cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shared Decision-Making in Older Persons with Cardiovascular Disease

Shared decision-making (SDM) promotes patient-centered care by fostering partnerships between clinicians and patients that ensure that clinical decisions reflect the patient’s goals, values, and preferences. Shared decision-making is particularly important when treatments involve trade-offs that can be considered differently by individual patients. These trade-offs are often present for older adults with cardiovascular disease, who face an array of potential health care decisions relating to medication treatment, revascularization procedures, valve replacement, and device-based therapies. Given the importance of SDM in this population, we review the state of the science of SDM for these patients. We pay particular attention to recent developments in the field, including the design and testing of new patient decision aids. We note that only a few decision aids have been tested in older patients, highlighting an important area for future investigation.
Vitamin B-6 Inadequacy Is Prevalent in Rural and Urban Indonesian Children

The vitamin B-6 status of Indonesian children was evaluated by determining their dietary vitamin B-6 intakes, erythrocyte alanine aminotransferase activity coefficients and plasma pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) concentrations. Thirty-eight third-grade elementary school children (ages = 8-9 y) in rural and 39 in urban areas of Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, voluntarily served as subjects. The subjects included 39 male and 38 female students. The mean vitamin B-6 intake of the subjects was 0.57 mg/d. Fifty-five percentage of the children reported consuming /= 1.25 were observed in 30%, and plasma PLP concentrations </= 30 nmol/L were observed in 25%; these values are considered indicative of vitamin B-6 inadequacy. Similar percentages of male and female subjects had inadequate vitamin B-6 status. Significantly more (P < 0.05) rural children than urban had inadequate vitamin B-6 status as assessed by the three indices. Vitamin B-6 inadequacy was found to be prevalent among these Indonesian children, especially those living in rural areas.
Ginsenoside Rb1 blocks homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction in porcine coronary arteries

Objective Homocysteine (Hcy) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. This study investigates the effects of ginsenoside Rb1, a major constituent of ginseng, on Hcy-induced endothelial dysfunction and molecular changes in porcine coronary arteries. Methods The coronary arteries were harvested from pig hearts and cut into 5-mm ring segments, which were then divided into six groups, including control, Hcy alone (50 μM), low-dose (1 μM) or high-dose (10 μM) Rb1 alone, and Hcy plus low-dose or high-dose Rb1. After 24-hour incubation, the rings were analyzed for vasomotor function in response to thromboxane A2 analog U46619, bradykinin, and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), respectively. In addition, superoxide anion was assessed by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence analysis. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was studied using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Results Endothelium-dependent relaxation (bradykinin) was significantly reduced in rings treated with Hcy alone as compared with the control (49.80% vs 71.77%, n=8, P P > .05). Furthermore, superoxide anion was markedly increased by 137% in the Hcy-treated group as compared with the control, but there were no statistically significant changes from the control in all other groups ( P > .05). Lastly, eNOS mRNA and protein levels were substantially reduced in the Hcy-treated group, but not in the Rb1-Hcy combined groups. Conclusions This is the first study to show that ginsenoside Rb1 can effectively block Hcy-induced endothelial dysfunction and superoxide anion production as well as eNOS downregulation in porcine coronary arteries. This study suggests that ginseng and its active constituents may have potential clinical applications in controlling Hcy-associated vascular injuries.
Extremal connected graphs for independent domination number

A general characterization of connected graphs on n vertices having the maximum possible independent domination number of ?n+2-2n? is given. This result leads to a structural characterization of such graphs in all but a small finite number of cases. For certain situations, one of which occurs when n is a perfect square, the extremal graphs have a particularly simple structure.
RESPONSE OF MONKEYS TO ERYTHROPOIETIN OF RABBIT, SHEEP, AND HUMAN ORIGIN.

ConclusionsMonkeys in whom erythro-poiesis was suppressed (post hypoxic) showed a significant reticulocyte response to administration of erythropoietin of rabbit, sheep or human origin. These results indicate that erythropoietin of primate origin is not required for stimulation of erythropoiesis in primates.
Relationships between the pacific/north american teleconnection patterns and precipitation events in the south‐eastern USA

Precipitation event attributes, defined as the amount, duration, and frequency of individual rainstorms, vary considerably from place to place and season to season. Event variability is caused by a combination of large-scale and local climate processes. Correlations of seasonal time series show that the Pacific/North American (PNA) teleconnection pattern and local rainfall event attributes are significantly related in specific areas of the south-eastern USA in some seasons. Shifts in the zonal/meridional flow over North America affect both the number of events and the event size. The total number of events in some regions changes by as many as 10 to 12 events per season with shifts in continental-scale circulation. An analysis of attribute distributions shows that the percentage of total events falling into selected intensity categories may also change by as much as 10 per cent between flow regimes. Relationships have both temporal and spatial patterns. Shifts in continental-scale circulation affect event attributes most strongly in winter, with more events occurring in zonal years. Events with greater amounts and durations are found east of the Appalachians in meridional years and west of the mountains in zonal years.
Studies of DNA dumbbells. II. Construction and characterization of DNA dumbbells with a 16 base-pair duplex stem and Tn end loops (n = 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14).

The preparation and characterization of DNA dumbbells that contain the 16 base-pair duplex sequences 5'G-C-A-T-A-G-A-T-G-A-G-A-A-T-G-C3' (set 1) and 5'G-C-A-T-C-A-T-C-G-A-T-G-A-T-G-C3' (set 2) are reported. The dumbbells of set 1 have the duplex stem nucleated on both ends by Tn (n = 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 14) loops. The dumbbells of set 2 have Tn (n = 2, 4, 8, 10) end loops. For the molecules of set 1, effects of end loop size on the electrophoretic mobility, CD and UV absorbance spectra, and cleavage by restriction enzymes, were investigated. Effects of loop size on the CD spectra and restriction enzyme cleavage of the molecules of set 2 were also examined. Optical melting curves of the molecules of set 1 were collected as a function of sodium ion concentration from 30 to 120 mM. These investigations revealed that as loop size decreases, the electrophoretic mobilities, rates of enzyme cleavage, and optical melting temperatures increase. For end loops with at least three T's the observed increases are inversely proportional to loop size. The behavior of the dumbbell with T2 end loops departs from this linear dependence and is anomalous in every experimental context. For molecules with end loops comprised of at least four T's CD spectra were virtually indistinguishable. However, these spectra differed considerably from the CD spectrum of the T2-looped molecule. The CD spectrum of the dumbbell with T3 end loops displayed features common to the dumbbells with larger loops and T2 end loops. Thermodynamic evidence that the terminal G.C base pairs (bps) nucleating the T2 end loops were intact was obtained from a comparison of the melting temperature of this molecule with that of a DNA dumbbell containing the 14 central bps of the set 1 duplex sequence linked instead by end loops comprised of the four base sequence, C-T-T-C. The tm of this latter molecule was determined to be 9 degrees C less than that of the former dumbbell assumed to contain a 16-bp stem and T2 end loops.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Assessment of voice

At its triennial congress in the summer of 1986, the International Association for Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP) established an International Voice Committee to examine issues and make recommendations concerning the standardization of voice evaluation procedures. Under the chairmanship of Minoru Hirano (Japan), the 11 committee members (R. J. Baken, United States; D. M. Bless, United States; M-A. Faure, France; S. Fex, Sweden; F. Frank, Austria; M. N. Kotby, Egypt; J. Laver, Scotland; H. K. Schutte, The Netherlands; A. Sonninen, Finland; I. Titze, United States; and J. Wendler, Germany) and four committee consultants (D. Brewer, United States; B. Fritzell, Sweden; E. Loebell, Germany; and A. Muller, Switzerland) began the process of examining the utility of vocal assessment methods and of developing guidelines that might lead to better standardization of testing procedures. An international survey of prevalent procedures and equipment for diagnosis and treatment was conducted. The results of one clinic's experiences with standardized assessment methods was examined and published. Several reports on selected voice assessment topics were generated by committee members and extensively discussed at a committee meeting at the Medizinische Hochschule in Hannover, Germany. An edited version of those papers, discussions, and the recommendations that resulted from them constitute this special edition of the Journal of Voice.
Automatic slit drive for infrared spectrometers

An automatic slit drive has been constructed for a single-beam infrared spectrometer, using two helical potentiometers in a servosystem. The output of generator potentiometer is heavily loaded causing its output voltage function to curve sharply with displacement. This reduces the number of taps per prism to two. Evaluation of circuit parameters is described, and values are listed for prisms of calcium fluoride, sodium chloride, potassium bromide, and cesium bromide, used in double pass. A simple modification permits selection of several different energy levels. The resulting curves of spectrometer output vs frequency are constant.
OGA: an ontological tool of human phenotypes with genetic associations

Background: The availability of genetic data has increased dramatically in recent years. The greatest value of this data is its potential for personalized medicine. Many new associations are reported every day from Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS). However, robust, reproducible associations are elusive for some complex diseases. Ontologies present a potential way to distinguish between spurious associations and those with a potential influence on the phenotype. Such an approach would be based on finding associations of the same genetic variant with closely related, but distinct, phenotypes. This approach can be accomplished with a phenotype ontology that also holds genetic association data. Results: Here, we report a structured knowledge application to navigate and to facilitate the discovery of relationships between different phenotypes and their genetic associations. Conclusions: OGA allows users to (1) find the intersecting set of genes for phenotypes of interest, (2) find empirical p values for such observations and (3) OGA outperforms similar applications in number of total concepts and genes mapped.
Catastrophic Outcomes in Free Tissue Transfer: A Six-Year Review of the NSQIP Database

Background. No studies report robust data on the national incidence and risk factors associated with catastrophic medical outcomes following free tissue transfer. Methods. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) multicenter, prospective National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was used to identify patients who underwent free tissue transfer between 2006 and 2011. Multivariable logistic regression was used for statistical analysis. Results. Over the 6-year study period 2,349 patients in the NSQIP database underwent a free tissue transfer procedure. One hundred and twenty-two patients had at least one catastrophic medical outcome (5.2%). These 122 patients had 151 catastrophic medical outcomes, including 93 postoperative respiratory failure events (4.0%), 14 pulmonary emboli (0.6%), 13 septic shock events (0.5%), 12 myocardial infarctions (0.5%), 6 cardiac arrests (0.3%), 4 strokes (0.2%), 1 coma (0.0%), and 8 deaths (0.3%). Total length of hospital stay was on average 14.7 days longer for patients who suffered a catastrophic medical complication (P < 0.001). Independent risk factors were identified. Conclusions. Free tissue transfer is a proven and safe technique. Catastrophic medical complications were infrequent but added significantly to length of hospital stay and patient morbidity.
On different methods to combine cable information into near-field data for far-field estimation

Near-field scanning is often used to solve EMC problems. Aside from the purpose of visualization of near-fields, measured near-field data can be used to estimate far-field. One of many challenges associated with using near-field to far-field transform (NFFFT) technique for EMC application is the handling of attached cables. The objective of this investigation is to evaluate different methods to add cable information to the near-field data for far-field estimation. The investigation is carried out using numerical experiments in EMCoS EMC studio, which is a commercial MoM (Method of Moment) tool for EM simulation. Measurement results from a test structure are also presented to validate the simulation results.
Bayesian Analysis of iTRAQ Data with Nonrandom Missingness: Identification of Differentially Expressed Proteins

iTRAQ (isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation) is a technique that allows simultaneous quantitation of proteins in multiple samples. In this paper, we describe a Bayesian hierarchical model-based method to infer the relative protein expression levels and hence to identify differentially expressed proteins from iTRAQ data. Our model assumes that the measured peptide intensities are affected by both protein expression levels and peptide specific effects. The values of these two effects across experiments are modeled as random effects. The nonrandom missingness of peptide data is modeled with a logistic regression which relates the missingness probability for a peptide with the expression level of the protein that produces this peptide. We propose a Markov chain Monte Carlo method for the inference of model parameters, including the relative expression levels across samples. Our simulation results suggest that the estimates of relative protein expression levels based on the MCMC samples have smaller bias than those estimated from ANOVA models or fold changes. We apply our method to an iTRAQ dataset studying the roles of Caveolae for postnatal cardiovascular function.
α-Particle Energy Loss Measurement of Microgram Depositions of Biomolecules

A commercially available alpha-particle spectrometer and 210Po alpha-particle source were used to determine the mass of microgram quantities of biomolecules. Samples were deposited in microliter volumes on thin silicon nitride windows and dried. The energy loss of the alpha-particles after traversing the sample was converted to a mass using tabulated alpha-particle stopping powers. The measurement was absolute, independent of biomolecule species, and no standards were needed for quantitation. The method has a dynamic range of 0.1-100 microg for deposits of diameter 1-2 mm. The precision varies from approximately 20% at 100 ng to a few percent at 5-100 microg. The silicon nitride windows allow multimodal analysis of the same quantified sample, including PIXE probing of elemental abundances, molecular identification by mass spectrometry, and isotopic quantitation of interactions. The method was used with accelerator mass spectrometry to quantify specific activities of microgram quantities of 14C-labeled proteins.
Gender, ethnic identity and patronage likelihood for a unisex hair salon

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine whether young consumers, growing up during a time of cultural hybridization and at a time when the unisex hair salon has proliferated, will exhibit segments in their patronage likelihood toward a unisex hair salon staffed by young, white women. Based on social identity theory and the similarity‐attraction principle, it was hypothesized that identity groups (white men, white women, non‐white men, non‐white women) would differ in patronage likelihood toward a unisex hair salon with an all‐white, female staff. Further, based on prior qualitative research of African‐American barbershops, it was proposed that non‐white men would prefer a male haircutter.Design/methodology/approach – A convenience sample of 190 university students was obtained, self‐categorized into the four identity groups. Respondents reported their perceptions of a unisex hair salon presented in text and photo‐collage format. Responses were analyzed with the Kruskal‐Wallis H test, a non‐param...
Computer Calculation Of Left Ventricular Volumes From A Cineangiogram

This paper is concerned with the automatic calculation of left ventricular volumes from a cineangiogram by a digital computer. It will first describe three digital techniques (1) to restore the original dimension of the objects by a logarithmic transformation, (2) to subtract images before and after the injection of radio opaque agent, and (3) to detect boundaries by a threshold method based on statistical principles and heuristics. Experimental results on several frames will be presented to demonstrate the feasibility of these techniques. Once the boundary of the ventricle is determined, the computation of the volume is performed by the usual Simpson's method.© (1971) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The ontogeny of throwing and striking

Humans are the most adept throwers in the animal kingdom. Although throwing has been recorded in other primates, it is rare, weak, inaccurate and entails only arm movement. In contrast, human throwing is an explosive act employed from a bipedal stance that involves a complex, exceedingly rapid, full-body movement. This motion generates a pulse of kinetic energy in the legs that is progressively augmented by the pelvis, trunk, arm and hand, where it is transferred to a missile that is launched toward the target with high velocity and accuracy. Linking the study of throwing development in young children with analysis of the adult throwing motion makes it possible to address the question of whether human throwing is an acquired behavior or is based primarily on an inherited motor program. Current evidence supports the conclusion that the role of instruction and learning is minimal. Human throwing is predominantly the result of an innate motor program which emerges at a very early age in all children without teaching, yields a throwing motion that is the forerunner of the one used by adult athletes, is characterized by a prominent gender difference, and proceeds in some adults to a high level of proficiency. The same conclusions apparently apply also to striking (club-swinging), which employs a similar full-body motion. An explanation for these observations is presented, based upon the concept that throwing and club-swinging prowess provided reproductive advantages during early human evolution.
Live attenuated, nef-deleted SIV is pathogenic in most adult macaques after prolonged observation.

Objective: A live attenuated SIV vaccine strain, termed SIVmac239Δ3 and containing large deletions in nef, vpr and the negative regulatory element, was previously shown to cause AIDS mostly in monkeys vaccinated as infants. In the present study, we demonstrate that SIVmac239Δ3 is pathogenic in most vaccinated adult monkeys, given enough time. Methods: Eleven rhesus macaques vaccinated as adults with SIVmac239Δ3 were followed for extended periods (up to 6.8 years). Results: We found signs of immune dysregulation in all 11 adult vaccinees. All animals developed persistently inverted CD4: CD8 T-cell ratios, seven (64%) had persistent recurrent viremia, and six (55%) had decreased CD4 T-cell counts (< 500 x 10 6 cells/l). Further signs included low CD4CD29 lymphocyte subsets, loss of anti-Gag antibodies, anemia, thrombocytopenia, wasting, and opportunistic infections. Two adult vaccinees (18%) subsequently developed AIDS. Development of chronic, recurrent viremia with plasma viral RNA loads ≥ 10 3 copies/ml and cytoviremia was a poor prognostic sign. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that with time, a live attenuated, multiply deleted SIV vaccine can cause immune dysregulation in most vaccine recipients, even in initially immune competent, healthy adults. Immune dysfunction can progress to full AIDS. However, pathogenic effects became evident only several years after vaccination. Thus, mass vaccination of humans with similarly constructed live attenuated HIV vaccines, recently suggested for countries with high HIV-1 transmission rates, seems contraindicated.
The ongoing implementation of a prototype medical communications system at the university of north carolina.

The communications network is the backbone of a Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS). A working communications network also facilitates research into the different aspects of a prototype PACS. In our previous PACS communications paper [Thompson82], we outlined the design criteria for a medical communications system. These same criteria are in effect except that we have replaced the analog transmission of images by digital transmission. To meet the communications needs of our prototype PACS configuration, the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill chose to develop a rudimentary implementation of the ACR-NEMA standard to allow communication between acquisition devices, host computers, consoles and other medical imaging equipment. This paper reflects on the decision to use digital transmission of images and existing digital modalities. We describe the implementation being carried out at UNC, and how the communications network interrelates with the other ongoing UNC PACS research efforts.© (1986) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Method for Determining Coal Carbon in the Reclaimed Minesoils Contaminated with Coal

Minesoils developed on the reclaimed surface-mined sites for coal are contaminated with coal particles resulting from mining and reclamation activities. Therefore, the total organic carbon (TOC) pool in these sites is a mixture of coal and plant-derived recent soil organic carbon (SOC). Accurate estimates of SOC pools and C sequestration rates in the reclaimed minesoils (RMS) is limited by the lack of a standard and cost-effective method for determination of coal C concentrations in the RMS. The chemi-thermal method, based on the oxidative resistance of coal, was developed and validated with radiocarbon analysis using selected artificial soil-coal mixtures and minesoil samples. Radiocarbon analysis of RMS samples indicated that minesoils from the top 10-cm depth developing from topsoil applied during reclamation was coal C free. The contribution of coal C and the radiocarbon age of TOC increased with increasing soil depth. The coal C fraction accounted for 0 to 92% of TOC in the RMS samples. The coal C fraction was highly correlated with {delta}{sup 13}C (r{sup 2} = 0.84), suggesting that stable isotope composition could estimate the coal C concentration in RMS samples. Analysis of coal and artificial soil and coal mixtures indicated that chemi-thermal treatment was effective in removingmore » recent SOC with minimum effect on coal. Analysis of RMS samples indicated that both radiocarbon activity and the chemi-thermal method were effective in estimating coal C concentration in RMS of southeast Ohio. The coal C concentrations for both methods were highly correlated (r{sup 2} = 0.95), suggesting that the chemi-thermal method was as effective as radiocarbon activity measurement in estimating coal C concentration in these soils.« less
Inherited Sterility in Progeny of Irradiated Male Tobacco Budworms: Effects on Reproduction, Developmental Time, and Sex Ratio

When male Heliothis virescens (F.) were irradiated with 15 or 22.5 kr of gamma irradiation, the F1 progeny were nearly sterile, and the F1 male progeny did not mate or transfer sperm as well as normal males. When the dose to the P1 male was 15 kr, about 1/3 of its male progeny did not mate, and only about 1/2 those that mated transferred sperm; with increased dose, this inability to mate increased. The percentage of the F1 female progeny that mated was nearly as high as the percentage of normal females, but fecundity was markedly reduced when the P1 male was irradiated with 15.0 or 22.5 kr. Also, the F1 progeny had a delayed developmental time, increased larval and pupal mortality, and a distorted sex ratio (about 2 males/female). The application of inherited sterility has several advantages in controlling field populations. The main benefit results from the usc of P1 males with less irradiation- induced damage. The data indicate that the dose of radiation given to the P1 males might be lowered to 15 krad. Such males would be more competitive with native males; thus, by overflooding a field population, one would reduce the population density and alter the population structure to one made up largely of sterile individuals. Then continued releases of such males might achieve eradication.
Global consumer tendencies

A great deal of the international consumer behavior and market segmentation literature has focused on the most effective means by which consumers in multiple markets can be understood and those markets organized for successful operations. One of the assumptions in much of this literature is the existence, and increasing influence, of global consumers whose social and cultural differences are overshadowed by their similarities in terms of psychological consumer tendencies. Unfortunately these global consumers' tendencies are generally shown to exist through anecdotal or surrogate evidence. Virtually no direct empirical support that demonstrates the existence of such a phenomenon has been produced. The purpose of this study was to explore the notion that consumers around the globe are becoming more similar in terms of psychological consumer tendencies. The results show that, across several generally accepted psychological consumer tendencies, there may be empirical evidence to support the existence of global consumers. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Preparation of an ionomer elastomer by continuous sulfonation in an extruder and neutralization in static mixers

Rapid and efficient sulfonation of ethylene-propylene terpolymer elastomer (EPDM) was achieved in a continuous melt mixing process. A mixture of sulfuric acid and acetic anhydride was used as the sulfonating agent. The reaction of EPDM polymer and the sulfonating agent was carried out in an extruder. It was shown that the continuous melt sulfonation of EPDM polymer may be used as an alternative to the batch solution methods previously reported for the preparation of sulfonated EPDM polymer. The extruder-reactor method offers advantages of shorter process time, elimination of solvent handling hazards, and abatement of solvent removal and recovery problems.
Prediction of Stability in Pharmaceutical Preparations XVIII: Application of High-Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Assays to Study of Nafronyl Stability and Bioanalysis

Specific, sensitive, reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatographic assays of nafronyl (I) and its acidic metabolite and hydrolysis product (II) were developed in aqueous solutions and in biological fluids with sensitivities of 100 ng/ml using butacaine as the internal standard and spectrophotometric detection at 224 nm. Heparinized plasma can be analyzed easily in the organic phase immediately after acetonitrile denaturation. Both I and II can be extracted with haloalkane solvents, and the extracts are evaporated, reconstituted, and assayed in a minimal amount of acetonitrile. Conditions are presented that minimize the interference of II and extracted plasma components. The assay was used to determine the stability of nafronyl in aqueous solutions, to establish its log k-pH profiles at various temperatures, and to evaluate the Arrhenius parameters. Nafronyl is hydrolyzed by specific hydrogen-ion (15.2 kcal/mole) and hydroxide-ion (7.72 kcal/mole) catalysis of the neutral species and specific hydroxide-ion catalysis (5.91 kcal/mole) of the protonated species. The pH of maximum stability is 3.0, and pH 5.4 is the maximum that can be tolerated at 30°, with a 10% solvolysis in 3 years. The half-life of nafronyl at 30° was 7 days at pH 7, 12 hr at pH 10, and 21 min in 0.5 N NaOH. Since nafronyl has a half-life of 3.2 hr in heparinized dog plasma at 25°, blood samples for pharmacokinetic studies of nafronyl must be assayed immediately after sampling. The partition coefficients of I and II determined as functions of pH permit the extraction of both compounds at pH 4.5, but only I can be extracted at pH values above 9.5.
Providing Effective Interventions May Not Be Enough: The Importance of Cost Analysis in the Behavioral Health System

The restructuring of the health care delivery system with its growing emphasis on cost-efficient treatment programs constitutes a shift in metacontingencies for the practice of behavioral health services. These changes are important for behavior analysts because funding sources pay increasing attention to the financial impact of behavioral services. This paper reviews two basic types of cost analysis: cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) and cost-benefit analysis (CBA). Examples from the behavioral health research literature indicate that information about treatment costs plays a crucial role in the overall evaluation of behavioral treatments and that cost-effective treatments can achieve monetary benefits without compromising treatment integrity. Paraprofessional therapists are a key element of cost-effective treatments. In order to overcome historical barriers to conducting and reporting cost analyses, the behavior analysis community must establish educational and editorial contingencies.
Secular variations of atomic oxygen in the mesopause region induced by transient gravity wave packets

We employ a 2-dimensional, time-dependent, fully nonlinear model of minor species in the mesopause region and our Spectral Full-Wave Model to simulate the response of atomic oxygen (O) to a gravity wave packet in the mesopause region. We demonstrate that gravity waves affect the time-averaged distribution of O in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region through the constituent fluxes the waves induce. Our conclusions are based on simulations of two wave packets that violate the non-acceleration conditions through transience and dissipation. The net cycle-averaged effect of the waves is to significantly increase (by as much as 50%) the O density through downward transport of O at low altitudes (≤ 90 km), and to deplete (by as much as 20%) the O density above ∼ 100 km altitude. Comparison with results obtained including only chemistry and diffusion suggests that the effects of gravity wave transport on the distribution of O in this region can be greater than the effects of eddy transport.
Multipoint approximations: comparisons using structural size, configuration and shape design

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the effectiveness of recently developed multipoint function approximations in the context of structural size, configuration and shape optimization. The developments include approximations built using just two points and also more than two-point information of optimization iterations. Intervening variables are used to control the nonlinearity of the approximations. Several structural optimization problems with stress, displacement and buckling constraints are used to demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the multipoint approximations. These examples include the size optimization of a 40 member frame, the configuration design of a 25-bar space truss and the shape design of a torque arm and a plate with a hole.
On the long-term or short-term dependence in stock prices: Evidence from international stock markets

This study examines the short- and long-term dependence in the United States and 21 international equity market indexes. Two heteroscedastic-robust testing methods, the modified rescaled range analysis and the rescaled variance ratio test, are employed to test for the existence of dependence. The evidence consistently reveals the absence of long-term dependence in these 22 stock returns indexes. The random walk hypothesis for most, but not all, stock returns indexes is not rejected. When the random walk hypothesis is rejected, the evidence supporting the rejection is weak and the stochastic dependence occurs mainly in short-horizon, rather then long-horizon holding period returns.
All-Optical Processing on a Silicon Chip

We demonstrate various all-optical processing functions via broadband ultralow-power four-wave mixing on a Silicon chip. Article not available.
Diagnostic efficiency of the Trail Making Test as a function of cut-off score, diagnosis, and age

This study is a reinvestigation of the effectiveness of the Trail Making Test in discriminating between brain-damaged (n = 51) and pseudoneurologic (n = 72) subjects. All subjects were hospitalized male veterans at the Allen Park Veterans Administration Hospital. An analysis of covariance showed that the pseudoneurologic subjects performed at a significantly higher level than the brain-damaged subjects. Further analysis with two different cut-off scores exhibited unequal discriminatory power throughout the whole range of Trail Making Test scores. These results suggested diagnosing only when the scores were 9 or lower and 13 or higher. This use of extreme scores resulted in an over-all hit rate of 87% in the study. Comparisons with five major subgroupings of the pseudoneurologic subjects yielded only one significant difference: more accurate discrimination with the 12 cut-off score between 10 general-medical and peripheral nerve-damaged subjects (100% correct) and 18 psychotic subjects (39% accuracy).
Science Professors Serve as Mentors for Early Childhood Preservice Teachers in the Design and Implementation of Standards- Based Science Units

This study examined the use of science professors acting as mentors to enhance the science competency of early childhood educators. Findings indicate that mentor-mentee dyad interactions varied; however, mentors were able to assist with curriculum, science content, and resources. Although standards-based units were developed, there was little “real” science inquiry present. Findings did not support a higher-quality product that involved a mentoring relationship versus a nonmentoring relationship. The mentors’ lack of impact may have resulted from how the teacher candidate/science professor dyads “positioned” themselves relative to the others in developing a standards-based science unit.
Sigmoid fits to locate and characterize cortical boundaries in human cerebral cortex.

Abstract Quantitative evaluation of neuropathology within the cortex often requires a significant investigator time commitment. Here we elaborate on a method of quantifying the distinctiveness of the gray–white matter boundary using function fitting methods ( Avino and Hutsler, 2010 ) and demonstrate that it can also be adapted to reliably identify the location of the gray matter/white matter (GM–WM) boundary in microscopic images, even when that boundary is indistinct. Multiple images of the gray–white matter boundary were acquired from sixteen subjects. Density profiles across the cortical layers were acquired and sigmoid functions were iteratively fit to the density profiles until a best fit was found. The slope of the resulting sigmoid was used to describe both the position and distinctiveness of the GM–WM boundary. Subsequently, two raters laid cortical boundaries on the same set of images and agreement between the raters, as well as agreement between each rater and the transverse-based boundaries, was assessed. Computer-generated boundaries showed reliably higher agreement with each individual rater, relative to the agreement between individual raters. Error between the raters and the transverse-based boundaries was associated with those images where the boundary was less distinct as assessed by the sigmoid slopes. These findings suggest that transverse-based boundaries are superior to user-generated boundaries. Furthermore, these findings suggest that rater-based boundary definitions in both neurotypical and pathological cases may become unreliable as the number of cell profiles found in the subplate region increases, as is the case in both autism and schizophrenia.
A hybrid parameterization of linear single input single output systems

Abstract We obtain a parameterization of the set of finite dimensional linear dynamical systems of unbounded McMillan degree. In this parameterization a given system is represented in a nonunique way. However, a certain notion of order is available, thereby providing a graded parameterization. An important feature is that each graded space is diffeomorphic to a Euclidean space. In view of this fact we hope that many of the local results in identification (valid only if the parameter space is Euclidean) an actually be generalized globally. Moreover we show that the topology induced on the space of all plants by this space is finer than the graph topology.
Period tripling in periodic flows through curved pipes

We study numerically the laminar fully developed region of periodic flows through curved pipes. Under certain conditions the results exhibit period tripling. This striking feature is reminiscent of one of the possible routes to chaos which typical nonlinear dynamical systems take.
Resolution of symptoms of chronic constipation in an 8-year-old male after chiropractic treatment.

Abstract Objective This case report describes the history, treatment, and proposed explanation of a positive outcome in a patient with chronic constipation. Clinical Features An 8-year-old boy presented with chronic constipation. His mother reported that this had been a problem since the child's birth. Allopathic treatment consisting of laxatives, high fluid intake, and high fiber intake had not been effective to date. Intervention and Outcome The patient was examined and it was determined that he had a sacral chiropractic subluxation complex. Manipulation of the sacral area using diversified adjusting procedures was performed. External massage of the abdomen starting in the right lower quadrant and following the course of the large intestine in a clockwise direction was also applied. The patient reported an immediate dramatic improvement in bowel function after the first treatment. Treatment was continued for a 4-week period (2 visits per week) and then discontinued when the patient (confirmed by his mother) reported consistent normal bowel function. A follow-up call made 13 years after treatment revealed continuing normal bowel function. Conclusion This case suggests that chiropractic care may be helpful in some cases of chronic constipation.
Common human SCN5A polymorphisms have altered electrophysiology when expressed in Q1077 splice variants

Background Eight common (>0.5%) polymorphisms of SCN5A have been described in the US population. Every human also continuously generates two wild-type (WT) splice variants, one with a glutamine residue at position 1077 (Q1077) and one lacking this glutamine (Q1077del). One polymorphism (H558R) has been studied in both splice variants, five polymorphisms (R34C, R481W, S524Y, P1090L,V1951L) have not been previously studied, and two polymorphisms (S1103Y and R1193Q) have been studied in only one of the two splice variants. Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the electrophysiologic molecular phenotype of the eight common polymorphisms in the two human splice variants of SCN5A. Methods Currents from 16 channels (all polymorphisms in both splice variants) were determined by voltage clamp and compared with WT after expression in HEK-293 cells. Results Six of eight polymorphisms showed a distinct phenotype that depended upon the background splice variant used for expression. Only R34C and V1951L showed no functional differences. S524Y showed a dramatic reduction in current density in the Q1077 background similar to that previously described for H558R. Four other polymorphisms (R481W, P1090L, S1103Y, R1193Q) showed shifts in activation, inactivation, or recovery that depended upon the splice variants. Shifts of a similar magnitude have been reported for arrhythmia syndrome mutations and are thought to be pathogenic. Conclusion The majority of common human SCN5A polymorphisms have a distinct molecular phenotype that depends upon the splice variant background. These findings have implications for the interpretation of previous studies of arrhythmia mutations. The significance of these findings for clinical arrhythmia remains to be elucidated.
Development and validation of a simplified predictive index for major complications in contemporary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty practice

Objectives. This study was designed to determine the preprocedural risk factors for major complications (emergent coronary bypass surgery, myocardial infarction or death) of coronary angioplasty and to derive and validate a simplified index that predicts patients' a priori risk of complications. Background. Previous studies of risk factors for complications after coronary angioplasty may not be generalizable to current, broad-based angioplasty practice. Furthermore, to our knowledge a clinically useful predictive index has not been derived and independently validated. Methods. From data collected prospectively for the Registry of the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions for 1992, multivariable logistic regression was used to determine which variables were independently associated with complications in 10,622 first angioplasty procedures. Stepwise regression and receiver operating characteristic curves then were used in this registry to develop a predictive index for complications that was validated using 5,250 first angioplasty procedures in the 1993 registry. Results. Predictors of major complications were multivessel disease, unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, type C lesion or left main angioplasty, shock, age, geographic region and absence of previous coronary bypass surgery. The derived predictive index consisted of the first six of these variables plus aortic valve disease and classified patients into four risk groups: low (1.3% complications), moderate (2.8%), high (12.7%) and very high (29.7%) risk. This index demonstrated consistent reliability and discriminatory ability when applied to the 1993 data. Conclusions. Predictors of major complications identified in selected populations also apply currently in broad-based practice. From these variables, a predictive index can stratify patients into risk groups before angioplasty, thus aiding in risk assessment, resource allocation and risk adjustment.
Targeting the Microenvironment in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The bone marrow microenvironment plays a critical role in the development, progression, and relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Similar to normal hematopoietic stem cells, AML blasts express receptors on their surface, allowing them to interact with specific components of the marrow microenvironment. These interactions contribute to both chemotherapy resistance and disease relapse. Preclinical studies and early phase clinical trials have demonstrated the potential for targeting the tumor-microenvironment interactions in AML. Agents currently under investigation include hypoxia-inducible agents and inhibitors of CXCR4 and adhesion molecules such as VLA-4 and E-selectin.
Discussion: Using Peers to Increase Behaviors of Isolated Children in School Settings: An Analysis of Generalization Effects

This review evaluates the effectiveness of peer mediation in increasing the social behaviors of isolated children in school settings. Studies indicate that peer assisted interventions can produce increases in social behavior and the generalization of treatment effects across a variety of situations. Discussion also focuses on ethical considerations when peers serve as behavior change agents, maximizing generalization effects, and suggestions for future research.
Investigator‐masked comparison of tazarotene gel q.d. plus mometasone furoate cream q.d. vs. mometasone furoate cream b.i.d. in the treatment of plaque psoriasis

Seventy-three patients with stable plaque psoriasis entered an investigator-masked trial comparing once-daily tazarotene 0.1% gel plus once-daily mometasone furoate 0.1% cream with twice-daily mometasone furoate 0.1% cream. The aim of the study was to determine whether tazarotene and mometasone furoate act synergistically –- a previous study showed that tazarotene plus mometasone furoate offered greater efficacy than tazarotene alone, and this study investigated whether tazarotene plus mometasone furoate also offered greater efficacy than mometasone furoate alone. The patients had psoriasis affecting up to 20% of their total body surface area, with at least moderate plaque elevation. Washout periods were: 2 weeks for UVB phototherapy or topical antipsoriatic therapies; 4 weeks for psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) therapy or systemic antipsoriatic drugs other than retinoids; and 8 weeks for oral retinoids. All patients gave written informed consent and the study was conducted in compliance with the ethical standards of the governing institutional review boards and the Declaration of Helsinki. Patients were treated for up to 12 weeks. If they achieved clearance by week 4, or at least 50% global improvement by week 12, they were entered into the 12-week no-treatment follow-up phase. Patients were evaluated every 4 weeks in terms of percentage global improvement, plaque elevation, scaling, erythema, and pruritus. They also rated the efficacy of their own treatment (as very effective, effective, neutral, ineffective, or less effective) and the duration of improvement in their psoriasis (as much better, better, somewhat better, indifferent, or worse than that achieved with other topical medications they had used in the past). The two regimens were compared by analysis of variance, with the last recorded score for any patient who discontinued prematurely (due to lack of efficacy, adverse events, or disease flare) being carried forward to all subsequent visits.
Volatile and water-soluble inhibitors of nitrogen mineralization and nitrification in a ponderosa pine ecosystem

Bioassay experiments were performed to test for inhibition of the processes of nitrogen mineralization and nitrification by organics in the forest floor of a ponderosa pine ecosystem. Water-extractable organics in the forest floor were tested by applying filtered extracts to the assay soil. The extract decreased nitrate production by 17.0% and decreased net mineralization by 4.1%. Inhibition by volatile organics was tested by placing vials containing forest floor or selected terpenoids of ponderosa pine in sealed jars containing the assay soil. Nitrate production was inhibited by 87.4% and 100%, and net nitrogen mineralization was inhibited by 73.3% and 67.7% in the jars with forest floor and terpenoids, respectively. Organics which are partially water-soluble and are volatile (such as terpenoids) would be very effective inhibitors of nitrogen cycling processes.
Group theory approach to scattering. IV: Solvable potentials associated with SO(2, 2)

We use the potential group SO(2, 2) to realize a class of solvable potentials. The scattering matrices can be obtained by purely algebraic techniques.