cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The second-order differential phase contrast and its retrieval for imaging with x-ray Talbot interferometry

Purpose: The x-ray differential phase contrast imaging implemented with the Talbot interferometry has recently been reported to be capable of providing tomographic images corresponding to attenuation-contrast, phase-contrast, and dark-field contrast, simultaneously, from a single set of projection data. The authors believe that, along with small-angle x-ray scattering, the second-order phase derivative {Phi}{sup Double-Prime }{sub s}(x) plays a role in the generation of dark-field contrast. In this paper, the authors derive the analytic formulae to characterize the contribution made by the second-order phase derivative to the dark-field contrast (namely, second-order differential phase contrast) and validate them via computer simulation study. By proposing a practical retrieval method, the authors investigate the potential of second-order differential phase contrast imaging for extensive applications. Methods: The theoretical derivation starts at assuming that the refractive index decrement of an object can be decomposed into {delta}={delta}{sub s}+{delta}{sub f}, where {delta}{sub f} corresponds to the object's fine structures and manifests itself in the dark-field contrast via small-angle scattering. Based on the paraxial Fresnel-Kirchhoff theory, the analytic formulae to characterize the contribution made by {delta}{sub s}, which corresponds to the object's smooth structures, to the dark-field contrast are derived. Through computer simulation with specially designed numerical phantoms, an x-raymore » differential phase contrast imaging system implemented with the Talbot interferometry is utilized to evaluate and validate the derived formulae. The same imaging system is also utilized to evaluate and verify the capability of the proposed method to retrieve the second-order differential phase contrast for imaging, as well as its robustness over the dimension of detector cell and the number of steps in grating shifting. Results: Both analytic formulae and computer simulations show that, in addition to small-angle scattering, the contrast generated by the second-order derivative is magnified substantially by the ratio of detector cell dimension over grating period, which plays a significant role in dark-field imaging implemented with the Talbot interferometry. Conclusions: The analytic formulae derived in this work to characterize the second-order differential phase contrast in the dark-field imaging implemented with the Talbot interferometry are of significance, which may initiate more activities in the research and development of x-ray differential phase contrast imaging for extensive preclinical and eventually clinical applications.« less
Pole placement preconditioning

The partial pole placement problem has received considerable attention in Control Theory, where it is applied to stabilize time-invariant linear control systems. This paper discusses application of the partial pole placement problem to the construction of preconditioners for linear systems of equations. Numerical examples show that these preconditioners can improve the rate of convergence of the restarted GMRES methods significantly.
A Markov Chain model of zoning change

Abstract A Markov Chain model of land use zoning is estimated with data from suburban Chicago for 1961–1981. The land use categories are residential, non-residential, and a mix of the two. Predictions are made of the equilibrium zoning of representative tracts. The Markov Chain model is used to correct for selectivity bias in a residential land value function; significant bias is indicated.
Measurement of systolic time intervals during exercise using inductive plethysmography.

Measurement of systolic time intervals (STI) provides a noninvasive assessment of cardiac function in resting subjects. However, large motion artifacts often limit their application during exercise. To improve such measurements, we employed a new lightweight carotid arterial pulse transducer and minimized the artifacts by computerized signal averaging. The carotid pulse was recorded with an inductive plethysmographic transducer band (CIP) wrapped around the neck. STI derived from these measurements were compared to standard measurements from a funnel-shaped cup attached to the neck and connected to a pressure transducer (CUP) in 12 normal subjects at rest and with graded bicycle ergometry. To compare the techniques, CIP and CUP signals, together with the EKG and phonocardiogram, were connected separately to two microcomputer systems. The systems were triggered from the EKG and averaged the signals over 16 or 32 heart beats. Semi-automatic analysis of the averaged signals provided estimates of left ventricular ejection time (LVET), pre-ejection period (PEP) and electromechanical systole (QS2). Motion artifact levels of the unprocessed signals were similar with both CIP and CUP methods but were greatly reduced by signal averaging. All LEVT values using CIP fell within 10% of CUP values. 85% of PEP values using CIP were within 20% of CUP values. Increasing exercise loads produced appropriate decreases in QS2, LVET, PEP and PEP/LVET consistent with increased myocardial contractility. The CIP proved comfortable to wear and did not require critical positioning as did the CUP. Measurement of STI complements exercise pulmonary testing with useful information of cardiac function.
Mainstreaming SOI CMOS technology

Partially-Depleted deep sub-micron CMOS on SOI technology is becoming a mainstream technology. This technology offers 20-35% performance gain over a bulk technology implemented with the same tool set. In this paper, first a reviews of the SOI technology is given. Next, the partially-depleted SOI device and the reasons why it was chosen over fully depleted SOI device are reviewed. The sources of performance gain on SOI, and SOI-unique circuit issues that a designer must consider and account for are discussed next. Finally, a low-power application of SOI is reviewed.
Identity orientation of complete bipartite graphs

An identity orientation of a graph G=(V,E) is an orientation of some of the edges of E such that the resulting partially oriented graph has no automorphism other than the identity. We show that the complete bipartite graph K"s","t, with s==3^[email protected]?log"3(s-1)@?. We also show that if (r+1)(r+2)>=2s then K"s","3"^"s"-"r does have an identity orientation. These results improve the previous bounds obtained by Harary and Jacobson (Discuss. Math. - Graph Theory 21 (2001) 158). We use these results to determine exactly the values of t for which an identity orientation of K"s","t exists for 2=
Viola lilliputana sp. nov. (Viola sect. Andinium, Violaceae), one of the world's smallest violets, from the Andes of Peru

A new violet species of Viola Sect. Andinium, Viola lilliputana, is described from a single dry puna locality on an extensive intermontane plateau southeast of Cerro Palla Palla in the high Andes of Ayacucho Department in southern Peru. This diminutive rosulate violet is evidently among the smallest in the world and probably one of the smallest terrestrial dicots. It belongs to a distinctive species group with pinnatifid leaves that is endemic to central and southern Peru, including V. hillii, V. membranacea and V. weibelii. The new species is similar to V. weibelii in its large, strongly adnate stipules, elongate leaf lobes and dilated unappendaged style with ventral stigmatic orifice. It differs conspicuously from all other members of the pinnatifid-leaved group in its conduplicate leaf blades, straight, mostly nonoverlapping, oblong-lanceolate to broadly elliptical lobes with obtuse to rounded apices, and large basally fused pedicel bractlets. Despite many new collections of vascular plants from the high Andes of Peru and northern Bolivia in recent decades, this distinctive new species is still known only from its type locality, collected on the Iltis-Ugent expedition from November 1962 to January 1963.
Time-dependent Hartree-Fock calculation of 12C + 12C with a realistic potential

Abstract We have used a realistic single-panicle K-matrix model to compute the head-on scattering of 12C + 12C at incident projectile lab energies of 3.2, 6.4, 12.8, 19.2, 25.6, 32, 51.2 and 64 MeV nucleon , above the Coulomb barrier, in the time-dependent Hartree-Fock approximation. Direct and exchange Coulomb forces as well as spin-orbit forces are included. A large deformed harmonic oscillator basis is used. Spatial density and current distributions at various times are shown. The outgoing energy is found to be E0 = 0.8Ein−28 (MeV), in the c.m. system. Fusion and fully relaxed scattering are observed at low energy. Some compression is seen at higher energies but no shock waves can be detected. Consequences for heavy-ion reactions are discussed.
The cranberry flavonoids PAC DP-9 and quercetin aglycone induce cytotoxicity and cell cycle arrest and increase cisplatin sensitivity in ovarian cancer cells

Cranberry flavonoids (flavonols and flavan-3-ols), in addition to their antioxidant properties, have been shown to possess potential in vitro activity against several cancers. However, the difficulty of isolating cranberry compounds has largely limited anticancer research to crude fractions without well-defined compound composition. In this study, individual cranberry flavonoids were isolated to the highest purity achieved so far using gravity and high performance column chromatography and LC-MS characterization. MTS assay indicated differential cell viability reduction of SKOV-3 and OVCAR-8 ovarian cancer cells treated with individual cranberry flavonoids. Treatment with quercetin aglycone and PAC DP-9, which exhibited the strongest activity, induced apoptosis, led to caspase-3 activation and PARP deactivation, and increased sensitivity to cisplatin. Furthermore, immunoflu - orescence microscopy and western blot study revealed reduced expression and activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in PAC DP-9 treated SKOV-3 cells. In addition, quercetin aglycone and PAC DP-9 deactivated MAPK-ERK pathway, induced downregulation of cyclin D1, DNA-PK, phospho-histone H3 and upregulation of p21, and arrested cell cycle progression. Overall, this study demonstrates promising in vitro cytotoxic and anti-proliferative properties of two newly characterized cranberry flavonoids, quercetin aglycone and PAC DP-9, against ovarian cancer cells.
Laboratory observations of rotating, stratified flow in the vicinity of a submarine canyon

Laboratory experiments are conducted concerning an oscillatory, along-isobath flow of a linearly stratified fluid along a continuous continental shelf, shelf-break, and continental slope model topography interrupted only by a single isolated canyon. The model topography is located along the periphery of a circular tank, which is placed at the center of a turntable. Modulating the turntable rotation rate drives the oscillatory background current. The experiments employ particle-tracking techniques using DigImage software to determine the time dependent and mean velocity, vorticity and horizontal divergence fields at various vertical levels. Both subinertial and superinertial forced oscillation cases are presented which demonstrate the asymmetry of the flow for the oscillation phases with the coast on the left and right, respectively. The mean motion fields are shown to exhibit the properties of (i) a mean flow of fluid downstream, where downstream is defined as the observation direction with the coast on the right and (ii) a mean flow from the deep water up the canyon at all observation levels (mean upwelling is thus associated with this phenomena). The mean flows generated are shown to be significantly stronger for the subinertial case. An analysis is presented which shows the conditions under which the motion field generated by modulating the rotation rate of a turntable is similar to that which would occur in a system rotating with constant Coriolis parameter.
State Political Culture and Public Opinion

Do the states of the United States matter (or are they of no political consequence)? Using a data set with over 50 thousand respondents, we demonstrate the influence of state political culture on partisanship and ideology. For individuals, we find that the state of residence is an important predictor of partisan and ideological identification, independent of their demographic characteristics. At the aggregate level, state culture dominates state demography as a source of state-to-state differences in opinion. In general, geographic location may be a more important source of opinion than previously thought. One indication of the importance of state culture is that state effects on partisanship and ideology account for about half of the variance in state voting in recent presidential elections.
Effects of Fringing Fields on the Capacitance of Circular Microstrip Disk

The effects of fringing fields on the capacitance of a circular microstrip disk are studied with the dual integral equation formalism for practical microstrip circuits when the substrate thickness is small. Approximations as well as exact numerical evaluations are made in the calculation of the capacitance. With a seminumerical approach, an approximate formula for the capacitance is obtained and shown to yield accurate results with the simple use of a calculator. Asymptotic lower bound and exact numerical computations are also carried out. The various techniques are illustred and compared with numerical results.
Isolation of plasmid from the blue-green alga Spirulina platensis

CCC plasmid was isolated from an economically important blue-green alga —Spirulina platensis (1.7×106 dalton from the S6 strain and 1.2×106 dalton from the F3 strain) using a rapid method based on ultrasonic disruption of algal cells and alkaline removal of chromosomal DNA. The difference in the molecular weight of the CCC DNAs from the two strains differing in form suggests that plasmid may be related with the differentiation of algal form. This modified method, which does not use any lysozyme, is a quick and effective method of plasmid isolation, especially for filamentous blue-green algae.
Modeling of machining of composite materials: A review

Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive review of literature, mostly of the last 10–15 years, on modeling of machining of composite materials with a focus on the process of turning. The paper discusses modeling of both fiber reinforced and particle reinforced composites. Modeling studies include molecular dynamic simulations, 2-D and 3-D finite element models and the emerging field of multi-scale models. In fiber reinforced composites the focus is on glass and carbon fiber reinforced polymeric composites as well as long fiber reinforced metal matrix composites. On the other hand modeling of particulate composites is restricted to that of metal matrix composites (MMC). The paper includes recent modeling work to predict cutting forces, tool–particle interaction, cutting temperatures and machined sub-surface damage. A case study on the machining of the MMC A359 aluminum matrix composite reinforced with 20% by volume fraction silicon carbide particles is included to showcase the hierarchical multi-scale machining model.
Glass transition temperature prediction of polymers through the mass-per-flexible-bond principle.

A semi-empirical method based on the mass-per-flexible-bond (M/f) principle was used to quantitatively explain the large range of glass transition temperatures (Tg) observed in a library of 132 L-tyrosine derived homo, co- and terpolymers containing different functional groups. Polymer class specific behavior was observed in Tg vs. M/f plots, and explained in terms of different densities, steric hindrances and intermolecular interactions of chemically distinct polymers. The method was found to be useful in the prediction of polymer Tg. The predictive accuracy was found to range from 6.4 to 3.7 K, depending on polymer class. This level of accuracy compares favorably with (more complicated) methods used in the literature. The proposed method can also be used for structure prediction of polymers to match a target Tg value, by keeping the thermal behavior of a terpolymer constant while independently choosing its chemistry. Both applications of the method are likely to have broad applications in polymer and (bio)material science.
Weighting schemes for updating regression models—a theoretical approach

Abstract While multivariate calibration has been successfully employed in the monitoring of chemical processes, difficulties arise in that sensors are inherently prone to drift and processes are susceptible to unmodeled upsets. Having detected an unmodeled source of variance within new samples, the usual remedy is to update the model with additional calibration samples that contain the new chemical interferent or instrumental variation. In the event that relatively few new calibration samples are available, these new samples can be assigned higher weights by incorporating two or more copies of each when constructing the updated model. While weighting has been suggested as a means of improving prediction estimates for samples containing a new source of variance, no theoretical explanation has been provided as to why weighting is advantageous and no criteria have been proposed in selecting weights for the new calibration samples. In this paper, the utility of sample weighting is explained theoretically using both model error and leverage arguments and a leverage-based criterion for selecting weights for the new calibration samples is presented. Employing both simulated and process spectral data, a close correspondence is demonstrated between weights selected using prediction error and leverage-based criteria. Additionally, paired simulation experiments show that the reduction in prediction error achieved by sample weighting increases as the level of noise in the responses increases, suggesting that this method will be of particular value when constructing calibration models using noisy instrumental responses.
Statistical Analysis and Updated Climatology of Explosive Cyclones

Abstract A statistical analysis of 12 and 24 hour deepening rates for all surface lows analyzed on at least two successive NMC 12 hourly “front half” hemispheric surface charts was performed for one year of data. Both 12 and 24 hour deepening distributions showed statistically significant (at the 5% level) departures from normality, with the largest deviations occurring along the tail of the distribution associated with most rapid deepening. The sum of two normal curves of different means and standard deviations was successfully fitted to the deepening distributions, suggesting that most cases of explosive cyclogenesis are the result of some additional physical mechanism distinct from ordinary baroclinic instability. The climatology of explosive cyclones (Sanders and Gyakum) was updated to include the 1979–82 cold seasons, and compared to the previous three-year sample. In addition, a climatology of formation positions, maximum deepening positions and dissipation positions for all cyclones in a one-year d...
On the cardinality of a topology

Let o(X) denote the cardinality of topology of a space X. I. Juhasz proves that o(X)W = o(X) for regular hereditarily paracompact spaces. We prove it for more general classes of spaces. If X is a topological space, let o(X) denote the cardinality of its topology. A number of papers [1, 2, 3] have investigated classes for which o(X) = o(X)w. We generalize several of these results by proving THEOREM 1. For every infinite hereditarily weakly 0-refinable T3 space X, o(X) = o(X)@. A space X is weakly 0-refinable [4] if and only if each open cover T of X has a refinement *= U n G w,,n where each *n is a discrete family of subsets of the space U" . If 'q and ,u are infinite cardinals and ,u' SUp Ka = SUp Ka = K. 8eAft 8eAft a S Received by the editors January 6, 1986 and, in revised form, April 18, 1986 and July 28, 1986. 1980 Mathematics Subject Classification (1985 Revision). Primary 54A25, 04A30; Secondary 03E05.
Enforcement release evidence on the audit confirmation process: Implications for standard setters

Abstract The audit confirmation process involves obtaining evidence from third parties about information affecting financial statement assertions. Recently, the confirmation process has drawn the attention of both regulators and practitioners ( American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), 2007a , International Federation of Accountants, 2006 , International Federation of Accountants, 2008 , Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), 2004 ) due to questions regarding whether this widely used audit procedure provides persuasive audit evidence. This paper examines confirmation-related evidence from relevant Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Releases (AAERs). Our findings integrate the confirmation process and enforcement release outcomes to provide guidance to regulators and researchers. Specifically, we found situations where fraud may have been detected if auditors had confirmed additional items such as material cash balances, marketable securities, and terms of significant transactions. We also noted (1) situations where management requested that auditors not confirm specific accounts, (2) several examples of collusion between the auditee and either vendors or customers, as well as related parties, and (3) cases involving failure to authenticate responses. Our detailed examination of enforcement release evidence provides implications for standard setters and areas for future research.
Potential role of nitric oxide in a model of chronic colitis in rhesus macaques

Abstract Background/Aims: Excess nitric oxide formation, via the inducible NO synthase isoform, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of experimental and clinical inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this study was to assess the site, enzyme source, and magnitude of NO production in juvenile rhesus macaques with idiopathic colitis. Methods: NO production was assessed systemically from plasma and urine levels of reactive nitrogen intermediates and locally by the formation of [ 3 H]citrulline from [ 3 H]arginine and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) diaphorase histochemistry. Inducible NO synthase gene expression was assessed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Plasma and urine levels of reactive nitrogen intermediates were greater in colitic animals than in control monkeys by 13- and 5-fold, respectively. NADPH diaphorase activity in normal animals was confined to the myenteric plexus. In colitis, staining was also apparent in crypt abscesses and superficial epithelial and mucosal bands. Gene expression for inducible NO synthase was only found in colitic specimens. Colonic [ 3 H]citrulline formation was markedly elevated in colitic specimens, and the inducible isoform accounted for 58% of total activity. Conclusions: It is proposed that excess NO, formed via the inducible form of NO synthase, contributes to the mucosal inflammation and symptoms of this idiopathic colitis model.
The Effect of pH on the Antimicrobial Efficiency of Silver Alginate on Chronic Wound Isolates.

Background Nonhealing and stalled chronic wounds are often reported to reside within an alkaline environment. Consequently, a number of researchers have proposed that lowering the pH of a chronic wound environment will enable healing to progress. However, it is not known whether the efficacies of silver-impregnated wound dressings are affected by pH.
Early-life exposure to methylmercury in wildtype and pdr-1/parkin knockout C. elegans.

We examined the impact of early-life exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans)pdr-1 mutants, addressing gene-environment interactions. We tested the hypothesis that early-life exposure to MeHg and knockout (KO) of pdr-1 (mammalian: parkin/PARK2) exacerbates MeHg toxicity and damage to the dopaminergic (DAergic) system. pdr-1KO worms showed increased lethality and decreased lifespan following MeHg exposure. Mercury (Hg) content, measured with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was increased in pdr-1KO worms compared to wildtype (N2) controls. 2′7′ dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay revealed a significant increase in reactive oxygen species in both strains following MeHg exposure; however, while N2 worms showed an increase in skn-1 transcript levels following MeHg exposure, there was no difference in skn-1 induction in pdr-1KO worms. Dopamine-dependent behavioral analysis revealed an effect of MeHg on N2 wildtype worms, but no effect on pdr-1KO worms. Taken together, these results suggest that pdr-1KO worms are more sensitive to MeHg than wildtype worms, but MeHg does not exacerbate behavioral changes related to the absence of pdr-1.
Stress fields around cracks with a viscous matrix and discontinuous fiber bridging

In this work, effects of pre-existing fiber fractures on the time-dependent stress redistribution and opening displacements within a planar unidirectional fiber composite under steady axial tension are investigated. Shear deformation of a Newtonian viscous matrix material or interface is assumed to govern the local creep response, while the fibers have time-independent elastic properties. Under these assumptions, the recently developed computational-mechanics technique called viscous break interaction (VBI) is used to efficiently compute the time-dependent stress and strain redistribution in the fibers and matrix in response to any number and spatial configuration of fiber breaks. As typically observed in the intermediate stages of composite creep failure, bridged cracks, cracks with process zones, and mis-aligned, staggered breaks are studied using VBI. Asymptotic relations are developed for the time evolution of opening displacements of large cracks and bridged cracks, whose predictions agree well with VBI results. For staggered breaks, some important differences emerge. Results show how time-growing interactions between staggered breaks and the spatial arrangement and number of such breaks influence local creep rate, fiber tensile stress redistribution, and macroscopically, the time-scales of multiple creep stages in overall composite strain. This VBI technique and insight developed here into the time-dependent deformation and stress concentration behavior are particularly useful in modeling the statistical evolution of creep failure mechanisms and for incorporating into computational codes for predicting time-to-failure.
Another look at Barrett's esophagus. Current thinking on screening and surveillance strategies.

PREVIEWWhen British surgeon Norman Barrett first identified the metaplastic columnar epithelium of the esophagus that bears his name, the condition was considered an oddity that was probably of little significance. Now, half a century later, Barrett's esophagus is recognized as the most serious complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Primary care physicians often face concerns about how to manage patients with long-standing GERD who could be at risk for cancer. In this article, Dr Gopal reviews the incidence of Barrett's esophagus, current screening recommendations, surveillance guidelines, prevention strategies, and management options for patients found to have the condition.
EFFECTS OF REDUCED MATERNAL LIPOPROTEIN-CHOLESTEROL AVAILABILITY ON PLACENTAL PROGESTERONE BIOSYNTHESIS IN THE BABOON

Maternal low density lipoprotein (LDL) is the principal source of cholesterol substrate for progesterone biosynthesis in the primate placental syncytiotrophoblast. The relationship of LDL-cholesterol availability and other potential cholesterol-yielding pathways to placental progesterone production have not, however, been demonstrated in vivo in a nonhuman primate. Therefore, maternal peripheral lipoprotein-cholesterol and progesterone concentrations were determined in blood samples obtained by venipuncture, from day 72 until day 100, from pregnant baboons (Papio sp) that were either untreated (n = 4) or treated (n = 3) with the inhibitor of hepatic lipoprotein production, 4-aminopyrazolo[ 3–4-d]pyrimidine (4-APP, 10 mg/kg BW) on days 98–99 of pregnancy (term = 184 days). Although LDL-cholesterol and progesterone levels remained unchanged in untreated animals, LDL-cholesterol concentrations were 9-fold lower (P < 0.005) in baboons receiving 4-APP than in untreated baboons 2 days following initial administ...
SARCOIDOSIS AMONG CHILDREN IN UTAH AND IDAHO.

Eight instances of sarcoidosis proved by biopsy in children from the Utah-Idaho area are reported. All of the children were of the Caucasian race, mostly of northern European ancestry, and resided in rural or semirural communities. The disease began prior to the age of 8 years in 5 of the 8 children. Careful collection of historical, environmental, and laboratory data failed to delineate any “common denominator” pertaining to all patients. Attention is drawn to the unusual features presented in one of these children, whose clinical course and laboratory data simulated those of Still's disease, but who did not have the usual joint involvement. It is suggested that sarcoidosis of this type may be confused with “atypical Still's diseas”.
Secondary hemochromatosis as a long‐term complication of the treatment of hematologic malignancies

The increased cure rate of hematologic malignancies including the use of bone marrow transplantation has focused attention on the chronic toxicity and quality of life of the survivors. We have observed five patients who have been diagnosed with clinically significant iron overload, presumably due to packed red blood cell transfusions, >/=12 months after transplant for a hematologic malignancy. In these patients, there is no history of veno-occlusive disease or family history of hemochromatosis. The allotransplant patient has been free of chronic graft versus host disease. Family screening has been negative. No patient developed clinically significant endocrinopathy, arthropathy, or cardiac disease. The patients have been treated with phlebotomy to bring the transferrin saturation and ferritin levels to normal. The long-term follow-up of patients treated for a hematologic malignancy should include analysis of hepatitis C virus and iron status. This may prevent the development of clinically significant chronic liver disease and possibly malignancy.
Comment on Cross, Fine, Jones, and Walsh (2012): Do mental health professionals who serve on/with child advocacy centers experience role conflict?

Cross, Fine, Jones, and Walsh's (2012) article “Mental Health Professionals in Children's Advocacy Centers: Is There Role Conflict?” challenges two recent publications' criticisms that child advocacy centers create role conflict for mental health professionals and explains how child advocacy centers actually work, describing the different roles for mental health professionals who participate in them. This commentary points out that more precise data would have helped to specifically address the critics' concerns. Furthermore, professional ethics and licensure issues may have served as an additional but unacknowledged check on the “spillover effect” that the critics have alleged comes with being associated with prosecution. This commentary also highlights three main strengths of the Cross and colleagues' article.
Cardiac hypertrophy and altered β-adrenergic signaling in transgenic mice that express the amino terminus of β-ARK1

The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinase β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) kinase-1 (β-ARK1) is elevated during heart failure; however, its role is not fully understood. β-ARK1 contains several doma...
Knowledge of vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus in two inner-city obstetric populations

Objective: To assess knowledge of vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in obstetric patients of lower socioeconomic status. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was completed by 688 women at their first obstetric visit in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (n = 519) or Lafayette, Louisiana (n = 169). Elicited information included age, education, parity, race, and attendance at prenatal classes. Results: Most participants (95%) knew that HIV is sexually transmitted and that vertical transmission occurs (94%). Knowledge about the benefits of medication was less widespread, with 58.3% responding correctly that vertical transmission decreases with medication. Demographic factors other than race did not affect the responses to either of these questions. African-American subjects were more likely than Caucasian subjects to know that medicine prevents vertical transmission: 63.4% versus 42.5%, P <0.001, and Baton Rouge patients were more likely to respond correctly than Lafayette patients: 67.1% versus 31.4%, P <0.001. Multiple regression analysis revealed that site, not race, was the primary predictor of knowing that medicine decreases the risk of vertical transmission, with an odds ratio of 4.27 (CI, 2.88–6.33). Conclusion: Knowledge about HIV transmission has increased in response to educational efforts, but knowledge about how to prevent vertical transmission is still suboptimal. This knowledge might encourage women at risk to seek early prenatal care and treatment. Baton Rouge has a much higher prevalence of HIV infection than Lafayette, so it is reassuring that the population at greatest risk for HIV was more likely to know how to reduce the risk of vertical transmission with medication.
Long-term results of growth hormone therapy in Turner syndrome.

Short stature is one of the main features of Turner syndrome. Today, most patients are treated with growth hormone (GH) to improve adult height. We have reviewed the literature reporting adult height in patients with Turner syndrome treated with GH alone or in combination with oxandrolone. The reported adult heights as well as the height gain over projected or predicted height are still preliminary and vary considerably among studies. There is some evidence that the age of onset of therapy, dose of GH, duration of GH therapy, target height, time of estrogen substitution, or concurrent treatment with oxandrolone affect adult height. The reported height gains over projected height range from −0.20 to +16.0 cm (median: 5.1 cm) in patients treated with GH and from +0.68 cm to +10.3 (median: 6.40 cm) in patients treated with GH and oxandrolone. Thus, the presently available data are extremely varied and need further detailed analysis after all ongoing clinical trials have published the final results of all patients included in the study.
The amino-terminal tails of histones H2A and H3 coordinate efficient base excision repair, DNA damage signaling and postreplication repair in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Histone amino-terminal tails (N-tails) are required for cellular resistance to DNA damaging agents; therefore, we examined the role of histone N-tails in regulating DNA damage response pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Combinatorial deletions reveal that the H2A and H3 N-tails are important for the removal of MMS-induced DNA lesions due to their role in regulating the basal and MMS-induced expression of DNA glycosylase Mag1. Furthermore, overexpression of Mag1 in a mutant lacking the H2A and H3 N-tails rescues base excision repair (BER) activity but not MMS sensitivity. We further show that the H3 N-tail functions in the Rad9/Rad53 DNA damage signaling pathway, but this function does not appear to be the primary cause of MMS sensitivity of the double tailless mutants. Instead, epistasis analyses demonstrate that the tailless H2A/H3 phenotypes are in the RAD18 epistasis group, which regulates postreplication repair. We observed increased levels of ubiquitylated PCNA and significantly lower mutation frequency in the tailless H2A/H3 mutant, indicating a defect in postreplication repair. In summary, our data identify novel roles of the histone H2A and H3 N-tails in (i) regulating the expression of a critical BER enzyme (Mag1), (ii) supporting efficient DNA damage signaling and (iii) facilitating postreplication repair.
Determination of Ionic and Electronic Resistivities in Carbon/Polyelectrolyte Fuel-Cell Composite Electrodes

Rational design of electrode materials for polymer electrolyte fuel cells requires a knowledge of how changes in material composition affect basic physical characteristics such as charge-transport properties. We present a simple method by which the electronic resistance of a thin layer of carbon/Pt/Nafion fuel-cell electrode composite material may he measured by de polarization and then combined with ac impedance measurements to compute the ionic resistance of the layer. Further support of this technique is derived from an ac impedance test designed to simultaneously express both the measured electronic and the computed ionic resistance. We also demonstrate the use of the technique in a composition-dependence study, namely, examination of the effect of glycerol on the ionic and electronic resistances in a thin catalyst layer.
Ab initio studies of the electronic properties of the silica surface

Abstract Self-consistent unrestricted Hartree-Fock calculations for the surface of crystalline silica (α-quartz) have been performed. We report here the one-electron energy levels and wavefunctions for several models of surface geometry, and a comparison is then made with experimentally determined densities of states.
International Legal Note: Child fatality review teams and the role of social workers An international perspective

We are living in dangerous and violent times, and our most precious resources, our children, are sometimes its victims. Disease, inadequate health care, violence, a faulty smoke alarm, an unlocked seat belt, a loaded gun, poison or medicine within easy reach, an unprotected electric outlet, a pack of matches: in rich countries and poor countries, all of these things can and have killed children (UNICEF, 2003). When these result in the death of a child, in a growing number of countries and jurisdictions the death is reviewed by a child fatality review team. The purpose is to perform a comprehensive review of child deaths in order to gain a better understanding of these deaths, and to use that knowledge to take preventative actions in similar situations.
Ethnic Differences in Health Information-Seeking Behavior: Methodological and Applied Issues

Ethnicity is a key factor in determining who is at the greatest risk for health problems. This article explores how survey methodologies may affect researchers' recommendations about the best communication channels that practitioners should employ to reach these populations. A similar question regarding health communication connections was asked on both a community telephone survey using random digit dialing, conducted in the preferred language of the respondent; and a nationwide Internet survey; which was conducted in English. Findings for Hispanics and Anglos from two different surveys are compared. Implications of the findings are discussed.
On the Causal Relationship between Poleward Heat Flux and the Equator-to-Pole Temperature Gradient: A Cautionary Tale

AbstractAn increase in the poleward heat or energy transport is often ascribed to a strengthening of the equator-to-pole gradient in temperature or in the top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) net radiation. While this attribution conforms to the well-established flux–gradient relationship, a counterexample is shown here, demonstrating that a forced atmospheric circulation, triggered by enhanced convection over the western tropical Pacific warm pool and suppressed convection over the eastern tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans, can cause the equator-to-pole gradient in the TOA net radiation to increase.
Metabolism of aromatic amino acids in collagen diseases. Urinary excretion of metanephrine and normetanephrine, and spontaneous degradation of vanilpyruvic acid

Abstract 1. 1. Urinary excretion of total metanephrine and normetanephrine was significantly lower in 20 cases of rheumatic fever and relative “collagen diseases”, as compared to 10 normal control cases. 2. 2. Ingestion of l -tryptophan resulted, in 2 out of 3 normal children, in significant increase of the urinary excretion of these compounds ; m 4 out of 6 patients it resulted in significant decrease. The difference between the groups was statistically significant. 3. 3. Synthetic vanilpyruvic acid produced a number of degradation products when its solutions in ether or ethyl acetate were stored in the freezer without exclusion of oxygen, or when freshly prepared solutions were subjected to paper chromatography with an alkaline solvent system. Besides vanillin and homovanillic acid, a substance, accounting for the largest percentage of the degradation products, coincided on the chromatograms with the spot of vanillactic acid.
Natural language mediation and covert rehearsal in short-term memory

The short-term effects of natural language mediators and covert repetitions were studied using high and low meaningfulness CCCS with a presentation time of 2 sec., a retention interval of 30 sec., and an interpolated activity of counting backward by threes. Each S was given four items of the same level of meaningfulness. There were 96 Ss in each group. NLMS and covert rehearsal were both significant factors in recall. NLMS were found to deter proactive inhibition.
A-SIDE: Video simulation of teen alcohol and marijuana use contexts.

Objective:This investigation examined the concurrent validity of a new video simulation assessing adolescent alcohol and marijuana decision making in peer contexts (A-SIDE).Method:One hundred eleven youth (60% female; age 14–19 years; 80% White, 12.6% Latino; 24% recruited from treatment centers) completed the A-SIDE simulation, self-report measures of alcohol and marijuana use and disorder symptoms, and measures of alcohol (i.e., drinking motives and expectancies) and marijuana (i.e., expectancies) cognitions in the laboratory.Results:Study findings support concurrent associations between behavioral willingness to use alcohol and marijuana on the simulation and current use variables as well as on drinking motives and marijuana expectancies. Relations with use variables were found even when sample characteristics were controlled. Interestingly, willingness to accept nonalcoholic beverages (e.g., soda) and food offers in the simulation were inversely related to recent alcohol and marijuana use behavior.Con...
EVIDENCE ON THE BEHAVIOR OF BID AND ASK PRICES AT THE TURN OF THE YEAR: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE SURVIVAL OF STOCK RETURN SEASONALITY

We analyze changes at the turn of the year in the relative and standardized bid-ask spreads of New York Stock Exchange stocks before and after the introduction of personal income taxes in 1917. Previous research indicates the return seasonal arose in 1917. Here, we investigate when spread seasonals arose and whether spread changes are cross-sectionally correlated with the return seasonal. The results indicate that the year-end selling pressure, which began in 1917, is apparent as downward shifts in the stocks' bid and ask prices rather than as widening spreads. Additional evidence suggests the January return seasonal originated as compensation to specialists, as well as to competing traders, for incurring the costs of providing liquidity during the tax-induced seasonal trading pattern.
Effective potential in scalar field theory.

We study the \ensuremath{\lambda}${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ theory in 4 space-time dimensions in a Monte Carlo simulation on a ${10}^{4}$ lattice, through an especially simple and accurate way to calculate the effective potential. All renormalized parameters are obtained via the effective potential and the propagator. In the continuum limit we confirm the vanishing of the renormalized self-coupling, and show that the system can exist in one of two possible phases, both having a free particle of arbitrary mass. In one phase the vacuum expectation of the field vanishes, while in the other it is nonzero. This opens the possibility that, even though the self-coupling vanishes, the field can still be used to generate masses for gauge bosons and fermions.
Incentive Salience and Improved Performance

Using data from 441 call center employees at a large North American financial services firm, we studied how the frequency of thinking about an incentive available for performance led to increased output on an important performance metric. We find that people think more frequently about noncash tangible incentives (merchandise and travel) than cash incentives and that as the frequency of thought increases, performance increases. This leads to a larger performance boost for tangible incentives compared to a cash incentive of equal purchasing power. These results show an additional benefit from the use of tangible incentives and help answer the question regarding the psychological processes which make incentives motivating.
Anatomy of a cortical simulator

Insights into brain's high-level computational principles will lead to novel cognitive systems, computing architectures, programming paradigms, and numerous practical applications. An important step towards this end is the study of large networks of cortical spiking neurons. We have built a cortical simulator, C2, incorporating several algorithmic enhancements to optimize the simulation scale and time, through: computationally efficient simulation of neurons in a clock-driven and synapses in an event-driven fashion; memory efficient representation of simulation state; and communication efficient message exchanges. Using phenomenological, single-compartment models of spiking neurons and synapses with spike-timing dependent plasticity, we represented a rat-scale cortical model (55 million neurons, 442 billion synapses) in STB memory of a 32, 768-processor BlueGene/L. With 1 millisecond resolution for neuronal dynamics and 1--20 milliseconds axonal delays, C2 can simulate 1 second of model time in 9 seconds per Hertz of average neuronal firing rate. In summary, by combining state-of-the-art hardware with innovative algorithms and software design, we simultaneously achieved unprecedented time-to-solution on an unprecedented problem size.
Are preliminary announcements of the money stock rational forecasts

Abstract We develop a theoretical framework of analyzing preliminary announcements of economic data and then apply this framework to the money stock. We find that preliminary announcements of the money stock are best characterized as measured with classical errors-in-variables. That is, the revision is not correlated with the true value of the series. The revision is, however, forecastable using information available at the time of the preliminary announcement. Our ability to forecast the revision implies that preliminary announcements are not rational estimates of the true money stock.
Inorganic-Organic Barrier Coatings for Flexible OLED Applications

When flexible organic substrates are used for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), a barrier layer is required for the substrate to protect the enclosed functional materials from oxygen and water penetration. In this study, barrier coatings consisting of organic and inorganic films were developed for the organic substrate to ensure sufficient hermetic protection. As a model system, we chose the 'Parylene-C/TiO2' grown on the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates. Parylene C films, which were vapor deposited at room temperature, have been known for a superior conformal coverage. The oxide films were biomimetically formed from in- situ precipitated particles in aqueous solutions and displayed nanoparticulate, dense structures. Since these oxides are processed at very low temperatures (< 70degC) in aqueous solutions, the processes can be applicable to organic structures, cheap and environment-friendly. Further, plasma treatments were employed to adjust the functionality of the organic surfaces and their effects on microstructure evolution of subsequent depositing layers are discussed. In order to evaluate the mechanical properties and film adhesion of the inorganic-organic hybrid coatings, in-situ AFM coupled nanoindentation techniques were introduced. Preliminary results on the dye penetration test indicated that the hermeticity of the barrier coatings was improved by having the hybrid films consisting of parylene-C and TiO2.