cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Proposed Protocol Integrating Classical Mindfulness with Prolonged Exposure Therapy to Treat Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Mindfulness is a strategy that has become increasingly considered as a potential treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this study was to review and synthesize extant research on mindfulness, current mindfulness-based interventions, and evidence-based treatments for PTSD. A theoretical foundation for classical mindfulness and a preliminary protocol integrating classical mindfulness and prolonged exposure for the treatment of PTSD was introduced. We conducted a systematic search of relevant databases according to predefined criteria. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they sought to define mindfulness, employed mindfulness-based interventions for PTSD, or included evidence-based treatments for PTSD. Original Buddhist texts and resources were used to develop, support, and differentiate classical mindfulness from existing mindfulness-based interventions for PTSD. We identified a non-sufficient and inconclusive operationalization of the concept of mindfulness. Furthermore, there is limited research on the application of mindfulness for PTSD, and the few existing studies have demonstrated mixed results. The proposed integration of classical mindfulness with prolonged exposure appears to address specific limitations to current interventions for PTSD. A definition for classical mindfulness was drawn from the classic Buddhist teachings. The mastery and application of the components of classical mindfulness provide a potentially more effective way to use mindfulness for the treatment of PTSD. Although, classical mindfulness has yet to be empirically investigated or supported.
Drugs Used in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Relationship between Current Use and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

OBJECTIVES: Drugs used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have the potential to affect cardiovascular risk factors. There is concern that corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and COX-2 inhibitors could affect cardiovascular risk adversely, while drugs such as the antimalarial, hydroxychloroquine, may have beneficial effects. However, there is limited information about cardiovascular risk factors in patients with RA receiving different drugs. METHODS: We measured cardiovascular risk factors including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum HDL and LDL cholesterol, glucose and homocysteine concentrations and urinary F(2)-isoprostane excretion in 169 patients with RA. Risk factors were compared according to current use of corticosteroids, methotrexate, antimalarials, NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, leflunomide and TNF-alpha blockers. Comparisons were adjusted for age, sex, race, disease activity (DAS28 score), current hypertension, diabetes, smoking status and statin use. RESULTS: No cardiovascular risk factor differed significantly among current users and non-users of NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, methotrexate and TNF-alpha blockers. Serum HDL cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher in patients currently receiving corticosteroids (42.2 +/- 10.5 vs. 50.2 +/- 15.3 mg/dL, adjusted P < 0.001). Diastolic blood pressure (75.9 +/- 11.2 vs. 72.0 +/- 9.1 mm Hg, adjusted P = 0.02), serum LDL cholesterol (115.6 +/- 34.7 vs. 103.7 +/- 27.8 mg/dL, adjusted P = 0.03) and triglyceride concentrations (157.7 +/- 202.6 vs. 105.5 +/- 50.5 mg/dL, adjusted P = 0.03) were significantly lower in patients taking antimalarial drugs. Plasma glucose was significantly lower in current lefunomide users (93.0 +/- 19.2 vs. 83.6 +/- 13.4 mg/dL, adjusted P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: In a cross-sectional setting drugs used to treat RA did not have major adverse effects on cardiovascular risk factors and use of antimalarials was associated with beneficial lipid profiles.
Interconverting WW Triple Bonds and W4 Clusters: Structures of W4(OPrn)16 and [Li2W2(OPrn)8(DME)]2*

Alcoholysis of W2(NMe2)6 with excess n-propanol in hexane yields the tetranuclear cluster, W4(OPrn, I. Reduction of I with two equivalents of Li2COT in THF gives a small yield of Li2W2(OPrn)8. Single crystals were isolated by cooling the product mixture in DME and were shown to be [Li2W2(OPrn)8(DME)]2, II, which consists of a unique “dimer of dimers” structure. In this reaction sequence, W416+ cluster formation is followed by four electron reduction to reform the (W≡W)6+ unit. Better yields of the lithium salt can be obtained by the addition of LiOPrn/HOPrn solutions to W2(OBut)6 in which case Li2W2(OPrn)8 has been obtained as a 1:1 adduct with LiOPr. This identity of this salt was confirmed by solution NMR spectroscopy. In the alternative reaction, the (W≡W)6+ center remains intact from reactant to product. No attempt has been made to separate the product from excess LiOPr. DFT (ADF 2004.01) molecular orbital calculations on the model cluster W4(OH)16 are used to help elucidate the disruption of the W4 cluster upon four electron reduction. The molecular structures of compounds I and II are reported.
MDCK microcarrier cultures: Seeding density effects and amino acid utilization

The growth of Madin Darby canine kidney cells on microcarriers was studied at different cell seeding densities. Maximum growth was attained when a cell-to-bead ratio of 7∶1 was used. Under these conditions an initial concentration of above 3×105 cells/ml resulted in a yield of over 2×106 cells/ml in 2 d. The amino acid utilization of cells from Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium was studied under the above conditions. Eight amino acids (arg, cys, gln, ile, leu, met, ser, and val) showed rapid and near complete depletion from the medium. Five amino acids (his, lys, phe, thr, and tyr) showed limited depletion. Two amino acids (ala and gly) were released into the medium by the cells.
An oxygen isotope discontinuity in high-grade rocks of the East Humboldt Range, Nevada

RECENT studies of metamorphic terranes document sharply contrasting 18O/16O systematics1. Some regions are isotopically homogeneous, but with decreased 18O/16O ratios (see, for example, refs 2–4), whereas others preserve steep gradients in oxygen isotope composition5–7. These results indicate that some terranes experience very large, pervasive fluid fluxes, whereas others may, at least locally, remain virtually fluid-absent. Here we report a very detailed oxygen isotope study of a high-grade metamorphic terrane, revealing striking systematic variations that are closely correlated with structural depth. In particular, metamorphic rocks that are low in 18O, first detected at deep structural levels in a preliminary study of the area8, are now shown to be restricted to a clearly defined zone several hundred metres thick and extending for at least 3 km laterally. The most striking feature is the existence of a very sharp oxygen isotope discontinuity marking the upper boundary of the low-18O zone and separating it from an isotopically heavier and more heterogeneous (although still high-grade) overlying region.
Phase compensation of azimuthally polarized j(1) bessel-gaussian laser beams.

As other semiconductor lasers, concentric-circle-grating, surface-emitting lasers are compact, light, and efficient. However, unlike other semiconductor lasers, they emit high-power, low-divergence azimuthally polarized J1 Bessel–Gaussian beams. Because of their azimuthal polarization, they have a null at the center of the beam that makes them undesirable for certain applications. Binary phase compensation, a lossless technique previously used to improve the far-field profile of linearly polarized Hermite–Gaussian beams, is adapted to these azimuthally polarized beams to rid them of their axial nulls and improve their beam profile.
On the existence of periodic solutions for a class of symetric Hamiltonian systems

Abstract : Hamiltonian systems are used to model the motion of discrete mechanical systems. This paper establishes the existence of periodic solutions for a class of such systems. The method developed to prove existence should be useful for other such problems. Keywords: Minimax technique; Ordinary differential equations; and Variational problem.
Elaborating the relationship between age and adolescent cigarette smoking

Previous research has found that the relationship between variables derived from a social control model of deviant behavior are conditional on the age of adolescents. We examine whether the observed age effect on adolescent cigarette use may be due to a cohort or period effect by using multiple cross‐sections from several cohorts of adolescents. We find that basing conclusions about some social control variables on cross‐sectional results may lead to erroneous interpretations concerning the age‐conditional effects of some of the variables in our model.
System xc− Activity and Astrocytes Are Necessary for Interleukin-1β-Mediated Hypoxic Neuronal Injury

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the cellular/biochemical pathway(s) by which interleukin-1β (IL-1β) contributes to the pathogenesis of hypoxic–ischemic brain damage. In vivo, IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI)-deficient mice showed smaller infarcts and less neurological deficits than wild-type animals after a 90 min reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion. In vitro, IL-1β mediated an enhancement of hypoxic neuronal injury in murine cortical cultures that was lacking in cultures derived from IL-1RI null mutant animals and was blocked by the IL-1 receptor antagonist or an IL-1RI blocking antibody. This IL-1β-mediated potentiation of hypoxic neuronal injury was associated with an increase in both cellular cystine uptake ([cystine]i) and extracellular glutamate levels ([glutamate]e) and was prevented by either ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonism or removal of l-cystine, suggesting a role for the cystine/glutamate antiporter (System xc−). Indeed, dual System xc−/metabotropic glutamate receptor subunit 1 (mGluR1) antagonism but not selective mGluR1 antagonism prevented neuronal injury. Additionally, cultures derived from mGluR1-deficient mice exhibited the same potentiation in injury after treatment with IL-1β as wild-type cultures, an effect prevented by System xc−/mGluR1 antagonism. Finally, assessment of System xc− function and kinetics in IL-1β-treated cultures revealed an increase in velocity of cystine transport (Vmax), in the absence of a change in affinity (Km). Neither the enhancement in [cystine]i, [glutamate]e, or neuronal injury were observed in chimeric cultures consisting of IL-1RI+/+ neurons plated on top of IL-1RI−/− astrocytes, highlighting the importance of astrocyte-mediated alterations in System xc− as a novel contributor to the development and progression of hypoxic neuronal injury.
An inductive analysis of relational maintenance strategies: Comparisons among lovers, relatives, friends, and others

This investigation reports a typology of maintenance behaviors that were derived through inductive analyses of papers students wrote about their strategies for maintaining various relationships. Ten major strategies were inductively derived: positivity; openness; assurances; sharing tasks; social networks; joint activities; cards/letters/calls; avoidance; anti‐social; and humor. These strategies extend the previous research on relational maintenance strategies. More specifically, the latter five strategies and the subcategories of all the strategies are additions to Stafford and Canary's (1991)typology. In addition, analyses revealed the positivity, openness, assurances, sharing tasks, and cards/letters/calls differed in their frequency of use among lovers, relatives, friends and others.
Measurement of static friction in mechanical couplings of articulated microrobots

Force measurements from 3D polysilicon mechanisms under various loading conditions are presented. Force was measured using the deflection of polysilicon spring gauges with known dimensions and estimated elastic properties. Force measurements were made to determine the force required to overcome static friction when rotating hinged structures with and without external loading using a sliding mechanism. Both loaded and unloaded mechanisms display a wide statistical variation in friction force. Unloaded mechanisms require on average 1-5 (mu) N of force to move, whereas mechanisms manipulating 3.5 (mu) N loads require on average 1-10 (mu) N of force. These measurements are motivated by an effort to produce articulated microrobots, and progress in this area is also discussed.
Mapping and Predicting Air Flows in Gas Turbine Axial Compressors

Determining the airflow through a gas turbine’s axial compressor is not a simple or one step process as many factors affect flow and there is seldom a flow meter or a means to directly measure airflow rate. Speed of the compressor, inlet pressure and temperature, and resistance or backpressure at the compressor’s outlet all affect the amount of airflow. The type of gas turbine, single or twin spool, the magnitude of power produced, the use of bleed or bypass valves, the power turbine speed, and operating conditions all have influences on the amount of airflow. Despite this, there are several reasons why an estimate of airflow is useful for understanding and describing the behavior and performance of gas turbines. The amount of airflow compared to fuel flow determines the composition and condition of the exhaust gases and is directly related to the turbine’s power output, heat rate, and waste heat recovery potential. A predicted airflow rate and the corresponding axial compressor discharge pressure can be used to identify deterioration in performance and to estimate emission characteristics of a unit. This paper presents an approach based on easily obtained gas turbine data, such as the design point data, test stand data, or manufacturer’s curves for the compressor. Compressor performance curves may be obtained from the manufacturer or by mapping compressor output during normal operations. A great deal of information has been presented in the literature about the performance of gas turbines and axial compressors but this paper focuses on methods that are sufficiently simple and direct that users can obtain an estimate of their unit’s airflow, References 1, 2, and 3. Some manufacturers provide computer data bases or on-line control panel estimates of gas turbine airflow but in these cases, the user has no idea what causes a change. Detailed performance curves for axial compressors are usually not available, however, through the methods presented in this paper, a reasonable approximation of the operating curves can be developed and used to estimate axial compressor airflow over the full range of normal operations. The methods described are based on tracking and mapping a compressor’s operations over a period of time and relating compressor output to other performance parameters and known conditions (design point) in order to establish a normally expected airflow rate.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Inhibition of Adrenal Cortical Secretion by Amino-glutethimide in Dogs1

The acute effect of intravenous administration of amino-glutethimide (25, 50, 75 mg/kg of body wt) on adrenal venous plasma 17-hydroxycorticoid secretion has been studied i n the dog. In spite of a continuous ACTH infusion, each injection of amino-glutethimide produced a prompt fall in the secretion of 17-hydroxycorticoids. Control values were not regained 2 hr following amino-glutethimide. Fractionation of the adrenal venous plasma samples for individual steroids after amino-glutethimide administration revealed a decrease in cortisol and corticosterone with no detectable pregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, progesterone, 17-hy-droxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, de-oxycorticosterone, and substance S. These observations, along with previous findings of increased adrenal cholesterol and lipid content, are in keeping with the view that amino-glutethimide interferes with the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone in the dog. (Endocrinology 83: 56, 1968)
Thermodynamics of selected trace elements in the Jovian atmosphere

The thermochemistry of several hundred compounds of twelve selected trace elements (Ge, Se, Ga, As, Te, Pb, Sn, Cd, Sb, Tl, In, and Bi) has been investigated for solar composition material along a Jupiter adiabat. The results indicate that AsF3, InBr, TlI, and SbS, in addition to CO, PH3, GeH4, AsH3, H2Se, HCl, HF, and H3BO3 proposed by Barshay and Lewis (1978), may be potential chemical tracers of atmospheric dynamics. The reported observation of GeH4 is interpreted on the basis of new calculations as implying rapid vertical transport from levels where the temperature is greater than or equal to 800 K. Upper limits are also set on the abundances of many gaseous compounds of the elements investigated.
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test with children: a meta-analytic study of sensitivity and specificity

More and more frequently the presence of executive function deficits appears in the research literature in conjunction with disabilities that affect children. Research has been most directed at the extent to which executive function deficits may be implicated in specific disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, deficits in executive function have been found to be typical of developmental disorders in general. The focus of this paper is to examine the extent to which one frequently used measure of executive function, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), demonstrates sensitivity and specificity for the identification of those executive function deficits associated with ADHD as well as its use with other developmental disorders through meta-analytic methods. Evidence of sensitivity of the WCST to dysfunction of the central nervous system is reviewed. Effect sizes calculated for all studies compared groups of children on differing variables of the WCST. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that across all of the studies, individuals with ADHD fairly consistently exhibit poorer performance as compared to individuals without clinical diagnoses on the WCST as measured by Percent Correct, Number of Categories, Total Errors, and Perseverative Errors. Notably, other various clinical groups performed more poorly than the ADHD groups in a number of studies. Thus, while impaired performance on the WCST may be indicative of an underlying neurological disorder, most likely related to frontal lobe function, poor performance is not sufficient for a diagnosis of ADHD. Implications for further research are presented.
Cerebellar contributions to autism spectrum disorders

Abstract The pathophysiology of autism appears to encompass a number of different brain structures and systems. However, the most consistent site of neural abnormality in autism is the cerebellum. Postmortem investigations have reported a variety of anomalies, most notably a reduction in the number of Purkinje neurons. Additionally, structural neuroimaging studies have shown volumetric changes in the cerebellum, including decreases in gray matter and increases in white matter. Emerging evidence for cerebellar abnormality in autism was paralleled by a revolution in our understanding of normal cerebellar function and cerebellar connectivity, such that the importance of elucidating the contributions of the cerebellum to autism is now clear. In fact, recent brain-behavior correlation studies suggest that cerebellar abnormality may play a more central role in autism than previously thought. At present, it is crucial that we increase our understanding of cerebellar functioning in autism, and functional neuroimaging studies are just beginning to reveal the possible role(s) of cerebellar dysfunction in this disorder. In this review, evidence for cerebellar anatomic and functional abnormality in autism will be delineated. This will be followed by consideration of the implications of cerebellar abnormality in autism. Two major questions will be addressed: (1) how might dysfunction of the cerebellum impact the development of connectivity between the cerebellum and other brain systems, and (2) how might cerebellar dysfunction impact behavior and the symptoms of autism. The paper concludes with a discussion of how cerebellar abnormalities might inform our understanding of the etiology of autism spectrum disorders.
Demographic effects on the Trail Making Test in a drug abuse treatment sample

Appreciation of the importance of screening for cognitive impairment among substance abusing populations has increased in recent years. In this article, demographic effects on the Trail Making Test (TMT), a test often used for screening for cognitive impairment, are examined in a sample of patients in drug abuse treatment programs. A sample of 5619 males and 2902 females was drawn from electronic files of data from the Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Study (DATOS). The DATOS was a naturalistic cohort study that collected data from 1991 to 1993 in 96 programs in 11 cities in the US. Data were analyzed to determine the effects of demographic variables on the two parts of the TMT in this large sample of patients. Consistent with previous research, demographic variables such as age, gender, education level, and ethnicity were statistically significantly related to both TMT Parts A and B. More importantly, however, the percentage of variance accounted for was quite small. These results suggest that, while clearly present, demographic effects on the TMT are weak.
The serotoninergic innervation of cerebral cortex: different classes of axon terminals arise from dorsal and median raphe nuclei.

The objective of the present study was to characterize the morphology of serotoninergic axons in cerebral cortex of the rat and to determine whether dissimilar axon terminals arise from the dorsal vs. the median raphe nuclei. The anterograde tracer PHA-L was administered by iontophoresis into the dorsal (DR) and median (MR) raphe nuclei, and the morphologic features of the respective axonal projections from raphe to forebrain were analyzed. We have observed consistent structural differences between the axons from these two nuclei. Anterogradely labeled axons which arise from cells in the MR are characterized by large, spherical varicosities (type M axons) and by variations in axonal diameter. In contrast, DR fibers are very fine and typically have small, pleomorphic varicosities that are granular or fusiform in shape (type D axons). Similar features of serotonin (5-HT) axon morphology are also evident in 5-HT immunocytochemical preparations. In addition to structural differences, there is differential topographic distribution of MR vs. DR fibers, with MR axons concentrated in particular areas of limbic cortex such as dentate gyrus, posterior cingulate, and entorhinal areas as well as in parietal cortex. Immunofluorescence with dual labels shows that over two-thirds of the raphe-cortical axons are serotoninergic. The dissimilarities in axon morphology indicate that individual raphe nuclei may form different patterns of synaptic organization. Based on the evidence that the dorsal and median raphe nuclei give rise to morphologically different axon terminals, we conclude that 5-HT axons in cortex may be subdivided into two distinct projections. This proposal is in accord with other, recent data showing that the two axon types have different pharmacologic properties and are likely to be functionally different.
Expression of many developmentally regulated genes in Myxococcus depends on a sequence of cell interactions.

Certain developmental mutants of Myxococcus xanthus can be complemented extraceUularly by wild-type cells. These mutants behave as if they are defective in cell-cell interactions that are required for development. There may be several different interactions because the mutants belong to four extracellular complementation groups (A, B, C, and D). We report here that B- and C- mutations change the pattern of gene expression during Myxococcus development as detected by transcriptional fusions to lacZ mediated by Tn5 lac. The mutant C locus reduced or abolished developmental ~-galactosidase expression from 15 lac fusions that normally begin to be expressed in wild-type cells after 6 hr of development. Expression of these C-dependent lac fusions was restored to C- mutants by adding wild-type cells. The C- mutation did not affect the expression of 10 lac fusions that normally begin to be expressed before 6 hr of development, indicating that the C-mediated cell-cell interaction is required beginning at about 6 hr of development. Cells require the B + function very early in development because a B- mutation reduced or abolished developmental {3-galactosidase expression from all 26 lac fusions tested, including some that normally begin to be expressed at the onset of development. In a Cmutant and in a B- mutant, some lac fusions responded with reduced 13-galactosidase expression, whereas other fusions, which would normally begin 13-galactosidase expression at about the same time during development, expressed no ~-galactosidase, indicating that developmental genes within a given temporal class display different sensitivities to the absence of cell-cell interactions. Requirements for B + and C + function, as well as the previously described A + function, appear to lie on the same developmental pathway.
Test Machine Scheduling and Optimization for z/ OS

We describe a system for solving a complex scheduling problem faced by software product test organizations. Software testers need time on test machines with specific features and configurations to perform the test tasks assigned to them. There is a limited number of machines with any given configuration, and this makes the machines scarce resources. Deadlines are always short. Thus, testers must reserve time on machines. Managing a schedule for a large test organization is a difficult task to perform manually. Requirements change frequently, making the task even more onerous, yet scheduling is done by hand in most teams. Our scheduling system is able to take into account the many and varied constraints and preferences that a team of human users inevitably has
Infections of People with Complement Deficiencies and Patients Who Have Undergone Splenectomy

Summary: The complement system comprises several fluid-phase and membrane-associated proteins. Under physiological conditions, activation of the fluid-phase components of complement is maintained under tight control and complement activation occurs primarily on surfaces recognized as “nonself” in an attempt to minimize damage to bystander host cells. Membrane complement components act to limit complement activation on host cells or to facilitate uptake of antigens or microbes “tagged” with complement fragments. While this review focuses on the role of complement in infectious diseases, work over the past couple of decades has defined several important functions of complement distinct from that of combating infections. Activation of complement in the fluid phase can occur through the classical, lectin, or alternative pathway. Deficiencies of components of the classical pathway lead to the development of autoimmune disorders and predispose individuals to recurrent respiratory infections and infections caused by encapsulated organisms, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. While no individual with complete mannan-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency has been identified, low MBL levels have been linked to predisposition to, or severity of, several diseases. It appears that MBL may play an important role in children, who have a relatively immature adaptive immune response. C3 is the point at which all complement pathways converge, and complete deficiency of C3 invariably leads to severe infections, including those caused by meningococci and pneumococci. Deficiencies of the alternative and terminal complement pathways result in an almost exclusive predisposition to invasive meningococcal disease. The spleen plays an important role in antigen processing and the production of antibodies. Splenic macrophages are critical in clearing opsonized encapsulated bacteria (such as pneumococci, meningococci, and Escherichia coli) and intraerythrocytic parasites such as those causing malaria and babesiosis, which explains the fulminant nature of these infections in persons with anatomic or functional asplenia. Paramount to the management of patients with complement deficiencies and asplenia is educating patients about their predisposition to infection and the importance of preventive immunizations and seeking prompt medical attention.
Preliminary Assessment of Balance With the Berg Balance Scale in Adults Who Have a Leg Amputation and Dwell in the Community: Rasch Rating Scale Analysis

Background Self-report measures of balance and multidimensional mobility assessments are common for people with a leg amputation, yet clinical assessment of balance ability remains less explored. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), typically used for other populations with impaired balance, has been used for young people with a high level of functioning after traumatic amputation but rarely for older people after vascular amputation. Objective The study objective was to examine the psychometric properties of the BBS with Rasch rating scale analysis to determine the validity and utility of the BBS in assessing balance ability in adults who have a leg amputation and dwell in the community. Design Rating scale analysis was applied to BBS scores obtained from a single assessment. Methods Adult volunteers (men and women) who had a leg amputation (any level and etiology) and dwelled in the community were recruited from a hospital-based community support group and a prosthetic clinic. Rating scale analysis of the BBS was used to assess unidimensionality, internal validity, goodness of fit, structural integrity, and person and item analyses. Results The study participants were 40 people (26 men and 14 women; 57.8 [SD=9.7] years old) with leg amputations (24 transtibial, 13 transfemoral, and 3 bilateral) of mixed etiology (32 vascular and 8 nonvascular). The psychometric properties of the BBS confirmed that it measures the unidimensional construct of balance ability with adequate validity and with goodness of fit and structural integrity that meet the acceptability criteria. Person measures revealed that some participants scored near the top of the BBS, suggesting a ceiling effect; item measures revealed that participants with leg amputations had the most difficulty performing the following tasks: standing with 1 leg in front, turning 360 degrees, and placing alternate foot on a stool. Limitations Limitations included a convenience sample and a lack of rater reliability testing. Conclusions The BBS cohered with the unidimensional construct of balance ability and had strong internal validity for use in a variety of people with leg amputations.
Universal trellis codes for diagonally layered space-time systems

Foschini's diagonally layered space-time transmission system known as D-BLAST is an architecture designed for a Rayleigh fading environment using multiple element antenna arrays at both the transmit and receive sites to achieve very high spectral efficiencies. In this paper, we propose a simple coding technique for D-BLAST that uses a single trellis code with finite-traceback Viterbi decoding. We examine the performance of universal trellis codes that are designed to have a distance structure that is matched to the periodic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) variation of the channel created by D-BLAST, under the assumption that the channel is static during one burst but may change from burst to burst. We show that a universal 64-state trellis code on a 2/spl times/2 D-BLAST system with long enough block lengths displays universal behavior working on almost every 2/spl times/2 channel with at least the mutual information required by a standard 64-state AWGN trellis code. The only 2/spl times/2 channel where more mutual information is required is a certain rotation of the zero eigenvalue channel. We also present 4/spl times/4 and 8/spl times/8 examples.
Optimal Taxation with Private Government Information

The Ramsey model of fiscal policy implies that taxes should be smooth in the sense of having small variances. In contrast, empirical labour tax processes are smooth in the sense of being random walks; they provide prima facie evidence for incomplete government insurance. This paper considers whether private government information might lie behind such incomplete insurance. It shows that optimal incentive compatible policies exhibit limited use of state contingent debt and greater persistence in taxes and debt, and it argues that they are better approximations to empirical fiscal policies than those implied by the Ramsey model. The paper also establishes that optimal incentive compatible allocations converge to allocations such that the government's incentive compatibility constraint no longer binds. Generally, these limiting allocations are ones in which the government is maximally indebted. Their credibility and the interaction of incentive compatibility and credibility is briefly discussed.
Fine Structure in Planetary Nebulae

A short report is presented on the aperture synthesis radio observations of planetary nebulae performed by Terzian et al. (1974). Examples of radio maps at 8085 MHz are shown with angular resolutions of the order of 2″ to 3″.
Magnesium: Potential Roles in Neurovascular Disease

Objective: Magnesium therapy has been studied extensively in pre-clinical and clinical trials in multiple organ systems. Cerebrovascular diseases are particularly likely to benefit from its neuroprotective properties. This review summarizes current studies of magnesium in a wide range of neurovascular diseases.Methods: We searched relevant terms in the National Library of Medicine PubMed database and selected research including basic science, translational reports, meta-analyses, and clinical studies.Results: Studies examining magnesium administration in ischemic stroke have failed to show any benefit in clinical outcome. Data on magnesium for intracerebral hemorrhage is limited. Preliminary investigations in subarachnoid hemorrhage were promising, but definitive studies did not reveal differences in clinical outcome between magnesium and placebo-treated groups. Studies examining magnesium administration in global ischemia following cardiac arrest suggest a trend toward improved clinical outcome. The strongest evidence for clinically relevant neuroprotection following magnesium administration derives from studies of pre-term infants and patients undergoing cardiac bypass and carotid endarterectomy procedures. Magnesium was found to have an excellent safety profile across all investigations.Conclusions: Magnesium is easy to administer and possesses a favorable safety profile. Its utility as a neuroprotectant in cardiac surgery, carotid enderaterectomy, and pre-term infant hypoxia remain promising. Value as a therapeutic agent in ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage is unclear and appears to be limited by late administration. Ongoing clinical trials assessing magnesium administration in the first hours following symptom onset may help clarify the role of magnesium therapy in these disease processes.
The Behavioral Treatment of Hysterical Paralysis in a Ten-Year-Old Boy: A Case Study

This paper describes the use of behavioral techniques with a 101/2-year-old boy diagnosed as having hysterical paralysis of both legs. The case demonstrates the use of withdrawal of reinforcement for hysterical behavior and the use of positive reinforcement for successive approximations of walking behavior. The patient regained full mobility within 2 weeks after the beginning of the program, and showed other behavioral improvements as well (increased vocalizations, decreased isolative behavior and lethargy-dejection). At 6-month follow-up, the patient had maintained his gains, with no symptom substitutions. The treatment is discussed within its context (a pediatric psychiatric inpatient facility) with consideration to the role of psychiatric staff in employing behavioral methods.
Post-fire regeneration strategies and flammability traits of California chaparral shrubs

Fire behaviour is strongly influenced by fuel load and structure; however, efforts to describe fuel patterns have largely ignored differences among species or post‐fire regeneration strategies. In California chaparral, evergreen shrubs can be grouped into three post‐fire regeneration strategies that correlate with a wide variety of physiological and demographic characteristics including seasonal water status and the timing of reproduction in response to fire. To test if regeneration strategy is also associated with flammability, we compared the fuel loads and structure of two post‐fire seeders, Adenostoma fasciculatum and Ceanothus cuneatus, and two obligate resprouters, Heteromeles arbutifolia and Prunus ilicifolia. Species and post‐fire regeneration strategies did not differ in total fuel per area, or bulk density. The proportion of fuels smaller than 6 mm in diameter differed among species, but not consistently with regeneration strategy. However, species with a post‐fire seeding regeneration strategy had higher proportions of dead branches. We discuss how this difference could have arisen from evolutionary, demographic, or physiological processes.
A New Population of Cells Lacking Expression of CD27 Represents a Notable Component of the B Cell Memory Compartment in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Human memory B cells comprise isotype-switched and nonswitched cells with both subsets displaying somatic hypermutation. In addition to somatic hypermutation, CD27 expression has also been considered a universal memory B cell marker. We describe a new population of memory B cells containing isotype-switched (IgG and IgA) and IgM-only cells and lacking expression of CD27 and IgD. These cells are present in peripheral blood and tonsils of healthy subjects and display a degree of hypermutation comparable to CD27+ nonswitched memory cells. As conventional memory cells, they proliferate in response to CpG DNA and fail to extrude rhodamine. In contrast to other recently described CD27-negative (CD27neg) memory B cells, they lack expression of FcRH4 and recirculate in the peripheral blood. Although CD27neg memory cells are relatively scarce in healthy subjects, they are substantially increased in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in whom they frequently represent a large fraction of all memory B cells. Yet, their frequency is normal in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or chronic hepatitis C. In SLE, an increased frequency of CD27neg memory cells is significantly associated with higher disease activity index, a history of nephritis, and disease-specific autoantibodies (anti-dsDNA, anti-Smith (Sm), anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP), and 9G4). These findings enhance our understanding of the B cell diversification pathways and provide mechanistic insight into the immunopathogenesis of SLE.
Incorporation and mineralization of TNT and other anthropogenic organics by natural microbial assemblages from a small, tropical estuary

Abstract 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) metabolism was compared across salinity transects in Kahana Bay, a small tropical estuary on Oahu, HI. In surface water, TNT incorporation rates (range: 3–121 μg C L−1 d−1) were often 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than mineralization rates suggesting that it may serve as organic nitrogen for coastal microbial assemblages. These rates were often an order of magnitude more rapid than those for RDX and two orders more than HMX. During average or high stream flow, TNT incorporation was most rapid at the riverine end member and generally decreased with increasing salinity. This pattern was not seen during low flow periods. Although TNT metabolism was not correlated with heterotrophic growth rate, it may be related to metabolism of other aromatic compounds. With most TNT ring-carbon incorporation efficiencies at greater than 97%, production of new biomass appears to be a more significant product of microbial TNT metabolism than mineralization.
ERPs evoked by different matrix sizes: implications for a brain computer interface (BCI) system

A brain-computer interface (BCI) system may allow a user to communicate by selecting one of many options. These options may be presented in a matrix. Larger matrices allow a larger vocabulary, but require more time for each selection. In this study, subjects were asked to perform a target detection task using matrices appropriate for a BCI. The study sought to explore the relationship between matrix size and EEG measures, target detection accuracy, and user preferences. Results indicated that larger matrices evoked a larger P300 amplitude, and that matrix size did not significantly affect performance or preferences.
Distance Dependent Hydrogen Bond Potentials for Nucleic Acid Base Pairs from ab Initio Quantum Mechanical Calculations (LMP2/cc-pVTZ)

Hydrogen bonding between base pairs in nucleic acids is a key determinant of their structures. We have examined the distance dependence of the hydrogen bonding of AT-WC (Watson-Crick), GC-WC, and AT-H (Hoogsteen) base pairs using ab initio quantum mechanics, LMP2/cc-pVTZ(-f) energies at HF/cc-pVTZ(-f) optimized geometries. From these curves, we have extracted Morse potentials between the H atoms and the acceptor atoms that accurately reproduce the quantum mechanical energies for a range of geometries. Using these parameters, we have calculated the complexation energies of the remaining 26 possible pairwise combinations, and the agreement with previously reported ab initio calculations is excellent. We have also extracted off-diagonal Lennard-Jones 12-6 parameters to be used with the popular AMBER95 and CHARMM95 force fields that significantly improve their descriptions of the base-pairing energy and optimum geometry. Hydrogen bonds play a key role in maintaining structure and specificity of biological systems. In particular, the base pairing of nucleic acids (stemming from the specific formation of hydrogen bonds between Watson-Crick base pairs) is essential for the transfer of genetic information. We examine here the three of greatest biological relevance; the Watson-Crick base pairs, in which adenine hydrogen bonds to thymine (AT-WC) or guanine hydrogen bonds to cytosine (GC-WC), and the Hoogsteen adenine-thymine pair (AT-H). Given the importance of hydrogen bonding in biological systems, considerable theoretical attention has been focused on exploring the nature and strength of these interactions. Extensive calculations have been carried out on the nucleic acid base pairs using semiempirical or ab initio quantum mechanical (QM) methods. For a recent review covering the current state of the field and discussing the extensive progress from semiempirical to ab initio QM methods, see ref 1. It is now established that the determination of accurate hydrogen bond energies and geometries requires a large diffuse basis set and the inclusion of electron correlation. 2,3 Many of the earlier studies of the nucleic acid base pairs did not include electron correlation effects, or estimated correlation energies with empirical methods. Recently, a series of studies have been reported in which dispersion energies have been evaluated using second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) 4-8 or density functional theory (DFT). 9
Can Personality Be Changed? The Role of Beliefs in Personality and Change

Using recent research, I argue that beliefs lie at the heart of personality and adaptive functioning and that they give us unique insight into how personality and functioning can be changed. I focus on two classes of beliefs—beliefs about the malleability of self-attributes and expectations of social acceptance versus rejection—and show how modest interventions have brought about important real-world changes. I conclude by suggesting that beliefs are central to the way in which people package their experiences and carry them forward, and that beliefs should play a more central role in the study of personality.
Long-Term Excretion of Co57-Vitamin B12 and Turnover Within the Plasma

C LARIFICATION of two aspects of the frequently studied problem of vitamin B12 metabolism in man-excretion and plasma turnover-is needed. Vitamin B12 can be found in urine,’ but recent work2 suggests that bile and feces may be a more important route of excretion. Although microbiologic assay of vitamin B,2 in urine is possible, it can be destroyed or produced in the gut, and assay of vitamin B12 in the feces is meaningless. Moreover, such measurements determine only that the vitamin is sufficiently intact to promote growth of the organism used in the assay, and possibly much of the excreted vitamin B,2 enters the urine or gut in an inactive form. Tracer studies circumvent some of these problems, but in the past neither specific activity of the radioactive vitamin B,2 nor the technic for measurement have been adequate for long-term studies. Consequently, the route and magnitude of vitamin B,2 excretion have remained unknown. Initially, loss of injected vitamin B,2 from the circulation is very rapid even when the vitamin is bound to plasma protein prior to injection.3 A rapid but changing rate of loss persists for one or two months after the vitamin is either ingested or injected.4 However, since the total body turnover of vitamin Bi2 is slow,”6 the question arose as to when this early, rapid plasma loss changed to a rate equivalent to total body turnover. The solution of this problem, too, has been beset by technical difficulties.
Implementation stories from the PHOTON PBL project

The PHOTON PBL project developed eight multimedia problem-based learning “Challenges” in optics/photonics in collaboration with industry and research university partners for use in technician education programs. More than fifty high school and college faculty from across the U. S. and Romania attended professional development workshops in 2007 and 2008 to become familiar with the PBL method and the Challenges. Teachers then field-tested the Challenges in their own classrooms. In this paper, we present the experiences and reactions of teachers and students who used the PBL Challenges to teach and learn optics/photonics.
The Illusion of Democratic Credibility

Do democracies make more effective coercive threats? An influential literature in international relations argues that democratic institutions allow leaders to credibly signal their resolve in crises, thereby making their threats more likely to work than threats by nondemocracies+ This article revisits the quantitative evidence for this proposition, which we call the "democratic credibility hypothesis," and finds that it is surprisingly weak+ Close examination of the data sets most commonly used to test this hypothesis reveals that they contain few successful democratic threats, or indeed threats of any kind+ Moreover, these data sets'outcome variables do not prop- erly measure the effectiveness of threats, and therefore yield misleading results+ The article then reassesses the democratic credibility hypothesis using the Militarized Com- pellent Threats data set, a new data set designed specifically to test hypotheses about the effectiveness of coercive threats+ The analysis indicates that threats from democ- racies are no more successful than threats from other states+
Inclusive Design of Online Teaching and Learning

In this chapter, we explore an adaptive and inclusive approach to instructional design for cross-cultural and intergenerational online learning. We start with a review and synthesis of existing instructional design propositions for culturally and age-related learning diversity, and then provide a review and discussion of our project findings in relation to prior research. Based on the research findings as well as the literature, we advocate a participatory, fluid design process to select online instructional strategies for content, interface, activity, and technological infrastructure design.