cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Self-Care Framework for Social Workers: Building a Strong Foundation for Practice:

Self-care is widely recognized as critical to social work practice, yet little empirical support or practical guidance exists in the literature to steer social workers in its implementation. Self-care may not only be crucial in preventing secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and high staff turnover, but it can serve as a means of empowerment that enables practitioners to proactively and intentionally negotiate their overall health, well-being, and resilience. The purpose of this article is threefold: (a) to explore current conceptualizations of self-care; (b) to provide a clear conceptual definition of and an applied framework for self-care; and (c) to explicate the utility of this framework for social work practitioners, students, educators, and social service agencies& supervisors and administrators.
Automated prostate localization in external-beam radiotherapy using mutual information-based registration of treatment planning CT and daily 3D ultrasound images

Abstract The accuracy of mutual information-based registration for automatic alignment of planning CT and daily 3D ultrasound images is evaluated. The results show the importance of preprocessing both the CT and the daily 3D ultrasound images to maximize registration accuracy. Contours traced by experts for treatment planning were used as a priori information for contrast enhancement in the CT images. Furthermore, the CT and daily 3D ultrasound datasets were filtered using edge preserving anisotropic diffusion filtering. The study also compared the accuracy of rigid registration with three or six degrees of freedom against elastic registration based on a deformation field modelled using B-Splines. Experiments with clinical images of wide ranging image quality acquired using a SonArray™ system achieved success ratios in estimating the prostate shifts of 80%, 60% and 93% for rigid registration with three or six degrees of freedom and elastic registration respectively.
Superstring perturbation theory and Ramond-Ramond backgrounds

We consider perturbative type II superstring theory in the covariant NSR formalism in the presence of NSNS and RR backgrounds. A concrete example that we have in mind is the geometry of D3-branes which in the near-horizon region is AdS{sub 5}{times}S{sub 5}, although our methods may be applied to other backgrounds as well. We show how conformal invariance of the string path integral is maintained order by order in the number of holes. This procedure makes uses of the Fischler-Susskind mechanism to build up the background geometry. A simple formal expression is given for a {sigma}-model Lagrangian. This suggests a perturbative expansion in 1/g{sup 2}N and 1/N. As applications, we consider at leading order the mixing of RR and NSNS states, and the realization of the spacetime supersymmetry algebra. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Sodium uranium(V) trioxide, NaUO3: heat capacity and thermodynamic properties from 5 to 350 K

Abstract The heat capacity of a sample of NaUO3 was determined in the temperature range 5 to 350 K by aneroid adiabatic calorimetry. The heat capacity at constant pressure Cpo(298.15 K), the entropy So(298.15 K), the enthalpy {Ho(298.15 K) − Ho(0)} and the function −{G o (298.15 K) − H o (0)} 298.15 K were found to be (108.87 ± 0.11) J K−1 mol−1, (132.84 ± 0.13) J K−1 mol−1, (20176 ± 20) J mol−1, and (65.17 ± 0.06) J K−1 mol−1, respectively. A non-isothermal peak in the heat capacity, probably correlated with magnetic ordering, was noted at (31 ± 1) K.
An axisymmetric interfacial tracking model for melting and resolidification in a thin metal film irradiated by ultrashort pulse lasers

Abstract A two dimensional axisymmetric, interfacial tracking method is developed to model rapid melting and solidification of a free standing metal film subjected to an ultra-short laser pulse. Finite volume method is employed to solve the coupled electron and lattice heat conduction equations together with the equations for ultrafast solid–liquid phase transformation, to calculate the location of solid–liquid interface and the temperature distribution in the metal film. The interfacial velocities, both melting and resolidification, in the ultra-fast phase change process are obtained by considering interfacial energy balance and the nucleation dynamics. Both the electron and lattice temperature in the metal film irradiated by Gaussian laser beams are computed and presented along the cylindrical coordinates. The effect of laser fluence and beam radius on melting and resolidification are also investigated. The results show that higher laser fluence leads to faster and deeper melting. With the distance to the center of the beam increasing, the melting depth reduces. In the early time of laser heating, larger beam radii with the same fluence will not cause higher electron temperature at the beam center but will lift the temperature in nearby area.
Sample size requirements for comparing time-to-failure among k treatment groups

Abstract Clinical trials are commonly undertaken to compare three or more treatment groups. In this paper sample size requirements are provided for the k group comparative clinical trial in which time-to-failure is the measure of treatment efficacy. Time-to-failure is assumed to have an exponential distribution and so these results generalize those of George and Desu. When the alternative hypothesis specifies only the magnitude of the largest difference among the treatment groups, a particularly simple expression is obtained. It is shown that heuristic use of sample size formulae or tables for comparing two treatment groups is not adequate for obtaining sufficient power and properly accounting for the multiple comparisons possible with k ⩾ 3 treatment groups.
Client Expectations About Couple Therapy

Little is known about the role of expectations in couple therapy. This manuscript provides the results of a qualitative inquiry into client expectations about couple therapy. Participants were 26 individuals representing 13 couples in couple therapy. Participants participated in semi-structured interviews four times: before the first, and after the second, third, and fourth sessions of therapy. Results of a discovery-focused qualitative content analysis of interview data suggested that participants formed pre-therapy expectations about their therapist, the therapy process, and the outcome of therapy. Expectations were generally stable over time, with most participants experiencing the confirmation of their expectations.
High-accuracy linear and circular polarization measurements at 21 cm

New high-accuracy linear and circular polarization measurements have been obtained for 27 small-diameter radio sources, using the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope at 21 cm (1415 MHz). From these and other observed properties of the sources, estimates of the average internal magnetic field strengths in the sources are made by applying the uniform synchrotron emission model to the measured circular polarization and by using equipartition arguments. These two values are compared and found to be in agreement to within an order of magnitude, as was previously found by Weiler and de Pater (1980). Also, the magnetic fields estimated from circular polarization measurements at two different wavelengths (49 and 21 cm) are compared and found to be in rough agreement, but with indications of differences between variable and nonvariable sources. A comparison of the magnitudes of linear and circular polarization in sources shows no correlations.
Implications of structural adjustment for Ghana's marine fisheries policy

Abstract The objective of this research was to determine the effects of a Structural Adjustment Program on the marine fisheries in Ghana, specifically on fishermen, fish production and fisheries management. An anthropological survey technique was used to gather information from fishermen and boat owners from four major fishing communities: Tema, Accra, Elmina and Cape Coast. Additional information was obtained from government agencies, commercial banks and the fishing community. The results of this study suggest that structural adjustment has created benefits, opportunities and constraints for the fisheries. The Ghanaian government, with the support of international donors, needs to address these issues to ensure that fisheries continue to play an important role in the economy and the diet of Ghanaians.
The Dynamic Assessment and Referral System for Substance Abuse (DARSSA): Development, functionality, and end-user satisfaction

The Dynamic Assessment and Referral System for Substance Abuse (DARSSA) conducts a computerized substance abuse assessment; prints personalized summary reports that include tailored substance abuse treatment referral lists; and, for individuals who provide authorization, automatically faxes their contact information to a "best match" substance abuse treatment provider (dynamic referral). After piloting the program and resolving problems that were noted, we enrolled a sample of 85 medical patients. The DARSSA identified 48 (56%) participants who were risky substance users, many of whom had not been identified during their routine medical assessment. Mean satisfaction scores for all domains ranged between "Good" to "Excellent" across patients, nurses, doctors, and substance abuse treatment providers The median completion time was 13 minutes. Of the 48 risky substance using participants, 20 (42%) chose to receive a dynamic referral. The DARSSA provides a user-friendly, desirable service for patients and providers. It has the potential to improve identification of substance abuse in medical settings and to provide referrals that would not routinely be provided. Future studies are planned to establish its efficacy at promoting treatment initiation and abstinence.
Genetic and molecular variation in the RpII215 region of Drosophila melanogaster

The RpII215 region of the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster was investigated to identify genetic functions and correlate these with the known molecular organization of the region. Five genetic loci were identified in a subregion that is reported to transcribe nine or more messages. One locus is nod, which causes meiotic abnormalities, and three other loci are recessive lethal mutations whose developmental lesions are unknown. The fifth and most mutable of the loci is RpII215, which encodes the 215,000 dalton subunit of RNA polymerase II. Mutant effects of RpII215 alleles include: temperature-dependent (heat and cold) survival, altered sensitivity to α-amanitin, male sterility, maternal effects and epistatic enhancement of mutant effects of other loci.
Monoclonal antibodies to the molluscan small cardioactive peptide SCPB: Immunolabeling of neurons in diverse invertebrates

We reported a development of murine monoclonal antibodies to a molluscan small cardioactive peptide (SCPB) and their application to immunolabeling of neurons in several molluscan and arthropod species. In vitro stimulations of mouse lymphocytes with SCPB conjugated to a carrier protein yielded exclusively IgM class antibodies; in vivo stimulation resulted in generation of both IgM and IgG classes of antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies of the IgM class labeled identified SCP-containing neuron B11 in the frozen sections of the buccal ganglia of Tritonia diomedia. These antibodies failed to stain any neurons in whole mount preparations. A monoclonal antibody of IgG1 subclass selectively labeled neurons in both frozen sections and whole mount preparations of diverse invertebrate species. Thus, neurons B11, B12, and GE1 and several other neurons of the buccal and gastroesophageal ganglia of T. diomedia bound the antibody, and a similar pattern of immunolabeling was found in the closely related gastropod Tritonia festiva. We also observed SCPB-like immunoreactivity in the central neurons of other nudibranch and pulmonate molluscs and in examples of insect (Acheta domesticus and Tehrmobia domestica) and crustacean (Semibalanus cariosus) classes of the Arthropoda. Our results suggest a specific pattern of distribution of SCPB-like immunoreactivity in the gastropod nervous system and a broad occurrence of SCPB-like antigenicity in the diverse invertebrates.
Effects of ethanol in an experimental model of combined traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock

Objectives: Given that clinical and laboratory studies suggest that ethanol and hemorrhagic shock (HS) potentiate traumatic brain injury (TBI), the authors studied the effects of ethanol in a model of combined TBI and HS. Methods: A controlled porcine model of combined TBI and HS was evaluated for the effect of ethanol on survival time, hemodynamic function, and cerebral tissue perfusion. Anesthetized swine (17–24 kg) were instrumented, splenectomized, and subjected to fluid percussion TBI with concurrent 25-mL/kg graded hemorrhage over 30 minutes. Two groups were studied: control (n= 11) and ethanol (n= 11). Ethanol, 3.5 g/kg intragastric, was given 100 minutes prior to TBI/HS. Systemic and cerebral physiologic and metabolic parameters were monitored for 2 hours without resuscitation. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and renal blood flow were measured with dye-labeled microspheres. Data were analyzed with 2-sample t-test and repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Ethanol levels at the time of injury were 162 ± 68 mg/dL. Average TBI was 2.65 ± 0.35 atm. Survival time was significantly shorter in the ethanol group (60 ± 27 min vs 94 ± 28 min, p = 0.011). The ethanol group had significantly lower mean arterial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, and cerebral venous O2 saturation in the postinjury period. Cerebral O2 extraction ratios and cerebral venous lactate levels were significantly higher in the ethanol group. A trend toward lower postinjury rCBF in all brain regions was observed in the ethanol group. Conclusion: In this TBI/HS model, ethanol administration decreased survival time, impaired the hemodynamic response, and worsened measures of cerebral tissue perfusion.
Field testing for virus resistance and agronomic performance in transgenic plants

Resistance to specific virus diseases may be added as heritable characteristics to susceptible crop cultivars by transformation of the cultivars with specific virus-derived genes. In practice, however, resistance to the virus varies among transformed plants and transformation often changes cultivar yield and quality characteristics that are agronomically important. Therefore, rigorous selection among hundreds of different transformed plant lines is required to identify lines that are both virus resistant and also conform to or exceed standard characteristics of the original, susceptible cultivar. This paper describes methods we have developed for rapid selection of virus resistance, yield, and quality characteristics among transformed populations of plants.
Thermoviscoelasticity : Continuum-molecular connections

A connection between the linear thermoviscoelastic theory in continuum mechanics and the corresponding molecular theory is established. Specifically, it is shown that both theories lead to the same equation of change for temperature. Also they both predict a memory effect in the heat capacity.
Relational Variables and Life Satisfaction in African American and Asian American College Women

The authors explored associations among relationship harmony, perceived family conflicts, relational self-concept, and life satisfaction in a sample of 169 African American and Asian American college women. As hypothesized, higher relational self-concept, or the extent to which individuals include close relationships in their self-concepts, and relationship harmony scores were predictive of greater life satisfaction, whereas perceived family conflict was associated with lower life satisfaction. Implications for counseling African American and Asian American college women are discussed.
Leptin is a growth factor in cancer.

Obesity has been recognized as an important risk factor for many serious medical conditions. The association of obesity with an increased risk of many cancers is of enormous economic importance to the health industry. The regulation of normal body weight is, in part, orchestrated by the presence of leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone that acts on the brain to regulate food intake. It is proposed that leptin serves a primary role as an anti-obesity hormone by acting as a signal for the switch between the starved and fed state. Although circulating leptin is thought to control obesity, most obesity occurs in the presence of increased circulating leptin. Leptin exerts effects on metabolism and cardiovascular and renal function, independent of its role in long-term body weight regulation. In addition, we now know that leptin acts as a growth factor on certain organs in both normal and disease states. Therefore, it is plausible, that as a mitogenic agent, leptin acts to promote cancer growth. There is increasing epidemiological data in humans, as well as numerous in vitro investigative reports and animal studies, to suggest a link between leptin and cancer growth. The purposes of this review are as follows: (1) to describe the regulation of leptin production; (2) to propose leptin as a direct physiological agent in cancer growth; and (3) to review the major advances leading to our current understanding of the role of leptin in the pathogenesis of a variety of cancers. THE REGULATION OF LEPTIN PRODUCTION
Cloning of B7-2: A CTLA-4 counter-receptor that costimulates human T cell proliferation

Although presentation of antigen to the T cell receptor is necessary for the initiation of an immune response, additional molecules expressed on antigen-presenting cells deliver essential costimulatory signals. T cell activation, in the absence of costimulation, results in T cell anergy. The B7-1 protein is a costimulator molecule that regulates interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion by signaling through the pathway that uses CD28 and CTLA-4 (hereafter referred to as the CD28 pathway). We have cloned a counter-receptor of CD28 and CTLA-4, termed B7-2. Although only 26 percent identical to B7-1, B7-2 also costimulates IL-2 production and T cell proliferation. Unlike B7-1, B7-2 messenger RNA is constitutively expressed in unstimulated B cells. It is likely that B7-2 provides a critical early costimulatory signal determining if the T cell will contribute to an immune response or become anergic.
On generalized Petersen graphs labeled with a condition at distance two

An L(2, 1)-labeling of graph G is an integer labeling of the vertices in V(G) such that adjacent vertices receive labels which differ by at least two, and vertices which are distance two apart receive labels which differ by at least one. The λ-number of G is the minimum span taken over all L(2, 1)-labelings of G. In this paper, we consider the λ-numbers of generalized Petersen graphs. By introducing the notion of a matched sum of graphs, we show that the λ-number of every generalized Petersen graph is bounded from above by 9. We then show that this bound can be improved to 8 for all generalized Petersen graphs with vertex order > 12, and, with the exception of the Petersen graph itself, improved to 7 otherwise.
Effect of bond degradation on fire resistance of FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete beams

Abstract FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) members experience significant loss of strength and stiffness properties when exposed to fire. At elevated temperatures, the rate of loss of such properties is influenced considerably by the bond degradation at the FRP–concrete interface. This paper presents a numerical approach for modeling the bond degradation in fire exposed FRP-strengthened RC beams. The numerical procedure is incorporated into a macroscopic finite element model which is capable of accounting high temperature material properties, different fire scenarios, and failure limit states in evaluating fire response of FRP-strengthened RC beams. The validity of the model is established by comparing predictions from the program with data from full scale fire resistance tests on FRP-strengthened RC beams. The validated model is applied to evaluate the effect of bond degradation on fire response of FRP-strengthened beams. Results from the analysis indicate that significant bond degradation occurs close to glass transition temperature of the adhesive leading to initiation of FRP delamination. The time at which bond degradation occurs depend on the fire insulation thickness and glass transition temperature of the adhesive. However, variation of adhesive thickness does not significantly influence fire resistance of FRP-strengthened RC beams.
Angiotensin II inhibits the K+-evoked release of [3H]norepinephrine from hypothalamic synaptosomes of the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

Abstract The effect of angiotensin II on the basal and K+-evoked release of [3H]norepinephrine was examined in hypothalamic and brainstem synaptosomes from adult male normotensive (Wistar-Kyoto, WKY, and Sprague-Dawley, SD), and spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats. Angiotensin II attenuated the [3H]norepinephrine release caused by maximal depolarizing concentrations of K+ (75 nM) in hypothalamic synaptosomes of the SH rat, but had no effect on basal [3H]norepinephrine release. Angiotensin II had no effect on either the basal or K+-evoked release of [3H]norepinephrine in brain synaptosomes prepared from either WKY or SD adult male rats. The results suggest a distinct role of angiotensin II in the modulation of catecholamine release in the SH rat.
Unconstrained models for the covariance structure of multivariate longitudinal data

The constraint that a covariance matrix must be positive definite presents difficulties for modeling its structure. Pourahmadi (1999, 2000) [18,19] proposed a parameterization of the covariance matrix for univariate longitudinal data in which the parameters are unconstrained, which is based on the modified Cholesky decomposition of the covariance matrix. We extend this approach to multivariate longitudinal data by developing a modified Cholesky block decomposition that provides an alternative unconstrained parameterization for the covariance matrix, and we propose parsimonious models within this parameterization. A Fisher scoring algorithm is developed for obtaining maximum likelihood estimates of parameters, assuming that the observations are normally distributed. The asymptotic distribution of the maximum likelihood estimators is derived. The performance of the estimators for finite samples is investigated by simulation and compared with that of estimators obtained under a separable (Kronecker product) covariance model. Estimation and model selection are illustrated using bivariate longitudinal data from a study of poplar growth.
Isolation and characterization of a gene encoding carbonic anhydrase from Ostertagia ostertagi and quantitative measurement of expression during in vivo exsheathment.

Abstract The first event in the establishment of Ostertagia ostertagi infection in cattle is exsheathment. Exsheathment is the process whereby the L 2 cuticle retained from the previous molt is cast from the L 3 . For those trichostrongyle nematode species with a predilection site in the abomasum, such as O. ostertagi , exsheathment is initiated as the larvae pass through the rumen. Although the stimulus for exsheathment is not known, previously reported biochemical studies suggest a major role for the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA). Partial support for this hypothesis comes from the reported failure of the Haemonchus contortus L 3 to exsheath following pretreatment with ethoxzolamide, a known inhibitor of CAs. Although convincing, a CA has not been previously reported from a trichostrongylid nematode. Therefore, our objective was to isolate a CA gene from O. ostertagi L 3 and begin initial characterization studies. This work resulted in the successful isolation, cloning and sequencing of the first CA isolated from a gastrointestinal nematode. The gene, designated OoCA, shows 90.5% sequence identity with the CA eukaryotic consensus sequence, 78% similarity to the Caenorhabiditis elegans cah-6 and 55% similarity to the human CAIII. Sequence analysis of the genomic DNA encoding OoCA shows 8 exons and 7 introns covering 4.5 kb. The first 1758 bases of the promoter region suggest OoCA may be regulated in part by transcription factors associated with hypoxic signaling and development. The mRNA profile of OoCA in exsheathing O. ostertagi L 3 suggests this particular CA may play a role in immediate early developmental events following exsheathment initiation.
Tannic acid reduces recovery of water-soluble carbon and nitrogen from soil and affects the composition of Bradford-reactive soil protein

Abstract Tannins are plant-derived polyphenolic compounds that precipitate proteins, bind to metals and complex with other compounds. Solutions of tannic acid, or other phenolic compounds, were added to soil samples to determine if they would affect recovery of soluble soil carbon (WSC) or –nitrogen (WSN) or influence the extraction and composition of Bradford-reactive soil protein (BRSP), associated with glomalin. Tannic acid-C added with water was not completely recovered from samples and the amount of total net WSC and WSN recovered was reduced, suggesting formation of insoluble complexes. By comparison, non-tannin phenolics like gallic acid, or methyl gallate, had little effect on extraction of WSC or WSN while a simple gallotannin derived from tannic acid, 1,2,3,4,6-penta- O -galloyl- d -glucose (PGG), inhibited extraction most. The C and N concentrations in BRSP increased when soil samples were treated with tannic acid or PGG before extraction, a procedure that includes autoclaving. Increases were greatest in the 10–20 cm compared to 0–5 cm depth. Accompanying these were declines in the ratio of absorbance at 465 and 665 nm ( E 4/ E 6 ratio) of BRSP extracts suggesting formation of larger or heavier molecules. In contrast, C and N composition in lyophilized BRSP was unaffected or even slightly reduced when tannic acid or PGG were added to the BRSP extract solution after the extraction process. We conclude that some tannins can reduce the solubility of labile soil C and N, at least temporarily and given unpredictability of response associated with phenolic substances, the Bradford assay should not be relied on to quantify pools or composition of soil proteins like glomalin.
A membrane-based microfluidic device for controlling the flux of platelet agonists into flowing blood

The flux of platelet agonists into flowing blood is a critical event in thrombosis and hemostasis. However, few in vitro methods exist for examining and controlling the role of platelet agonists on clot formation and stability under hemodynamic conditions. In this paper, we describe a membrane-based method for introducing a solute into flowing blood at a defined flux. The device consisted of a track-etched polycarbonate membrane reversibly sealed between two microfluidic channels; one channel contained blood flowing at a physiologically relevant shear rate, and the other channel contained the agonist(s). An analytical model described the solute flux as a function of the membrane permeability and transmembrane pressure. The model was validated using luciferase as a model solute for transmembrane pressures of 50–400 Pa. As a proof-of-concept, the weak platelet agonist ADP was introduced into whole blood flowing at 250 s−1 at three fluxes (1.5, 2.4, and 4.4 × 10−18 mol μm−2 s−1). Platelet aggregation was monitored by fluorescence microscopy during the experiment and the morphology of aggregates was determined by post hoc confocal and electron microscopy. At the lowest flux (1.5 × 10−18 mol μm−2 s−1), we observed little to no aggregation. At the higher fluxes, we observed monolayer (2.4 × 10−18 mol μm−2 s−1) and multilayer (4.4 × 10−18 mol μm−2 s−1) aggregates of platelets and found that the platelet density within an aggregate increased with increasing ADP flux. We expect this device to be a useful tool in unraveling the role of platelet agonists on clot formation and stability.
An approach to modeling and supporting the rework process in refactoring

This paper presents the definition of a process for performing rework, and a tool that executes the process in order to support humans seeking help in being sure that they are carrying out rework completely and correctly. The process definition treats rework as the reinstantiation of previously-performed activities in new contexts, which requires the careful specification and management of the values of the artifacts that comprise key process execution history and contextual information. The rework tool exploits access to this information to provide human reworkers with guidance about the rework tasks to be done and with context and history information expected to be useful in guiding superior rework decisions. The paper presents a detailed example of the use of the process and tool in supporting a particular kind of rework, namely the refactoring of the design of an Object-Oriented program.
Measurement of Environmental 241Am and the Pu/241Am Ratio by Photon Spectrometry

An instrumental analysis method for 241Am concentration and the Pu/241Am ratio measurements has been developed. The 241Am ratio is estimated from the uranium and the neptunium Lsx-ray ratios measured with a Si(Li) detector. The accuracy and sensitivity of the method is adequate for some research applications.
PLATELET DERIVED FACTOR XIIIA AND PLASMA FIBRIN CLOT STRENGTH MEASURED BY THROMBELASTOGRAPHY

Factor XIIIa (FXIIIa) cross-links fibrin strands and is essential for the generation of shear resistant platelet fibrin clot. FXIIIa plasma concentrations affect maximal clot strength (TEG-G) by thrombelastography (TEG). TEG-G is increased in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) presenting
Calculating selected elements of the inverse of symmetric positive definite matrices

The calculation of some of the elements of the inverse of a symmetric positive definite matrix occurs in statistical computations when some of the variances, covariances, or correlations coefficients are desired. The efficient computation of these elements is discussed and Fortran codes are given for their solution; the codes use the LINPACK package.
Distances from the Atlantal Segment of the Vertebral Artery to the Midline in Children

There are scant data in the literature regarding distances from the midline to the suboccipital segment of the vertebral artery, and to our knowledge, none addressing this measurement in the pediatric
Learning in Silicon: Timing is Everything

We describe a neuromorphic chip that uses binary synapses with spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) to learn stimulated patterns of activity and to compensate for variability in excitability. Specifically, STDP preferentially potentiates (turns on) synapses that project from excitable neurons, which spike early, to lethargic neurons, which spike late. The additional excitatory synaptic current makes lethargic neurons spike earlier, thereby causing neurons that belong to the same pattern to spike in synchrony. Once learned, an entire pattern can be recalled by stimulating a subset.
Fine scale structural variants distinguish the genomes of Drosophila melanogaster and D. pseudoobscura

Background A primary objective of comparative genomics is to identify genomic elements of functional significance that contribute to phenotypic diversity. Complex changes in genome structure (insertions, duplications, rearrangements, translocations) may be widespread, and have important effects on organismal diversity. Any survey of genomic variation is incomplete without an assessment of structural changes.
Enhanced Thermal Conductivity of Phase Change Materials Modified by Exfoliated Graphite Nanoplatelets

Composite phase change materials (PCM) were prepared by mixing exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP) into paraffin wax. The two types of graphite nanoplatelets that were investigated were xGnP-1 having thickness of 10 nm and a diameter of 1 um and xGnP-15 having the same thickness with a platelet diameter of 15 um. Direct casting and two roll milling were used to prepare samples. Scanning electron microscopy images show that the nanofillers disperse very well in paraffin matrix without noticeable agglomeration. Paraffin/xGnP-15 PCM consistently exhibited higher thermal conductivity than xGnP-1 PCM. The improvement in thermal conductivity was as high as 5 fold for xGnP-15 composites and 2 fold for xGnP-1 composites at 4 vol%. The aspect ratio, particle orientation, and interface density between the conductive particles and the polymer matrix were found to be the critical parameters in determining the conductivities of the resulting nanocomposites. The thermal physical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). It was found that the latent heat of nanocomposites was not negatively affected in the presence of xGnP particles and the thermal stability improved.
The design of output stage circuitry for constant current neuromuscular stimulation

A 16-channel analog hybrid circuit has been designed, manufactured, and tested to provide functional neuromuscular stimulation to individuals with spinal cord injuries. The circuit generates a constant current, charge balanced, biphasic, asymmetrical waveform for both percutaneous and surface stimulation via the use of external current setting resistors, capacitors, and control circuitry. Currents from 1 to 100 mA have been achieved with pulsewidths from 1 to 255 ms and interpulse intervals of 20-100 ms. The analog hybrid circuit is packaged in a 32-pin pin-grid-array package approximately 0.9 in.*0.9 in.*0.2 in. in size. >
Clinical trials of medical devices and implants: ethical concerns

Various ethical concerns that are essential elements in the critical trial of any new treatment modality are examined. Problems surrounding the issue of informed consent are considered. Conflicts between therapeutic and research considerations are discussed. The role of double-blind studies is examined. >
AN IN VIVO CROSSMATCHING PROCEDURE FOR SELECTED PROBLEM CASES IN BLOOD BANKING

An in vivo crossmatch can be accomplished by measuring the change in the recipient's serum bilirubin after transfusion of 50 ml. of blood from a particular donor unit. A rise of less than 0.5 mg. per 100 ml. has in our experience been good evidence for compatibility. This proceDure was useful in those cases where auto-antibodies preclude in vitro compatibility testing, also for patients demonstrating irregular hemolytic reactions following transfusion but in whom no responsible antibody can be found. Over a hundred transfusions compatible by the in vivo method have been administered to such problem cases and with uniformly good results as judged by absence of clinical reactions and by increase in hematocrit.
Vitamin D receptor and megalin gene polymorphisms are associated with central adiposity status and changes among US adults

We examined longitudinal associations of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and megalin (LRP2; LDL receptor-related protein-2) gene polymorphisms with central adiposity. We used data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), an ongoing prospective open cohort study. Study participants consisted of non-Hispanic white adults residing in Baltimore city, with one or more visits at age ≥50 years, and complete data (n 609–617). Repeated assessments on waist circumference (WC) and waist:hip ratio (WHR) were available. Multiple linear mixed models were used to estimate mid-follow-up age central adiposity level and annual rate of change with cut-points set at the sex-specific 80th percentile. The four binary outcomes were: ‘elevated central adiposity’ (ECA-WC and ECA-WHR) and ‘significant increase in central adiposity’ (SICA-WC and SICA-WHR). SNP for VDR (four SNP: (1) rs11568820 (CdX-2:T/C); (2) rs1544410 (BsmI:G/A); (3) rs7975232 (ApaI:A/C); (4) rs731236 (TaqI:G/A)) and Megalin (three SNP: (1) rs3755166:G/A; (2) rs2075252:C/T; (3) rs4668123:C/T) genes were selected. SNP latent classes (SNPLC) and SNP haplotypes (SNPHAP) were created. Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that, in men, higher ECA-WHR odds were associated with SNPLC Megalin2:rs3755166[–]/rs2075252[TT]/rs4668123[T–] (v. Megalin1:rs3755166[–]/rs2075252[CC]/rs4668123[–]) (OR 2·87; 95 % CI 1·15, 7·12; P = 0·023) and that SNPLC Megalin3:rs3755166[–]/rs2075252[CT]/rs4668123[–] (v. Megalin1) was linked to lower SICA-WC odds (OR 0·48; 95 % CI 0·26, 0·88; P = 0·019) (P > 0·05 for sex × SNPLC). In women, VDR3 SNPHAP (GAA:bAT) was related to lower odds of ECA-WC (OR 0·37; 95 % CI 0·16, 0·87; P = 0·023) (P 0·05 for sex × SNPHAP). Vitamin D-related gene polymorphisms were associated with central adiposity status and change. Future mechanistic studies are needed to confirm those polymorphisms' biological significance to central adiposity.
Intelligent shape recognition for complex industrial tasks

A knowledge-based shape representation and recognition system that can handle a large class of objects under less constrained situations than required for current machine vision system is proposed. Intelligent integration of different shape representation schemes and generation of the best shape recognition strategy are carried out using global shape properties. The proposed scheme effectively incorporates model-driven top-down and data-driven bottom-up approaches of shape analysis. By analyzing global shape properties, the essential features and their degrees of importance are determined quickly. In the representation phase, objects are described by using these essential features; in the recognition phase, the search for the best candidate is restricted to the models represented by these features, and the observed shape is matched to the candidate models in order of importance of the essential features. Systems are being developed for 2D and 3D shapes separately since they exploit different visual data, i.e. photometric and range, respectively. >
Regional models of potential evaporation and reference evapotranspiration for the northeast USA

Multivariate regression models of average monthly reference crop evapotranspiration, Et(τ), and potential evaporation, Ep(τ), are developed for the northeast USA. Average monthly values of daily Et and Ep are estimated from the Penman-Monteith equation using monthly climate data from 34 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) First Order weather observatories and specific reference vegetation characteristics. The periodic seasonal behavior of Et(τ) and Et(τ) and average monthly temperature are approximated by Fourier series functions. Regional regression relationships are then developed which relate the Et(τ) and Et(τ) Fourier series coefficients with the average monthly temperature Fourier coefficients, station longitude and station elevation. The regional Et(τ) model is shown to be an improvement over the Linacre method (Linacre, 1977, Agric. Meteorol., 18: 409–424) and the Hargreaves and Samani method (Hargreaves and Samani, 1985, Appl. Eng. Agric., 1(2): 96–99), and the regional Ep(τ) model is shown to be an improvement over the Linacre method.
Immunocytochemical and Morphological Evidence for the Origin of N-Nitrosomethylurea-induced and Naturally Occurring Primary Lung Tumors in F344/NCr Rats

Abstract Naturally occurring and N -nitrosomethylurea-induced lung tumors were studied in male F344/NCr rats by sequential histological, electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical methods. Rats were given one injection at 6 weeks of age of N -nitrosomethylurea at a dosage level of 41.2 mg/kg body weight i.v. Groups of rats were sacrificed at 20, 33, and 52 weeks, while some were sacrificed while moribund. Nine lung tumors from aged F344/NCr male rats were also studied. For determining localization of pulmonary antigens, sections of lungs were stained by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex immunocytochemical technique using antibodies to rat surfactant apoprotein or rat Clara cell antigen. At 20 weeks, in rats receiving N -nitrosomethylurea, focal alveolar type II cell hyperplasia, adenoma in focal alveolar type II cell hyperplasia, and adenoma were found in 15 (100%), 1 (7%), and 2 (13%) of 15 rats, respectively. At 33 weeks, there were 19 rats (95%) with focal alveolar type II cell hyperplasias, 10 rats (50%) with adenoma in focal alveolar type II cell hyperplasia, and 2 rats (10%) with adenomas in 20 rats. In 53 rats allowed to live up to 52 weeks, there were 10 (19%) adenomas and 3 (6%) carcinomas, as well as 49 (92%) rats with focal hyperplasia and 31 (58%) with adenomas in focal type II cell hyperplasia. Rat surfactant apoprotein was found in the cytoplasm of normal alveolar type II cells and the majority of cells in focal alveolar type II cell hyperplasias, adenomas in hyperplastic lesions, adenomas, and carcinomas. The ultrastructure of these lesions supported immunocytochemical findings with evidence of lamellar bodies. All nine naturally occurring lung tumors studied contained rat surfactant apoprotein. Rat Clara cell antigen was found, however, only focally within one adenoma induced by N -nitrosomethylurea and one adenoma in a hyperplasic lesion, and also focally in three neoplasms which occurred naturally. This study provided morphological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural evidence that the vast majority of N -nitrosomethylurea-induced and naturally occurring pulmonary neoplasms of F344 rats are alveolar type II cell adenomas and carcinomas and that a portion of these tumors arise within focal alveolar type II cell hyperplasias.
A Hierarchical Factor Model of Executive Functions in Adolescents: Evidence of Gene-Environment Interplay.

Executive functions (EF) are a complex set of neurodevelopmental, higher-ordered processes that are especially salient during adolescence. Disruptions to these processes are predictive of psychiatric problems in later adolescence and adulthood. The objectives of the current study were to characterize the latent structure of EF using bifactor analysis and to investigate the independent and interactive effects of genes and environments on EF during adolescence. Using a representative young adolescent sample, we tested the interaction of a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and parental supervision for EF through hierarchical linear regression. To account for the possibility of a hierarchical factor structure for EF, a bifactor analysis was conducted on the eight subtests of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Functions System (D-KEFS). The bifactor analysis revealed the presence of a general EF construct and three EF subdomains (i.e., conceptual flexibility, inhibition, and fluency). A significant 5-HTTLPR by parental supervision interaction was found for conceptual flexibility, but not for general EF, fluency or inhibition. Specifically, youth with the L/L genotype had significantly lower conceptual flexibility scores compared to youth with S/S or S/L genotypes given low levels of parental supervision. Our findings indicate that adolescents with the L/L genotype were especially vulnerable to poor parental supervision on EF. This vulnerability may be amenable to preventive interventions. (JINS, 2014, 20, 62–73)
On the role of deformation twinning in domain reorganization and grain reorientation in ferroelastic crystals

The response of ferroelastic crystals on an applied stress is considered, and a distinction is seen between the reorganization of the domain structure within a grain at low stress and the reorientation of whole grains at high stress. The procedures are modeled in the framework of defect theory, i.e., by twinning dislocations and deformation twinning. The reorganization is controlled by the motion of pre-existing twinning dislocations. Since the Peierls stress of the twinning dislocations is very small, domain reorganization occurs under a very small load. The process of grain reorientation involves the nucleation of dislocations and, therefore, it requires a much higher stress. This concept is confirmed by comparison with experiments.
A Dependent Set Theory

Set theories are traditionally based on first-order logic. We show that in a constructive setting, basing a set theory on a dependent logic yields many benefits. To this end, we introduce a dependent impredicative constructive set theory which we call IZFD. Using realizability, we prove that the underlying lambda calculus weakly normalizes, thus enabling program extraction from IZF_D proofs. We also show that IZFD can interpret IZF with Collection. By a wellknown result of Friedman, this establishes IZFD as a remarkably strong theory, with proof-theoretical power equal to that of ZFC. We further demonstrate that IZFD provides a natural framework to interpret first-order definitions, thus removing a longstanding barrier to implementing constructive set theories. Finally, we prove that IZFD extended with excluded middle is consistent, thus paving the way to using our framework in the classical setting as well.
Physical Therapists’ Perceptions of School-Based Practices

ABSTRACTAims: Surveys have reported that most school-based physical therapists perceive ideal practices are not commonly implemented in their settings. Our aim was to obtain a more in-depth understanding of these perceptions through open-ended inquiry. Methods: Qualitative data were derived from voluntary open-ended responses provided upon completion of a survey regarding school-based physical therapy practice. Of the survey's 561 participants, 250 provided open-ended commentaries that were analyzed using interpretive phenomenology. Results: Six qualitative themes emerged from the open-ended responses, including: In quest: Meeting students’ school-based needs via physical therapy; Seeking relatedness: Finding working teams in the school system; Building understanding: Developing a voice/identity in the school context; Stretched beyond limits: Managing workloads; Networking: Coordinating services outside school to meet student needs; Defying definition: What does working in an educational model mean? Concl...
Effect of long-term 1093 K exposure to air or vacuum on the structure of several wrought superalloys

Long-term 1093 K heat treatments of three commercial superalloy sheet materials were undertaken in air and vacuum. With either exposure, significant precipitation of second phases occurred in the Co-base Haynes® Alloy 188 (HA 188) and the Ni-base Haynes® Alloy 230 (HA 230); however, much less precipitation was found in the exposed Ni-base alloy Inconel® 617 (IN 617). Although some grain growth occurred in HA 188, no changes in the grain size of either HA 230 or IN 617 were observed after 22,500 h at temperature. Oxidation during air heat treatments led to weight gain due to the formation of chromia + spinel scales and surface-connected grain boundary pits/oxides in all three superalloys. Both the weight gain and depth of intergranular attack were dependent on the square root of time, which is indicative of diffusion-controlled phenomena. Because many alloy samples had neighbors in close proximity, dmost vacuum heat treated specimens did not suffer significant loss of volatile elements. However, some exposed samples were subjected to unrestricted vacuum heat treatments, allowing estimates of volatilization to be made. Based on the data for HA 188, the weight loss during 1093 K vacuum exposure was diffusion controlled once the inhibiting effects of surface films on the as-received alloys were broken down.