cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Three Parameters of Covert Positive Reinforcement.

Investigated the active components of covert positive reinforcement (CPR) with a 2 X 2 X 2 factorial design (N = 64) that consisted of an S-R modality (covert vs. overt), a reinforcement procedure (covert vs overt), and a demand for expectancy of success (high vs. low). Posttreatment and follow-up results of the Behavioral Avoidance Test indicated that generally Ss in the overt S-R modality groups approached closer to the rat than did those in the covert groups (N = 64). More importantly, the S-R modality X demand interactions reflected that those Ss in the two covert S-R modality groups under low demand evidenced less approach than those Ss in the other six groups (p less than .01). Self-rating measures of anxiety on the Self-Rating Rat Anxiety Scale and the Fear Intensity Scale reflected overall decrements of fear from pretreatment to posttreatment and follow-up. Follow-up analyses indicated that plans should be made for the generalization of treatment effects by varying the treatment setting and perhaps by employing multiple therapists.
Internal Resistance of Voltage Source by Use of the Finite-Difference Time-Domain Technique

The introduction of the internal resistance of a voltage source is a very effective method for analyzing the electromagnetic characteristics of antennas and microstrip devices by use of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique. However, some trial and error may be needed when choosing a resistance value to obtain a stable result. This letter proposes a method to obtain a proper internal resistance of a source voltage in a FDTD code. The key to this method is to choose a resistance value such that the voltage drop due to an internal resistance is less than the amplitude of a voltage source. The reductions of total computation time-steps are shown for various antenna types.
CCAAT/Enhancer-binding Protein α Is Required for Transcription of the β3-Adrenergic Receptor Gene during Adipogenesis

The beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (beta(3)AR) is expressed predominantly in adipocytes, and it plays a major role in regulating lipolysis and adaptive thermogenesis. Its expression in a variety of adipocyte cell models is preceded by the appearance of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBP alpha), which has been shown to regulate a number of other adipocyte-specific genes. Importantly, it has been demonstrated that several adipocyte cell lines that fail to express C/EBP alpha exhibit reduced insulin sensitivity, despite an apparent adipogenic phenotype. Here we show that transcription and function of the beta(3)AR correlates with C/EBP alpha expression in these adipocyte models. A 5.13-kilobase pair fragment of the mouse beta(3)AR promoter was isolated and sequenced. This fragment conferred a 50-fold increase in luciferase reporter gene expression in adipocytes. Two putative C/EBP binding sites exist at -3306 to -3298 and at -1462 to -1454, but only the more distal site is functional. Oligonucleotides corresponding to both the wild-type and mutated -3306 element were inserted upstream of a thymidine kinase luciferase construct. When cotransfected in fibroblasts with a C/EBP alpha expression vector, reporter gene expression increased 3-fold only in the wild-type constructs. The same mutation, when placed into the intact 5.13-kilobase pair promoter, reduced promoter activity in adipocytes from 50-fold to <10-fold. Electrophoretic mobility shift analysis demonstrated that the site at -3306 generated a specific protein-oligonucleotide complex that was supershifted by C/EBP alpha antibody, while a probe corresponding to a putative site at -1462 did not. These results define C/EBP alpha as a key transcriptional regulator of the mouse beta(3)AR gene during adipogenesis.
Investigation of polar modifiers in carbon dioxide mobile phases for capillary supercritical fluid chromatography

Abstract The effect of low concentrations of polar modifiers on the selectivity of a non-polar carbon dioxide mobile phase in capillary supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) was determined. The selectivity of mixtures of carbon dioxide-water (approximately 0.3—0.9 mole%) and carbon dioxide-methanol (approximately 0.8 mole%) were compared to the selectivity of pure carbon dioxide using polarity-test mixtures. Under the conditions of this study, water modifiers did not significantly affect selectivity or retention. Slight changes in selectivity and decreased retention, however, were observed for the methanol modifier. These data contrast with those obtained for packed-column SFC in which similar concentrations of modifiers produced significant changes in selectivity and greatly reduced retention, and are consistent with results indicating these previous results were due to modification of the stationary phase rather than changes in fluid phase solubilities.
Neural activity associated with stress-induced cocaine craving: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study.

Stress is known to increase cocaine craving and relapse risk in cocaine dependence. Identifying neural activity associated with stress and stress-induced cocaine craving is important in understanding the neurobiology of cocaine craving and relapse. Blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal changes were assessed in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) session with healthy controls and treatment-engaged, abstinent, cocaine-dependent individuals (patients) as they participated in brief guided imagery and recall of three personal stress and three personal neutral situations. During stress, patients showed significantly less BOLD activation than controls in specific frontal and para-limbic regions, such as the anterior cingulate (AC) region, left hippocampal/parahippocampal region, right fusiform gyrus, and the right postcentral gyrus. On the other hand, patients had increased activity in the caudate and dorsal striatum region during stress, activation that was significantly associated with stress-induced cocaine craving ratings. Patients failed to activate AC and related circuits during stress, regions associated with control, and regulation of emotion and distress states. Instead, they exhibited greater craving-related activation in the dorsal striatum, a region related to reward pathways and part of the obsessive–compulsive circuitry. Such functional alterations in stress processing may underlie the stress-related vulnerability to cocaine relapse often observed in cocaine-dependent individuals in early recovery.
Inflation and eversion of spherical shells of a special compressible material

A study is made of the qualitative features of the inflation of a shell of the so-called material of type II. This material has a strain energy function which is linear in i1, i3 and arbitrary in i2, where i1, i2 and i3 are the three principal invariants of the stretch tensors. For a specific form of the arbitrary function, a closed-form solution to the equations of equilibrium describing spherical eversion can also be found. By using this solution, a comparison can be made between the qualitative features of the regular and everted shells under internal pressure. It is found that the stress distribution in both cases is different and that a larger pressure can be sustained by the everted shell. However eversion has no effect on the other features studied.
The world's fastest Scrabble program

An efficient backtracking algorithm makes possible a very fast program to play the SCRABBLE® Brand Crossword Game. The efficiency is achieved by creating data structures before the backtracking search begins that serve both to focus the search and to make each step of the search fast.
Lunar Geomagnetic Variations

THERE have been several attempts to detect lunar tidal variations in the ionosphere from the geomagnetic records1. These earlier attempts used the method of classical harmonic analysis, and sought to determine the amplitude of the important semidiurnal component. The availability during the International Geophysical Year of continuous geomagnetic data from many stations has made it possible to use power spectrum analysis, and resolve the individual frequency components of the lunar effect on the magnetic record2. The results of such a spectrum analysis for Godhavn are displayed in Fig. 1. The components with periodicities centred around the separately. The various components are identified by the symbolism adopted by Schureman3 and Bartels4 for tidal components.
Anaplerosis from glucose, α-ketoisocaproate, and pyruvate in pancreatic islets, INS-1 cells and liver mitochondria

Methyl succinate (MS) and α-ketoisocaproate (KIC) when applied alone to cultured pancreatic islets or INS-1 832/13 cells do not stimulate insulin release. However, when the two metabolites are combined together they strongly stimulate insulin release. Studying the possible explanations for this complementarity has provided clues to the pathways involved in insulin secretion. MS increased carbon incorporation of KIC into acid-precipitable material and lipid in INS-1 cells. In isolated mitochondria, MS alone increased malate, but MS plus KIC increased citrate, α-ketoglutarate, and isocitrate. These data and the known pathways of their metabolism suggest that MS supplies the oxaloacetate component of citrate and KIC supplies the acetate component of citrate. Other citric acid cycle intermediates can be formed from citrate enabling anaplerosis to supply precursors for extramitochondrial pathways. In addition, KIC, glucose and pyruvate can be metabolized to acetoacetate. In an INS-1 cell line deficient in ATP citrate lyase, incorporation of carbon from pyruvate into acid-precipitable material and lipid was not lowered. This negative result is in agreement with our recent discovery that citrate is not the only carrier of acyl groups from the mitochondria to the cytosol in the beta cell and that acetoacetate can also transfer acyl carbon to the cytosol.
Long-term influence of duration and intensity of treatment on previously untreated individuals with alcohol use disorders.

Aims This study examined the influence of the duration and intensity of the first episode of treatment for previously untreated individuals with alcohol use disorders on short-term and long-term outcomes, and the effect of additional treatment and delayed treatment on outcomes. Design, setting, participants A sample of alcoholic individuals (n = 473) was recruited at alcoholism information and referral centers and detoxification units and was surveyed at baseline and 1 year, 3 years and 8 years later. Measurements At each contact point, participants completed an inventory that assessed their treatment utilization since the last assessment and their current alcohol-related, psychological and social problems. Findings Compared with individuals who remained untreated, individuals who entered treatment relatively quickly and who obtained a longer duration of treatment had better short- and long-term alcohol-related outcomes and better short-term social functioning. Individuals who obtained a longer duration of additional treatment had better alcohol-related outcomes than individuals who obtained no additional treatment but, among individuals who delayed treatment entry, the duration of treatment was not associated with treatment outcomes. In general, the intensity of treatment was not related to better outcomes. Conclusions Rapid entry into treatment and the duration of treatment for alcohol use disorders may be more important than the intensity of treatment. Treatment providers should consider structuring their programs to emphasize continuity, rather than intensity of care.
A comparison of set-theoretical and graph-theoretical approaches in topological biology

Two somewhat different approaches to topological biology have been developed in recent years. The latest, set-theoretical approach leads rather immediately to a number of conclusions which are verified experimentally. It also predicts a number of new biological relations. The older, graph-theoretical approach does not lead directly to those conclusions but suggests a number of combinatorial relations between number of organs and number of cell types. Such suggestions are absent from the set-theoretical approach. It is shown that the above-mentioned combinatorial relations are independent of the graph-theoretical method proper and can be introduced into the set-theoretical approach through the addition of an independent postulate.
Prismatic Structure in Ice

“In one of the March numbers of NATURE I see a letter over your signature on the prismatic structure of ice, and as our climate gives us favourable opportunities of observing this and other curious facts respecting ice, I am induced to address a few words to you on the subject.
Urban landscape characteristics correlated with the synurbization of wildlife.

Abstract The composition and complexity of urban landscapes can vastly affect the population dynamics and behavior of urbanized wildlife. Investigations on urbanized taxa have often described similar behavioral (reduced wariness and increased intraspecific aggression) and population dynamics (increased population densities) adaptations. The objectives of this study were (1) determine the relationship of habitat and matrix characteristics to squirrel density; (2) determine the relationship of habitat and matrix characteristics to squirrel behavior; (3) develop a conceptual model for the synurbization of wildlife. In the summer and fall of 2003 and 2004, we sampled gray squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis ) at six urban parks for density, wariness, and intraspecific aggression. Structural characteristics of each park (size, canopy cover, tree basal area, and number of trees) and the adjacent matrix (tree cover, number of trees, building cover, and number of buildings) were used to develop models predicting gray squirrel density, wariness, and intraspecific aggression. Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was used to evaluate and rank candidate models. Density and canopy cover were the most efficient predictors for wariness (AIC s = 48.42, W i = 0.500); density, park tree basal area, and matrix tree cover for aggression (AIC s = 39.54, W i = 0.567); park size, canopy cover, and number of matrix trees for density (AIC s = 57.40, W i = 0.237). The conceptual model presented in this paper expands on current understandings regarding the synurbization by introducing a minimum population density, a synurbization threshold, to be achieved before the population characteristics are in the range of synurbic populations.
Preventing readmissions: Geisinger: how we do it.

Why readmissions matter Readmissions in medicine are perhaps the best single metric of quality and cost in medicine. The healthcare system in the United States is at a watershed moment in our history. Without sweeping changes, healthcare expenditures are projected to consume 34% of the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2040. Medicare and Medicaid spending accounts for nearly 15% of the GDP [1]. PriceWaterhouseCoopers estimates that the overall annual cost of unnecessary readmissions in the United States may be as much as $25 billion. One in 5 Medicare beneficiaries are readmitted within 30 days of discharge at cost of about $17 billion [2]. Readmissions not only increase costs but, paradoxically, they provide increased reimbursement to providers.
Paddler market segments: Expanding experience use history segmentation

Abstract This study explores the potential of expanding experience use history (EUH) by differentiating paddlers who are apt to travel away from their home to paddle. Using the Recreational and Travel Use History (RTUH) framework, five market segments were developed using data from the 2008 North Carolina Paddle Tourism Study: Enthusiast Travelers, Recreational Travelers, Recreational Hobbyist, Occasionals, and Novices. A new scale was tested to identify what non-paddling experiences paddlers seek on a paddling trip and what issues most concern them on their trip. Four experience factors were identified: Nature, Local Culture, Local Food, and Corporate Chains. Three issue factors were identified: General Safety, Trail Attributes, and Guide/Outfitter concerns. This study expands on the destination management literature by refining the EUH construct and introducing a new scale to measure paddlers’ trip concerns and desired experiences.
Sublethal Effects of Pesticides on Predator-Prey Interactions in Amphibians

Increasing evidence suggests that contaminants in the environment can have important consequences on organismal interactions. While we have a good understanding of the lethal effects of contaminants on organisms, we have a weak understanding of how contaminants can affect organisms by altering the interactions that they have with other species in the community. Using tadpoles of two anuran species (Bullfrogs, Lithobates [Rana] catesbeianus; Green Frogs, L. clamitans), we investigated the effects of low nominal concentrations (1 and 10 ppb) of two pesticides (malathion and endosulfan) on tadpole activity and survival when exposed to four predator treatments (no predators; water bugs, Belostoma flumineum; newts, Notophthalmus viridescens; and dragonfly larvae, Anax junius). In both anuran species, adding predators reduced tadpole activity and survival, with increasing rates of mortality occurring with water bugs, newts, and dragonflies, respectively. Additionally, the highest concentration of endosulfan cau...
Surface Chemistry of Carbon Black Effect on Vulcanization of Rubber

Abstract In an attempt to develop a theory for the retardation of the rate of cure of rubber stocks by carbon black the adsorption theory is critically reviewed. Experimental evidence is presented that is not readily explainable on the basis of this theory. It is shown that the retarding action of gas black is analogous to the action of organic acid retarders of cure. The mechanism of this action is unknown. Gas black activatedly adsorbs oxygen to form an acid complex that retards the cure of rubber compounds. Organic acids have been obtained from commercial blacks by washing with alkalies.
Parent-child agreement in the reporting of headaches in a national sample of adolescents.

The aim of this article is to assess the concordance between parent and adolescent headache ratings in a representative sample of 6483 US adolescents (aged 13-18 years). Headaches were assessed using modified criteria from the International Headache Society’s International Classification of Headache Disorders, Second Edition. Caregiver report was based on a self-administered questionnaire. Overall concordance between caregivers and adolescents on the presence or absence of headaches was quite low (κ = 0.39). Female caregivers were twice as likely as male caregivers to report headaches in their offspring. Positive endorsement of headaches in offspring by caregivers was associated with adolescent-reported chronic headaches, longer headache duration, and photophobia or phonophobia. These findings suggest that relying solely on parent report may result in an underestimate of the true prevalence of headaches in the general population. In addition, collecting information from both parents and adolescents could ...
Balloon and VLF whistler measurements of electric fields, equatorial electron density, and precipitating particles during a barium cloud release in the magnetosphere

Two electric field and X-ray measuring balloons have been flown from Great Whale River, Canada, near the foot of the magnetic field line on which a barium cloud was released in the magnetosphere. VLF whistler techniques were used at Great Whale, at Roberval, Canada (L ∼ 4), and at Byrd, Antarctica, to obtain information on magnetospheric electron density near the plasmapause and on equatorial electric fields within the plasmasphere at L ∼ 2.7. Electric fields obtained from the balloon data agreed with those deduced from ground magnetometer records, and these two sets of data disagreed with those obtained from observations of the barium cloud motion and VLF whistlers. Because the independent ionospheric and equatorial measurements were internally consistent but disagreed with each other, these discrepancies may be due to effects of parallel electric fields or of perpendicular fields induced by changing magnetic fields. Alternatively, they may be due to spatial variations between the different measurement locations. No electric field variations attributable to the cloud were found. Electron density was found from whistlers to be 38 ± 16 el/cc at L = 4.5, which is characteristic of the low-density region beyond the plasmapause during quieting conditions when the electron density is in the process of slow (several-day) recovery to plasmasphere levels. Extrapolation of the measurements from L ∼ 4.5 to L ∼ 6 provides an estimate of ne = 16 ± 7 el/cc at the position of barium release. The ground station appeared to overtake a region of larger plasmasphere radius near ∼0600 UT, or local midnight. This is interpreted as evidence of quieting that is accompanied by continued low-level convection activity, a condition consistent with the reported electric field measurements. The intensity of X rays measured on the balloon was unaffected by the barium release. The implication of this result on the possible precipitation of energetic particles by the barium release depends on the area over which the precipitation occurred, such that an assumed large-scale precipitation would be consistent with the X-ray data only if the precipitated flux was less than ∼1% of the trapped flux, whereas precipitated fluxes as large as the trapped flux would be possible if they occurred over confined spatial regions. In view of the constancy of the trapped energetic particle fluxes measured on ATS 5, this latter possibility seems unlikely. That the release did not affect electric fields or trapped particles is consistent with expectations because of the low level of magnetic activity and the trapped particle fluxes on the night of interest.
Enforcement swamping: A positive-feedback mechanism in rates of illicit activity

If enforcement resources are constrained, the expected value of the penalty facing potential violators falls as the frequency of violation rises. Thus trends in rule-breaking will tend to be self-reinforcing, as illustrated by a Schelling-type tipping model. The search for ''root causes'' of high violation rates may therefore be in vain. Enforcement policies, especially against illicit markets, should be designed with this phenomenon in mind.
Thermal activation and macroscopic quantum tunneling in a DC SQUID

The authors report measurements of the transition rate from zero-voltage metastable minima in the two-dimensional potential of a DC SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) as a function of applied flux and temperature. A crossover is observed from thermally activated escape to macroscopic quantum tunneling at a critical temperature that is a strong function of the bias flux. The macroscopic quantum tunneling rate is substantially reduced by damping, which also broadens the crossover region. The authors unexpectedly observed thermal rates that are significantly suppressed from those predicted by the classical two-dimensional thermal activation model, as if the potential barrier for activation were effectively enhanced. They discuss possible explanations for this result, based on the interaction of the macroscopic degrees of freedom in the device and energy level quantization effects. >
In Situ Fuel Cell Water Metrology at the NIST Neutron Imaging Facility

Neutron imaging has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool to measure the in situ water content of commercial proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) in two and three dimensions. The National Institute of Standards and Technology neutron imaging facility was designed to produce a high intensity, highly collimated neutron imaging beam to measure the water content of operating fuel cells. The details of the neutron optics and neutron detection are discussed in terms of the random uncertainty in measuring the liquid water thickness that is typical of operating PEMFCs.
Simultaneous inhibition of carbon and nitrogen mineralization in a forest soil by simulated acid precipitation.

One method to simulate the long-term exposure of soil to acid rain involves the addition of single doses of concentrated acid. The inhibition of carbon mineralization accompanied by a stimulation of nitrogen mineralization may result from this severe, unnatural treatment. The present study was designed to determine whether the inhibition of carbon mineralization and the accompanying enhanced nitrogen mineralization would occur when soils are treated with more dilute acid for long periods of time, as takes place in nature.
Corrosion behavior of ferritic stainless steel with 15wt% chromium for the automobile exhaust system

The effect of chloride ion concentration, pH value, and grain size on the pitting corrosion resistance of a new ferritic stainless steel with 15wt% Cr was investigated using the anodic polarization method. The semiconducting properties of passive films with different chloride ion concentrations were performed using capacitance measurement and Mott-Schottky analysis methods. The aging precipitation and intergranular corrosion behavior were evaluated at 400–900°C. It is found that the pitting potential decreases when the grain size increases. With the increase in chloride ion concentration, the doping density and the flat-bland potential increase but the thickness of the space charge layer decreases. The pitting corrosion resistance increases rapidly with the decrease in pH value. Precipitants is identified as Nb(C,N) and NbC, rather than Cr-carbide. The intergranular corrosion is attributed to the synergistic effects of Nb(C,N) and NbC precipitates and Cr segregation adjacent to the precipitates.
Comparison of Pavement Drainage Systems

Pavement drainage systems have become a common addition to construction and reconstruction plans. Several types of transverse and longitudinal drains that vary in shape, size, and cost are often included in designs, although little is known about their performance. The drainage characteristics and pavement performance of four drainage systems under jointed portland cement concrete pavement are described and evaluated. Included are the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) standard dense-graded base, two dense-graded base sections incorporating tranverse drains placed under the transverse joints, and permeable asphalt-stabilized base—a design that reflects current Mn/DOT drainable-base thinking. All sections contain longitudinal edge drains. Experiment variables include drainage flows, percent of rainfall drained, time to drain, base and subgrade moisture content, and pavement and joint durability. Two primary conclusions were reached. First, although all systems appear capable of removing draina...
An enquiry into the hermeneutic-dialectic method of inquiry

The Hermeneutic-Dialectic (HD) Method is analyzed in terms of such theory construction issues as theory vs. method, necessary evidence, and process vs. content. Traditional experimental procedure is also contrasted with what takes place in the HD method. It is held that problems with traditional research in psychology stem from theory and not method. Questions are raised concerning data interpretation in the present research, and how such findings are settled upon in the first place. The paper closes with a discussion of stereotypy as reflecting the natural propensity for human beings to reason predicationally. This discussion draws on the tenets of logical learning theory.
Informational geometry of social choice

Elementary geometry is used to understand, extend and resolve basic informational difficulties in choice theory. This includes axiomatic conclusions such as Arrow’s Theorem, Chichilnisky’s dictator, and the Gibbard-Satterthwaite result. In this manner new results about positional voting methods are outlined, and difficulties with axiomatic approach are discussed. A topological result about “dictatorial” behavior is offered.
Computational and empirical trans-hydrogen bond deuterium isotope shifts suggest that N1-N3 A:U hydrogen bonds of RNA are shorter than those of A:T hydrogen bonds of DNA.

Density functional theory calculations of isolated Watson–Crick A:U and A:T base pairs predict that adenine 13C2 trans-hydrogen bond deuterium isotope shifts due to isotopic substitution at the pyrimidine H3, 2hΔ13C2, are sensitive to the hydrogen-bond distance between the N1 of adenine and the N3 of uracil or thymine, which supports the notion that 2hΔ13C2 is sensitive to hydrogen-bond strength. Calculated 2hΔ13C2 values at a given N1–N3 distance are the same for isolated A:U and A:T base pairs. Replacing uridine residues in RNA with 5-methyl uridine and substituting deoxythymidines in DNA with deoxyuridines do not statistically shift empirical 2hΔ13C2 values. Thus, we show experimentally and computationally that the C7 methyl group of thymine has no measurable affect on 2hΔ13C2 values. Furthermore, 2hΔ13C2 values of modified and unmodified RNA are more negative than those of modified and unmodified DNA, which supports our hypothesis that RNA hydrogen bonds are stronger than those of DNA. It is also shown here that 2hΔ13C2 is context dependent and that this dependence is similar for RNA and DNA.
Production of omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid by metabolic engineering of Yarrowia lipolytica

Metabolic engineering of the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica greatly enhances yields of omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid.
Hepatic Abscesses Associated With Diabetes Mellitus in Two Dogs

Two diabetic dogs were presented for anorexia, persistent fever, and poor control of hyperglycemia. Both had neutrophilia with left shift, hypoalbuminemia, and increased serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) activity. Radiography indicated intrahepatic gas densities in 1 dog and a hepatic mass in the other. Abdominal sonography demonstrated multiple well-demarcated hypoechoic hepatic lesions consistent with abscesses. Both dogs were successfully treated by surgical resection of the abscessed liver lobes in conjunction with antibiotics and supportive therapy. Good control of hyperglycemia was achieved in both dogs after recovery. Intracellular and extracellular Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria were abundant in the abscesses from both dogs. These cases suggest an association between diabetes mellitus and hepatic abscessation.
Implementation of Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) Learning Approaches in Social Work and Sociology Gerontology Courses

This article describes the goals and methods of the international Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) movement in higher education, and WAC-enriched learning approaches that the author used in teaching a social work gerontology practice course and a sociological theories of aging course. The author's in-class, low-stakes, nongraded writing assignments facilitated students' development of knowledge about gerontological practice and sociological theories, as well as analytical thinking. The assignments are influenced by WAC's perspective that when students write their reactions to information, their understanding and retention of information improves; that writing can facilitate the application of new content to students' own lives and interests; and that increased frequency of writing increases writing comfort and maintenance and can result in the improvement of writing skills. The students' reactions to the assignments have been very positive.
Chemical Potential‐Based Analysis for the Oxidation Kinetics of Si and SiC Single Crystals

A one-dimensional diffusion problem with prescribed boundary conditions for the oxygen potential at the oxygen(gas)–silica and at the silica–substrate interfaces is employed to obtain the parabolic rate constant for oxidation of Si crystals. The results, using the data for diffusion and solubility of molecular oxygen in silica agree reasonably well with the oxidation kinetics results for Si from Deal and Grove (1965). The measurements for SiC crystals (Costello and Tressler, 1985) lie below these results for Si, even though in both instances, diffusion through the silica overlayer is expected to have been rate controlling. This difference is explained in terms of the lower Si activity at the SiC–SiO2 interface than at the Si–SiO2 interface. The implication of the interface structure is discussed in an attempt to explain the higher activation energy for oxidation of the Si-face (0001), than the C-face (0001¯) of SiC crystals.
Dreams as Empirical Data: Siblings' Dreams and Fantasies About Their Disabled Sisters and Brothers

Until recently, most experts in the area of dreams and dream analysis held the view that dreams must be analyzed and worked with by professionals in the area of psychoanalysis or psychology, or by sleep experts. For sociologists, subjective, nonquantifiable topics such as dreams and daydreams were not considered valid areas of inquiry. But these areas can provide a way-of-knowing that has not been explored; these nighttime visions can contribute a new source of data about issues that deeply concern people. This article uses dreams and conscious daydreams about disabled brothers and sisters as an example of the type of information that could be gleaned if we used dreams as empirical data. Siblings of disabled individuals, originally recruited for another research project, were queried about their dreams and fantasies of the disabled sister or brother. In the respondents' dreams (both awake and sleeping) a number of themes emerged: issues that came up only when they discussed their dreams. These themes seem connected with the waking reality of having a disabled siblings; they include: (1) previews of anticipated experiences, (2) a desire to be a savior and, consequently, to be respected for rescuing the handicapperl person, (3) a wish to have the handicapper sibling escape from the dilemma of disability, (4) the notion that someone or something (a fairy godmother) will change things, (5) sorrow about the disability or death, and (6) guilt that they were “normal” and the sibling was disabled.
Light microscopic and fine structural changes in the brown adipose tissue from torpid and aroused pigmy mice (Baiomys taylori).

Changes in the composition and morphology of interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) are described for the adult pigmy mouse, Baiomys taylori, in its short-term, cold-torpor cycle. The study includes an analysis of tissues from, (1) room temperature (RT) controls, (2) RT, 24 hour starvation animals, (3) mice exposed on 15°C for six hours, (4) torpid animals (24, 48, and 72 hours at 15°C), and (5) mice allowed to arouse from torpor at RT for 1, 2, 5, 9, 24, and 288 hours. Control brown fat is composed predominately of lipid vacuoles, glycogen particles, and mitochondria with lamellaelike cristae. Starvation at RT has no marked effect on either the BAT energy stores, or the mitochondrial morphometry. Short exposure to 15°C brings about a pronounced depletion in the lipid and glycogen content, and a significant swelling in the mitochondria. Brown fat from torpid mice is deplete of lipid and glycogen. Mitochondria remain enlarged, and have parallel, closely-packed cristae. The lipid and glycogen reappear in the early hours of arousal. The multilocular character of the control BAT is reached in five to nine hours after initiation of arousal. Throughout the arousal the mitochondria retain their cold-induced morphological alterations. Pinocytotic microvesicles in the capillary endothelium and in the brown adipocytes are observed in different degrees, in all experimental groups. With the histological changes in evidence, the participation of pigmy mouse brown fat in non-shivering thermogenesis in situations of cold exposure, and arousal from torpor, is discussed.
Navier-Stokes calculations for the vortex wake of a rotor in hover

An efficient finite-difference scheme for the solution of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation is used to study the vortex wake of a rotor in hover. The solution Procedure uses a vorticity-stream function formulation and incorporates an asymptotic far-field boundary condition enabling the size of the computational domain to be reduced in comparison to other methods. The results from the present method are compared with experimental data obtained by smoke flow visualization and hot-wire measurements for several rotor blade configurations.
Frequent homozygous deletion of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2 (MTS1, p16) in superficial bladder cancer detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Deletion of all or part of chromosome 9 is a well-described genetic alteration in bladder tumors. It has been proposed that inactivation of a tumor-suppressor gene on chromosome 9, is an important event in tumor development. Recent reports have supported cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2 (CDKN2, also known as MTS1, INK4, p16) at 9p21 as a candidate tumor-suppressor gene in solid tumors. However, the prevalence of CDKN2 mutations in primary bladder tumors has been controversial. Therefore, we applied gene-specific probes for CDKN2 and the interferon alpha gene (IFNA), also located at 9p21, to characterize further the genomic deletions at this locus in bladder cancer. Seventeen superficial (pTa or pTI) bladder tumor specimens were examined for gene deletion by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Dual-labeling hybridization with a repetitive pericentromeric probe for chromosome 9 and a gene-specific probe for CDKN2 was performed to characterize the gene copy number in relation to the chromosome 9 copy number on a cell-by-cell basis. Homozygous deletion for CDKN2 without homozygous IFNA deletion was found in 5 of 17 tumors tested. Both genes were deleted in one additional case, and one tumor showed deletion of IFNA without deletion of CDKN2. Homozygous deletion at the 9p21 locus was found only in tumors having monosomy for the chromosome 9 centromeric signal. These results indicate that the homozygous deletion of the CDKN2 gene is a frequent and early event in superficial bladder cancer. Genes Chromosom. Cancer 19:84–89, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An IBM PC based Mössbauer spectrometer and data analysis system

Abstract An IBM Personal Computer based multichannel analyzer system that functions as a Mossbauer spectrometer is described. This system is derived from the addition to the IBM PC of a PCA 8000 data acquisition board modified with a small special purpose interface. The graphics capabilities of the system are demonstrated with a few representative spectra. Software written in Advanced BASIC permits evaluation of previously acquired spectra concurrently with data acquisition.
Some Relationships Between Microstructure and Strength of Ag3Sn and Dental Amalgam

The microstructures of Ag3Sn and dental amalgam were analyzed to determine the nature of the variation of the tensile strength of dental amalgam containing mercury. Dental amalgam followed the laws of strengthening which have been developed to describe the tensile strengths of other alloy systems with variable phase percentages.
The Consumer Digital Video Library [Best of the Web]

Video is a booming industry: content is embedded on many Web sites, delivered over the Internet, and streamed to mobile devices. Content providers own vast quantities of studio-quality video (i.e., produced to the quality standards of a television studio), but legal contracts between actors, producers, and owners limit how and where others can use such video. As a result, finding and getting rights to use relevant video remains an obstacle to addressing relevant research problems. The Consumer Digital Video Library (CDVL) Web site (http//:www.cdvl.org) attempts to address this obstacle. The CDVL makes high-quality, uncompressed video clips available for free download. Content owners have granted permission for use, and a use agreement protects owners? rights. The clips are ideal for use by the education, research, and product development communities. Developing objective video quality models and testing emergency telemedicine systems are two applications enabled by CDVL content.
The Impact of Motivation to Change on Substance Use Among Adolescents in Treatment

ABSTRACT Clinicians emphasize the importance of motivation to change for effecting recovery from substance abuse disorders. However, little is known about motivation to change substance-abusing behavior among adolescents or its impact on treatment outcomes. The present research examines motivation to change among youth admitted to publicly funded substance abuse services and its influence on treatment outcomes. Data are based on interviews with 129 youth between 12 and 18 years of age. Multilevel (HLM) analyses are used to assess the relationship between substance use and motivation to change at the time of treatment admission and roughly one year later. Results suggest that more serious substance users are motivated better to change at the outset of treatment and experience more rapid declines in substance use after treatment begins.
Assessing the Performance of Multiple Regional Climate Model Simulations for Seasonal Mountain Snow in the Upper Colorado River Basin

AbstractThis study assesses the performance of the regional climate model (RCM) simulations from the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program (NARCCAP) for the Upper Colorado River basin (UCRB), U.S. Rocky Mountains. The UCRB is a major contributor to the Colorado River’s runoff. Its significant snow-dominated hydrological regime makes it highly sensitive to climatic changes, and future water shortage in this region is likely. The RCMs are evaluated with a clear RCM output user’s perspective and a main focus on snow. Snow water equivalent (SWE) and snow duration, as well as air temperature and precipitation from five RCMs, are compared with snowpack telemetry (SNOTEL) observations, with National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Reanalysis II (R2), which provides the boundary conditions for the RCM simulations, and with North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR). Overall, most RCMs were able to significantly improve on the results f...
Young and Old Subject Distance Between Vehicles Estimation Using Linear Distance and “Car Lengths”

Drivers perform distance estimations regarding their vehicle and objects around them (including other vehicles) continuously. Such estimates may employ linear distance or “car lengths”. The reliability of such assessments is often uncertain. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate a subject's ability to judge distances between stationary vehicles, ranging from very close (15 ft) to 250 ft, using linear length (ft) and “car lengths” and to compare the relative accuracy of these two methods. Age influences were also investigated, grouping subjects into “young” (19-28 yrs) and “old” (64-76 yrs). This study found that the ability to estimate distance between two vehicles in the range 15 to 250 ft is limited, with subjects routinely underestimating the distance. The age influence became statistically significant at distances over 100 ft, with older subjects underestimating the distance even more than younger subjects. Finally, it was found that the length unit “car length” was even more likely to pro...
Functionalizing the Surface of Lithium-Metal Anodes

Metal–air batteries are one important aspect of many in moving beyond lithium-ion research efforts. However, as our understanding of how molecular oxygen can act as a rechargeable cathode has progressed, the problems associated with how these materials at various states of charge interact with the lithium-metal anode are only beginning to come to the surface. In this study we have devised a method to coat the surface of lithium with a functional group to act as either an anchor for further derivation studies or be polymerized to create a nanometer-thick polymer coating attached to the surface by silane groups. These stable films, formed by polymerization of vinyl substituents, lower cell impedance at the electrode and over the first 50 cycles, increase cycling efficiency, and demonstrate lower-capacity fade.
Self-Management of Parkinson's Disease: Guidelines for Program Development and Evaluation

Numerous self-management training programs have been created for persons with chronic illness to assist them in cultivating the skills and confidence to promote their own health and well-being. How...
Effect of topiramate on cognitive function and single units from hippocampal place cells following status epilepticus

Topiramate, an antiepileptic drug with multiple mechanisms of action, was assessed as a neuroprotective agent following status epilepticus. We administered topiramate or normal saline chronically beginning 1 hour after cessation of lithium pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. Control animals not subjected to status epilepticus were also treated with topiramate or normal saline. Following completion of the topiramate treatment, animals were tested in the water maze to assess spatial learning and underwent in vivo single-cell place cell recordings. Spontaneous seizure frequency following status epilepticus in the topiramate-treated rats was similar to that in the rats treated with saline. Following status epilepticus, rats had profound deficits in water maze performance and place cell function. Rats subjected to status epilepticus and treated with topiramate were also severely impaired in the water maze, but performed slightly better than rats treated with saline. Following status epilepticus, topiramate-treated rats did not differ from rats treated with normal saline in the platform switch, a test of prefrontal function. Although place cell firing patterns were similar in both the topiramate- and saline-treated rats, rats treated with topiramate had higher information content scores than rats treated with saline. Topiramate-treated animals had less supragranular sprouting following status epilepticus than nontreated rats. Control animals treated with topiramate did not differ from saline-treated controls on any measures. Taken together, this study shows that topiramate administered following status epilepticus has modest neuroprotective effects.
Parent–Child Interaction Therapy as an attachment-based intervention: Theoretical rationale and pilot data with adopted children

Abstract Children with histories of child abuse and neglect, particularly children residing in foster or adoptive homes, are commonly considered by many professionals to need “attachment therapy” in order to address emotional and behavioral needs. However, evidence-based treatments rarely utilize an attachment-based justification outside of the infancy through preschooler age range. In actuality, many evidence-based treatments can be understood through the lens of attachment theory. This paper reviews the tenets of an attachment-based approach to treatment and describes how one evidence-based treatment, Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), conforms to all expectations and requirements prescribed by attachment theory and research. Next, pilot data from an open trial of PCIT with a sample of adopted children and their adoptive caregivers (n = 85) are provided. Results demonstrate significant improvements in positive parenting techniques, reductions in parenting stress, and reductions in externalizing and internalizing concerns among the children. These results are discussed in the context of improving the quality of care for children often described as in need of “attachment therapy.”
Quasi-Stellar Diameters and Intensity Fluctuations It is shown that there are relativistic limits on the fluctuations in brightness which may be observed for a large spherical source, and also for more general sources, so that quasi-stellar objects are probably no more than light-days in size. There is thus a possibility that they may be close to our galaxy.

It is shown that there are relativistic limits on the fluctuations in brightness which may be observed for a large spherical source, and also for more general sources, so that quasi-stellar objects...