cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reporting Mental Health Symptoms: Breaking Down Barriers to Care with Virtual Human Interviewers

A common barrier to healthcare for psychiatric conditions is the stigma associated with these disorders. Perceived stigma prevents many from reporting their symptoms. Stigma is a particularly pervasive problem among military service members, preventing them from reporting symptoms of combat-related conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, research shows increased reporting by service members when anonymous assessments are used. For example, service members report more symptoms of PTSD when they anonymously answer the Post-Deployment Health Assessment (PDHA) symptom checklist compared to the official PDHA, which is identifiable and linked to their military records. To investigate the factors that influence reporting of psychological symptoms by service members, we used a transformative technology: automated virtual humans that interview people about their symptoms. Such virtual human interviewers allow simultaneous use of two techniques for eliciting disclosure that would otherwise be incompatible; they afford anonymity while also building rapport. We examined whether virtual human interviewers could increase disclosure of mental health symptoms among active-duty service members that just returned from a year-long deployment in Afghanistan. Service members reported more symptoms during a conversation with a virtual human interviewer than on the official PDHA. They also reported more to a virtual human interviewer than on an anonymized PDHA. A second, larger sample of active-duty and former service members found a similar effect that approached statistical significance. Because respondents in both studies shared more with virtual human interviewers than an anonymized PDHA -even though both conditions control for stigma and ramifications for service members’ military records- virtual human interviewers that build rapport may provide a superior option to encourage reporting.
Sulforaphane Treatment of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – A Progress Report (N1.002)

Objective: Study the safety, clinical effects and mechanisms of action of sulforaphane in ASD. Background: Direct treatment of underlying mechanisms in ASD is limited. The “fever effect” in ASD, in which febrile illness temporarily ameliorates disordered behavior, may offer a clinical clue. Fever stimulates heat shock proteins (HSP) and cellular stress responses, leading to improved synaptic function and long-range connectivity. Expression of gene transcription by NFE2L2 (Nrf2), which is reduced in ASD, also increases during fever. Sulforaphane (SF), an isothiocyanate obtained from broccoli sprouts, induces HSP and Nrf2 as well as “cell-protective” responses that may benefit ASD through common cellular mechanisms underlying heterogeneous phenotypes. Design/Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase-2 clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of oral SF in 50 children (age 3–12 years) with ASD. Treatment period is 30 weeks, with study-visits at screening, 7, 15, 22, 30 and 36 weeks. The first 15 weeks are double-blind, 1:1 placebo-controlled, and the second 15 weeks are open-label with all participants receiving SF. Ohio Autism Clinical Global Impressions Scale – Severity and Improvement (OACIS-S and I), Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) are administered at each study visit. Samples are collected for clinical and research lab studies at each visit. Results: To date, we have enrolled 46 participants in the study; 24 participants have completed the trial, and 22 are actively enrolled. A preliminary analysis of the OACIS-I showed that 26% participants were much/very much improved at 7 weeks, 38% at 15 weeks, 64% at 22 weeks, and 64% at 30 weeks. Most common adverse events so far are insomnia (17%), flatulence (15%) and constipation (13%). Enrollment is expected to be complete in November, 2017, and full results after July, 2018. Conclusions: Our preliminary results show that sulforaphane appears to be safe and effective in children with ASD. Study Supported by: United States Department of Defense Disclosure: Dr. Zimmerman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Diggins has nothing to disclose. Dr. Connors has nothing to disclose. Dr. Singh has nothing to disclose.
Metabolic Role of Muscle

Muscle’s primary function is contraction, but thanks to its relatively great mass and protein content, it serves several vital metabolic roles. It is a most important buffer to acid-base alterations and even changes its own metabolic reactions as a response to increases or decreases in hydrogen ion concentration. It also serves as a buffer to other ion changes, such as potassium or magnesium. Less emphasized has been its role as the body’s principie nitrogen reservoir, or more accurately, as the body’s depot of substrate for gluconeogenesis. This brief note addresses itself to this last point.
The Impact of Global Climate Change and Energy Scarcity on Mississippi Delta Restoration

Global climate change and increasing energy cost and scarcity pose significant threats to ecological and social systems of the coastal zone and to the restoration of the Mississippi delta. In coming decades, these two factors will affect how much land can be built and maintained and dictate how sediment is delivered to the delta plain. In this chapter we review climate and energy issues and discuss their significance for coastal restoration. Climate change will likely lead to accelerated sea-level rise, more intense hurricanes, highly variable flow of the Mississippi River with both more large floods and very low water years. Increasing energy scarcity will likely make energy intensive activities such as building and maintaining levees, and pumping slurried sediments much more costly. It will be necessary to come up with energy-efficient projects that require less fossil energy for operation and maintenance so that performance is not hampered by energy scarcity or cost in the future. This argues for river diversions because once built, they are very efficient to operate. The more delta restoration and river management can depend on natural processes, the more cost-effective (from both economic and energy perspectives) restoration will be. Because of escalating climate change impacts and increases in the cost of energy, time is of the essence in terms of jumpstarting a large-scale sediment-reintroduction restoration program. This evidence indicates that there will be a window of time in the next one to two decades when climate impacts and energy costs are still moderate. This is the time to put resources into improving existing diversions and building new ones.
Breaking and Entering: neoliberal urbanism, serial sociality, and the stranger

This article offers a critical analysis of Anthony Minghella’s film Breaking and Entering (2006). The film was intended as a critique of postmodern urbanism and investment driven urban planning age...
THIRTY YEARS OF CHANGE IN THE PUBLICATION PROCESS

This essay considers changes in the publication process in sociology journals over the last thirty years. Decisions of accept or conditional accept on the first submission have almost disappeared, and the use of revise and resubmit decisions has expanded to cover a wide range of papers. Other important changes have been an increase in the typical number of reviewers and a less active role for editors. The changes have resulted in an improvement of the quality of published papers, but have also had some negative consequences. One is a slowdown in the process. Another is a dominance of one kind of publication — the full-scale research paper — and a decline of other types, including comments, research notes, and essays. The paper concludes by discussing some changes that might encourage a wider variety of publication types and facilitate commentary and debate on published papers
An efficient 3D stack-of-stars turbo spin echo pulse sequence for simultaneous T2-weighted imaging and T2 mapping.

PURPOSE To design a pulse sequence for efficient 3D T2-weighted imaging and T2 mapping. METHODS A stack-of-stars turbo spin echo pulse sequence with variable refocusing flip angles and a flexible pseudorandom view ordering is proposed for simultaneous T2-weighted imaging and T2 mapping. An analytical framework is introduced for the selection of refocusing flip angles to maximize relative tissue contrast while minimizing T2 estimation errors and maintaining low specific absorption rate. Images at different echo times are generated using a subspace constrained iterative reconstruction algorithm. T2 maps are obtained by modeling the signal evolution using the extended phase graph model. The technique is evaluated using phantoms and demonstrated in vivo for brain, knee, and carotid imaging. RESULTS Numerical simulations demonstrate an improved point spread function with the proposed pseudorandom view ordering compared to golden angle view ordering. Phantom experiments show that T2 values estimated from the stack-of-stars turbo spin echo pulse sequence with variable refocusing flip angles have good concordance with spin echo reference values. In vivo results show the proposed pulse sequence can generate qualitatively comparable T2-weighted images as conventional Cartesian 3D SPACE in addition to simultaneously generating 3D T2 maps. CONCLUSION The proposed stack-of-stars turbo spin echo pulse sequence with pseudorandom view ordering and variable refocusing flip angles allows high resolution isotropic T2 mapping in clinically acceptable scan times. The optimization framework for the selection of refocusing flip angles improves T2 estimation accuracy while generating T2-weighted contrast comparable to conventional Cartesian imaging.
Rheological properties and microstructure of tomato puree subject to continuous high pressure homogenization

Abstract Tomato puree was processed by continuous high-pressure (CHP) homogenization at 69–276 MPa, for 1–3 passes. Laser scattering and light microscopy showed CHP reduced the pulp particles to ∼10–100 μm, producing smaller and more uniform particles, with processing at 276 MPa and 2 passes producing greatest particle reduction. No differences in moisture or color were found due to different treatments. In general, G ′ > G ″ for all samples, suggesting a soft gel network. Both the storage modulus ( G ′) and loss modulus ( G ″) decreased with CHP pressure. G ′ decreased modestly with frequency between 0.1 and 2 Hz, and more dramatically between 2 and 30 Hz, with behavior characteristic of entangled polymers. In general, yield stress decreased with homogenization pressure, but increased with number of passes. CHP-treated samples had lower consistency and were less shear-thinning than the control. Repeated passes increased the consistency of CHP samples. The results suggest CHP processing produced smaller and more uniform particles, causing a reduced level of microstructure that contributes to elastic properties at small deformation.
Materials for learning use of GSAS-II

The General Structure Analysis System (GSAS-II) package provides materials and crystallographic analysis for all types of diffraction data. It was initially made available with very limited capabilities, but over much of the last decade the features have been expanded, so that GSAS-II is now a comprehensive tool for nearly all types of structural and materials characterization studies. The need to provide materials to teach use of GSAS-II, while the software has been undergoing constant revision and expansion, has required new approaches for documentation. This has included providing tutorials, as each major new capability has been added, and context-sensitive help for each section of the program. Comments in the code are also expanded into a software reference guide. Most recently, video versions of more than half of the tutorials were created and others were provided with animated graphics. All GSAS-II documentation is web-based.
Optimisation of Tool Wear and Cutting Forces on the basis of different Cutting Parameters

In this era, increasing productivity and quality of machined parts are key challenges to manufacturing industries. As this is the era of customized market rather than custom market, thus the company have to keep pace with it. In this global environment, all the companies are continuously trying to produce high quality products at least cost and it is only possible it companies will reduce the defect rate. Optimization methods in any manufacturing process plays a vital role for continuous improvement of results considering numerous factors which affect it. In present research work an attempt has been made to optimize cutting parameters such that to reduce the value of tool wear in turning operation on mild steel work piece. All the experiments were designed as per design of experiment (DOE) i.e. Taguchi Methodology and 27 runs work conducted as per L-27 Array Technique. Furthermore, Signal to Noise Ratio and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were applied and tables were generated to study various performance conditions at varying parameters. For performing experiments, different parameters were chosen at various levels i.e. Depth of cut, Spindle speed, Feed rate, etc. and cutting force is also taken as dependent variable. The results obtained from this work will be highly beneficial for any small scale industry and will definitely reduce the tool wear and will improve the quality of product. From the results and analysis finally it is identified that Depth of cut is the main parameter which affect the tool wear. Thus all the machinist or industries should keep Depth of cut in precise range, so that better results can be obtained.
Crystallization with Sinusoidal Modulation of Stirrer Speed: Frequency Response Analysis and Secondary Nucleation Kinetics

In crystallization, obtaining the proper nucleation and growth parameters is essential to the design of crystallization processes. This paper studies the response of crystal size distribution (CSD)...
The influence of age on the recovery from worksite resistance exercise in career firefighters.

Abstract Resistance exercise is an important strategy to reduce injuries and improve performance in the fire service. However, given the large age range of firefighters, it is important to determine if age influences their recovery following an acute bout of resistance exercise. Purpose To examine the changes in indirect markers of muscle damage in young and older firefighters following a feasible worksite resistance exercise routine. Methods Nineteen young (25.5 ± 3.4 years) and 19 older male career firefighters (50.3 ± 3.5 years) completed pre-testing, an acute bout of resistance exercise, and post-testing at 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise at their fire station. Prior to all testing, firefighters completed a work-related fatigue (WRF) questionnaire to account for potential unanticipated differences in previous shift workloads. Testing included perceived muscle soreness, ultrasonography to quantify muscle size and echo intensity (EI) of the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps brachii (BB), countermovement jump (CMJ) height and velocity, upper body (UB) peak force (PF), lower body (LB) PF and rapid force, and electromyographic (EMG) amplitude of the VL. The resistance training session included 3 sets of 8–10 repetitions of a deadlift, shoulder press, lunge, and upright row exercise at 80% 1-RM. All recovery variables were analyzed using a linear mixed model, controlling for WRF. Results There was no interaction (age × time) for any of the variables and a similar training volume were completed between groups (P ≥ 0.171). Muscle soreness, CMJ height and velocity, UB PF, LB rapid force and EMG amplitude at later time intervals (100–200 ms), and VL and BB muscle size were altered from baseline (P ≤ 0.044) for 48, 24, 48, 72, and 72 h post-exercise, respectively. Young firefighters exhibited greater CMJ height and velocity, LB PF, LB rapid force (200 ms), and lower VL EI values than the older firefighters (P ≤ 0.047). Conclusions Age did not influence the recovery from an acute bout of worksite resistance exercise in firefighters. However, UB muscle strength, CMJ performance, and LB rapid force production were reduced 24–72 h post-exercise. Appropriately scheduled and chronic on-duty resistance training may mitigate these decrements.
Case Presentation – Relapse After Frontline BTKi Therapy in Patients with CLL: Options and Consideration

Abstract The advent of small molecule inhibitors of B-cell receptor (BCRi) signaling has revolutionized the therapy for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These therapies have largely supplanted cytotoxic chemotherapy for both untreated and relapsed disease.1,2 The Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, ibrutinib and acalabrutinib, have demonstrated high rates of durable responses and prolonged progression free survival (PFS) and are approved for the treatment of previously untreated or relapsed CLL.3–11 Zanubrutinib, which is already approved for mantle cell lymphoma,12 is likely to gain approval for CLL in the near future, and there are other BTKi inhibitors including noncovalent BTKis that are currently in development.
Variations on ‘the lonely walk’ in the films of Kathryn Bigelow

Kathryn Bigelow prioritises spatial relationships in narratives featuring groups of men in high-pressure, threatening situations. Bigelow foregrounds the inner, individual experiences of characters...
An Evaluation of Alternative Segmentation Strategies in Standard Industrial Products Markets

This abstract summarizes the results of a study on alternative segmentation strategies in the market of standard industrial products. There are two major approaches for segmentation (e.g., Day 1990). One is an a priori approach in which the segmentation variables and their categories are decided before data are collected. Traditional segmentation approaches based on geographic, socio-demographic variables fall into this category. The other approach is a clustering-based segmentation design in which the segments are determined a posteriori by a cluster analysis on a set of relevant variables. Benefit segmentation is an example of this approach.
Correlations Associated with Critical Phenomena

What are critical phenomena? The short answer is that critical phenomena are phenomena associated with critical points. And what is a critical point?
Abstract data groups: structuring distributed programs as layers

Processes that cooperate in a binary fashion and hierarchical compositions of these are a popular structuring concept for distributed programming. The issue of modularizing distributed programs is discussed, and a modularization mechanism, abstract data groups (ADGs), is introduced. Examples are used to show why ADGs are useful and to indicate problems with previous methods. A comparison with related work is also presented. >
Inhibition of amino acid incorporation into protein of human neutrophils by phagocytosis.

The incorporation of uniformly labeled 14C-amino acids into total protein of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes is inhibited when the cells are challenged with heat-killed Escherichia coli or latex particles. Parallel studies of amino acid incorporation and glucose oxidation indicate that the inhibition is dependent upon ingestion of the particles. It is suggested that the process of phagocytosis might inhibit the transport of amino acids into the cell either by competing for available energy or by internalizing specific transport sites.
Progesterone and relaxin secretion in relation to the ultrastructure of human luteal cells in culture: effects of human chorionic gonadotropin.

Abstract This report describes the first study to correlate the ultrastructure of long-term monolayer cultures of human luteal cells with their secretion of relaxin and progesterone under basal and human chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated conditions. In culture from 14 to 28 days, cells from both corpora lutea of the menstrual cycle and corpora lutea of pregnancy took on characteristics of granulosa luteal cells, particularly after exposure to human chorionic gonadotropin. Relaxin was detectable in the luteal cell cultures only at early time points. The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin on media relaxin levels differed in cells of the cycle and cells of pregnancy. In the cells of the cycle, relaxin was detectable only on day 2 and was decreased by human chorionic gonadotropin (p
A Physical Framework for Grand Unification of Galaxies and Active Galactic Nuclei. I. Origin of the Black Hole Mass-Bulge Velocity Dispersion Relation

It is shown that if gas accretion via a disk onto the central supermassive black hole is efficient only for a surface density Σ ≥ 10 g cm-2, the black hole mass-galactic bulge velocity dispersion relation (Tremaine et al.) is borne out and so may be the modest dispersion in that relation, in the context of hierarchical structure formation theory. The relation is not expected to evolve with redshift in this model.
An event-related fMRI study of implicit phrase-level syntactic and semantic processing.

Most neuroimaging studies of language function to date use a block-subtraction paradigm in which images acquired during relatively long periods of target stimuli are compared to those acquired during a control period. These studies typically require an overt response on the part of the subject, usually some type of discrimination or grammatical judgment by button press, or silent word generation. Results from studies of syntactic and semantic processing have generally been compatible with the classical correlation to Broca's area and Wernicke's area, respectively. Recently, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies departing from the block-subtraction paradigm in favor of event-related fMRI paradigms have been reported. We have extended the use of this approach to examine implicit (i.e., without an explicit task on the part of the subject) syntactic and semantic processing at the phrasal level, using visually presented verb phrases. Left BA 44 is more strongly activated for the syntactic condition than the semantic condition. BA 45, 10, and 46 show laterality differences: mostly left-lateralized for the syntactic condition and right-lateralized for the semantic condition. We also find activations of the inferior parietal lobe, consistent with a visual oddball response reported previously, and the anterior cingulate gyrus (BA 32), implicated for attention and memory-related processes in numerous studies.
Analysis of Nitrogen Abundance in Treated Fuels by GC/MS

Fuels from Japan, Senegal, and Turkey were investigated to determine the organic nitrogen content. The organic nitrogen compounds were isolated by mild acid extraction followed by silica gel adsorption. Three extracts were obtained from each sample: a basic nitrogen extract in methylene chloride (BNC); a non-basic nitrogen extract in methylene chloride (NBNC); and a non-basic nitrogen extract in methanol (NBNC). The constituents of each extract were determined by high-resolution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Common nitrogen compounds identified were pyridines, tetrahydroquinolines (THQs), quinolines, indoles, pyrroles, and carbazoles. The largest number of compounds identified in all three fuels was the pyrroles, followed by the indoles and pyridines, carbazoles, quinolines, and THQs.
Psychotherapists' Perceptions of Their Trainers and Training Emphases

ABSTRACT Psychotherapy training is currently a neglected area of empirical study (Binder, Bongar, Messer, Strupp, Lee, & Peake, 1993; Binder & Strupp, 1993; Henry, Strupp, Butler, Schacht, & Binder, 1993; Strupp, 1993). This study empirically investigated trainees' perceptions of the emphases placed by instructors and supervisors on therapeutic skills which have been shown in the past to contribute to both positive and negative patient outcome. The Therapist Capacity Questionnaire (Korner & Goldberg, in press) was utilized for that purpose. Fifty three members of a state psychological association completed the questionnaire. A significant difference was found between the participants' ratings of instructors and supervisors on all but two capacities. This finding highlights the importance of the supervisory role in training. Instructor and supervisor ratings by the participants appeared to correspond to the participants' importance ratings of capacities indicating that trainees may have internalized what t...
A DNA-Centric Look at Protein-DNA Complexes

The availability of many DNA-protein structures makes their classification timely and important. In this issue of Structure , the method of Akinori Sarai and his collaborators (Prabakaran et al., 2006) utilizes aspects of the binding interactions and DNA properties to identify seven clusters of structures with a classification scheme that differs significantly from previous approaches.
Conflict and Creativity in Groups

Consultants and researchers have long recognized the debilitating effects that conflict between group members can have on both group and individual outcomes. Yetless attention has been paid to the important role that conflict may play in helping generate innovative solutions to ill-structured problems. Furthermore, conflict (properly managed) is critical to the avoidance of groupthink (i.e., the tendency to sacrifice quality decision making and problem solving for the sake of consensus and conflict avoidance). What strategies can group members use to incorporate conflict, or more specifically, dissent in group problem solving? We argue that the delivery of dissenting opinions (negative evaluations) affects the extent to which dissent fosters creativity. We report the results of an experiment in which the target of negative evaluations was varied (e.g., source of an idea vs. idea itself ) and compared to a condition in which no negative evaluations were incorporated. The results show that (1) creativity is higher in the conditions involving idea-targeted negative evaluations than source-targeted or no negative evaluations; (2) negative evaluations from others increase in conditions in which there are source-targeted negative evaluations and idea-targeted negative evaluations, compared to no negative evaluations; and (3) group members report higher levels of satisfaction when working under conditions involving idea-targeted negative evaluations, compared to source-targeted or no negative evaluations. We discuss the implications of this research for organizational settings, with particular attention to how they might inform the design of group decision support systems.
Concentration-dependent Unloading as a Necessary Assumption for a Closed Form Mathematical Model of Osmotically Driven Pressure Flow in Phloem

Previous attempts to model steady state Munch pressure flow in phloem (Christy and Ferrier. [1973]. Plant Physiol. 52: 531-538; and Ferrier et al. [1974]. Plant Physiol. 54: 589-600) lack sufficient equations, and results were produced which do not represent correct mathematical solutions. Additional equations for the present closed form model were derived by assuming that unloading of a given solute is dependent upon the concentration of that solute in the sieve tube elements. Examples of linear and enzymic type unloading mechanisms are given, although other concentration-dependent mechanisms could be substituted. A method for a numerical solution is outlined, and proof of convergence is presented along with some representative data and the speed of computer calculations. The model provides the minimal set of equations for describing the Munch pressure flow hypothesis as it might operate in plants.
Some effects of urbanism on black social networks

Claude Fischer (1982a) has argued that urbanism increases the strength of urban subcultures and networks, including the networks and cultures of urban ethnic minorities. However, Fischer intentionally excluded predominantly black communities from his studies. Using the 1985 General Social Survey, which asked questions about social networks, and the 1982 General Social Survey, which oversampled blacks, it appears that the blackness of black networks is not strengthened by urbanism. There is even some evidence that it is weakened.
Performance and Developmental Stability of Triploid Tiger Trout (Brown Trout ♀ X Brook Trout ♂)

Abstract Triploid fish hybrids frequently survive better than diploid hybrids. Tiger trout are a sterile hybrid between female brown trout Salmo trutta and male brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis; they have a poor early survival rate but a good growth rate. We produced triploid tiger trout by heat shock treatments of fertilized eggs and examined their survival and growth under hatchery conditions. Triploid tiger trout survived better to the initiation of feeding (34%) than did diploid tiger trout (5%) but had lower survival than brown trout (70%). Triploid tiger trout had similar survival to and better growth than brown trout when the two groups were reared together for 239 d after the initiation of feeding. Analysis of the asymmetry of bilateral meristic traits indicated higher developmental stability in the triploid hybrids than in the diploid hybrids. Expression of both parental alleles of enzyme loci, determined by protein electrophoresis, confirmed the hybrid nature of the offspring. Triploid hybrids ...
Proteolysis and class I major histocompatibility complex antigen presentation

The class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC class I) presents 8-10 residue peptides to cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Most of these antigenic peptides are generated during protein degradation in the cytoplasm and are then transported into the endoplasmic reticulum by the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP). Several lines of evidence have indicated that the proteasome is the major proteolytic activity responsible for generation of antigenic peptides--probably most conclusive has been the finding that specific inhibitors of the proteasome block antigen presentation. However, other proteases (e.g. the signal peptidase) may also generate some epitopes, particularly those on certain MHC class I alleles. The proteasome is responsible for generating the precise C termini of many presented peptides, and appears to be the only activity in cells that can make this cleavage. In contrast, aminopeptidases in the cytoplasm and endoplasmic reticulum can trim the N terminus of extended peptides to their proper size. Interestingly, the cellular content of proteases involved in the production and destruction of antigenic peptides is modified by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) treatment of cells. IFN-gamma induces the expression of three new proteasome beta subunits that are preferentially incorporated into new proteasomes and alter their pattern of peptidase activities. These changes are likely to enhance the yield of peptides with C termini appropriate for MHC binding and have been shown to enhance the presentation of at least some antigens. IFN-gamma also upregulates leucine aminopeptidase, which should promote the removal of N-terminal flanking residues of antigenic peptides. Also, this cytokine downregulates the expression of a metallo-proteinase, thimet oligopeptidase, that actively destroys many antigenic peptides. Thus, IFN-gamma appears to increase the supply of peptides by stimulating their generation and decreasing their destruction. The specificity and content of these various proteases should determine the amount of peptides available for antigen presentation. Also, the efficiency with which a peptide is presented is determined by the protein's half life (e.g. its ubiquitination rate) and the sequences flanking antigenic peptides, which influence the rates of proteolytic cleavage and destruction.
A structured approach to measuring functional dependency and sequencing of coupled tasks in engineering design

Engineering designs involving multiple factors that interact with one another have drawn researchers' attention for decades. In today's competitive global market, which demands rapid response to customer needs, speeding up the product development process has become more crucial than ever. Axiomatic Design (AD) is one design theory that provides a systematic approach to engineering design. Based on the independence axiom in AD, unacceptable solutions can be identified in a domain mapping process during the early design stage. As AD accepts only uncoupled and decoupled designs, design solutions with interacting parameters are not considered appropriate. However, many engineering designs do involve couplings, especially for the design of large and complex systems, even though these couplings may have various degrees of strength. To expedite the design process, design engineers may ignore some weak couplings that have little influence on the design outcome so that the design tasks can proceed with fewer interactions. The intention of this research is to develop methods for measuring functional dependency and sequencing of coupled tasks in engineering design so as to improve the design process. First, we rearrange the design matrix using partitioning algorithm to reveal the structure and sequence of design processes. Next, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is applied to measure the strength of the coupled design tasks. To reduce the comparison effort in AHP, a comparison scale assignment algorithm is developed. Finally, we provide an algorithm for finding the best processing sequence of the coupled tasks in terms of the measured coupling strengths. The effectiveness of our proposed method is demonstrated by an illustrative example showing the design of a one-time-use camera.
Modeling of heat-bump formation in x-ray optics under SR beams

We have used a direct optical measurement of the distortion of the first silicon crystal of the CHESS A2 monochromator. The total X-ray power absorbed by the crystal was in the range of 2 to 190 Watts. The X-ray powers measured by a bolometer were in good agreement with the XOP calculations. In-situ optical measurements were used to measure the deformation of the crystal under the heat load between a 3-15 O angle of incidence. Simultaneously, ANSYS modeling of the effect of the heat load on the monochromator crystal with the cooling assembly was done. The measured slope error and the surface deformation profiles were in good agreement with the ANSYS simulations. A rocking curve method was used to measure the effect of a heat load on the diffraction properties of the monochromator for a range of beam-defining slit widths. We have found a good correlation between the FWHM of the rocking curves and the slope errors from the optical measurements.
Stability and instability for solutions of Burger's equation with a semilinear boundary condition

In this paper, we present several results concerning the long-time behavior of positive solutions of Burgers’ equation $u_t = u_{xx} + \varepsilon uu_x $, $0 0$, $u(x,0)$ given, subject to one of two pairs of boundary conditions: (A) $u(0,t) = 0$, $u_x (1,t) = au^p (1,t)$, $t > 0$, or (B) $u(1,t) = 0$, $u_x (0,t) = - au^p (0,t)$, where $0 < p < \infty $. A complete stability-instability analysis is given. It is shown that some solutions can blow up in finite time. Generalizations replacing $\varepsilon uu_x $ by $(f(u))_x $ and $au^p$ by $g(u)$ are discussed.
Biopsy of a Right Atrial Mass Under Transesophageal Echocardiographic Guidance

Transesophageal echocardiography was utilized to accurately define a right atrial mass and safely guide transvenous biopsy, resulting in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Although transthoracic echocardiography was utilized to detect the mass, transesophageal echocardiography provided detail that allowed safe localization and biopsy of the mass.
Conceptualizations of argumentation from science studies and the learning sciences and their implications for the practices of science education

Argumentation has become an increasingly recognized focus for science instruction---as a learning process, as an outcome associated with the appropriation of scientific discourse, and as a window onto the epistemic work of science. Only a small set of theoretical conceptualizations of argumentation have been deployed and investigated in science education, however, while a plethora of conceptualizations have been developed in the interdisciplinary fields associated with science studies and the learning sciences. This paper attempts to review a range of such theoretical conceptualizations of argumentation and discuss the possible implications for the orchestration of science education; the goal being that the science education research community might consider a broader range of argumentation forms and roles in conjunction with the learning of science. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed92:473–493, 2008
TOUGH+CO2: A multiphase fluid-flow simulator for CO2 geologic sequestration in saline aquifers

TOUGH+CO"2 is a new simulator for modeling of CO"2 geologic sequestration in saline aquifers. It is a member of TOUGH+, the successor to the TOUGH2 family of codes for multicomponent, multiphase fluid and heat flow simulation. The code accounts for heat and up to 3 mass components, which are partitioned into three possible phases. In the code, the thermodynamics and thermophysical properties of H"2O-NaCl-CO"2 mixtures are determined based on system status and subdivided into six different phase combinations. By solving coupled mass and heat balance equations, TOUGH+CO"2 can model non-isothermal or isothermal CO"2 injection, phase behavior and flow of fluids and heat under typical conditions of temperature, pressure and salinity in CO"2 geologic storage projects. The code takes into account effects of salt precipitation on porosity and permeability changes, and the wettability phenomena. The new simulator inherits all capabilities of TOUGH2 in handling fractured media and using unstructured meshes for complex simulation domains. The code adds additional relative permeability and capillary pressure functions. The FORTRAN 95 OOP architecture and other new language features have been extensively used to enhance memory use and computing efficiency. In addition, a domain decomposition approach has been implemented for parallel simulation. All these features lead to increased computational efficiency, and allow applicability of the code to multi-core/processor parallel computing platforms with excellent scalability.
Equivalence of statistical-mechanical and dynamic descriptions of the infinite-range Ising spin-glass

We prove the equivalence between the dynamic mean-field theory of the Ising spin-glass and the statistical-mechanical theory of Thouless, Anderson, and Palmer (TAP). Individual low-free-energy TAP solutions describe short-time properties, whereas thermodynamic equilibrium corresponds to averaging over all such solutions. The square of the staggered magnetization associated with the largest eigenvalue of the interaction matrix scales as N 5/6 (N is the number of spins). Results are confirmed by Monte Carlo simulation and numerical solution of the TAP equations.
Evaluation of a Multiplex Assay for Estimation of HIV-1 Incidence

Objectives: Accurate methods of estimating HIV-1 incidence are critical for monitoring the status of the epidemic and the impact of prevention strategies. Although several laboratory-based tests have been developed strictly for this purpose, several limitations exist and improved methods or technologies are needed. We sought to further optimize a previously described bead-based, HIV-1-specific multiplex assay with the capability of measuring multiple immune responses for determining recent infection. Methods: We refined the customized HIV-1 Bio-Plex assay by determining cutoffs and mean durations of recency (MDR), based on the reactivity to longitudinal seroconversion specimens (n=1347) from 311 ART-naive, HIV-1-infected subjects. False-recent rates (FRRs) were calculated for various long-term cohorts, including AIDS patients, individuals on ART, and subtype C specimens. Incidence was estimated for each individual assay analyte from a simulated population with a known incidence of 1%. For improved incidence estimates, multi-analyte algorithms based on combinations of 3 to 6 analytes were evaluated and compared to the performance of each individual analyte. Results: The MDR for the six analytes varied from 164.2 to 279.4 days, while the multi-analyte algorithm MDRs were less variable with a minimum and maximum value of 228.4 and 277.9 days, respectively. The FRRs for the 7 multi-analyte algorithms evaluated in this study varied from 0.3% to 3.1%, in a population of ART-naive, long-term individuals. All algorithms yielded improved incidence estimates as compared to the individual analytes, predicting an incidence of 0.95% to 1.02%. Conclusions: The HIV-specific multiplex assay described here measures several distinct immune responses in a single assay, allowing for the consideration of multi-analyte algorithms for improved HIV incidence estimates.
Survival differences of Asian and Caucasian epithelial ovarian cancer patients in the United States

Abstract Objective To compare the racial differences in treatment and survival of Asian-Americans and White patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program between 1988 and 2009 and analyzed using Chi-squared tests, Kaplan–Meier methods, and Cox regression analysis. Results Of the 52,260 women, 3932 (7.5%) were coded as Asian, and 48,328 (92.5%) were White. The median age of Asians at diagnosis was 56 vs. 64years for the Whites (p Conclusion Asians were more likely to be younger, undergo primary surgery, have an earlier stage of disease, non-serous histology, lower grade tumors, and higher survival.
Rigid and differential rotation driven by oscillations within the sun

Long-period oscillations involving the entire mass of the sun rotate like rigid bodies, and their oscillatory power is distributed nonuniformly across the solar surface. A mostly qualitative theory is constructed showing how the oscillations drive convective flows of global scale, which then organize photospheric and coronal magnetic fields into patterns which rotate rigidly. The convection rises along long graceful curves, creating the magnetic-arcade structures in the corona and unipolar photospheric regions on each side by dynamo action. These are thought to be the origin of the sector structure in the solar wind. The rigid patterns of convective upwelling also force nonrigid horizontal winds on the solar surface. Under the action of the Coriolis force, the main horizontal motions are converted into polar and equatorial wind currents which have the proper directions to drive the differential rotation long observed on the sun's surface.
Perils and Promises: Middle-Class Parental Involvement in Urban Schools:

Given recent trends, middle-class families may become an increasing presence in urban districts. Such parents could help secure badly needed resources and raise expectations. This study of parental involvement in two urban schools suggests that middle-class parental involvement may be more complex than often assumed. The authors find that middle-class parents bring myriad resources to urban schools and can be catalysts for change. However, the relationship between parental involvement and widespread benefit was mediated by parents’ own goals and perspectives as well as by the larger social context. Furthermore, compared to a more individualistic approach to parental involvement, a collective orientation is more sustainable and has greater potential for benefiting all children in the school, without regard to their social class.
The effects of tone language experience on pitch processing in the brainstem

Neural encoding of pitch in the auditory brainstem is shaped by long-term experience with language. The aim herein was to determine to what extent this experience-dependent effect is specific to a particular language. Analysis of variance of brainstem responses to Mandarin and Thai tones revealed that regardless of language identity, pitch-tracking accuracy of whole tones was higher in the two tone language groups (Chinese, Thai) compared to the non-tone language group (English), and that pitch strength of 40-ms tonal sections was generally more robust in tone relative to non-tone languages. Discriminant analysis of tonal sections, as defined by variation in direction and degree of slope, showed that moderate rising pitch was the most important variable for classifying English, Chinese, and Thai participants into their respective groups. We conclude that language-dependent enhancement of pitch representation transfers to other languages with similar phonological systems. From a neurobiological perspective, these findings suggest that neural mechanisms local to the brainstem are tuned for processing pitch dimensions that are perceptually salient depending upon the melodic patterns of a language.
Inter-rater reliability of the russell revision of the wechsler memory scale: An attempt to clarify some ambiguities in scoring

(1979). Inter-rater reliability of the russell revision of the wechsler memory scale: An attempt to clarify some ambiguities in scoring. Journal of Clinical Neuropsychology: Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 343-345.
Patient-specific radiation dose and cancer risk estimation in CT: part I. development and validation of a Monte Carlo program.

Purpose: Radiation-dose awareness and optimization in CT can greatly benefit from a dose-reporting system that provides dose and risk estimates specific to each patient and each CT examination. As the first step toward patient-specific dose and risk estimation, this article aimed to develop a method for accurately assessing radiation dose from CT examinations. Methods: A Monte Carlo program was developed to model a CT system (LightSpeed VCT, GE Healthcare). The geometry of the system, the energy spectra of the x-ray source, the three-dimensional geometry of the bowtie filters, and the trajectories of source motions during axial and helical scans were explicitly modeled. To validate the accuracy of the program, a cylindrical phantom was built to enable dose measurements at seven different radial distances from its central axis. Simulated radial dose distributions in the cylindrical phantom were validated against ion chamber measurements for single axial scans at all combinations of tube potential and bowtie filter settings. The accuracy of the program was further validated using two anthropomorphic phantoms (a pediatric one-year-old phantom and an adult female phantom). Computer models of the two phantoms were created based on their CT data and were voxelized for input into the Monte Carlo program. Simulated dose at various organ locations was compared against measurements made with thermoluminescent dosimetry chips for both single axial and helical scans. Results: For the cylindrical phantom, simulations differed from measurements by −4.8% to 2.2%. For the two anthropomorphic phantoms, the discrepancies between simulations and measurements ranged between (−8.1%, 8.1%) and (−17.2%, 13.0%) for the single axial scans and the helical scans, respectively. Conclusions: The authors developed an accurate Monte Carlo program for assessing radiation dose from CT examinations. When combined with computer models of actual patients, the program can provide accurate dose estimates for specific patients.