cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The use of hypnotizability scales in the clinic: a review after six years.

Abstract This is a review of the use, after 6 years, of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Forms A and B (Weitzenhoffer & E.R. Hilgard, 1959); the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (Shor & E. Orne, 1962); the Hypnotic Induction Profile (Spiegel & Bridger, 1970); and the Stanford Hypnotic Clinical Scale (Morgan & J.R. Hilgard, 1975) in the clinical situation. The great majority of over 300 patients found their experience with the scales to be a positive one, despite the authors' initial hesitancy about exposing them to the probability of failure on at least some of the items. The standardized scales were administered as specific tests, not as part of therapy. The data on responsivity has not only contributed to clinical strategy in individual cases, but has also added to our understanding of hypnosis, of psychopathology, and of therapeutic outcome.
Cellular decomposition in a Cu-25Ni-15Co side-band alloy

The process of decomposition in a Cu-25 mass pct Ni-15 mass pet Co alloy has been investigated by X-ray diffraction, optical and electron microscopy, and hardness measurements. The alloy first decomposedvia spinodal decomposition, followed by a set of complex cellular-like reactions. X-ray diffraction results showed that side bands exist even after the spinodal microstructure has been completely replaced by the cellular-like microstructure. TEM showed that the cellular-like microstructure had a fiber-like appearance with high degree of periodicity. It is this structure which gives rise to the side bands in the X-ray diffraction pattern late in the transformation process. The primary cells engulfed the entire matrix after a short time of aging and were followed by secondary and tertiary cells. During these later reactions the fiber spacing increased and the composition of the phases reached their equilibrium values. This cellular-like transformation is different from the conventional cellular precipitation, and is interpreted as the preferential growth of part of the spinodal microstructure which is near the grain boundary, due to grain boundary migration. We call this type of cellular transformation in the spinodal alloys “cellular decomposition”.
The situated self and the negotiation of a “bad” identity in therapeutic foster care

Abstract This article presents one of the three main findings from twenty-three observations over four months. The study critically analyzed the naturally occurring discourse used in two foster homes between caregiver and youth to negotiate the self. Three main discourse genres included, “you're bad,” “boys to men,” and “learn the hard way.” This article focuses on the “you're bad” genre and the linguistic tools used to impose and refute the “bad” identity. The findings elicit theoretical considerations, such as addressing aspects of selfhood (e.g., behavioral demonstrations) apart from the naturally occurring day-to-day context within which the self developed (e.g., the pre-placement living environment). It is recommended that future discourse analytic research examines the ongoing development of self upon the return to the pre-placement living environment or other permanent environment.
Laser-produced plasma-based reflectometer for EUV metrology

An EUV/soft x-ray reflectometer is described which is based on a laser produced plasma source. Continuous wavelength scans in the range 4 nm to 40 nm are possible using a spherical grating monochromator. Focusing optics enable sub-millimeter illumination spot sizes to be achieved at the sample. Rotation and translation stages allow measurements to be made from grazing incidence to 85 degrees on samples as large as 200 mm diameter.
Terminal reliability using binary decision diagrams

Terminal reliability has been a topic of research for the last three decades. Several techniques for determining terminal reliability are available in literature. Binary decision diagrams have attracted the attention of several digital logic research workers. The objective of this paper is to illustrate how binary decision diagrams can be exploited for determining terminal reliability of networks.
A method to analyze the surface of microcapsules using diffuse reflectance

AbstractThe diffuse reflectance of infra-red energy from microcapsules was shown to be a useful analytical technique to study the structural properties of microcapsules. The technique of diffuse reflectance is unique in that the anisotropic nature of reflected light enables spectral differences to be explained on the basis of molecular orientation. As a result of the collection and analysis of diffuse spectra, spectral differences that may correspond to structural differences in the capsule wall structure were found to be dependent on the core material. More specifically, in microcapsules of kaolin and talc, produced with a block copolymer of d-tartaric acid and 1,8-octanediol, the relative orientation of hydroxyl functional groups for the respective core materials differed by forty-nine degrees while carbonyl groups differed by 15 degrees.
Cortical effects of bromocriptine, a D‐2 dopamine receptor agonist, in human subjects, revealed by fMRI

Studies of human subjects performing cognitive tasks on and off dopaminergic drugs have suggested a specific role of dopamine in cognitive processes, particularly in working memory and prefrontal "executive" functions. However, the cortical effects of these drugs have been poorly understood. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine both task-specific and general changes in cortical activity associated with bromocriptine, a selective agonist for D-2 dopamine receptors. Bromocriptine resulted in task-specific modulations of task-related activity in three cognitive tasks. Across tasks, the overall effect of the drug was to reduce task-related activity. We also observed drug effects on behavior that correlated with individual differences in memory span. We argue that bromocriptine may show both task-specific modulation and task-general inhibition of neural activity due to dopaminergic neurotransmission.
Location of Diphenylhexatriene (DPH) and Its Derivatives within Membranes: Comparison of Different Fluorescence Quenching Analyses of Membrane Depth†

The average membrane location of a series of diphenylhexatriene (DPH)-derived membrane probes was analyzed by measuring the quenching of DPH fluorescence with a series of nitroxide-labeled lipids i...
The Loop Connecting Metal-Binding Domains 3 and 4 of ATP7B Is a Target of a Kinase-Mediated Phosphorylation

Cu-ATPase ATP7B (Wilson’s disease protein) transports copper into the trans-Golgi network for biosynthetic incorporation into ceruloplasmin and sequesters excess copper to endocytic vesicles for further export out of the cell. The activity and intracellular location of ATP7B are regulated by copper levels; the trafficking of ATP7B between cellular compartments is coupled to changes in the level of protein phosphorylation. Neither the nature of the kinase(s) phosphorylating ATP7B nor the location of phosphorylation sites is known. We demonstrate that the membrane-bound ATP7B is phosphorylated by an ATP-dependent, GTP-independent kinase that can be either soluble or membrane-associated. Mg2+ or Mn2+ is necessary for kinase activity. We further show that the recombinant N-terminal domain of ATP7B (N-ATP7B) is a specific target for a kinase-mediated phosphorylation in vitro and in cells. Although exogenous addition of copper is not required for kinase activity, copper binding to N-ATP7B markedly alters the exposure of loops connecting the metal-binding subdomains (MBDs) to proteolysis and facilitates phosphorylation by 25–30%. MBD1–2 and MBD4–5 linkers become protected, while MBD2–3 and MBD3–4 regions remain exposed. A significant, 5-fold increase in the level of phosphorylation is also observed for the ATP7B variant that lacks the 29 kDa N-terminal fragment (mostly likely comprised of MBD1–3). Analysis of phosphorylated peptides by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry points to the loop connecting MBD3 andMBD4 as a region of phosphorylation. Altogether, the results suggest a mechanism in which kinase-mediated phosphorylation of ATP7B is controlled by a conformational state of N-ATP7B.
On computing time-to-collision for automation scenarios

Time to collision (TTC) has been a key vehicle safety metric for decades. With the increasing prevalence of advanced driver assistance systems and vehicle automation, TTC and many related metrics are being applied to the analysis of more complicated scenarios, as well as being integrated into automation algorithms. While the TTC metric was originally conceived to be inclusive of generic two-dimensional situations, its applications has been mostly limited to one-dimensional scenarios. This paper derives general equations and algorithms using two-dimensional information. Additionally, methods from computational geometry, a field that didn't exist when TTC was first used, are employed for the general case of computing TTC between bounding boxes. Parametric equations for lines play a prominent role and offer an elegant way to express the geometry of the scenarios described in this paper. Throughout, the approach is not to derive specific algebraic conditions as in previous efforts. Rather, the focus in on developing general algorithms for computation. The techniques presented are not necessary for traditional car following scenarios; but offer options for more complex situations that trade off analytic solutions for computational flexibility.
ACROMEGALIC ARTHROPATHY. A CASE REPORT.

A case history of a patient with an eosinophilic pituitary adenoma is presented, in which joint symptoms dominated much of the course. The diagnosis of acromegaly was made 13 years after an initial, erroneous diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. The end result in this case has been severely disabling hypertrophic disease of the hip joints. Es presentate le historia clinic de un patiente con un eosinophilic adenoma pituitari in le qual symptomas articulari dominava un grande parte del evolution del morbo. Le diagnose de acromegalia esseva facite 13 annos le erronee diagnose initial de arthritis rheumatoidee. Le ultime resultato esseva un severmente invalidante morbo hypertrophic del articulation coxal.
The as-yet unfulfilled promise of p38 MAPK inhibitors

Clinical tests of the novel small-molecule inhibitor of p38α MAPK, VX-702, have resulted in an all-too-familiar outcome: modest clinical efficacy and transient inhibition of inflammatory markers. Why have p38α inhibitors failed, and what can we learn about the regulation of signal transduction pathways in inflammatory arthritis?
Psychiatric Day Hospital Treatment of Terminally Ill Patients

The psychiatric Day Hospital offers a forum for working out bereavement issues of terminally ill patients. Through individual and group psychotherapy, patients and their families are assisted in coping with the issues of death and dying. Coordination of medical, surgical, and psychiatric treatment of dying patients is enhanced by Day Hospital educational and treatment programs which afford continuity of care at the interface area between treatment specialties.
Immersive teleconferencing: a new algorithm to generate seamless panoramic video imagery

This paper presents a new algorithm for immersive teleconferencing, which addresses the problem of registering and blending multiple images together to create a single seamless panorama. In the immersive teleconference paradigm, one frame of the teleconference is a panorama that is constructed from a compound-image sensing device. These frames are rendered at the remote site on a projection surface that surrounds the user, creating an immersive feeling of presence and participation in the teleconference. Our algorithm efficiently creates panoramic frames for a teleconference session that are both geometrically registered and intensity blended. We demonstrate a prototype that is able to capture images from a compound-image sensor, register them into a seamless panoramic frame, and render those panoramic frames on a projection surface at 30 frames per second.
Imino proton exchange rates imply an induced-fit binding mechanism for the VEGF165-targeting aptamer, Macugen.

The 2′-fluoro/2′-O-methyl modified RNA aptamer Macugen is a potent inhibitor of the angiogenic regulatory protein, VEGF165. Macugen binds with high affinity to the heparin-binding domain (HBD) of VEGF165. Hydrogen exchange rates of the imino protons were measured for free Macugen and Macugen bound to the HBD or full-length VEGF to better understand the mechanism for high affinity binding. The results here show that the internal loop and hairpin loop of Macugen are highly dynamic in the free state and are greatly stabilized and/or protected from solvent upon protein binding.
EUS-FNA assessment of extramesenteric lymph node status in primary rectal cancer.

Background Preoperative staging is an essential factor in the multidisciplinary management of rectal cancer. The accuracy of imaging alone with CT, magnetic resonance imaging, or rigid endorectal US is poor. The addition of EUS-FNA may enhance extramesenteric lymph node metastases detection (M1 disease) and overall staging accuracy. Objective To evaluate the frequency of extramesenteric lymph node visualization by EUS and the rate of extramesenteric lymph node metastases by FNA. Secondary goals were to evaluate the clinical, endoscopic, and sonographic features associated with extramesenteric lymph node metastases, disease progression, and overall mortality. Design Retrospective cohort study. Settings Tertiary referral center. Results Forty-one of 316 patients (13%) with primary rectal cancer over a 6-year period had M1 disease by EUS-FNA. Significant clinical, endoscopic, and sonographic features associated with extramesenteric lymph node metastases included the serum carcinoembryonic antigen level, tumor length 4 cm and longer, annularity 50% or more, sessile morphology, and lymph node size. The sensitivity and specificity of CT for extramesenteric lymph node metastases were 44% and 89%, respectively. Twenty-three of 316 rectal cancer endosonographic procedures (7.3%) were up-staged by FNA, which established extramesenteric lymph node metastases. Over a 4-year follow-up, disease progression and overall mortality of patients with extramesenteric lymph node metastases was observed in 6 patients (14.6%) and 14 patients (34%), respectively. Conclusions Preoperative EUS-FNA identification of extramesenteric lymph node metastases outside of standard radiation fields or total mesorectal excision resection margins could affect medical and surgical planning.
Theoretical note: Use of signal detection theory to clarify problems of evaluating performance in industry

Abstract Signal detection theory was used to assess two recent studies of industrial performance. Gordon (1970) found raters to be significantly more accurate in identifying correct as compared to incorrect performance in a simulated sales task. The detection model suggested that this differential accuracy of raters could be manipulated in a predictable way by varying (a) the rater's expectancy concerning the likelihood of correct behavior, and (b) his payoff matrix. Harris (1968) concluded that the accuracy of inspectors in detecting defective items changed with the quality of the product. A signal detection analysis of Harris' data did not support this conclusion but did suggest deficiencies in one of his indices of inspection accuracy.
THE FALLACY OF "TWO YEARS BELOW GRADE LEVEL FOR AGE" AS A DIAGNOSTIC CRITERION FOR READING DISORDERS

Abstract The use of grade equivalent scores contrasted against grade placement is widespread in the diagnosis of dyslexia and other reading disabilities. This method substantially overstates disabilities at upper grade levels while underestimating the severity of difficulties in the early grades. Other difficulties and difficulties and distortions of this methods are also pointed out. An accurate, alternative method for reliably determining aptitude/achievement discrepancies is presented and its use discussed.
Alterations in tyrosine hydroxylase expression following partial lesions of the nigrostriatal bundle

Effects of destruction of central dopaminergic neurons on tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression were investigated. Two weeks after the unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle, a 67% to 99% loss of striatal dopamine (DA) content was observed ipsilateral to the injection site. Measures of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein levels revealed losses in striatal content proportional to DA content. Striatal dihydroxylphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) was somewhat less affected, resulting in 2- to 4-fold increases in the striatal DOPAC/DA ratio, depending on the severity of the lesion. Morphologically, surviving TH-positive substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) neurons were more rounded than contralateral control cells, and exhibited decreases in cross-sectional area that were proportional to the loss of striatal DA. Measures of cytoplasmic TH mRNA levels in surviving neurons by in situ hybridization autoradiography revealed a significant 23% decrease in TH content per cell that could be correlated to lesion size. The decreases in cross-sectional area and TH mRNA content resulted in a small decrease in TH mRNA density of 6%. The determination of TH transcription rate by an intron-directed in situ hybridization assay found no significant change in TH transcriptional activity as a function of lesion. We conclude that the short-term effect of partial 6-OHDA-induced lesions of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway is the selective loss or shrinkage of large DA neurons of the SNc, and that the associated down-regulation of TH mRNA expression in surviving neurons is due to a post-transcriptional mechanism related either to concomitant cellular hyperactivity or is secondary to the morphological alterations.
An in vitro system for studying potential biological mechanisms of human sex differences in susceptibility to acute liver injury

Women are more susceptible than men to acute liver injury from drugs and other xenobiotics. The biological mechanisms for this sex difference are unknown, but known sex differences in steroid hormone levels and immune response could play a role. A human hepatocyte cell line, HepG2, was cultured for 8 days in either a male hormone, female hormone, or sex hormone-free medium. The cells were then exposed to a mixture of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, TNFalpha) for 72h to simulate acute inflammation. Cell viability (total DNA) and various metabolic functions (reactive oxygen species (ROS), neutral and polar lipid (PL) accumulation, mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome P450 (CYP) activities) were measured fluorometrically. Acute phase proteins (albumin, IL-1ra) were measured in the culture medium by ELISA. This model gave both significant hormone only effects (ROS, PL accumulation) and cytokine only effects (total DNA, CYP1A, neutral and PL accumulation, albumin, IL-1ra) consistent with known biological responses. Significant hormone-cytokine interactions were observed for several endpoints (total DNA, ROS, neutral and PL accumulation, albumin). These findings suggest that sex hormones and pro-inflammatory cytokines can interact to alter liver metabolism in ways that may contribute to the marked sex difference in susceptibility to chemical-induced acute liver injury.
The Treasure Valley secondary aerosol study II: modeling of the formation of inorganic secondary aerosols and precursors for southwestern Idaho

Abstract Many locations with very high mixing ratios of ammonia, nitrogen oxides and relatively low sulfate mixing ratios are found in urban areas of the western United States during the wintertime. These urban areas may also experience episodes with high humidity with high levels of secondary inorganic ammonium nitrate particles. Photochemical simulations of the formation of secondary sulfate and ammonium nitrate aerosol were made to investigate possible secondary particle control strategies for Treasure Valley, Idaho. The simulation conditions were based on the field study of Kuhns et al. (Atmos. Environ. 2002, this issue). It was found that under these conditions that almost all of the sulfate and approximately 95% of the nitric acid would be found in the particulate phase. Reductions in the emission rates of volatile organic compounds were found to be most effective in reducing secondary inorganic aerosol concentrations while reductions in nitrogen oxide emission rates would be expected to increase aerosol concentrations. This response of aerosol formation rates is due to the effects of the nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compound emission rates on the concentration of hydroxyl radical mixing ratios.
Estrogen receptor (ER) beta regulates ERalpha expression in stromal cells derived from ovarian endometriosis.

Context: Estradiol and its nuclear receptors, estrogen receptor (ER) α and ERβ, play critical roles in endometrium and endometriosis. Levels of ERβ, due to pathological hypomethylation of its promoter, are significantly higher in endometriotic vs. endometrial tissue and stromal cells, whereas ERα levels are lower in endometriosis. Estradiol regulates ERα gene expression via its alternatively used promoters A, B, and C. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether high levels of ERβ in endometriotic stromal cells from ovarian endometriomas regulate ERα gene expression. Results: ERβ knockdown significantly increased ERα mRNA and protein levels in endometriotic stromal cells. Conversely, ERβ overexpression in endometrial stromal cells decreased ERα mRNA and protein levels. ERβ knockdown significantly decreased proliferation of endometriotic stromal cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that estradiol enhanced ERβ binding to nonclassical activator protein 1 and specificity protein 1 motifs in the ERα gene promoters A and C and a classic estrogen response element in promoter B in endometriotic stromal cells. Conclusions: High levels of ERβ suppress ERα expression and response to estradiol in endometrial and endometriotic stromal cells via binding to classic and nonclassic DNA motifs in alternatively used ERα promoters. ERβ also regulates cell cycle progression and might contribute to proliferation of endometriotic stromal cells. We speculate that a significantly increased ratio of ERβ:ERα in endometriotic tissues may also suppress progesterone receptor expression and contribute to progesterone resistance. Thus, ERβ may serve as a significant therapeutic target for endometriosis.
Effect of menopause hormone therapy on disease progression in systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review.

Abstract Objective To review the literature pertaining to the effect of postmenopausal hormone therapy on disease progression in women with systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods We performed a systematic review using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 1990 to December 2013 for observational studies and randomized clinical trials that study the effect of hormone therapy on the occurrence of flares in menopausal patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The screenings of titles and abstracts, full text review, and risk of bias assessments were done by two independent reviewers. Results A total of 12,548 articles were identified. After title and abstract screening and removal of duplicates, 692 articles were retrieved for full text review. Five studies were deemed eligible for inclusion in the analysis, and the methodological quality was assessed. Two of the studies were randomized controlled trials and three were observational studies. One randomized controlled trial found that menopausal women who received hormone therapy were at a higher risk for developing minor to moderate flares of systemic lupus erythematosus. In the other four studies, there was no significant difference in systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity between hormone therapy and non-hormone therapy users. Conclusions Hormone therapy in menopausal patients with systemic lupus erythematosus appears to be well tolerated. While there is some evidence supporting an increase in risk of mild to moderate flares among hormone therapy users, no association was identified between hormone therapy use and severe disease flares. In addition, hormone therapy was associated with significant improvement in menopausal symptoms and quality of life. Larger trials are required to assess the long-term effects of hormone therapy on the course of systemic lupus erythematosus in menopausal patients and to identify patient characteristics associated with an increased risk of flares in the setting of hormone therapy exposure.
Onboard Generation of Three-Dimensional Constrained Entry Trajectories

A methodology for very fast design of three-degree-of-freedom (3DOF) entry trajectories subject to all common inequality and equality constraints is developed. The approach makes novel use of the quasi-equilibrium glide phenomenon in lifting entry as a centerpiece for effective and efficient enforcement of the inequality constraints. The highly constrained nonlinear trajectory planning problem is decomposed into two sequential one-parameter search problems. The algorithm is able to generate a complete and feasible 3DOF entry trajectory of 25-min flight time in about 2-3 s on a desktop computer, given the entry conditions, values of constraint parameters, and final conditions. High-fidelity numerical simulations with a reusable launch vehicle model for various entry missions and trajectory planning using the space shuttle model are presented to demonstrate the capability and effectiveness of the algorithm.
Building shared visions for sustainable communities

Since 1999 over 7000 residents in nine Ohio communities have engaged in sustainable community visioning processes designed and facilitated by the Ohio State University Extension faculty. These init...
ACS chemical neuroscience molecule spotlight on ELND006: another γ-secretase inhibitor fails in the clinic.

ELND006 is a novel γ-secretase inhibitor by Elan Corporation that was in the clinic as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The clinical trial for ELND006 was halted in October 2010 due to liver side effects that are thought to be unrelated to the mechanism of action. However, this represents another small molecule γ-secretase inhibitor that has failed in clinical trials (semagacestat) (http://newsroom.lilly.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=499794) which raises serious questions regarding this mechanism for the treatment of AD.
A Prospective Randomized Trial of Aspirin in Femoral Popiteal and Tibial Bypass Grafts

A prospective, randomized clinical trial to study the effect of aspirin on late patency of femoral popliteal and tibial bypass grafts is reported. One hundred limbs in 93 patients were randomized to receive daily 650 mgs aspirin postoperatively (ASA, n = 45) or no aspirin (NASA, n = 55). Indication for surgery was limb salvage in 88% and poor runoff (0-1 vessel) was present in 68%. Graft material consisted of autogenous vein (AV) in 63, expanded PTFE in 82 and composite grafts in five limbs. Distal anastomosis was to the popliteal artery in 72 limbs, tibial vessels in 19 and sequential in nine limbs. Patient followup ranged from 1-51 months (mean 12.97). Sixteen (16%) grafts occluded late, eight each in the ASA and NASA groups, (p greater than .05). No significant differences in graft patency existed between ASA and NASA groups in limbs with AV (88.5% vs 92.9%) or PTFE grafts (74% vs 62%) (p greater than .05). A total of 21 (19%) anastomoses occluded. No differences were noted between ASA and NASA limbs, although patency in AV was greater than PTFE (p less than .05). Cumulative patency rates were 84.4% at 12 months, 81.5% at 24 months, 67.3% at 36 months and 52.4% at 48 months (ASA vs NASA, p greater than .05). Therefore, daily administration of 650 mgs of aspirin did not appear to influence late graft patency of femoral popliteal and tibial AV or PTFE bypass grafts at a mean followup period of 12.97 months.
A Mathematical Model of Auxin-mediated Radial Growth in Trees

A mathematical model is presented to describe the coupling between the concentration of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in the cambial region of a tree branch and the radial expansion of the branch during active growth. The main features of the model are (1) the branch cambium is treated as an approximately cylindrical surface of negligible thickness, (2) the rate of radial growth is proportional to the mass of IAA per unit area on the cambial surface, and (3) IAA is transported basipetally through the cambium at a constant speed. We neglect the role of elastic strains in the determination of branch shape, and the effects of IAA synthesis and metabolization in the cambium, so the model is not quantitatively accurate. However, the model does reproduce several important qualitative features of tree growth including the approximate area-preserving property of tree branch junctions and the ability of a branch to maintain its shape despite perturbations due to injury.
Towards an Understanding of the Process and Mechanisms of Change in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Linking Innovative Methodology with Fundamental Questions.

There is now consistent evidence to support the efficacy of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) to reduce clinical symptoms and improve quality of life across a wide variety of clinical problems (Butler, Chapman, Formen, & Beck, 2006). This outcome research typically relies on a pretreatment-posttreatment design and follow-up assessments at fixed intervals beyond post-test. These outcome studies have been important in answering questions about if a treatment works and, to some extent, for whom it works. However, these designs provide much less information about the mechanisms of treatment—why or how an intervention works. There has been a resurgence of interest in studying what happens between the pretreatment and posttreatment assessment—the process of change—and a recognition of the important role of this research in treatment development.
Preparation of oligonucleotides without aldehyde abasic sites

High-quality oligonucleotides are obtained by selective modification of sequences containing aldehyde apurinic sites with a new chromatographic tag followed by RP-HPLC separation. Hydroxylamine derivative 1 of a water soluble nonionic surfactant modifies oligonucleotides selectively at abasic sites leading to significantly increased retention.
Personalization and visualization on handheld devices

The small screen size of handheld mobile devices poses an inherent problem in visualizing data: very often it is too difficult and unpleasant to navigate through the plethora of presented information. This paper presents a novel approach to personalized and adaptive content presentation for handheld devices, which has been implemented in a mobile financial application system based on a 3-tier architecture. The approach is independent of wireless networks and mobile devices. It utilizes a combination of user profiling, data clustering, and visualization techniques (fisheye and semantic zooming), enhancing the understandability of the data and improving the usability of the device.
Case Studies of Children Using Fast ForWord

We report five case studies in which the children were enrolled in Fast ForWord (FFW). The purpose of the case studies was twofold: (a) to obtain independent objective data with the commercially available computer-based language intervention program, FFW; and (b) to identify patterns of performance with FFW related to the children's pre-intervention language profiles. Five children (3 boys, 2 girls) between the ages of 5;10 and 9;2 (years; months) enrolled in a private school for children with language-learning difficulties participated. Outcome measures included both standard scores from general tests of language and measures taken from language-sample analyses. There were modest changes in standardized measures of language after experience with FFW for 3 of the 5 children using the criterion of 95 % confidence interval. There were no clinically significant changes in language sample measures. Several interesting patterns of response to FFW intervention are discussed.
Outlawing time machines: Chronology protection theorems

At the outset I want to distinguish between two questions which are often run together: (1) Is time travel possible? and (2) Is it possible to operate a time machine? Each question can be treated in various contexts. The context I will explore here is provided by the classical form of the general theory of relativity (GTR), although towards the end I will make some remarks about the implications of quantum theory and quantum gravity.
Stereospecific synthesis of the C(3)-C(10) segment of aplasmomycin from (R)-pulegone

Abstract A key subunit of aplasmomycin comprising C3-C10 of the symmetrical macrodiolide structure has been synthesized in optically pure form by two routes from (R)-(+)-pulegone.
Dietary restriction in Drosophila is dependent on mitochondrial efficiency and constrained by pre-existing extended longevity.

Abstract We tested the effects of dietary restriction (DR) on the standard w 1118 strain as well as on our previously described Ra and La strains and their reciprocal isogenic ‘cybrid’ lines containing heterologous nuclear–mitochondrial combinations. The w 1118 and Ra strains, but neither the La strains nor their ‘cybrid’ derivatives, are DR-inducible. The Ra and La animals are more robust than the w 1118 animals, and the Ra strain shows an upward shift in its DR threshold. The non-inducibility of the La strain suggests that it expresses a constituitive version of the inducible DR phenotype of its predecessor Ra strain. The difference in mitochondrial efficiency observed between the Ra and La mitochondria ( Ross, 2000 ) has real effects on longevity in the adults: the presence of the more efficient La mitochondria enhances the longevity of an otherwise Ra animal; while the maximum longevity inherent in the La nuclear information cannot be fully expressed in the presence of the Ra mitochondria. Despite the absence of any demographic mathematical parameters robustly and uniquely associated with extended longevity, there are some common trends in that longer lived cohorts have a longer period of low and often constant early life mortality rates (comprising the “health span”), leading to a delayed onset of senescence as noted by the late life increase in age-specific mortality rates (comprising the “senescence span”). There is a genetic basis to this phenotype, but the context-dependence of the demographic data suggests that there is not likely to be only one mechanism or pathway involved in the DR response. In addition, the presence of live yeast had systemic strain specific effects such that it increased longevity in the w 1118 animals but decreased it in the Ra and derived lines. Higher density (4–10×) foods yielded a decreased longevity in all strains at the highest level, showing that malnutrition occurs at both low and high caloric levels.
Initiation and Propagation of Molecular Cascades in Human Brain Aging: Insight from the Canine Model to Promote Successful Aging

1. Normal aging is thought to proceed through two stages: initiation and propagation. Each of these phases is associated with different neuroanatomical events, vulnerabilities to injury and responsiveness to interventions. 2. The role of beta-amyloid (Abeta) in neuron dysfunction in the initiation stage may be mediated through alterations in signal transduction pathways involving cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB). CREB phosphorylation is associated with the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes neuron health and survival. In primary neuronal cultures, Abeta decreases the phosphorylation of CREB, which results in up to a 31% decrease in BDNF levels. 3. In vivo studies also support a role for Abeta in neuron dysfunction since soluble Abeta levels correlate with the loss of synapses in brains of non-demented humans with high pathology. 4. The authors hypothesize that interventions during the initiation stage, when neuron dysfunction, but not overt pathology, is present, have the most promise to promote successful aging. The dog can serve as a useful model for interventions during the initiation stage since dogs develop neuropathology that closely resembles that observed in high pathology human brains.
LAMELLAR BODIES AND SURFACTANT PHOSPHOLIPIDS AFTER PULMONARY ARTERY OCCLUSION AND REPERFUSION

22 dogs were anesthetized (sodium pentabarbital), intubated with a Carlens double lumen endotracheal tube and ventilated mechanically (Vt=15ml/kg) in the supine position. Nine animals underwent 2 to 24 hrs of balloon left pulmonary artery occlusion (LPAO), 8 had LPAO of 2 to 12 hrs followed by 6 hrs of reperfusion, and 5 served as controls. PaCO2, pH and PaO2 were maintained in the normal range. At necropsy the right and left lungs were lavaged with 0.9% NaCl and tissue was obtained for phospholipid analysis and electron microscopy (EM). Phospholipids were separated by 2 dimensional thin layer chromatography on silica gel H. Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidyiserine, phosphatidyl inositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and sphingomyelin were measured as phosphate and by densitometry.
Decomposition of a Multi‐Peroxidic Compound: Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP)

13 s 1 . Under all conditions the principle decomposition products were acetone (about 2 mole per mole TATP in the gas-phase and 2.5 ± 2.6 mole per mole in condensed-phase) and carbon dioxide. Minor products included some ascribed to reactions of methyl radical: ethane, methanol, 2-butanone, ethyl acetate; these increased at high temperature. Methyl acetate and acetic acid were also formed in the decomposition of neat TATP; the former was more evident in the gasphase decompositions (151C and 230C) and the latter in the condensed-phase decompositions (151C). The decomposition of TATP in condensed-phase or in hydrogen-donating solvents enhanced acetone production, suppressed CO2 production, and slightly increased the rate constant (a factor of 2 ± 3). All observations were interpreted in terms of decomposition pathways initiated by OO homolysis.
Moodle as a Data Portal in a Study of Cultural Relevance in K-2 Mathematics.

Abstract This article describes a multiyear research project involving practicing K–2 teachers and the incorporation of Moodle as a qualitative data portal. Utilizing a case study of two participants, findings from the Moodle-facilitated data point known as “e-forum” are used to examine whether the community-building goal of the research was realized, and to describe the nature of each teacher's orientation toward cultural relevance, a central theme of the study.
Optimization models for differentiating quality of service levels in probabilistic network capacity design problems

Abstract This paper develops various chance-constrained models for optimizing the probabilistic network design problem (PNDP), where we differentiate the quality of service (QoS) and measure the related network performance under uncertain demand. The upper level problem of PNDP designs continuous/discrete link capacities shared by multi-commodity flows, and the lower level problem differentiates the corresponding QoS for demand satisfaction, to prioritize customers and/or commodities. We consider PNDP variants that have either fixed flows (formulated at the upper level) or recourse flows (at the lower level) according to different applications. We transform each probabilistic model into a mixed-integer program, and derive polynomial-time algorithms for special cases with single-row chance constraints. The paper formulates benchmark stochastic programming models by either enforcing to meet all demand or penalizing unmet demand via a linear penalty function. We compare different models and approaches by testing randomly generated network instances and an instance built on the Sioux–Falls network. Numerical results demonstrate the computational efficacy of the solution approaches and derive managerial insights.
Linear Magnitudes Estimated via Expense of Incompletely Defined Potential Energy were Likely Overestimated by over 3.48

Since former definition of work done by any radial/center-bound (central) force field (and consequently thus also of the corresponding to it expense of potential energy of the field) was incompletely defined (so that these two basic notions were valid only for purely radial phenomena), some indirect estimations of those linear magnitudes that relied on the former (incomplete yet always presumed as total) potential energy may have been overestimated. New, operationally complete and thus mathematically lawful definition of total rate of work done by the field implies presence of a certain (experimentally observed but formerly quite unanticipated and thus routinely unaccounted for) nonradial angular contribution to the total potential energy. Hence some previous calculations of those linear magnitudes, which were indirectly estimated via expense of potential energy spent on the work done, may have been quite inadvertently overrated by over 3.48 %. This was because the extra potential energy that is spent on twisting the path that is deflected by the source of the field was disregarded in the former, incomplete definition of work done, even though such nonradial twisting is generally required by proven Frenet-Serret formulas of differential geometry. This present assessment is based upon purely mathematical premises, but similar prior nonradial angular formula utilized here has already retrodicted the 10.56 % excess over Einstein’s prediction of deflection of light that was observed in several unbiased experiments, and it has reconciled some other experiments that could neither be explained nor reconciled by general theory of relativity, which, as radial by design, does not account for nonradial or mixed phenomena.
Computer architectures for a real-time passive ranging algorithm

The complexity of rotorcraft missions involving operations close to the ground result in high pilot workload. In order to allow a pilot time to perform mission-oriented tasks, sensor-aiding and automation of some of the guidance and control functions is highly desirable. Images from an electro-optical sensor provide a covert way of detecting objects in the flight path of a low-flying helicopter. Passive ranging consists of processing a sequence of images using techniques based on optical flow computation and recursive estimation. The passive ranging algorithm has to extract obstacle information from imagery at rates varying from five to thirty or more frames per second depending on the helicopter speed. We have implemented and tested the passive ranging algorithm off-line using helicopter images. However, the real-time data and computational requirements of the algorithm are beyond the capability of any off-the-shelf microprocessor or digital signal processor. This paper describes the computational requirements of the algorithm and uses parallel processing technology to meet this requirement. Various issues in the selection of a parallel processing architecture are discussed and four different computer architectures are evaluated regarding their suitability to process the algorithm in real-time. Based on this evaluation, we conclude that real-time passive ranging is a realistic goal and can be achieved within a short time. >
Sequential Fixed Width Confidence Intervals for the Offset Between Two Network Clocks

Abstract Estimation of the offset between two network clocks has received a lot of attention in the literature, with the motivating force being data networking applications that require synchronous communication protocols. Statistical modeling techniques have been used to develop improved estimation algorithms, with a recent development being the construction of a confidence interval based on a fixed sample size. Lacking in the fixed sample size confidence interval procedures is a useable relationship between sample size and the width of the resulting confidence interval. Were that available, an optimum sample size could be determined to achieve a specified level of precision in the estimator and thereby improve the efficiency of the estimation procedure by reducing unnecessary overhead in the network that is associated with collecting the data used by the estimation schemes. A fixed sample size confidence interval that has a prescribed width is not available for this problem. However, in this paper we de...
Pre-shaped fuzzy c-means algorithm (PFCM) for transparent membership function generation

The fuzzy c-means algorithm (FCM) is widely used in the generation of membership functions from historical data. However, most of FCM-based membership function generation algorithms consider little on the transparency or the understandability of the resulting membership functions. In other words, there is inconsistency in generating membership functions using traditional FCM algorithm. This paper proposes a pre-shaped fuzzy c-means algorithm (PFCM) to generate more transparent membership functions. PFCM will preserve the predefined transparent shapes of membership functions during the process of the optimization of the clustering algorithm. Numeric experiments based on data collected in a real project demonstrate the feasibility and superiority of the proposed new algorithm.
DECLINING VIOLENT CRIME RATES IN THE 1990S: Predicting Crime Booms and Busts

▪ Abstract The United States in the 1990s has experienced the greatest sustained decline in violent crime rates since World War II—even though rates thus far have not fallen as rapidly as they increased during the crime boom of the 1960s and early 1970s. I review a set of exogenous and policy-related explanations for the earlier crime boom and for the crime bust of the 1990s. I argue that our understanding of crime trends is hampered by a lack of longitudinal analysis and by ahistorical approaches. I identify a set of questions, concepts, and research opportunities raised by taking a more comprehensive look at crime waves.
Improved media for normal human muscle satellite cells: serum-free clonal growth and enhanced growth with low serum.

We have developed a serum-free medium for clonal growth of normal human muscle satellite cells (HMSC). It consists of an optimized nutrient medium MCDB 120, plus a serum-free supplement, designated SF, that contains epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin, dexamethasone, bovine serum albumin, and fetuin. Fibroblast growth factor was needed with dialyzed fetal bovine serum (dFBS) as the only other supplement, but in media containing SF, it was only slightly beneficial, and was omitted from the final medium without significant loss. Clonal growth of HMSC in MCDB 120 plus SF is as good as with 15% serum and 0.5% chicken embryo or bovine pituitary extract. However, growth is further improved by use of a doubly-supplemented (DS) medium containing both SF and 5% dFBS. Clonal growth of HMSC in the DS medium far exceeds that in previous media with any amount of serum, and monolayer growth is at least equal to that in conventional media with higher levels of serum. Cells grown in these media exhibit little differentiation, even when grown to high densities. However, they retain the capacity for extensive fusion and synthesis of increased creatine kinase when transferred to a serum-free differentiation-promoting medium, such as Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium plus insulin. All experiments were done with clonal cultures of HMSC to insure that observed growth responses were always those of muscle cells.