–4 mg/kg) of parathion were administered sc to mice for 6 days prior to the learning trial. The results of acute administration indicate that parathion given before the learning trial is effective in blocking learning. The maximum effect occurs when parathion is given within the first hour before the learning trial and correlates with maximum changes in enzyme activities. Subacute treatment with parathion results in marked depression of AChE and ChE activities, yet has no effect on learning. These results indicate that parathion disrupts learning upon acute exposure, but that compensation occurs to the prolonged depression of AChE.
Moral Philosophy and the Ontology of Relations

The essay undertakes to explore the possibilities of mutually fruitful dialogue between moral philosophy and ontology, in particular, the ontology of relations. The latter copes with the question of how relations relate, whereas moral philosophy often ignores the ontological implications of such crucial relations as “love” and “interpersonality”. The paper proceeds as follows. First, the ontology of relations is discussed. Second, various examples are analysed. From this, a conception of relation instantiation emerges, according to which to determine which relation actually obtains, one has to take into account (a) the context, (b) the specific content or meaning of the relation, and (c) some “action” or “decision” or “mode of existence” of the relata. This conception suggests that relation instantiation cannot be explained by a single formula. By the help of this conception, Hume's thesis of the identity of “killing relations” between human and nonhuman beings is questioned. Then, the relation of love is analysed. It is shown that love as a moral relation is perfectly explicable in terms of ontology. Moreover, its essence is best captured by the interrelation of the particulars, the relation of love as a universal, and by the relating “action” of the particulars. Finally, the alleged relation of universal fraternity (“interpersonality” as such), linking up each human being to all other human beings, is discussed.
Surfactant and Hydrocarbon Aggregates on Defective Graphite Surface: Structure and Dynamics

We have simulated the structure and aggregation kinetics of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and dodecane (C12) on a graphite surface in the presence of point and line defects. We find that while vacan...
Welfare Policy as Social Control: A Specific Test of the Piven and Cloward Thesis

Most macrolevel analyses of governmental aid to the poor focus on the relationship between indicators of social threat and the expansion of welfare programs. In this article, the authors' investigation extends that research by exploring the consequences of welfare contraction. Taking advantage of Wisconsin's ongoing natural experiment with welfare reform, the authors examine the extent to which the codification of more restrictive eligibility requirements functions to enhance the labor supply. The interrupted time series autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) analyses of monthly welfare caseloads and labor force size fail to support previous contentions that restrictive eligibility requirements are designed to enforce work norms. The authors interpret those findings, raising serious doubts about the efficacy of the conflict perspective's contention that non-legal institutions, like welfare, serve as vehicles for the macrosocial control of subordinate groups or strata.
U.S. Coal Goes Abroad: A Social Action Perspective on Interorganizational Networks

The article reviews the book “U.S. Coal Goes Abroad: A Social Action Perspective on Interorganizational Networks,” by Kathryn S. Rogers.
Guest Editorial: Paradise is Paradise: Reflections on Psychedelic Drugs, Mystical Experience and the Near-Death Experience

Article discussing the relationship between psychedelic drugs, mystical experience, and the near-death experience.
Trees of Life: Saving Tropical Forests and their Biological Wealth

Trees of Life: Saving Tropical Forests and their Biological Wealth. KENTON MILLER and LAURA TANGLEY. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1991. xxi + 218 pp., maps, tables, glossary, appendixes, bibliography, index. $22.50 (cloth), $9.95 (paper). ISBN 0-8070-8508-1, ISBN 0-8070-8505-7.
A genomic screen in yeast implicates kynurenine 3-monooxygenase as a therapeutic target for Huntington disease.

Huntington disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by expansion of a polyglutamine tract in the protein huntingtin (Htt)1, which leads to its aggregation in nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies2. We recently identified 52 loss-of-function mutations in yeast genes that enhance the toxicity of a mutant Htt fragment3. Here we report the results from a genome-wide loss-of-function suppressor screen in which we identified 28 gene deletions that suppress toxicity of a mutant Htt fragment. The suppressors are known or predicted to have roles in vesicle transport, vacuolar degradation, transcription and prion-like aggregation. Among the most potent suppressors was Bna4 (kynurenine 3-monooxygenase), an enzyme in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation that has been linked directly to the pathophysiology of Huntington disease in humans by a mechanism that may involve reactive oxygen species4. This finding is suggestive of a conserved mechanism of polyglutamine toxicity from yeast to humans and identifies new candidate therapeutic targets for the treatment of Huntington disease.
Newton's method for singular constrained optimization problems

We consider an iterative procedure where at each iteration a constrained quadratic optimization problem is solved. A Goldstein type step length rule is incorporated in order to assure global convergence. We consider a class of minimization problems which are singular at the optimal point and show that locally the superlinear convergence rate is retained for a certain part of the iterations. These results are applied to problems with perturbed data. In the last section global convergence results are proven.