cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Has behavior therapy drifted from its experimental roots? a survey of publication trends in mainstream behavioral journals

In recent years it has been suggested that behavior therapy, characterized in part by single-subject designs and an idiographic approach to addressing practical problems, is drifting from its experimental roots. To examine trends in behavior therapy, and to provide an objective index of drift, two archival studies were conducted to identify publication trends in the use of single-subject designs vs. group designs, as well as citations to select basic behavioral science journals. In Study 1, articles appearing in Behavior Therapy from 1970 through 1996 were reviewed and categorized in terms of type of article, design, and citations to experimental journals. Findings from Study 1 suggest declining publication trends in single-subject designs and citations to experimental journals in Behavior Therapy, with a modest increase in the use of group designs over the period. Study 2 was designed to replicate and extend our initial findings by surveying three behavioral journals in addition to Behavior Therapy using the PsychLit database and years covering 1974 through 1996: Behaviour Research and Therapy, Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, and Behavior Modification. Consistent with Study 1, results of Study 2 showed declining trends in single-subject designs for all mainstream behavioral journals. The significance of these findings in light of the argument that behavior therapy has drifted from its experimental roots is discussed, with emphasis on contingencies that may be responsible for the trends observed.
Size-selective predation, light transmission, and oxygen stratification: Evidence from the recent sediments of manipulated lakes1

In an experiment maintained since 1951, half of a divided lake was limed, resulting in a significantly expanded euphotic zone. In both basins native fish were removed and rainbow trout introduced. Quantitative analysis of zooplankton remains preserved in the sediments of both lakes provides evidence of the selectivity of a visually dependent predator at natural and enhanced transparency and oxygen concentrations. The sediment record effectively documents the known manipulations and the expected responses. In the control lake, no significant changes in zooplankton species composition, species dominance, or size-frequency distribution are recorded. In the alkalized lake, a succession in zooplankton dominance from Daphnia pulex to Daphnia rosea to Bosmina is recorded, as is a reciprocal change in mean size of D. pulex and D. rosea. The relative position of the thermocline with respect to the oxygen minimum barrier and the light transmission curve accounts for the observed differences in selective predation intensity.
True scale-invariant random spatial networks

Some aspects of real-world road networks seem to have an approximate scale invariance property, motivating study of mathematical models of random networks whose distributions are exactly invariant under Euclidean scaling. This requires working in the continuum plane, so making a precise definition is not trivial. We introduce an axiomatization of a class of processes we call scale-invariant random spatial networks, whose primitives are routes between each pair of points in the plane. One concrete model, based on minimum-time routes in a binary hierarchy of roads with different speed limits, has been shown to satisfy the axioms, and two other constructions (based on Poisson line processes and on dynamic proximity graphs) are expected also to do so. We initiate study of structure theory and summary statistics for general processes in the class. Many questions arise in this setting via analogies with diverse existing topics, from geodesics in first-passage percolation to transit node-based route-finding algorithms.
Voltage controlled exchange energies of a two-electron silicon double quantum dot with and without charge defects in the dielectric

Quantum dots are artificial atoms used for a multitude of purposes. Charge defects are commonly present and can significantly perturb the designed energy spectrum and purpose of the dots. Voltage controlled exchange energy in silicon double quantum dots (DQDs) represents a system that is very sensitive to charge position and is of interest for quantum computing. We calculate the energy spectrum of the silicon double quantum dot system using a full configuration interaction that uses tight-binding single-particle wave functions. This approach allows us to analyze atomic scale charge perturbations of the DQD while accounting for the details of the complex momentum space physics of silicon (i.e., valley and valley-orbit physics). We analyze how the energy levels and exchange curves for a DQD are affected by nearby charge defects at various positions relative to the dot, which are consistent with defects expected in the metal-oxide-semiconductor system.
Extending coherence for optimal detection of nonstationary harmonic signals

This paper describes an improved detector for nonstationary harmonic signals. The performance improvement is accomplished by using a novel method for extending the coherence time of such signals. This method applies a transformation to a noisy signal that attempts to fit a simple model to the signal's slowly changing fundamental frequency over the analysis duration. By matching the change in the signal's fundamental frequency, analysis is more coherent with the signal over longer durations, which allows the use of longer windows and thus improves detection performance.
On uniformly optimally reliable graphs for pair‐connected reliability with vertex failures

Let G be a probabilistic (n,m) graph in which each vertex exists independently with fixed probability p, 0 < p < 1. Pair-connected reliability of G, denoted PCv(G;p), is the expected number of connected pairs of vertices in G. An (n,m) graph G is uniformly optimally reliable if PCv(G;p) ≧ PCv(H;p) for all p, 0 < p < 1, over all (n,m) graphs H. It is shown that there does not exist a uniformly optimally reliable (n,m) graph whenever n ≦ m < ∼2n2/9. However, such graphs do exist for some other values of m. In particular, it is established that every complete k-partite pseudoregular graph on n vertices, 2 ≦ k < n, is uniformly optimally reliable. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Infrared Spectrophotometry of the NEAR Flyby Target 253 Mathilde

Abstract We have performed spectrophotometry of the Near-Earth Asteroid Rendezvous flyby target 253 Mathilde using five filters from 1.25 to 3.35 μm. We present a synthesized spectrum of ground-based data for 253 Mathilde from 0.3 to 3.35 μm combining our data with those of R. P. Binzel et al. (1996, Icarus 119, 447–449). We find 253 Mathilde to have a spectrum consistent with C-class asteroids in the near-IR, though without the 3-μm water-of-hydration feature commonly (but not always) seen on asteroids of this class. We compare Mathilde with plausible meteorite analogs, and find that the surface of this asteroid is not consistent with a surface composition of common carbonaceous chondritic material. We suggest some alternative analogs on the basis of comparison of meteorite data with a synthesis of ground-based observations of Mathilde.
Atmospheric effects on radiometry from zenith of a plane with dark vertical protrusions

Effects of an optically thin plane-parallel scattering atmosphere on radiometric imaging from the zenith of a specific surface-type are analyzed. The surface model was previously developed to describe arid steppe, where the sparse vegetation forms dark vertical protrusions from the bright soil-plane. The analysis is in terms of the surface reflectivity to the zenith r sub p for the direct beam, which is formulated as r sub p = r sub i exp (-s tan theta sub 0), where v sub i is the Lambert law reflectivity of the soil, the protrusions parameters s is the projection on a vertical plane of protrusions per unit area and theta sub 0 is the zenith angle. The surface reflectivity r sub p is approximately equal to that for the global irradiance (which is directly measured in the field) only for a narrow range of the solar zenith angles. The effects of the atmosphere when imaging large uniform areas of this type are comparable to those in imaging a Lambert surface with a reflectivity r sub p. Thus, the effects can be approximated by those in the case of a dark Lambert surface (analyzed previously), inasmuch as r sub p is smaller than the soil reflectivity r sub i for any off-zenith illumination. The surface becomes effectively darker with increasing solar zenith angle. Adjacency effects of a reflection from one area and scattering in the instantaneous field of view (object pixel) are analyzed as cross radiance and cross irradiance.
Dynamic Huffman coding

Abstract This note shows how to maintain a prefix code that remains optimum as the weights change. A Huffman tree with nonnegative integer weights can be represented in such a way that any weight w at level l can be increased or decreased by unity in O ( l ) steps, preserving minimality of the weighted path length. One-pass algorithms for file compression can be based on such a representation.
Valsalva leak point pressures in women with genuine stress incontinence: Reproducibility, effect of catheter caliber, and correlations with other measures of urethral resistance

Abstract OBJECTIVES: The Valsalva leak point pressure has been promoted as an alternative to urethral pressure profilometry as a measure of urethral resistance in women with genuine stress incontinence. Our aims were to evaluate the reproducibility of the Valsalva leak point pressure, to assess the effect of catheter caliber on the Valsalva leak point pressure, and to compare vesical Valsalva leak point pressure to other measures of urethral resistance. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty consecutive women with genuine stress incontinence underwent duplicate Valsalva leak point pressure determinations by use of 8F and 3F vesical and 8F vaginal catheters. Subjects also underwent a standard resting urethral pressure profilometry, cough leak point pressure determinations, and pressure-flow micturition studies. RESULTS: Leakage was demonstrated on both Valsalva maneuvers in approximately 80% of subjects with both catheters. In subjects who leaked with both strains there was an extremely high correlation between the test-retest Valsalva leak point pressure within both catheters. The intercatheter correlation between the 8F and 3F Valsalva leak point pressures was significant but much weaker than the intracatheter correlations; 8F Valsalva leak point pressures were significantly higher than 3F Valsalva leak point pressures, although there were individual exceptions to this observation. Urethral pressure profilometry measures and micturition opening pressures were poorly correlated with Valsalva leak point pressure. Cough and vaginal Valsalva leak point pressures were significantly correlated with vesical Valsalva leak point pressure, but cough leak point pressures were significantly higher and vaginal Valsalva leak point pressures were significantly lower than the vesical Valsalva leak point pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Valsalva leak point pressure is a simple and reproducible technique for evaluating urethral resistance in women with genuine stress incontinence. However, variations in Valsalva leak point pressure measurement must be precisely described, standardized, and validated before a technique can be advocated for clinical use.
Laser-induced gold deposition for thin-film circuit repair

Laser chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) of gold has been used to repair 'open' defect on high-end multi-chip packaging modules. The ability to repair metallurgical features of less than 25 micrometers width was readily accomplished and electrical resistances are comparable to resistances of unrepaired nets of identical geometry. The reliability of LCVD repairs was monitored after thermal processing, T&H and electrical stressing. The ability to repair 'open' defects in the thin-film redistribution (TFR) layer of the module has facilitated testing of designs early in the development process.
The solubility of carbon in low-nitrogen liquid lithium

The solubility of carbon in liquid lithium containing < 50 wppm nitrogen has been measured in the temperature range from 220 to 735°C and compared with the solubility in lithium containing ~ 2600 wppm nitrogen in that same temperature range. A direct sampling method was employed in which filtered samples of the saturated solution were taken at randomly selected temperatures. The entire sample was analyzed for carbon by the acetylene evolution method. The analytical method was examined critically and it was found that (1) all of the carbon in solution, including carbon introduced as lithium cyanamide is detected and (2) ethylene and ethane must also be measured and included with the acetylene to get complete recovery of the carbon content of the sample. The solubility of carbon in low-nitrogen lithium can be expressed by the equations In S = 6.731 − 8617T−1 and log S* = 7.459 − 3740T−1, where S is the mole percent Li2C2 and S* is in weight parts per million carbon. The presence of ~ 2600 wppm nitrogen does not affect the solubility of carbon in lithium at temperatures above ~ 350°C, but at lower temperatures it increased the solubility by as much as an order of magnitude compared to the solubility in low-nitrogen lithium.
Digital library for Earth system education adds pedagogical links

Effectively teaching Earth science requires not only a broad understanding of geoscience topics but also strategies and tools to help students learn. For example, a teacher planning a lesson on the hydrologic cycle should know students' common misconceptions (e.g., groundwater flows as underground rivers), how studying the water cycle can contribute to students' understanding of systems and processes, how to leverage students' firsthand experiences with water fluxes and reservoirs to inform class discussion, and how to assess what students know and understand about the water cycle. Such knowledge of how to teach effectively within a discipline is called “pedagogical content knowledge,” or PCK. A new service within the Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE) seeks to help educators teach more effectively by providing them with access to relevant PCK as they prepare to teach a given topic, issue, lesson, or idea. DLESE (http://www.dlese.org) is a Web-based portal providing access to curriculum materials and information resources for teaching and learning about the Earth and its environment.
Pseudocyst of the Auricle: Successful Treatment with Intracartilaginous Trichloroacetic Acid and Button Bolsters

Pseudocyst of the auricle is an asymptomatic, noninflammatory cystic swelling that typically involves the anthelix of the ear and results from an accummulation of fluid within an unlined intracartilaginous cavity. We report a patient with a recurrent pseudocyst of the auricle and describe a new surgical technique for treating this condition by applying 50% trichloroacetic acid to the intracartilaginous cavity and utilizing external button bolsters for compressive therapy. This therapeutic approach is simple to perform in the office, results in permanent resolution of the pseudocyst, preserves the normal architecture of the external ear, and provides excellent postoperative and long-term cosmetic results.
The development and validation of the primary care satisfaction survey for women

Assessing patient satisfaction with health care is becoming an integral component of quality monitoring in health care systems, but existing tools typically were developed to minimize differences related to gender. This paper reports the development and psychometric properties of a new survey instrument to measure women's satisfaction with their primary care. A multisite, cross-sectional validation survey of 1,202 women receiving care in primary care settings in Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania was conducted. Item response theory (IRT) and factor analysis methods were used to identify three scales in the Primary Care Satisfaction Survey for Women (PCSSW): Communication, Administration and Office Procedures, and Care Coordination and Comprehensiveness. Internal consistency reliability is reported, as well as convergent validity in relation to two generic measures (Medical Outcomes Study [MOS] Visit Satisfaction and Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Survey [CAHPS] overall quality rating); discriminant validity in relation to groups expected to have differing satisfaction levels based on previous literature; predictive validity in relation to behavioral intentions; and explanatory power in overall satisfaction ratings. The 24-item PCSSW may be self-administered or conducted by telephone and may be used in studies to evaluate or improve the quality of primary care for women.
Aripiprazole in an Adult with Asperger Disorder

OBJECTIVE:To report a case of aripiprazole-responsive adult Asperger disorder.CASE SUMMARY:A 34-year-old white man with lifelong, disabling Asperger disorder and a 20-year history of failed psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic interventions was prescribed aripiprazole, with dramatic symptomatic improvement.DISCUSSION:Multiple prior pharmacologic efforts over several years aimed predominantly at altering serotonin and dopamine neurotransmission resulted in treatment failure due to intolerable adverse effects, exacerbation of underlying symptoms, or nonresponse. Aripiprazole, with a complex profile of neurotransmitter affinities, has produced significant core symptom changes. Improved sociability; increased self-awareness; reduced rigidity, anxiety, and irritability; and reduced preoccupation with circumscribed esoteric interests are among the effects noted.CONCLUSIONS:Previously intractable Asperger disorder symptoms in a 34-year-old man were ameliorated with aripiprazole.
Oleandrin Suppresses Activation of Nuclear Transcription Factor-κB, Activator Protein-1, and c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase

Agents that can suppress the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) may be able to block tumorigenesis and inflammation. Oleandrin, a polyphenolic cardiac glycoside derived from the leaves of Nerium oleander, is a candidate NF-kappaB and AP-1 modulator. We investigated the effect of oleandrin on NF-kappaB activation induced by inflammatory agents. Oleandrin blocked tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced activation of NF-kappaB in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. This effect was mediated through inhibition of phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaBalpha, an inhibitor of NF-kappaB. A proprietary hot water extract of oleander (Anvirzel) also blocked TNF-induced NF-kappaB activation; subsequent fractionation of the extract revealed that this activity was attributable to oleandrin. The effects of oleandrin were not cell type specific, because it blocked TNF-induced NF-kappaB activation in a variety of cells. NF-kappaB-dependent reporter gene transcription activated by TNF was also suppressed by oleandrin. The TNF-induced NF-kappaB activation cascade involving TNF receptor 1/TNF receptor-associated death domain/TNF receptor-associated factor 2/NF-kappaB-inducing kinase/IkappaBalpha kinase was interrupted at the TNF receptor-associated factor 2 and NF-kappaB-inducing kinase sites by oleandrin, thus suppressing NF-kappaB reporter gene expression. Oleandrin blocked NF-kappaB activation induced by phorbol ester and lipopolysaccharide. Oleandrin also blocked AP-1 activation induced by TNF and other agents and inhibited the TNF-induced activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase. Overall, our results indicate that oleandrin inhibits activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1 and their associated kinases. This may provide a molecular basis for the ability of oleandrin to suppress inflammation and perhaps tumorigenesis.
Mechanisms of muscle weakness in muscular dystrophy

Disruption of dystrophin or the sarcoglycans within the dystrophin protein complex leads to muscular dystrophy. The dystrophin complex is enriched in myofibers and concentrated into costameres, rib-like structures in the plasma membrane. In the absence of dystrophin, the plasma membrane becomes
Growth and reproductive performance of beef heifers grazing endophyte-free, endophyte-infected and novel endophyte-infected tall fescue

Abstract A three-year study was conducted to investigate the effects of endophyte-free (E−), endophyte-infected (E+) and novel endophyte-infected (EN) tall fescue on the growth and pregnancy rate of beef heifers during the spring. Each year, 48 beef heifers were strip-grazed on stockpiled fescue from December through February, fed fescue hay during late February to early April and then rotationally grazed on spring growth of fescue until June. At the end of the trial, heifers had been maintained on E+, E− or EN (pasture or hay) for a total of 152, 188 and 191 d in years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In late March, heifers were synchronized using a controlled intravaginal drug-releasing device, (CIDR®) for 7 d followed by injection with PGF2α (Lutalyse®). Heatmount detectors (Kamar®) and observation for behavioral estrus were used to detect estrus for 63 d. Heifers were artificially inseminated 8 to12 h after the onset of standing estrus. Conception was determined by transrectal ultrasonography at approximately 30, 60 and 90 d after synchronization. Reproductive performance did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.20). Pregnancy rate was 54, 65, and 65% for E+, E− and EN, respectively. However, during the spring, growth and prolactin were decreased (P
Passivation of Interfaces in High-Efficiency Photovoltaic Devices

Solar cells made from III-V materials have achieved efficiencies greater than 30%. Effectively ideal passivation plays an important role in achieving these high efficiencies. Standard modeling techniques are applied to Ga0.5In0.5P solar cells to show the effects of passivation. Accurate knowledge of the absorption coefficient is essential (see appendix). Although ultralow (<2 cm/s) interface recombination velocities have been reported, in practice, it is difficult to achieve such low recombination velocities in solar cells because the doping levels are high and because of accidental incorporation of impurities and dopant diffusion. Examples are given of how dopant diffusion can both help and hinder interface passivation, and of how incorporation of oxygen or hydrogen can cause problems.
Creating Pathways of Change: One School Begins the Journey.

In this article, the authors explore community members’ perceptions of change at an elementary school during the 1st year of implementing the Accelerated Schools Project. After conducting 23 interviews with a representative sample of the school community, three themes emerged: creating a school identity, experiencing a community of mind, and developing a sense of human agency. Despite critics who say that organizational reform efforts rarely influence instructional practices, First Way Elementary may have defied the odds, based on participants’ perceptions, by making instruction their primary focus within the context of creating a new school organizational structure. The discussion focuses on how the school community made this happen in such a short period of time and the challenges they face as they continue to make changes.
Teaching behavior based robotics through advanced robocamps

Through Colorado School of Mines robocamps program, teaching materials presenting behavior based robot concepts were developed and taught to middle and high school aged students. The weeklong workshop goal has been to introduce the difference between traditional, or sequential, programming styles for mobile robots. The topics of what, how, why, and when appropriate situations to implement either control paradigm is covered through hands-on activities. To create reactive agents, students use Brainstem microcontrollers, C language, various sensors, and LEGO materials. Instructional activities lead the students to develop robots that avoid objects, seek a particular goal, and to wander autonomously while allowing particular behaviors to subsume and delegate appropriate robot reactions. Each student's progress is measured through individual journals, qualitative (short answer questions) and quantitative (multiple choice questions) assessments, and oral presentations to parents. Assessment evaluation for this workshop has demonstrated that if presented properly, more advanced concepts in mobile robotics can be learned by students in this age group. A pretest and posttest on fundamental concepts showed significant increase in knowledge of behavioral robotics. In addition, evaluation of answers to essay questions demonstrated a stronger depth of understanding of these topics. It has also been observed that the success of this camp could in part be a result of the high level of motivation and enthusiasm of the students. Future camps will attempt to verify and support the pedagogical developments with a fresh group of students, which are new to the advanced robocamps program.
Circulating p53-Responsive MicroRNAs as Predictive Biomarkers in Heart Failure After Acute Myocardial Infarction: The Long and Arduous Road From Scientific Discovery to Clinical Utility

The past decade has witnessed an exponential proliferation of new biomarkers that are useful in evaluating patients with heart failure (reviewed in 1). Indeed, 2 biomarkers, brain natriuretic peptide and N-terminalprobrain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are Food and Drug Administration–approved for the diagnosis of patients with heart failure, whereas BNP, N-terminalpro-BNP, galectin-3, and soluble ST-2 are Food and Drug Administration–approved for determining the prognosis of patients with heart failure. In this issue of Circulation Research , Matsumoto et al2 report that several p53-responsive microRNAs (miRs), including miR-192, miR-194, and miR-34a, were elevated in the sera of selected patients enrolled in the Osaka Acute Coronary Insufficiency study (n=8603 patients), who developed heart failure 1 year after acute myocardial infarction. Given that p53 has been implicated in the development of heart failure in mice,3 these findings are of potential interest both from a mechanistic standpoint, as well as clinically from a diagnostic standpoint. In this study, the authors examined a panel of 377 microRNAs in registry patients who developed heart failure (n=7 patients), and then confirmed their findings in a validation cohort of 21 patients. The authors reported previously that miR-192 was significantly ( P =0.04) elevated in selected registry patients.4 Noting that miR-192 was responsive to p53, in this study, the authors rescreened the sera of heart failure patients and identified significant increases in the levels of 2 additional p53-responsive microRNAs, namely miR-194 (increased ≈6-fold) and miR-34a (increased ≈3-fold). The presence or absence of heart failure in the registry was determined from a retrospective chart review; however, the criteria that were used to diagnose heart failure were not specified. Remarkably, the levels of miR-192, miR-194, and miR-34a were highly enriched in the exosome fraction of the heart failure patients when compared with control subjects, whereas the levels of miR-192, miR-194, …
Role of Temporal Resolution in Selection of the Appropriate Strain Technique for Evaluation of Subclinical Myocardial Dysfunction

Objective: To assess the effects of frame and volume rate on the concordance between two-dimensional speckle tracking strain (2DS) and three-dimensional speckle tracking strain (3DS), and between 2DS and triplane imaging of speckle tracking (Tri-P). Methods: Global longitudinal strains (GLSs) derived from 2DS, 3DS, and Tri-P were compared among 142 prospectively recruited patients who underwent evaluation of subclinical left ventricle (LV) function. Results: Feasibility to obtain GLS of 3DS was significantly higher than that of Tri-P (76% vs. 47%, P 20 per second. Likewise, there was a better correlation between 2DS and 3DS when the difference between 2D frame rate and 3D volume rate was a;circ40 per second, compared to when it was >40 per second. These associations differed from segment to segment and the apical segments had the highest correlation and the basal the lowest. Conclusions: The feasibility of each means of strain calculation showed important differences, with 2DS being the most attainable. Strain values were not interchangeable among 2DS, Tri-P, and 3DS. Importantly, poor correlations seemed to be driven by differences in acquisition rate. Currently, 2DS offers the most robust measurement of subclinical myocardial dysfunction.
Further Studies on Oxidation of Vitamin a and Carotene in Milk Fat

Our previous study (2) of the effect of storage temperature upon the rates of destruction of vitamin A and carotene in milk fat protected from the light but exposed to the air has indicated that following an induction, period, simultaneous progressive destruction of vitamin A and carotene occurs in samples held at 40 °, 50 °, and 60 ° C. Since that time additional data have been obtained concerning the changes in vitamin A and carotene contents of the milk fat held at lower temperatures than its melting point; namely, the region within which under favorable conditions the fractional crystallization of glycerides takes place. We also reported that the reconstitution test is very useful in recognizing the flavor defects of the milk fat and thus the extent of oxidative deterioration. This was evident from the fact that the milk made of pasteurized skimmilk and post-induction period fat developed off flavors, which continued to increase rapidly in their intensities instantaneously after processing, while the one containing fresh fat showed fairly good keeping quality. Subsequently it was observed that the latter milk at the end of 24 hours' storage at 5 ° C. developed off flavor, although of much lower intensity than the other but nevertheless identified by judges as slightly oily or tallowy and which lowered its score from 23 to 21 points, as compared with the score of zero for the first milk at the end of the same period. Since the conditions for oxidation appear to be favorable, when fat is redispersed in skimmilk, we can assume that the above technique can be of value in readily detecting changes in the resistance of milk fat to oxidation, whether these changes are brought about during storage, by exposure to light, or any other factor. For these studies the vitamin A and carotene contents of the fat were determined by the Koehn and Sherman method (3), while in the preparation of milk fat we followed the same procedure as described in the former paper (2). EXPERIMENTAL
Aquatic flatworms use chemical cues from injured conspecifics to assess predation risk and to associate risk with novel cues

A growing number of aquatic organisms have been shown to display antipredator behaviour in response to injury-released chemical cues from conspecifics. Here, we demonstrate a clear antipredator response in the form of avoidance behaviour by a free-living flatworm Dugesia dorotocephala to chemical cues from injured conspecifics. This is the first demonstration of a chemical alarm cue in a platyhelminth. In a second experiment, we exposed planaria to combined cues of sunfish odour and planaria alarm cue, or sunfish odour alone. Planaria avoided the sunfish+alarm cue but did not avoid the sunfish odour, indicating no prior aversion to sunfish odour. When these same planaria were subsequently retested 2 days later with sunfish odour only, planaria that had previously received sunfish odour+alarm cue avoided the cue but planaria that had previously received sunfish odour alone did not. These data indicate that planaria learned to recognize sunfish odour as an indicator of danger based on a single simultaneous exposure to conspecific alarm cue and the novel cue. This is the first demonstration of this phenomenon in a platyhelminth and the simplest nervous system known to be capable of learned risk association.
Inhibition of human embryonic stem cell differentiation by mechanical strain

Mechanical forces have been reported to induce proliferation and/or differentiation in many cell types, but the role of mechanotransduction during embryonic stem cell fate decisions is unknown. To ascertain the role of mechanical strain in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) differentiation, we measured the rate of hESC differentiation in the presence and absence of biaxial cyclic strain. Above a threshold of 10% cyclic strain, applied to a deformable elastic substratum upon which the hESC colonies were cultured, hESC differentiation was reduced and self-renewal was promoted without selecting against survival of differentiated or undifferentiated cells. Frequency of mechanical strain application had little effect on extent of differentiation. hESCs cultured under cyclic strain retained pluripotency, evidenced by their ability to differentiate to cell lineages in all three germ layers. Mechanical inhibition of hESC differentiation could not be traced to secretion of chemical factors into the media suggesting that mechanical forces may directly regulate hESC differentiation. Mechanical strain is not sufficient to inhibit differentiation, however, in unconditioned medium, hESCs grown under strain differentiated at the same rate as cells cultured in the absence of strain. Thus, while mechanical forces play a role in regulating hESC self-renewal and differentiation, they must act synergistically with chemical signals. These findings imply that application of mechanical forces may be useful, in combination with chemical and matrix-encoded signals, towards controlling differentiation of hESCs for therapeutic applications.
Liver-enriched transcription factor CREBH interacts with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α to regulate metabolic hormone FGF21

Lipid metabolism is tightly regulated by nuclear receptors, transcription factors, and cellular enzymes. In this study, we demonstrated that the liver-enriched transcription factor CREBH (cAMP-responsive element binding protein, hepatocyte specific) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) function as binary transcriptional activators to regulate lipid metabolism by activating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a hepatic hormone that regulates whole-body energy homeostasis. Gain- and loss-of-function studies indicated that CREBH regulates triglyceride and fatty acid metabolism in animals under fasting or on an atherogenic high-fat (AHF) diet. CREBH and PPARα act as interactive trans-activators that regulate each other for their expression. Activated CREBH protein interacts with PPARα to form a functional complex upon fasting or the AHF diet, and both factors are required for induction of the metabolic hormone FGF21. The CREBH-PPARα complex was found to bind to integrated CRE-PPAR-responsive element-binding motifs in the FGF21 gene promoter. Whereas CREBH and PPARα function in synergy to activate FGF21 gene expression, PPARα relies on CREBH to exert its trans-activation effect on FGF21. Supporting the key role of CREBH in regulating FGF21, infusion of recombinant FGF21 protein can reverse hypertriglyceridemia and hypoketonemia and partially rescue nonalcoholic steatohepatitis developed in the CREBH-null mice after the AHF diet. Our study demonstrated a transcriptional regulatory axis of CREBH-PPARα-FGF21 in maintaining lipid homeostasis under metabolic stress. The functional relationship between CREBH and PPARα in regulating FGF21 may represent an important transcriptional coactivation mechanism that orchestrates the processes of energy supply upon metabolic alteration.
Perceived barriers to physical activity according to stage of change and body mass index in the west virginia wisewoman population.

Purpose Low-income Appalachian women aged 40–64 years are an understudied population relative to physical activity barriers. To inform a cardiovascular risk factor intervention targeting this population through the West Virginia WISEWOMAN program, we determined at baseline participants' perceptions about the presence of 6 barriers to physical activity and respective differences according to stage of readiness for change (SOC). Methods Low-income women aged 40–64 who had participated in a state cancer screening program were recruited through 13 clinics. Participants were interviewed at clinics using a health risk/behavioral survey that included questions about barriers to and SOC for physical activity. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. Principal Findings Baseline screening was completed by 733 women; 84% were overweight (body mass index [BMI] 25–29.9 [24.1%]) or obese (BMI ≥ 30 [59.8%]). The prevalence of barriers was greatest for lack of support (52.4%) and lack of willpower (50.8%); lack of time was reported by only 30.1%. On χ2 test, significant differences were revealed across SOC for time (p = .026), don't need more physical activity (p = .003), and willpower (p Conclusions Lack of willpower and support—not time—seem to be the dominant physical activity barriers in the West Virginia WISEWOMAN population. Interventions targeting willpower in early SOC and in obese participants may be promising toward increasing physical activity.
The bitangential Navanlinna-Pick interpolation problem: A geometric approach

The bitangential Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation problem arises in the sensitivity minimization problem of H?-optimal control theory (see [F,FD]) and has been studied in a number of publications (eg. [BH1,BH2, BR1, Fe, K, LA]). Here we review the approach from [BH1,BH2] and summarize results from [BR1] which yield an explicit realization formula (with no recursions) for the linear fractional map which parametrizes all solutions of the problem. We also indicate how one can obtain all sensitivities for stable closed loop systems with H? norm below a prescribed tolerance directly from zero and pole data of the open loop plant for the right half plane - without recourse to explicit inner-outer factorization.
Ability of dental students to deliver oxygen in a medical emergency

This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of dental students to administer emergency oxygen to a patient during a simulated emergency. Forty third-year (D3) and fourth-year (D4) dental students were recruited and asked to demonstrate their ability in managing a simulated angina attack. Students were tested on their knowledge related to emergency medical protocols, the time taken to obtain oxygen, and operation of the oxygen equipment. Of the subjects tested, 68 percent independently identified the need for oxygen and the correct location of the equipment in the dental school. Only 15 percent of the students completed the experiment within a predetermined optimal time frame, and 50 percent of all students did not successfully operate the tank regulator to administer oxygen correctly. Although most participants in the study were able to verbalize the proper protocol for managing medical emergencies, the chairside execution in this situation demonstrates room for improvement. Incorporation of periodic simulation exercises, in addition to classroom education, is likely to improve the ability of dental students to manage medical emergencies.
“THE HECTIC BEAUTY OF DECAY”: POSITIVIST DECADENCE IN MATHILDE BLIND'S LATE POETRY

Wan mists enwrap the still-born day;The harebell withers on the heath,And all the moorland seems to breatheThe hectic beauty of decay.—Mathilde Blind, “The Evening of the Year,” Songs and SonnetsTo again invoke the organic metaphor at the root of decadence, what is crucial about the notion of decay is not so much the change from a greater to a lesser state, but the changing itself.—David Weir, Decadence and the Making of Modernism[T]he aim of decadence, whether in science or art, is to challenge the limits that mark some forms of knowledge as permissible and others as forbidden, regardless of the results.—Christine Ferguson, “Decadence as Scientific Fulfillment”
Petroleum Habitat of East Siberia, Russia

East Siberia comprises three petroleum provinces—Lena-Tunguska, Lena-Vilyuy, and Yenisey-Anabar—that occupy the area of the Siberian craton. Petroleum has been generated and has accumulated in Precambrian rifts beneath the sedimentary basins and, more importantly, within the section of the basin itself. The platformal deposits of the basins extend beneath overthrusts on the east and south and are covered by sedimentary rocks of the West Siberian overthrusts on the east and south and are covered by sedimentary rocks of the West Siberian province on the west. Permafrost and gas hydrate deposits are present throughout most of East Siberia. In the Lena-Tunguska province, rifts that developed during Riphean time are filled by thick sedimentary rocks, in which petroleum deposits have formed. In Early Cambrian time a barrier reef extended across the East Siberian craton from southeast to northwest. A lagoon to the west of this reef was the site of thick rhythmic salt deposits, which are the main seal for petrole...
Journal Perspectives, Publication Rates, And Textbook Preferences Of Accounting Information Systems Faculty

This paper describes the journal preferences, publishing perspectives, publication rates, and textbook preferences of those individuals who responded to a survey of all accounting systems faculty now working at AACSB-accredited institutions. The top-rated journals included the Journal of Information Systems and the International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, although many “non-accounting” journals were also highly rated. In addition, most of the respondents believe that (1) publishing in first or second-tier journals is important for tenure decisions, and that (2) it is even more important to publish in quality journals when applying for promotion to full professor. The publication productivity of the AIS faculty responding to the survey varied widely, but the median rate of one, blind-refereed article per year describes both male and female researchers. Finally, the vast majority of the survey respondents felt that the “systems area” in accounting is isolated, or not as well respected, as other accounting sub-disciplines.
A perspective on the development of manufacturing science – present and future

In recent years, composites and advanced materials have been identified as critical technologies for the future on almost every list of key technologies. Primarily for this reason this industry has been fuelled by the defence sector, primarily through aerospace applications. In the changing global economy of today, however, mere enhancement of performance without concern for costs is unacceptable. It is the authors' contention that success in increasing the market for composites and other advanced technologies will be determined largely by advances in the understanding and development of manufacturing methods and strategies that will facilitate functionality through integrated materials–process design. The current discussion evolved from, and is based partly on, the results of a panel convened by the Japan Technology Evaluation Center (JTEC, a program funded through the National Science Foundation) aimed at assessing the relative strengths of polymer–matrix composite (PMC) manufacturing technologies in Japan vis–2–vis those in the United States. This paper discusses in broad terms the area of PMC manufacturing science with an emphasis on the differences in perspective and approaches followed. It does not purport to be a definitive study on the subject, but pinpoints certain intrinsic differences in the Japanese and American perspectives related to the development, establishment, and use of manufacturing/processing science base for polymeric composites.
Toroid Joining Gun

The Toroid Joining Gun is a low cost, self-contained, portable low powered (100-400 watts) thermoplastic welding system developed at Langley Research Center for joining plastic and composite parts using an induction heating technique. The device developed for use in the fabrication of large space sructures (LSST Program) can be used in any atmosphere or in a vacuum. Components can be joined in situ, whether on earth or on a space platform. The expanded application of this welding gun is in the joining of thermoplastic composites, thermosetting composites, metals, and combinations of these materials. Its low-power requirements, light weight, rapid response, low cost, portability, and effective joining make it a candidate for solving many varied and unique bonding tasks.
Variational Methods for Phononic Band-Structure Evaluation

In this paper we present comparative results regarding the computational efficiency, speed, and versatility of three fundamental variational schemes for phononic band-structure calculation: a. traditional Rayleigh quotient where the displacement field is varied, b. inverse Rayleigh quotient where the stress field is varied, and c. mixed-method where both the displacement and the stress fields are varied. We show that the variational principles can be used for the fast evaluation of various phononic properties such as the dispersion relation, equi-frequency contours, and the density of states.© 2014 ASME
Narrow-Linewidth Operation of Diode-Laser-Pumped Nonplanar Ring Oscillators

The search for gravity waves, improved tests of relativity theory, advances in high resolution spectroscopy, and optical frequency standard development impose stringent requirements on the linewidth and frequency stability of lasers. Most efforts to produce narrow linewidth lasers have focused on He-Ne, dye, argon ion, or semiconductor lasers. These lasers exhibit free-running linewidths ranging from tens of kilohertz to several gigahertz and thus require wideband servo techniques for narrow linewidth operation [1]. Diode-laser-pumped monolithic solid-state lasers, on the other hand, can have free-running linewidths of a few kilohertz [2, 3], which makes them attractive candidates for narrow linewidth operation using low bandwith servo techniques. The short-term free-running stability is attributed to the small size and rigidity of the monolithic laser, which makes the optical cavity resistant to acoustical excitation, and to the low noise and efficiency of the diode laser pumping. Of particular interest are the diode-laser-pumped monolithic NonPlanar Ring Oscillators (NPROs) that overcome the problems of spatial hole burning and sensitivity to optical feedback inherent in linear cavity lasers [3, 4, 5]. Here we present our current NPRO design and explain its properties, discuss our recent narrow linewidth results obtained by locking a pair of diode-laser-pumped Nd:GGG NPROs to an optical cavity, and speculate about future developments.