cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How does tele-mental health affect group therapy process? Secondary analysis of a noninferiority trial.

Objective Video teleconferencing (VTC) is used for mental health treatment delivery to geographically remote, underserved populations. However, few studies have examined how VTC affects individual or group psychotherapy processes. This study compares process variables such as therapeutic alliance and attrition among participants receiving anger management group therapy either through traditional face-to-face delivery or by VTC. Method The current study represents secondary analyses of a randomized noninferiority trial (Morland et al., in press) in which clinical effectiveness of VTC delivery proved noninferior to in-person delivery. Participants were male veterans (N = 112) with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moderate to severe anger problems. The present study examined potential differences in process variables, including therapeutic alliance, satisfaction, treatment credibility, attendance, homework completion, and attrition. Results No significant differences were found between the two modalities on most process variables. However, individuals in the VTC condition exhibited lower alliance with the group leader than those in the in-person condition. Mean self-leader alliance scores were 4.2 (SD = 0.8) and 4.5 (SD = 0.4), respectively, where 5 represents strongly agree and 4 represents agree with positive statements about the relationship, suggesting that participants in both conditions felt reasonably strong alliance in absolute terms. Individuals who had stronger alliance tended to have better anger outcomes, yet the effect was not strong enough to result in the VTC condition producing inferior aggregate outcomes. Conclusion Our findings suggest that even if group psychotherapy via VTC differs in subtle ways from in-person delivery, VTC is a viable and effective means of delivering psychotherapy.
Heat transfer in pulse-stabilized fluidization – Part 2: local, instantaneous analysis

Abstract Enhancements in overall heat transfer from a heated, submerged horizontal cylinder in a pulse-stabilized fluidized bed were observed in Part 1 for operating conditions with low primary and secondary flow rates and low pulse frequencies. These increases in overall heat transfer were found to be a consequence of significant localized enhancements. In the present paper, through spectral and contact time analyses of local, instantaneous heat transfer, increases in both bubble phase and emulsion phase heat transfer coefficients were observed. Instantaneous measurements in a monodisperse distribution of 345 μm particles, fluidized to rates from 1.1 to 1.5 times greater than that required for minimum fluidization, are investigated. Waveforms of these time traces are characterized as exhibiting either locally or globally dominated hydrodynamic phenomena. Heat transfer with an opposing oscillatory flow exhibits characteristics of globally dominated hydrodynamics, whereas heat transfer traces acquired near minimum fluidization with no secondary flow are dominated by hydrodynamics localized at the surface of the cylinder.
Neuroimaging Measures as Endophenotypes in Alzheimer's Disease

Late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) is moderately to highly heritable. Apolipoprotein E allele e4 (APOE4) has been replicated consistently as an AD risk factor over many studies, and recently confirmed variants in other genes such as CLU, CR1, and PICALM each increase the lifetime risk of AD. However, much of the heritability of AD remains unexplained. AD is a complex disease that is diagnosed largely through neuropsychological testing, though neuroimaging measures may be more sensitive for detecting the incipient disease stages. Difficulties in early diagnosis and variable environmental contributions to the disease can obscure genetic relationships in traditional case-control genetic studies. Neuroimaging measures may be used as endophenotypes for AD, offering a reliable, objective tool to search for possible genetic risk factors. Imaging measures might also clarify the specific mechanisms by which proposed risk factors influence the brain.
Burnout of soot particles in a two-stage burner with a JP-8 surrogate fuel

Abstract This work focuses on the understanding of the oxidation of soot particles which were the result of using a JP-8 surrogate fuel in a two-stage burner. The two-stage system consists of an initial premixed burner where soot was generated with an air/fuel mixture, specifically a JP-8 surrogate ( m -xylene and n -dodecane), under a variety of conditions. Downstream, the soot-laden combustion gases were passed through a second, flat-flame burner where soot was burned out under fuel-lean or slightly fuel-rich conditions. Soot oxidation in the secondary burner was determined by investigating particle size distribution (PSD), flame temperature, gas-phase composition, soot surface area, and soot morphology and nanostructure as a function of the height above the second burner (HAB). Measurements of soot size distribution and number concentration as a function of the HAB under fuel lean ( Φ overall = 0.8) and slightly rich ( Φ overall = 1.14) conditions showed a decrease in particle mean diameter and a significant increase in number concentration in the region where O 2 concentration decreased. In this region, the effectiveness factor for O 2 was found to be 1, indicating the potential for internal oxygen diffusion and burning. This caused both the breakup of the bridges cementing primary particles and the rupture of the primary particles. Higher in the burner, where modeling suggested the presence of OH * , soot oxidation was attributed to OH * mechanisms which are faster as compared to O 2 oxidation.
Mobile Capital and Economic Development Planning

This article critiques capital market liberalization policies for inhibiting planning and producing results that are negative for many people throughout the world. Capital market liberalization is part of a broader set of economic development policies that constitute a development model that fails to distribute benefits and costs of economic integration in a manner that improves living standards for people most in need. After a discussion of trends in capital flows, the author critiques the theory behind liberalization in terms of limits placed on demand-side public policies, its narrow efficiency criterion, and its tendency to crowd out socially useful investment in favor of short-term returns. The article concludes with a discussion of national and regional planning implications and argues that liberalization is antiplanning because it limits the use of traditional planning policies. The author also considers alternatives including those implied by the development activity of the European Union and a ne...
Mass Ratio of the Lithium Isotopes from the Spectrum of Li 2

It is shown from a study of the $^{1}\ensuremath{\Sigma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{1}\ensuremath{\Sigma} {\mathrm{Li}}_{2}$ band system that the relative masses of the two isotopes of Li as calculated from the observed isotope effect in each of the two lowest states of ${\mathrm{Li}}_{2}$ is in excellent agreement with the mass ratio obtained by other precise methods. Various methods of treating the data lead consistently to the conclusion that the mass-coefficient $\ensuremath{\rho}$ is 1.04077\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00004 and that the mass ratio is 1.16640\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00016. This result disagrees with that of McKellar and Jenkins who, from a less extensive study of the $^{1}\ensuremath{\Pi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{1}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ system of ${\mathrm{Li}}_{2}$, concluded that the mass ratio was 1.1678\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0008, a result which cast suspicion upon the band spectrum method of determining relative atomic masses. There has also been found a small but definite electronic isotope shift: $\ensuremath{\nu}_{e}^{}{}_{}{}^{i}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}=\ensuremath{-}0.064\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.010$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
Rotation and Transition Layer Emission in Cool Giants

Gray (1981, 1982) found that field giants with T(eff) less than about 5500 K experience a steep decrease in rotational velocities coupled with a decrease in transition layer emission. This decrease may be attributable to fast magnetic braking or to redistribution of angular momentum for rapidly increasing depths of the convection zones if these rotate with depth independent specific angular momentum. Additional arguments in favor of the latter interpretation are presented. The increase of N/C abundances due to deep mixing occurs at the same point as the decrease in v sin i. On the other hand, the ratios of the C IV to C II emission line fluxes decrease at this point indicating smaller contributions of MHD wave heating. The X-ray fluxes decrease at nearly the same T(eff). Thus, no observations are found which would indicate larger magnetic activity which could lead to fast magnetic braking. Theory predicts a rapid increase in the convection zone depth at the T(eff) where the decrease in v sin i is observed. This can explain the observed phenomena.
Forest-floor nitrogen dynamics in a 60-year-old paper birch ecosystem in interior Alaska.

An analysis was conducted of nitrogen dynamics in the forest floor of a paper birch forest in subarctic Alaska. Low addition levels of high enrichment isotope (<1% of the total nitrogen pool with 95 to 99 atom percent excess15N) and isotope dilution analysis, were used to establish the kinetics of nitrogen flow. The pools examined were NH4, NO3+NO2, soluble organic-N and forest floor organic matter. This approach allows a more realistic assessment of rates of N movement at the levels of nitrogen concentration encountered in natural systems.
Management of seizures in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is an epilepsy syndrome that begins in childhood (between 1 and 8 years of age), worsens during latency and persists frequently into adulthood, is refractory to antiepileptic medications, and results in cognitive decline and behavioral problems in affected individuals. Seizure types consist primarily of axial tonic, atonic, and atypical absence; nocturnal tonic seizures are the most common seizure pattern in this population, but often are not one of the initial seizure patterns. Some patients also have myoclonic seizures; this seizure pattern is less frequent than the three preceding types. Although there are some cases that are cryptogenic, most are symptomatic, arising during prenatal and perinatal periods from intrauterine infections, and vascular insults to the brain. Examples of causes of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome include migrational abnormalities of the brain, late effects of CNS infections, certain genetic disorders such as tuberous sclerosis, and inherited metabolic disorders. The difficulty early in the course of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is distinguishing this diagnosis from severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (Dravet syndrome) or from myoclonic-astatic epilepsy (Doose syndrome), as the seizure patterns in these three syndromes may overlap at the onset. EEG is a helpful diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, usually demonstrating high voltage, bifrontal 1.5–2.5 Hz spike and wave complexes interictally, and attenuation with paroxysmal fast activity (10–13 Hz) during the ictal phase.
Targeted Approaches toward Understanding and Treating Pulmonary Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)

Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease found almost exclusively in women that is characterized by neoplastic growth of atypical smooth muscle-like cells in the lung, destruction of lung parenchyma, and obstruction of lymphatics. These processes lead to the formation of lung cysts, rupture of which results in spontaneous pneumothorax. Progression of LAM often results in loss of pulmonary function and death. LAM affects predominantly women of childbearing age and is exacerbated by pregnancy. The only proven treatment for LAM is lung transplantation, and even then LAM cells will often return to the transplanted lung. However, methodical and targeted approaches toward understanding LAM pathophysiology have led to the discovery of new potential therapeutic avenues. For example, the mutational inactivation of tumor suppressor complex genes tuberous sclerosis complex 1 or tuberous sclerosis complex 2 has been shown to be present in lung LAM cells. These mutations occur sporadically or in association with inherited hamartoma syndrome tuberous sclerosis (TSC). Since TSC genes function as negative regulators of the mammalian target of rapamycin, a major controller of cell growth, metabolism, and survival, rapamycin analogs have recently been used to treat LAM patients with promising results. Similarly, studies focusing on the importance of estrogen in LAM progression have suggested that anti-estrogen therapy might prove to be an alternative means of treating LAM. This minireview summarizes recent progress in understanding LAM pathophysiology, including the latest preclinical and clinical studies, and insights regarding the role of hormones in LAM.
Living with the mentally ill: Effects on the health and functioning of other household members

Based on data from the National Health Interview Survey Mental Health Supplement, 1989 (NCHS, 1991), this article compares health outcomes for respondents living with someone who is mentally ill (N = 776) with a randomly selected subsample of respondents not living with someone identified as mentally ill (N = 716). When other predictors of health are controlled, sharing a household with a mentally ill person is associated with poorer self-reported physical health, increased risk of reporting some activity limitation, and increased service utilization-both greater risk of hospitalization or visiting a physician, and a greater number of days hospitalized and number of physician visits among those utilizing these services. The severity and duration of mental illness have little effect across health outcome measures. Impaired health and increased utilization of medical care among persons living with someone who is mentally ill suggest hidden costs to individuals, to families of the mentally ill, and to the service system.
Let’s pretend

Judged at least by the rubrics under which they are listed, there are many ways of treating a Class II malocclusion—dental "camouflage," "growth modification," maxillary orthopedics, and so forth. Each method commonly is assumed to achieve a unique, superior, most appropriate type of correction. It will be the purpose of this minority opinion to argue that all treatments ultimately traverse the same path, utilize the same mechanism, and to a first approximation, achieve the same result. The choice of methods, therefore, is a practice management decision.
A SIMPLIFIED METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF TOTAL GLYCOALKALOIDS IN POTATO TUBERS

A simplified method for the determination of total glycoalkaloids (TGA) in potato tubers has been developed in which potato tissue is extracted with dilute sulphuric acid and the extract is hydrolysed directly. Analysis is completed in less than 4 h using very simple apparatus and reagents. A colorimetric procedure employing bromothymol blue is used for quantitation. A study of the hydrolysis of α-solanine and α-chaconine and the stability of solanidine and solanthrene under hydrolysis conditions, which was made in order to define optimum conditions for the method, showed that hydrolysis time and temperature are quite critical if reproducible aglycone recovery is to be obtained. The results obtained using the method for tubers of fourteen experimental samples with a wide range of TGA contents compare well with corresponding results obtained using a lengthier and more tedious literature method. Its simplicity makes it a suitable method for plant breeders to use to measure the TGA content of new cultivars of potatoes.
A handle on what's going on: combining tangible interfaces and ambient displays for collaborative groups

While tangible interfaces open up new possibilities for input and interaction, they are also interesting because of the ways in which they occupy the physical world just as we do. We have been working at the intersection of three research areas - tangible interfaces, ambient displays, and collaboration awareness. Our system, Nimio, uses engaging physical objects as both input devices (capturing aspects of individual activity) and output devices (expressing aspects of group activity). We present our design and experiences, focusing in particular on the tension between legibility and ambiguity and its relevance in collaborative settings.
Carbon and nitrogen dynamics in forest floor during short-term laboratory incubations

Abstract The supply of N to forest trees depends on seasonal patterns of N turnover. This study was conducted to examine factors that control organic matter decomposition and the relationship between organic matter decomposition and the release of mineral N. Samples of forest floor (organic soil horizons) from plantations of red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.,), Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.], sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh) and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) were collected periodically from May 1987 to December 1988. Samples were incubated in the laboratory for 20 days at 23°C. Carbon dioxide evolution was measured every 5 days and used to estimate potentially mineralizable carbon, C0, and decay rate constants, k. Ammonium-N and NO3− -N were measured at the beginning and end of incubation for eight sample periods to assess the effects of litter species and season (time of sampling) on N turnover. Forest floor from under the maple stand generally had the largest amount of evolved CO2 and forest floor from under all stands had relatively large evolution of CO2 from July to October 1988, following an unexpected, drought-induced litterfall. An exponential decay model and a logistic model were developed from the CO2 data and were used to predict C0 and k, but there did not appear to be a predictable difference in these parameters related to species and season. There were no significant (P
Kinetics of the Self Reaction of Cyclopentadienyl Radicals

The kinetics of the self-reaction of cyclopentadienyl radicals (c-C5H5) was studied by laser photolysis/photoionization mass spectroscopy. Overall rate constants were obtained in direct real-time experiments in the temperature region 304–600 K and at bath gas densities of (3.00–12.0) × 1016 molecules cm–3. The room-temperature value of the rate constant, (3.98 ± 0.41) × 10–10 cm3 molecule–1 s–1, is significantly higher than the rate constants for most hydrocarbon radical–radical reactions and coincides with the estimated collision rate. The observed overall c-C5H5 + c-C5H5 rate constant demonstrates an unprecedented strong negative temperature dependence: k1 = 2.9 × 10–12 exp(+1489 K/T) cm3 molecule–1 s–1, with estimated uncertainty increasing with temperature, from 13% at 304 to 32% at 600 K. Formation of C10H10 as the primary product of cyclopentadienyl self-reaction was observed. In additional experiments performed at the temperature of 800 K, formation of C10H10, C10H9, and C10H8 was observed. Final p...
Executive Education in Major Corporations: An International Survey

Executive education can be a powerful catalyst for both personal and organisational development. How corporations are utilising this potential was the subject of an international study of executive education trends among the Fortune 300, Fortune Service 100, and Fortune International 100 firms. The results of the study reflect expanding corporate support for executive education, both on an in‐company basis and through university‐based programmes. The results also suggest some interesting comparisons among the executive education practices of the three survey population subgroupings.
Optical Regeneration in a Silicon Waveguide

We demonstrate optical regeneration by nonlinear spectral broadening in a silicon nanowaveguide followed by spectral filtering in a ring resonator. Power transfer function of the device is measured showing 6-W operating peak power.
Statistical Prediction Methods for North American Anticyclones

Abstract Statistical prediction methods of forecasting the 24-hr movement and change of central pressure of North American winter anticyclones are developed utilizing multiple linear regression analysis. The three predictands obtained are the 24-hr change in central pressure and the eastward and northward displacements. This report is similar in some respects to one conducted by Veigas and Ostby relating to U. S. east coast cyclones. The dependent data consist of observations of 150 anticyclones. A moving coordinate system is employed: the predictor information is measured at certain predetermined grid points relative to the system center rather than at fixed geographical positions. Readily measured meteorological parameters are selected for the input data. These include point values of surface pressure, surface temperature, 500-mb height and their 24-hr changes; and the arithmetic mean temperature of the layer from the surface to the 500-mb level. Several different sets of regression equations are obtain...
Studies of thyroglobulin of hypophysectomized rats. 3. Evidence for formation and accumulation of thyroglobulin following hypophysectomy. Relationship of iodine content of thyroglobulin and sensitivity to disaggregation in alkali.

Hypophysectomy of rats affects the rate of thyroglobulin synthesis less than its rate of proteolysis. After hypophysectomy the amount of thyroglobulin protein per thyroid gland increases continually and the average iodine concentration of thyroglobulin decreases, indicating that thyroglobulin formed after hypophysectomy is less highly iodinated than the pre-existing iodoprotein which it dilutes. Thyroglobulin of hypophysectomized rats, compared to that of intact rats, when exposed to alkali exhibits an increased susceptibility to disaggregation into 12S subunits which is consistent with its lower degree of iodination. In addition, the data suggest that thyroid glands of both intact and hypophysectomized rats contain thyroglobulin molecules with a spectrum of iodine concentrations and that, in each case, when exposed to alkali, the more lightly iodinated molecules disaggregate into subunits. Thus, the iodine concentration of 12S material formed by alkaline dialysis of thyroglobulin of intact and hypophysec...
Biosynthesis of Athmu, a α,γ-hydroxy-β-amino acid of pahayokolides A–B

Pahayokolides A-B are cyanobacteria derived non-ribosomal peptides which exhibit cytotoxicity against a number of cancer cell lines. The biosynthetic origin of the 3-amino-2,5,7,8-tetrahydroxy-10-methylundecanoic acid (Athmu) moiety has been investigated using stable isotope incorporation experiments. While α-ketoisocaproic acid (α-KIC), α-hydroxyisocaproic acid (α-HIC) and leucine all serve as precursors to Athmu, the feeding of [1-(13)C] α-KIC results in more than threefold greater (13)C enrichment than the other precursors. This result suggests that α-KIC is the immediate precursor which is selected and activated by the adenylation domain of the loading NRPS module and subsequently reduced in a fashion similar to that of the recently identified pathways for cryptophycins A-B, cereulide and valinomycin.
Maternal exposure to hurricane destruction and fetal mortality

Background The majority of research documenting the public health impacts of natural disasters focuses on the well-being of adults and their living children. Negative effects may also occur in the unborn, exposed to disaster stressors when critical organ systems are developing and when the consequences of exposure are large. Methods We exploit spatial and temporal variation in hurricane behaviour as a quasi-experimental design to assess whether fetal death is dose-responsive in the extent of hurricane damage. Data on births and fetal deaths are merged with Parish-level housing wreckage data. Fetal outcomes are regressed on housing wreckage adjusting for the maternal, fetal, placental and other risk factors. The average causal effect of maternal exposure to hurricane destruction is captured by difference-indifferences analyses. Results The adjusted odds of fetal death are 1.40 (1.07–1.83) and 2.37 (1.684–3.327) times higher in parishes suffering 10–50% and >50% wreckage to housing stock, respectively. For every 1% increase in the destruction of housing stock, we observe a 1.7% (1.1–2.4%) increase in fetal death. Of the 410 officially recorded fetal deaths in these parishes, between 117 and 205 may be attributable to hurricane destruction and postdisaster disorder. The estimated fetal death toll is 17.4–30.6% of the human death toll. Conclusions The destruction caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita imposed significant measurable losses in terms of fetal death. Postdisaster migratory dynamics suggest that the reported effects of maternal exposure to hurricane destruction on fetal death may be conservative.
Multi-agent design for power distribution system reconfiguration based on the artificial immune system algorithm

In this paper, a new technique in designing MultiAgent System (MAS) for power system reconfiguration and restoration is proposed. The designed MAS system is based on mimicking the human immune system behavior. The Immune system is a natural intelligent MAS where different components interact to heal the body. Similarly, the proposed multi-agent system is designed to detect and isolate faults, and restore power to the affected loads taking into consideration line capacity, voltage profile and power losses. The proposed approach is demonstrated on a model of Southern California Edison's Circuit of the Future.
C-terminal Src Kinase Associates with Ligand-stimulated Insulin-like Growth Factor-I Receptor

Increased expression of the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) protein-tyrosine kinase occurs in several kinds of cancer and induces neoplastic transformation in fibroblast cell lines. The transformed phenotype can be reversed by interfering with the function of the IGF-IR. The IGF-IR is required for transformation by a number of viral and cellular oncoproteins, including SV40 large T antigen, Ras, Raf, and Src. The IGF-IR is a substrate for Src in vitro and is phosphorylated in v-Src-transformed cells. We observed that the IGF-IR and IR associated with the C-terminal Src kinase (CSK) following ligand stimulation. We found that the SH2 domain of CSK binds to the tyrosine-phosphorylated form of IGF-IR and IR. We determined the tyrosine residues in the IGF-IR and in the IR responsible for this interaction. We also observed that fibroblasts stimulated with IGF-I or insulin showed a rapid and transient decrease in c-Src tyrosine kinase activity. The results suggest that c-Src and CSK are involved in IGF-IR and IR signaling and that the interaction of CSK with the IGF-IR may play a role in the decrease in c-Src activity following IGF-I stimulation.
Modern Wiener-Hopf design of optimal controllers--Part II: The multivariable case

In many modern-day control problems encountered in the fluid, petroleum, power, gas and paper industries, cross coupling (interaction) between controlled and manipulated variables can be so severe that any attempt to employ single-loop controllers results in unacceptable performance. In all these situations, any workable control strategy most take into account the true multivariable nature of the plant and address itself directly to the design of a compatible multivariable controller. Any practical design technique most be able to cope with load disturbance, plant saturation, measurement noise, process lag, sensitivity and also incorporate suitable criteria delimiting transient behavior and steady-state performance. These difficulties, when compounded by the fact that many plants (such as chemical reactors) are inherently open-loop unstable have hindered the development of an inclusive frequency-domain analytic design methodology. However, a solution based on a least-square Wiener-Hopf minimization of an appropriately chosen cost functional is now available. The optimal controller obtained by this method guarantees an asymptotically stable and dynamical closed-loop configuration irrespective of whether or not the plant is proper, stable, or minimum-phase and also permits the stability margin of the optimal design to be ascertained in advance. The main purpose of this paper is to lay bare the physical assumptions underlying the choice of model and to present an explicit formula for the optimal controller.
General Music and the Common Core: A Brief Discussion.

The Common Core Standards and the wide-spread state adoption have implications for music teachers. Alignment with English language arts Common Core Standards is discussed, with examples provided fo...
Improved tolerance of primary chemotherapy with reduced-dose carboplatin and paclitaxel in elderly ovarian cancer patients.

Abstract Objective Elderly cancer patients are less likely to tolerate chemotherapy. We sought to compare the toxicity profiles and outcomes of elderly ovarian cancer patients treated with standard versus reduced-dose IV carboplatin/paclitaxel. Methods A retrospective, multi-center analysis of women ≥70 years with papillary serous ovarian/primary peritoneal cancers diagnosed from 1994–2005 was performed. Reduced-dose (RD) patients received carboplatin AUC 4–5 and paclitaxel 135 mg/m 2 ; standard-dose (SD) patients received carboplatin AUC 5–6 and paclitaxel 175 mg/m 2 . Patient variables collected included age, stage, performance status (PS), cytoreductive status, Charlson comorbidity scores, and growth factor administration. Results One-hundred patients met the study criteria. RD patients ( n =26) were significantly older than SD patients ( n =74; median age 77.0 versus 74.7, respectively, p =0.014). No differences were noted in stage, comorbidity scores, cytoreductive status or growth factor administration between cohorts. Incidence of grade 3–4 neutropenia was higher in the SD group (54.1% versus 19.2%; p =0.002). SD patients were more likely to experience cumulative toxicity ( p =0.003) and required delays in therapy ( p =0.05). Although PS was poorer in SD patients ( p =0.02), on multivariate analysis, only the administration of the SD regimen predicted toxicity ( p =0.008). There were no differences in progression-free or overall survival between cohorts (median follow-up: 34 months). On multivariate analysis, age ( p =0.004) and PS ( p =0.008) had a significant impact on survival. Conclusion(s) This preliminary data suggests that reduced-dose carboplatin/paclitaxel may be better tolerated but equally effective as the standard regimen in elderly ovarian cancer patients. Age, performance status and other geriatric parameters should be considered when dosing chemotherapy in the elderly.
Human Papillomavirus Types 2, 27, and 57 Identified in Plantar Verrucae from HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Individuals

Background: Although an increased prevalence of plantar verrucae has been associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, human papillomavirus (HPV) typing studies have not been published about this patient population. We sought to determine the prevalence of HPV types in plantar verrucae of HIV-positive (HIV+) and HIV-negative (HIV–) individuals. Methods: Thirty-nine plantar verruca lesions in 17 individuals were examined. Nine participants were HIV+ and eight were HIV–. Detection of HPV was performed by polymerase chain reaction using two sets of primers: MY09/MY11. The type of HPV was determined by hybridization to 38 different HPV types. Clinical types of verrucae were correlated to the HPV strain identified in each lesion. Results: Of the 39 plantar verruca samples, 38 typed to HPV-2, HPV-27, and HPV-57 strains in HIV+ and HIV– individuals. Specifically, a large proportion of the samples from HIV– individuals typed as HPV-27 (87.5%), and HPV-2 was the predominant type identified in HIV+...
Petri Net Supervisors for Disjunctive Constraints

The paper presents an approach for the design of supervisors for disjunctive constraints in which the supervisors are represented by labeled Petri nets. This approach extends our previous results in two ways. First, the supervisors are now guaranteed to be least restrictive. Second, the constraints may now also include the firing vector. The approach is illustrated on the readers/writers problem. While the results are obtained in the fully controllable and observable setting, issues arising when the system is partially controllable and partially observable are also discussed. The approach is developed under certain boundedness assumptions.
Statistical image modeling with the magnitude probability density function of complex wavelet coefficients

We derive the probability density function (pdf) of the magnitude of complex wavelet coefficients with the assumption that each of the real and imaginary parts is characterized by the generalized Gaussian distribution (GGD) model. The parameter estimation method using maximum likelihood for the derived pdf is presented. The derived pdf fits acceptably well with the actual coefficient magnitude of images. To show the usefulness of the derived pdf, we use it to model the magnitude of complex coefficients of texture images for an application in texture image retrieval. The experimental results show that using the derived magnitude pdf yields higher retrieval rate than using the GGD model to fit with the real part or imaginary part of coefficients, and than using the mean and standard deviation of the magnitude of coefficients.
Genetic Epidemiology of Major Depression: Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE: The authors conducted a meta-analysis of relevant data from primary studies of the genetic epidemiology of major depression.METHOD: The authors searched MEDLINE and the reference lists of previous review articles to identify relevant primary studies. On the basis of a review of family, adoption, and twin studies that met specific inclusion criteria, the authors derived quantitative summary statistics. RESULTS: Five family studies met the inclusion criteria. The odds ratios for proband (subjects with major depression or comparison subjects) versus first-degree relative status (affected or unaffected with major depression) were homogeneous across the five studies (Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio=2.84, 95% CI=2.31–3.49). No adoption study met the inclusion criteria, but the results of two of the three reports were consistent with genetic influences on liability to major depression. Five twin studies met the inclusion criteria, and their statistical summation suggested that familial aggregation was due ...
Identification of Zebrafish insertional mutants with defects in visual system development and function

Genetic analysis in zebrafish has been instrumental in identifying genes necessary for visual system development and function. Recently, a large-scale retroviral insertional mutagenesis screen, in which 315 different genes were mutated, that resulted in obvious phenotypic defects by 5 days postfertilization was completed. That the disrupted gene has been identified in each of these mutants provides unique resource through which the formation, function, or physiology of individual organ systems can be studied. To that end, a screen for visual system mutants was performed on 250 of the mutants in this collection, examining each of them histologically for morphological defects in the eye and behaviorally for overall visual system function. Forty loci whose disruption resulted in defects in eye development and/or visual function were identified. The mutants have been divided into the following phenotypic classes that show defects in: (1) morphogenesis, (2) growth and central retinal development, (3) the peripheral marginal zone, (4) retinal lamination, (5) the photoreceptor cell layer, (6) the retinal pigment epithelium, (7) the lens, (8) retinal containment, and (9) behavior. The affected genes in these mutants highlight a diverse set of proteins necessary for the development, maintenance, and function of the vertebrate visual system.
Extended Wavelength Coverage of a Ce(3+):LiCAF Laser Between 223 and 243 nm by Sum Frequency Mixing in nu-Barium Borate.

We obtained coherent radiation in the spectral region between 223 and 243 nm by frequency mixing the tunable output of a solid-state Ce3+:LiCAF laser with 1.064-μm radiation from a Nd3+:YAG pump laser in a β-barium borate nonlinear crystal.
Quantifying the effects on EMI and SI of source imbalances in differential signaling

Imbalances in differential signaling can introduce common-mode components, resulting in signal integrity (SI) problems as well as EMI problems. Three-port mixed-mode S-parameters are employed to quantify the impacts on EMI. The EMI problems caused by delay skew and slew rate skew are investigated.
Microbial growth on hydrocarbons—some experimental results

A simple mechanism of hydrocarbon uptake by microorganisms is examined. This model considers the presence of micelles of surface active agents as essential for growth of microbial cells on hydrocarbon substrates. Larger hydrocarbon droplets serving as reservoirs may also be present. Experimental results to support the model are presented. The results of others are explained on the basis of this model.
Sensitivity of ERS-1 SAR to variations in soil water in fire-disturbed boreal forest ecosystems

Abstract Studies of ERS-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery have shown that fire scars in Alaskan forests are significantly brighter (3–6 dB) than surrounding unburned forest. The signature varies seasonally and changes as vegetation re-establishes on the site over longer time periods (>5years). Additionally, it is known that soil water content typically increases following forest fires due to changes in evapotranspiration rates and melting of the permafrost. The objective of this study was to understand the relation between soil water content and the ERS-1 SAR signature at fire-disturbed sites. To accomplish this objective, we compared soil water in six burned black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) forest sites in interior Alaska to ERS-1 SAR backscalter measurements. The six sites are of various age since burn. Soil water was periodically measured at each site during the summer of 1992 and at one site in 1993 and 1994 when the ERS-1 imaging radar was scheduled to pass overhead. Results indicat...
Effect of Dietary Cations and Arginine on Lysine Metabolism in the Chick

Abstract The rate of catabolism of intraperitoneally administered lysine-14 C(UL) was slightly reduced by supplementation of a basal casein diet with arginine or potassium acetate. The peak rate of exhaled 14 C-carbon dioxide production occurred during the second hour after administration of lysine-14 C. The proportion of radioactivity from lysine-14 C(UL) found in the non-protein fraction of plasma, muscle, liver and kidney was decreased approximately 50% by supplementation of the basal diet with arginine or potassium acetate. Potassium acetate supplementation increased the incorporation of labeled lysine into protein of all tissues studied. Arginine had no effect on muscle tissue. The decrease of lysine in the free amino acid pools of chicks fed a casein basal diet, which is effected by arginine and potassium acetate supplementation, cannot be explained by an increased rate of catabolism. It is more likely due to an increased anabolic use of lysine to make tissue protein.
Quadriceps and hamstrings fatigue alters hip and knee mechanics.

Neuromuscular fatigue exacerbates abnormal landing strategies, which may increase noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk. The synergistic actions of quadriceps and hamstrings (QH) muscles are central to an upright landing posture, though the precise effect of simultaneous fatigue of these muscles on landing and ACL injury risk is unclear. Elucidating neuromechanical responses to QH fatigue thus appears important in developing more targeted fatigue-resistance intervention strategies. The current study thus aimed to examine the effects of QH fatigue on lower extremity neuromechanics during dynamic activity. Twenty-five healthy male and female volunteers performed three single-leg forward hops onto a force platform before and after QH fatigue. Fatigue was induced through sets of alternating QH concentric contractions, on an isokinetic dynamometer, until the first five repetitions of a set were performed at least 50% below QH peak torque. Three-dimensional hip and knee kinematics and normalized (body mass x height) kinetic variables were quantified for pre- and postfatigue landings and subsequently analyzed by way of repeated- measures mixed-model ANOVAs. QH fatigue produced significant increases in initial contact (IC) hip internal rotation and knee extension and external rotation angles (p .05). Fatigue of the QH muscles altered hip and knee neuromechanics, which may increase the risk of ACL injury. Prevention programs should incorporate methods aimed at countering QH fatigue.
EEG changes accompanying learned regulation of 12-Hz EEG activity

We analyzed 15 sessions of 64-channel electroencephalographic (EEG) data recorded from a highly trained subject during sessions in which he attempted to regulate power at 12 Hz over his left- and right-central scalp to control the altitude of a cursor moving toward target boxes placed at the top-, middle-, or bottom-right of a computer screen. We used infomax independent component analysis (ICA) to decompose 64-channel EEG data from trials in which the subject successfully up- or down-regulated the measured EEG signals. Applying time-frequency analysis to the time courses of activity of several of the resulting 64 independent EEG components revealed that successful regulation of the measured activity was accompanied by extensive, asymmetrical changes in power and coherence, at both nearby and distant frequencies, in several parts of cortex. A more complete understanding of these phenomena could help to explain the nature and locus of learned regulation of EEG rhythms and might also suggest ways to further optimize the performance of brain-computer interfaces.
Guidelines for Learning : Using 3D Interactive Systems for Education and Training

Advanced 3D virtual environment technology, similar to that used by the film and computer games industry can allow educational developers to rapidly create realistic 3D, virtual environments. This technology has been used to generate a range of interactive learning environments across a broad spectrum of industries and educational application areas. Virtual Reality (VR) simulators represent a powerful tool for learning and teaching. The idea is not new. Flight simulators have been used for decades to train pilots for both commercial and military aviation. These systems have advanced to a point that they are integral to both the design and the operation of modern aircraft [1, 2]. There are a number of lessons that can be learned from other industries that have successfully utilised virtual training and learning systems for a number of years. Generic rules of thumb regarding the specification, development, application and operation of these learning environments can be garnered from other industrial training systems and examined in an educational context [3, 4, 5]. This paper will introduce a virtual learning environment which has been developed by the authors. During the implementation of this, and other, visual learning environments a number of complex operational problems have been encountered, these have required a number of innovative solutions and management procedures to be developed. The paper will also discuss the implementation of these systems and extrapolate the lessons learnt into general guidelines to be considered for the development of VR based educational learning resources. These guidelines will then be discussed in the context of the development of ViRILE (Virtual Reality Interactive Learning Environment). This software is designed for use by undergraduate chemical engineers and simulates the configuration and operation of a polymerisation plant.
Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and Teacher-Rated Verbal Behavior of Slum Preschoolers.

-2 samples ( N = 74; N = 181) of 4and 5-yr.-old slum preschoolers were administered the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test as a part of a wider testing program. These same children were rated by teachers independently on 17 scales, three of which concerned verbal skills, quality of speech, and activity of speech. All product-moment correlations between these teacherratings and the Peabody 1Qs were of moderate magnitude and statistically significant for both samples. The results were interpreted to mean that the Peabody raps a source trait related to daily classroom verbal interchange.
The Glands Have It

In this issue of Biology of Reproduction, a study by Filant and Spencer uses the uterine gland "knockout" (PUGKO) mouse model to determine the functional effects on implantation and decidualization of an absence of uterine glands.
D-trees: a class of dense regular interconnection topologies

The authors propose a class of dense regular hierarchical interconnection topologies called D-trees. These topologies are denser than interconnection networks such as the ring and the n-dimensional Boolean hypercube and compare favorably with other proposed interconnection schemes, such as the star graph and the pancake graph. In addition, the class of topologies proposed is more flexible in that both the degree and the diameter can be varied in the construction of the required topology. These topologies are also incrementally scalable in the number of nodes that can be connected. Expressions are derived for the number of nodes that can be connected in this manner and the corresponding diameters of such topologies. They are also compared with the Boolean hypercube and the star graph. >
From psichiologia to psychologia : A graphically documented archival study across three centuries

The question of the origin of the term “psychology” is raised in an archival history of the lost work of Marcus Marulus (1450–1524), a Dalmatian humanist: Psychology (Psichiologia): On the Nature of the Human Soul, Book One. Transcriptions of the title suggest that the term may have had Byzantine roots. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Plasma catecholamines and social behavior in male vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus)

Many investigations in humans indicate that epinephrine, norepinephrine and their ratio may correlate with such traits as social competence, academic achievement, and aggression. However, the socioeconomic, dietary, and environmental confounds accompanying most human studies complicate their interpretation. Social status, aggression, and other social behaviors can be reliably assessed in nonhuman primates under conditions controlling for crucial environmental factors. If interpretation of human studies is correct, dominant and subordinate male vervet monkeys should exhibit distinctive patterns of catecholamine secretion. To test this possibility, seventeen adult male monkeys living in six stable social groups were observed for 6 months. Based on their success in agonistic events, subjects were categorized as dominant or subordinate. Alpha scores were calculated from empirically derived factors to provide a noncategorical measure of dominant behavioral style. Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine samples obtained from anesthetized subjects did not differ between dominant and subordinate males. Alpha scores, however, distinguished high from low norepinephrine/epinephrine ratio groups. These findings are consistent with studies in humans linking high epinephrine, low norepinephrine, and social competence.