cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some Reflections on the Evolution of Behavior Therapy During ABCT’s First 50 Years

Abstract In this retrospective on behavior therapy on the occasion of ABCT’s 50th anniversary, I describe my role in several developments that I believe have been important for the field. First, behavior therapy has moved from advancing a predetermined set of theories and techniques (“the conditioning therapies”) to a more general and stronger focus on studying the most scientifically sound and useful conceptions of psychopathology, assessment, and intervention, with less emphasis on preconceived ideas about where the best answers would lie. In other words, I have tried throughout my career to promote a conceptualization of behavior therapy in terms more of an epistemology than an accepted corpus of techniques, theories, and data. Next, I review the brouhaha about behavior therapy during the U.S. Senate hearings in the mid-1970s on extreme behavior control measures at the federal prison in Springfield, MO, where reasonable, important, but misdirected criticisms were being made against measures such as ECT and lobotomy in the name of behavior therapy. Next I review the formal introduction of cognitive factors into the mainstream of behavior therapy, leading to a broader and more sophisticated conceptualization that came to be known as cognitive behavior therapy. These developments have begun to bring our scientific study of the human condition more in line with contemporary theory and research in cognitive psychology and have expanded the applicability and effectiveness of our science-based assessment and intervention. Next, I discuss the intricate and mutually enriching interplay between science and application, with special attention to the underappreciated role of clinical observation and innovation in setting a worthwhile scientific agenda for understanding and alleviating human distress and enhancing human potential. Further, I explore the sometimes controversial effort to look to nonbehavioral theory, data, and clinical observations for ideas to enhance our effectiveness as clinicians. Clinically nuanced and hard-headed analysis of psychological problems need not be inconsistent with a consideration of other paradigms such as the many variants of psychoanalysis and humanistic-existential theories. Finally I recount the events surrounding my 1974 AABT presidential address, in which I argued on ethical and political grounds against sexual reorientation treatment for homosexuality. My original argument has been expanded to the proposition that clinical assessment is inherently constructive and that therapy goals are determined primarily by clinicians in a manner that reflects both their theoretical and moral biases.
The Spin‐Forbidden Reaction of Ground‐State Sulfur Atoms with Ethylene

Ground-state S-atoms (3PJ) were generated by pulsed laser photolysis of carbonyl sulfide (OCS) precursor and monitored by time-resolved resonance fluorescence. The kinetics were studied over the temperature range of 291–1052 K. Below 900 K, the effective bimolecular rate constant k1 was found to be independent of pressure and also to be in good accord with prior measurements made at 442 K and below. At higher temperatures, fall-off curves were characterized. These demonstrate that the reaction is dominated by addition. The high-pressure limit is summarized as k∞ = 1.5 × 10−11 exp(−8.4 kJ mol−1/RT) cm3 molecule−1 s−1. The low-pressure limiting rate constant is also obtained. The observation of formation of one or more adducts even at ∼1000 K constrains their thermochemistry, and comparison with the computed reaction enthalpies for various candidates in the literature shows the addition products can only be accessed via intersystem crossing. Estimated Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) addition rate constants at the low-pressure limit for formation of vinylthiol and ethanethial are in accord with the observed kinetics assuming that the collisional efficiency near 1000 K is about 0.1.
Reducing relative food reinforcement in infants by an enriched music experience

Objective The reinforcing value of food may be established early in life. Research shows that infant weight status is related to the relative reinforcing value of food versus non-food alternatives (food reinforcing ratio, FRR). The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effects of a 6-week music enhancement program (Music Together®, n = 14) versus an active play date control group (n = 13) on the FRR in 9- to 16-month-old infants who were high in relative food reinforcement. Methods Participating parents and infants attended six weekly 45-min group classes. Parents in the music group and the play date group were encouraged to listen to the Music Together program CD or play with the play date group's toy with their infants at home, respectively. Results Intent-to-treat analysis showed a decrease in FRR for infants in the music group (mean ± SD: −0.13 ± 0.13) in comparison to a slight increase in the control group (0.04 ± 0.11) (F[1, 24] = 11.86, P = 0.002). Conclusions These findings provide evidence that relative reinforcing value of food can be reduced by promoting alternative reinforcers at an early age.
Analysis on detection results of IgM antibody in suspected cases of epidemic encephalitis during 2007-2010 in Xishuangbanna

Objective:By laboratory test results,to understand the incidence of epidemic encephalitis in Xishuangbanna,providing basis for prevention,diagnosis and treatment.Methods:ELISA method was used to detect IgM antibodies in samples of suspected cases of JE and then the samples were analyzed accroding to test results and analysis of epidemiological data.Results:Total 240 suspected cases of epidemic encephalitis were detected during 2007-2010,in which 149 cases of positive,positive rate was 62.08%;the positive rates of the 4 years were 90.00%,57.50%,36.54%,62.50%;minimum age of positive cases were 6 months while the maximum were 72 years,mainly students and scattered children,accounting for 65.10%;epidemic season is from May to August,unimodal distribution of onset,peak in June,accounting for 54.36%;male to female ratio was 1.61:1;95.97% positive cases had no history of vaccination or vaccination history were unknown.Conclusion:Xishuangbanna has the environment beneficial for the prevalence of JE,so comprehensive control measures should be taken to effectively control the incidence of JE.
Description of male and deutonymph of Vulgarogamasus haiyuanensis Bai,Fang et Yin 1995(Acari,Parasitidae)

Objective To enrich species of gamasid mites in Ningxia.Methods Epidemiological investigation was taken to identify and classify the collected gamasid mites.Results The male and deutonymph of Vulgarogamasus haiyuanensis(Bai,Fang et Yin 1995),were discovered.The specimens were collected from a nest of Meriones unguiculatus(Milne-Edwards,1867) and Meriones meridianus(Palla,1773) in Liuyangbu area of Yanchi County(107°27'N,37°56'E) of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.All specimens were deposited in Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology,The Academy of Military Medical Sciences,Beijing,China.Conclusions It is the first time to describe morphology of the male and deutonymph of Vulgarogamasus haiyuanensis(Bai,Fang et Yin 1995).
ANG II inhibits calcium-activated potassium channels from coronary smooth muscle in lipid bilayers.

Angiotensin II (ANG II) is a powerful vasoconstrictor of coronary vessels and other smooth muscles. One of the actions of ANG II is the inhibition of K+ currents, possibly contributing to depolariz...
A semi-empirical approach for predicting the performance of multiphase composites at microwave frequencies

We predict the fraction of incoming electromagnetic signals reflected (R), transmitted (T), and absorbed (A) by multiphase composites containing combinations of stainless steel spheres and flakes at microwave frequencies by adapting a semi-empirical method. Using single inclusion fitting exponents, we fit expressions for R, T, and A for each loading combination to determine the parameter A x and the host's fitting exponent. The host exponent is constant for all composites while A x varies linearly with the inverse of total inclusion volume loading (v tot ) for a given flake loading (v f ). The insensitivity of A x to Vf at a given v tot indicates that the volume loading of spheres, which is generally higher than that of the flakes in the studied composites, drives effective behavior.
Multivariate polynomial inequalities of different {L_{p,W}(V)}-metrics with k-concave weights

Let W be a k-concave weight on an open convex set V in \({{\mathbb R}^m}\), \({k \in [0, \infty]}\), and let \({\mu_W}\) be the weighted measure on V generated by W with \({\mu_W(V) < \infty}\). We find lower and upper estimates of a constant A in the inequality (\({0 \leqq p < q \leqq \infty}\)) $$\begin{array}{ll}\bigg(\frac{1}{\mu_W(V)}\int_V \big|P(x)\big|^{q} W(x) \, dx \bigg)^{1/q} \\ \leqq A(n, m, p, q, V, W)\bigg(\frac{1}{\mu_W(V)}\int_V \big|P(x)\big|^p W(x) \, dx\bigg)^{1/p},\end{array}$$ where P is a polynomial of m variables of degree at most n. In the case of log-concave measures (k = 0) we improve estimates of A obtained by A. Brudnyi. For \({k \in (0, \infty]}\) estimates of A are new, and we show that they are sharp with respect to n as \({n \to \infty}\). The proofs are based on distributional inequalities for polynomials obtained by Nazarov, Sodin, Volberg, and Fradelizi. Two new examples for a generalized Jacobi weight on [−1, 1] and a multivariate Gegenbauer-type weight on a convex body are included.
The Point of the Point: Washington’s Student Achievement Initiative through the Looking Glass of a Community College

ABSTRACTFor 8 years Washington State has operated a performance funding policy, the Student Achievement Initiative (SAI). The policy allocates appropriations to the state’s 34 community and technical colleges based on points earned through student achievement of college-readiness, retention, and completion milestones. Grounded in a conceptual framework of principal-agent theory, this study explored one community college case to examine knowledge of, perspectives on, and responses to the SAI. Through semi-structured interviews with seven faculty, administrators, and staff, combined with document analysis, five themes emerged: information transmission, initiating the initiative, the point of the point, consequences of imperfect data, and faculty skepticism. This study concludes with implications and recommendations for practice and policy.
Models of Cognitive Dysfunction

In this chapter, we discuss the difficulty of gaining insight into interesting problems in cognition with some examples and then segue into training algorithms based on the Laplacian based cable equation for a graph. Submodule training is also discussed giving a blueprint for training a graph in sections. The utility of this is illustrated by giving an outline of how the emotionally labeled visual and auditory data discussed earlier can be used to build a model of normal brain functioning.
Estimation of changes in insulation resistance with various design parameters of interdigitated wire loops.

In this report we explore the sensitivities of the insulation resistance between two loops of wire embedded in insulating materials with a simple, approximate model. We discuss limita- tions of the model and ideas for improvements.
Implementing Smarter Lunchrooms Makeovers in New York state middle schools: an initial process evaluation.

This paper presents design and findings from the process evaluation of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing the effectiveness of Smarter Lunchrooms Movement (SLM) interventions to encourage consumption of either fruit, vegetables, or unflavored milk in middle school cafeterias (grades 6–8, typically children ages 10–14 years). Using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework adapted for environmental interventions, the process evaluation monitored fidelity to SLM protocol, determined barriers and facilitators influencing fidelity, and identified the training and support needs of implementers. Under research team guidance, community partners (interventionists) assisted school food service staff (providers) with a six week implementation of protocol items in 13 public middle school cafeterias (two milk treatment, three vegetable treatment, four fruit treatment, and four control) in New York State during the 2013–2014 academic year. Process evaluation measures included semi-quantitative measures of implementation and maintenance (lunchroom audits) and qualitative data (environmental assessments and semi-structured interviews with school food service staff). Analyses identified challenges and opportunities for improving intervention delivery. Approximately 75 % of enrolled students participated in school lunch programs and thus were exposed to the SLM intervention. Findings indicated potential contamination by other nutrition-related activities in the lunchroom and larger school environment may have affected the intervention impact. Modest implementation fidelity scores were observed for intervention treatments. Providers reported treatments were acceptable and feasible, however interventionists confirmed motivation and perceived effectiveness varied among schools. Post-intervention audits revealed limited maintenance of intervention protocols. Strategies to enhance buy-in and communication among providers and increased interventionist support are recommended. RE-AIM was a valuable framework for this process evaluation. Results highlighted implementation barriers and facilitators, and findings will enhance interpretation of forthcoming outcome data. Results will inform future iterations of the SLM RCT and provide valuable insights for those designing environmental interventions in school cafeterias.
Principal-Agent Theories of Party Leadership Under Preference Heterogeneity: The Case of Simpson-Mazzoli

Many contemporary theories of party leadership derive their concepts from organization theory and economic theories of rational choice. They stress the institutional contexts that shape leadership possibilities and the relationship between members (principals) and leaders (agents) in shaping leadership decisions. Both the macro (institutional context) and micro (principal-agent) theories assume that the main role of party leaders is to marshal majority support for legislation on which the party takes a position. Focussing on party position legislation, however, provides only a partial view of party leadership. This article expands this perspective by considering the Simpson-Mazzoli immigration reform bill, in which party leaders avoided taking a clear policy stand and pursued other interests instead. In broadening the assumptions inherent in organization theory to include behavior beyond taking party policy stands, we uncover leadership roles that are missed by those who adopt the policy-centered approach...
The Persistence of Poverty in the United States

(2004). The Persistence of Poverty in the United States. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 38, No. 3, pp. 865-868.
Threshold damage of in vivo porcine skin at 2000 nm laser irradiation

A series of experiments were conducted in vivo on female Yucatan mini-pigs to determine the ED 50 damage thresholds for 2000 nm continuous wave laser irradiation. These results provide new information for refinement of Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE). The study employed Gaussian laser beam exposures with spot diameters (1/e 2 ) of 4.83 mm, 9.65 mm and 14.65 mm and exposure durations of 0.25 s, 0.5 s, 1.0 s and 2.5 seconds as a function of laser power. The effect of each irradiation was evaluated within one minute after irradiation and the final determination was made at 48 hours post exposure. Probit analysis was conducted to estimate the dose for 50% probability of laser-induced damage (ED 50 ) defined as persistent redness at the site of irradiation for the mini-pig skin after 48 hours. Histopathologic procedures were used to determine the mechanisms of the laser effects in the skin and map the extent and severity of the lesions. The thresholds study shows that consideration for lowering the current Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits should be explored as the laser beam diameter becomes larger than 3.5 mm. Based on the limited experimental data, the duration and size dependences of the ED 50 damage thresholds could be described by an empirical equation: (Equation available in manuscript.)
Cultural Competence Education for Health Care Professionals

Low-quality evidence suggests that training health care professionals in patient-centered communication improves the engagement of patients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in their health care. Interventions that were primarily educational appeared to be ineffective.
Spatiotemporal Nonlinear Wave Propagation In Multimode Fibers

Recent advances in nonlinear propagation of short pulses in highly-multimode fibers will be reviewed.
Niclosamide piperazine prevents high-fat diet-induced obesity and diabetic symptoms in mice

Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) have become the major public health challenges globally. Mitochondrial uncoupling, which reduces intracellular lipid loads and corrects the underlying cause of insulin resistance, has emerged as a promising anti-obese and anti-diabetic intervention. Niclosamide is an anthelmintic drug approved by the US FDA with the mechanism of action that uncouples mitochondria of parasitic worms. Recently, niclosamide ethanolamine salt (NEN) was found to be a safe and effective hepatic mitochondrial uncoupler for the prevention and treatment of obesity and T2D in mouse models. The striking features of NEN prompt us to examine the anti-obese and anti-diabetic efficacy of other salt forms of niclosamide, with the ultimate goal to identify a suitable salt formulation for future clinical development. Here, we report the study with niclosamide piperazine salt (NPP), another salt form of niclosamide with documented safety profile. Mitochondrial uncoupling activity of NEN and NPP were determined by oxygen consumption assay with Seahorse XF24e Analyzer, as well as by mitochondrial membrane potential measurement in cultured cells. The in vivo anti-diabetic and anti-obesity activities were determined in C57BL/6J mice fed high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD containing 2000 ppm. NPP for 11 weeks. Niclosamide piperazine salt showed a comparable mitochondrial uncoupling activity to NEN. Oral administration of NPP significantly reduced HFD-induced obesity, hyperglycemia and hepatic steatosis, and sensitized the insulin responses in mice. Niclosamide piperazine salt may hold the promise to become an alternative to NEN as a drug lead for the treatment of obesity and T2D. No level of evidence Animal study
Child welfare supervision: Special issues related to trauma-informed care in a unique environment

The child welfare (CW) system must adopt a trauma-centered focus. Children served typically have experienced some form of trauma, and involvement with the system is, itself, traumatizing for childr...
The Development of Gratitude in the United States

Gratitude develops over the course of childhood and adolescence. However, the processes involved are largely unknown. We propose that cultural context may play an important role in gratitude develo...
Mouthpiece of the Liberal Left?: Jon Stewart and The Daily Show's "Real" Coverage of Election 2008

During the 2008 primary election cycle, Jon Stewart and his "fake" news program The Daily Show were often said to be little more than a leftist propaganda machine. These claims were problematic, because the charges were based neither on research nor on study of the show. Without empirical foundation, these stereotypes may have unethically skewed the public disposition regarding the program. This article uses content analysis to examine The Daily Show episodes pertaining to the selection of presidential nominees, considering newsworthiness, amount of coverage of each candidate, and the satire directed at them. The analysis dissects Stewart's comments and The Daily Show to determine not only their viability as a news source, but also to investigate the accusations of partisan coverage.
Soluble Viologen Polymers as Carbohydrate Oxidation Catalysts for Alkaline Carbohydrate Fuel Cells

Abstract Monomeric dialkyl and monoalkyl viologens rapidly catalyze O2-oxidation of carbohydrates in alkaline solution to form carbonate and formate at pH >11. Optimization of these catalytic reactions is important for alkaline carbohydrate fuel cell applications. Use of these monomeric viologens is not optimal because they exit the fuel cell with the reaction products and would need to be recovered and recycled for continued use. Polymeric or immobilized viologens would reduce or avoid these recovery problems. Here, we report the evaluation of water-soluble polymeric viologens as potential fuel-cell-catalysts and show that they rapidly catalyze O2-oxidation of carbohydrates to carbonate and formate at high efficiency. The rates of reduction of polymeric viologens by carbohydrates were rapid and found to be first order in carbohydrate and one-half order in polymer concentration. An unusual feature of the reduction reaction is that the rate of polymer reduction is two-fold faster if carbohydrate is equilibrated with the buffer prior to addition of the catalyst rather than adding the carbohydrate in the presence of the catalyst. Advantages and disadvantages of polymeric viologens as fuel cell catalysts are discussed.
Corrosion Behavior of Stainless Steel Clad Rebar

Stainless steel clad rebar (SCR) was investigated because it may become a cost-effective means of controlling corrosion in concrete under very aggressive environments. Sound SCR (316L cladding) resisted corrosion in saturated Ca(OH)2 solution (SCS) with up to 5 wt% chloride. Cladding breaks on SCR induced significant corrosion of exposed underlying CS in SCS with only 1 wt% chloride. A computer model using laboratory data as input was constructed to evaluate the extent of galvanic corrosion of SCR. Modeling indicated that concrete resistivity and size of the cladding break are the main controlling factors of galvanic corrosion.
Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses for Paresis and Paralysis

The use and design of knee-ankle-foot orthoses for paresis and paralysis is described in this article in terms of their biomechanical function. Specific design modifications are discussed in terms of functional usage, such as effectiveness of ambulation, ease of transfer, and the ability to don and doff the orthosis. Design modifications to reduce forces and, specifically, pressures applied by bands or restraining straps, which is important in anesthetic conditions such as paraplegia, also are discussed. In addition, the effect on instability and stress in knee ligaments is reviewed, as are design features reducing metabolic expenditure. Finally, the state of the art and the advantages and problems of functional electric stimulation in upper motor neuron stimulation are discussed in terms of speed of ambulation and metabolic expenditure.
A Scientific View of Economic and Financial Data Analysis

This Special Lecture is a follow-up on what Dr. Kalman has told us yesterday about “Stochastic Modeling Without The Use Of Probability.” In the 1980s Dr. Kalman defined some powerful concepts for data analysis, which allowed him in the winter of 1990/91 to discover two very potent identification theorems, which I will try to interprete from a practitioner’s point of view. For the details and the proofs of our assertions I have to refer you to the papers of Dr. Kalman and myself. (A partial bibliography is attached at the end of this lecture).
Assessment of Bony Subfibular Impingement in Flatfoot Patients Using Weight-Bearing CT Scans.

Background:Lateral hindfoot pain in patients with flatfoot deformity is frequently attributed to subfibular impingement. It remains unclear whether this is primarily due to bony or soft-tissue impi...
Mode generation via interaction

This paper reports a robust regime in the dynamics of three coupled modes when one mode is pumped, the second is dissipated, and the third is not subject to any external action. In this regime, the first and the second modes vanish, while the third mode becomes large. This is applied to the problem of plasma confinement by magnetic field, when the third mode represents zonal (poloidal) flow. This paper demonstrates that in order to generate strong zonal (poloidal) flow---a transport barrier---in magnetically confined fusion plasma, it is beneficial to have significant decrement in addition to increment of other modes.
Advantages of Inertial-Electrostatic Confinement Fusion

Inertial-Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) is an alternative approach to fusion power that potentially offers the ability to burn advanced fuels like D-He3 in a non-Maxwellian, high density core. The...
Living Under the Soviet Shadow: Postcolonial Critique of Soviet Politics in Mongolia

This chapter conceptualizes the disintegration of the Soviet as a milieu to examine the weight of the Soviet role in Mongolia. It provides an analytical framework that is grounded in first-person experience of growing up during the period to illuminate the various material, symbolic, and embodied implications and manifestations of the Soviet political influence in Mongolia. The essay is informed by conceptual tools that are rooted in literatures on critical political geography and postcolonial studies and is organized around several personal vignettes all of which speak to a larger theoretical framework. The vignettes are spatially tied to my hometown, Bulgan, from whence the stories emerge and through which we can situate our theoretical contestation of the lived experience of everyday Mongolia during the Soviet era.
Explicating the Logic of Biology to Support Critical Thinking

Mathematical logic and philosophical ontology can play an important role in improving biology education by teaching critical thinking. We propose to explicitly identify universally true statements in biology textbooks so that there is clear understanding of the applicability conditions for each piece of knowledge. We further propose that each biology concept should be defined using an Aristotelian definition. We show how these enhancements enable critical thinking and could be made part of pedagogical practice using an intelligent textbook.
Mortality Risk in Necrotizing Fasciitis: National Prevalence, Trend, and Burden.

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a fulminant, life-threating infection of fascia and subcutaneous tissue. Because of the low incidence, previous studies were statistically underpowered to ...
REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CONVERGENCE, 1950-2007: Some Empirical Evidence

This paper investigates and compares the experience of several geographic regions with economic growth and convergence in income per capita. Income per capita is correlated positively with saving rates and negatively with population growth rates, though the explanatory power of these two variables varies by region. The empirical findings are broadly supportive of conditional convergence at an estimated average annual rate that has ranged from 0.8% in Europe to 1.7% in Asia. It is also shown that the speed of convergence is far from constant over time: it has been steadily falling in the OECD and the Americas, but steadily increasing in Asia.
Multi-regime Forecasting Model for the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Volatility in Global Equity Markets

Using a multi-regime forecasting model, we investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on market volatility. We show that daily number of active cases and the Curvature are significant predictors of daily cross-section of both realized volatility and the GJR-GARCH volatility in global equity markets. We estimate realized volatilities using intraday 5-minute returns for 46 country specific ETFs and daily GARCH volatilities are estimated using the stock market indices of 88 countries around the world. We find that stricter policy responses by individual countries, measured by higher OxCGRT Stringency Index levels, result in lower stock market volatilities while increased negative managerial sentiment, extracted from earnings call transcripts, causes an increase in realized volatilities.
Use of SeedCounter Mobile App for Wild Species Seed Number Determination: A Preliminary Study

Although its simple nature, seed counting is a crucial but demanding process in seed research and conservation. Manual seed counting, which usually takes a lot of effort and time, needs to be supplemented by new, easy-to-use, and accurate tools to simplify the process. Fortunately, the advance of information technology in recent years is significantly easing daily human life, including seed conservation and research. SeedCounter (https://cutt.ly/xhZFMZk) is a smartphone app which could help seed scientist to perform their seed counting process. However, as wild plant seeds come in various sizes, forms, and shapes, the app's ability to perform seed count of wild plant seeds need to be understood entirely. Thus, this study aims to understand the SeedCounter app's ability to perform seed counting in 20 wild plant seeds collected in Bali Botanic Garden Seed Bank Laboratory. We hope that the study will provide preliminary data for the app's potential to help seed conservation and research future efforts. SeedCounter app is downloaded and installed in a Nokia 6.1 Plus smartphone. Seeds photographed using the app with three replications conducted for each of the species. Seed counting is defined as a success if the app can count the seed number three consecutive times correctly. Data analysis was conducted descriptively. The study result showed that the SeedCounter app could correctly count seeds of ten plant species, which compares with 50% of the tested species. The result highlights SeedCounter's potential to simplified the counting process of some wild plant species seed.
Ultra-fine-grained and gradient FeCrAl alloys with outstanding work hardening capability

Abstract FeCrAl alloy is a promising accident tolerant fuel cladding material for next generation nuclear reactors. Grain refinement may lead to FeCrAl alloys with improved mechanical properties. However, the addition of Al retains the ferrite phase and makes the grain refinement difficult through conventional thermomechanical treatments. In this study, a model FeCrAl alloy, C35M, was processed by surface mechanical grinding treatment. Microscopy studies show the formation of gradient microstructures, consisting of surface nanolaminate layer and ultra-fine-grained sublayer. In situ micropillar compression tests reveal the gradient FeCrAl alloy has a high flow stress, exceeding 1.4 GPa, and excellent work hardening capability. A modified Kocks-Mecking model was utilized to explain the grain size-dependent work hardening behavior. This study sheds lights on the design of gradient ferritic steels with high-strength and good work hardening ability for various industrial applications.
Assessing pharmacy students drug information skills and perceptions using the critically appraised topic approach

Abstract Background and purpose Competence in drug information (DI) skills fosters the application of evidence-based medicine (EBM) principles. However, concern exists about whether there is adequate DI preparation in curricula. This report describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a team project utilizing the critically appraised topic (CAT) approach in a DI course. Educational activity and setting To assess abilities and skills in DI and EBM principles, student teams (N = 26) were assigned DI requests. A grading rubric based on the validated EBM Critical Presentation Evaluation Tool was used to evaluate each team's project. As a secondary measure, students completed pre-and post-class self-efficacy assessments describing their confidence in DI processes. Findings Twenty-six team posters were submitted with a mean project rubric score of 43 out of 50 points (86%). One hundred one of 172 students (59% response rate) completed the pre- and post-self-efficacy surveys, and results revealed gains in confidence for MEDLINE searching skills, properly citing sources, and knowing where to go next if the answer could not be found in a tertiary resource (all P Summary Student team creation of DI responses via CATs are an innovative way to introduce, measure, and enhance DI skills in a didactic classroom setting. Fostering DI skills prepares pharmacy students for evidenced-based pharmacy practice.
Socioeconomic Status, Alcohol Use, and Pregnancy Intention in a National Sample of Women.

Using data from the 2004 and 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the role of socioeconomic status as a potential modifier on the relationship between a woman’s intention to become pregnant and her drinking behaviors. The analytic sample included 37,777 fertile women aged 18–44 years. The primary outcomes were any, heavy, or binge drinking. The analysis included three separate multivariable logistic regression models to account for the complex survey methodology utilized in the BRFSS. In the unadjusted models, women intending a pregnancy were less likely to drink at heavy (OR = 0.68, CI = 0.50, 0.93) or binge (OR = 0.80, CI = 0.67, 0.96) levels compared to those not intending a pregnancy. Adjusted regression models indicated that both education and income modified the relation between pregnancy intention and any drinking and binge drinking. After performing a multivariable regression model stratified by education, women who had more than a high school education and were intending to become pregnant were 28 % less likely to binge drink than those not intending a pregnancy (OR = 0.72, CI = 0.57, 0.90). Stratification by income indicated that women intending to become pregnant within the middle income categories were less likely to drink any alcohol compared to those not intending a pregnancy. Pregnancy intention and binge drinking were associated among women with more than a high school education, with those intending a pregnancy being less likely to binge drink. Generally, as education increased, the association between income and binge drinking weakened.
Contribution to the Study of the Essential Oil of Thuja occidentalis L.

ABSTRACT A combination of GC and MS was used to identify 40 different compounds in the essential oil of Thuja occidentalis L. foliage samples collected from mid-Michigan (USA). The essential oils were obtained by three different methods: pilot scale steam distillation, cool hexane solvent extraction, and laboratory steam microdistillation. By all three methods the major compounds identified were α-thujone (39–56%), fenchone (6.0–15.0%), β-thujone (7.2–11.0%), sabinene (2.1–8.9%), beyerene (1.30–5.95%), bornyl acetate (1.20–4.38%) and camphor (1.5–3.3%). Fifteen diterpenes were found, eight of which were identified for the first time in the oil of T. occidentalis foliage. Variations in the oil composition as a function of isolation technique are also reported.
In vitro and in vivo biology of a small molecular weight Tpo receptor agonist, SB-497115

2565 SB-497115 is an orally bioavailable, non-peptidyl, small molecule thrombopoietin receptor (TpoR) agonist under development for treatment of thrombocytopenia. SB-497115 requires TpoR to activate the JAK/STAT signalling pathway and stimulates transcription through STAT based and megakaryocyte specific (gpIIb) promoters. SB-497115 did not have activity on cell lines that expressed cytokine receptors other than TpoR (i.e., G-CSF, Epo, IL-3, Interferon -alpha or Interferon-gamma). To characterize the kinetics and specificity of SB-497115 in cells, multiple molecular markers for Tpo activity were measured. Western blot analysis for activation of the JAK2, STAT and MAPK pathways was performed using phospho-specific antibodies on lysates of UT7-Tpo cells treated with SB-497115. The kinetics and level of induction for pathway phosphorylation events were similar to those seen with Tpo. A proliferative response in the human Tpo-dependent cell line, UT7-Tpo, induced by SB-497115 was assayed by thymidine incorporation with an EC50 of 30 nM. SB-497115 was shown to be equivalent to rhTpo in the ability to induce differentiation of normal human bone marrow progenitors (CD34) into CD41+ cells of the megakaryocyte lineage, with an EC50 of 100 nM. SB-497115 specifically induced activity on cells expressing only human or chimpanzee TpoR. In a randomized, single blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, phase I study conducted in 72 healthy male subjects, SB-497115 was administered as oral capsules once daily for 1 day and, after a 1 week washout, for 10 days at doses of 5 to 75 mg. Subjects were randomized into six groups of 12 subjects to receive either active or placebo medication in a ratio of 9:3. The study was conducted according to Good Clinical Practice and all subjects gave their written informed consent to participate in the study. SB-497115 was well tolerated in the study, there were no serious adverse events, no significant changes in laboratory or cardiovascular safety parameters and there was no observed relationship between the incidence or severity of adverse events and dose. Most adverse events were mild in intensity and self-limiting. SB-497115 was shown to be orally bioavailable in humans with a linear pharmacokinetic profile suitable for a once daily oral medication. When administered at oral doses of 30mg and above for 10 days a dose dependent increase in the platelet count was observed, maximum platelet count was observed on days 14 to 16 following initiation of dosing. In conclusion, SB-497115 is the first non-peptide small molecule TpoR agonist to demonstrate activity in human in vitro bone marrow assays and demonstrate pharmacological activity in humans.
Application of Nexus Copy Number Software for CNV Detection and Analysis

Among human structural genomic variation, copy number variants (CNVs) are the most frequently known component, comprised of gains/losses of DNA segments that are generally 1 kb in length or longer. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) has emerged as a powerful tool for detecting genomic copy number variants (CNVs). With the rapid increase in the density of array technology and with the adaptation of new high-throughput technology, a reliable and computationally scalable method for accurate mapping of recurring DNA copy number aberrations has become a main focus in research. Here we introduce Nexus Copy Number software, a platform-independent tool, to analyze the output files of all types of commercial and custom-made comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, such as those manufactured by Affymetrix, Agilent Technologies, Illumina, and Roche NimbleGen. It also supports data generated by various array image-analysis software tools such as GenePix, ImaGene, and BlueFuse.
Die Schaltungen der Steuerungstechnik

Die Steuerung der Motorspannung kann auf der Niederspannungs- sowie auf der Hochspannungsseite des Stufentransformators erfolgen (Bild. 5.1). Diese zwei in fruherer Zeit wichtigsten Steuerungsarten fur Wechselstrombahnen wurden Niederspannungssteuerung bzw. Hochspannungsteuerung genannt.
Insertion of diagonal loading into the multistage Wiener filter

Diagonal loading is a well-known technique for adding robustness to beamformer solutions. Diagonal loading will add robustness to steering vector direction-of-arrival mismatch; element position, gain, and/or phase perturbations; "statistical" mismatch due to finite sample support; etc. In a traditional sample matrix inversion implementation of the minimum variance distortionless response beamformer diagonal loading can be inserted by adding a scaled version of the identity matrix to the sample covariance matrix. Other adaptive beamformers (e.g. LMS) have their own approaches for adding diagonal loading. In this paper we describe how diagonal loading can be added to the multistage Wiener filter (MWF). Previous published results have developed one form of loading for the MWF called "error loading". In this paper we introduce two new forms of loading and show that each of these is equivalent to diagonal loading, whereas, error loading is distinct.
Variable-speed quadrupedal bounding using impulse planning: Untethered high-speed 3D Running of MIT Cheetah 2

This paper introduces a bounding gait control algorithm that allows a variable-speed running in the MIT Cheetah 2. A simple impulse planning algorithm is proposed to design vertical and horizontal force profiles which make net impulse on the system during one cycle zero. This design of force profiles leads to the conservation of linear momentum over a complete step, providing periodicity in horizontal and vertical velocity. When designed profiles are applied to the system, periodic orbits with an ability to change running speed are obtained. A virtual compliance control in the horizontal and vertical direction has been added onto the designed force profiles to stabilize the periodic orbits. The experimental results show that the algorithm successfully achieved untethered 3D running of the MIT Cheetah 2, with speeds ranging from 0 m/sec to 4.5 m/sec on treadmills as well as on grassy fields.
Predicting individual thermal comfort using machine learning algorithms

Human thermal sensation in an environment may be delayed, which may lead to life threatening conditions, such as hypothermia and hyperthermia. This is especially true for senior citizens, as aging alters the thermal perception in humans. We envision a decision support system that predicts human thermal comfort in real-time using various environmental conditions as well psychological and physiological features, and suggest corresponding actions, which can significantly improve overall thermal comfort and health of individuals, especially senior citizens. The key to realize this vision is an accurate thermal comfort model. We propose a novel machine learning based approach to learn an individual's thermal comfort model. This approach identifies the best set of features, and then learns a classifier that takes a feature vector as input and outputs a corresponding thermal sensation class (i.e. “feeling cold”, “neutral” and “feeling warm”). Evaluation using a large-scale publicly available data demonstrates that when using Support Vector Machines (SVM) classifiers, the accuracy of our approach is 76.7%, over two times higher than that of the widely adopted Fanger's model (which only achieves accuracy of 35.4%). In addition, our study indicates that two factors, a person's age and outdoor temperature that are not included in Fanger's model, play an important role in thermal comfort, which is a finding interesting in its own right.
The relationship between ethnic-racial socialization and adolescent substance use: An examination of social learning as a causal mechanism

The presence of parental socialization messages relevant to a child's race/ethnicity--ethnic-racial socialization (ERS)--have been found to be an important predictor of developmental outcomes. However, scholars have recently called for greater theoretical clarification, citing the need for better understanding of how the effects of ethnic-racial socialization messages differ by dimension and what causal mechanisms underlie this relationship. Using survey data from 269 Southern California high school students, this study tested a theoretical model examining how 3 dimensions of ERS differentially relate to adolescent substance use, and how much these links are mediated by peer substance use social learning (Akers, 2009). Using structural equation modeling, we cross-sectionally and longitudinally tested the pathways between ERS and peer substance use social learning and between peer social learning and substance use. We found that 2 of the 3 dimensions of ERS were related to substance use. Cultural socialization was associated with lower substance use, and promotion of mistrust was associated with greater substance use. Both effects were indirect and mediated by peer substance use social learning. These results were replicated in a separate analysis of the largest ethnic subsample (Latinos). Ethnic-racial socialization messages that stress pride in one's ethnic group and the development of one's ethnic identity (cultural socialization) may be a protective factor against future substance use by inhibiting the association with substance-using peers, whereas messages that stress distrust of other ethnic groups (promotion of mistrust) may be a risk factor against future substance use by promoting the association with substance-using peers.
A failure to differentiate

Abstract The K. J. Rust and T. S. Kendler paper (1987, Developmental Review, 7, 326–362) makes two claims to publication: (1) it claims to show (and implicitly, to show for the first time) that a nonselective learning model such as Spence's can fit the basic phenomenon of independent subproblem learning, and (2) it claims two experimental tests of the nonselective theory versus the differentiation theory interpretations of independent subproblem learning. Neither claim is valid and both claims reflect a failure to differentiate the literature. Moreover, Kendler's basic assumption of a developmental difference in the nature of learning is questionable.
Bacteriologic study of platelet concentrates prepared and stored without refrigeration.

Cultures for bacterial growth were taken from platelet concentrates prepared at ambient temperature and stored for 24 to 96 hours at 30 C. A total of 120 cultures were taken at varying times from 40 platelet concentrates. The collecting system was not broken. No organisms were isolated which indicates that the hazard to the patient from bacterial contamination is not enhanced by this method of preparation.
The integral closure of a graded ring

(1981). The integral closure of a graded ring. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 9, No. 15, pp. 1551-1558.
A Survey of Numerical Methods and Solutions for Current Distribution Problems

A survey of current distribution problems solved by numerical methods is presented. Simulations of the transient behavior of electrodes undergoing deposition or dissolution are discussed. The numerical methods used to obtain solutions to current distribution and electrochemical moving boundary problems are presented.
Congenital nasal dermoids in children.

The case of a 27 month old male with a congenital midline nasal dermoid cyst is presented. The child attended the Ear, Nose and Throat outpatient’s department in July 1995, with an external midline nasal swelling, which had been present at birth and was noted to be gradually increasing in size. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a central defect of the nasal bones, with a soft tissue mass at the upper part of the nasal bridge expanding the nasal septum. There was no radiological evidence of intracranial extension. The child had the nasal mass removed under general anesthesia, through an external rhinoplasty incision. Histopathology confirmed that the mass was a fully excised nasal dermoid cyst. Current investigation and management of this condition is discussed.
Computational Challenges of Personal Genomics

It is widely predicted that cost and efficiency gains in sequencing will usher in an era of personal genomics and personalized, predictive, preventive, and participatory medicine within a decade. I review the computational challenges ahead and propose general and specific directions for research and development. There is an urgent need to develop semantic ontologies that span genomics, molecular systems biology, and medical data. Although the development of such ontologies would be costly and difficult, the benefits will far outweigh the costs. I argue that availability of such ontologies would allow a revolution in web-services for personal genomics and medicine.