cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Success and failure in time-limited psychotherapy. A systematic comparison of two cases: comparison 1

• Why do some patients succeed in psychotherapy whereas others fail? Moreover, what can be learned from a comparison of two comparable patients treated by the same therapist under very similar conditions? Two cases drawn from the Vanderbilt Psychotherapy Project, a controlled study of process and outcome, were studied with a view toward deepening scientific and clinical understanding of time-limited psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Analyses of this kind are also important because the typical psychotherapy outcome study largely ignores individual cases entering into data of "average improvement." Based on systematic outcome and process measures, combined with a detailed study of complete process recordings, the case histories presented herein were those of two young men suffering from anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal who were treated by the same psychotherapist. The results of this analysis, the first of a series, suggest that therapy outcomes are importantly determined by the patient's ability to take advantage of the particular relationship the therapist has to offer; conversely, therapy fails if there is a poor match on these dimensions. Pertinent variables are further specified.
Spatial and temporal modeling of few-cycle Ti:Sapphire lasers

In few-cycle Kerr-lens mode-locked Ti:sapphire lasers, the laser crystal is exposed to extremely high intensities which can result in crystal damage and performance degradation with time. Modeling of the intracavity pulse dynamics can deepen the understanding of the different phenomena contributing to possible damage and of how to best optimize the laser performance. We present a one-dimensional laser model based on dispersion managed mode-locking that accurately captures the temporal and spectral intracavity dynamics and reproduces the output characteristics of these lasers in great detail. In addition, a spatiotemporal model is demonstrated. We find that the ultra-high intensities in the crystal induce plasma formation that shapes the spatial beam propagation in agreement with experimental observations.
THE DEMAND FUNCTION FOR SELECTED LIQUID ASSETS: A TEMPORAL CROSS‐SECTION ANALYSIS

s of Doctoral Dissertations 487 mand function for savings and loan association shares, (3) the demand function for demand deposits and commercial-bank time deposits appears to be stable over time, and (4) the demand function for savings and loan associations shares does not demonstrate stability over time. Tentative conclusions which may be drawn from the results obtained from this
Heterocarbenoids of germanium and tin and their polyhedral oxidation products : The case for thermodynamic product control in Group 14 chalcogenides

Abstract The polycyclic Group 14 amides [P(μ-N t Bu) 2 P( t BuN) 2 ]M, M = Ge ( 4 ), Sn ( 5 ) were synthesized from cis -[P(μ-N t Bu) 2 P( t BuNLi · THF) 2 ] and GeCl 2 · dioxane or SnCl 2 , respectively. Oxidation of these heterocarbenoids or of the analogous diazastannylene [MeSi(μ- t BuN) 2 SiMe( t BuN) 2 ]Sn with O 2 , S 8 and Se n furnished the chalcogenides {[P(μ-N t Bu) 2 P( t BuN) 2 ]GeO} 2 ( 6 ), {[P(μ-N t Bu) 2 P( t BuN) 2 ]SnE} 2 , E = O ( 7 ), S ( 8 ), Se ( 9 ), {[SP(μ-N t Bu) 2 P( t BuN) 2 ]SnS} 2 ( 10 ), and {[MeSi(μ- t BuN) 2 SiMe( t BuN) 2 ]SnE} 2 , E = S ( 11 ), Se ( 12 ), respectively. All products ( 6 – 12 ) were shown by single-crystal X-ray methods to consist of dimeric molecules with central (M–E) 2 rings, M = Group 14 element, E = chalcogen. The exclusive formation of dimeric compounds with bridging M–E–M bonds, vs. alternative monomeric structures with terminal M E bonds, is rationalized in terms of the thermodynamic favorability of the dimers. The case is made that most, if not all, currently known Group 14 chalcogenides, even those labeled “kinetically stabilized”, are really thermodynamic products.
Prime ideals in ultraproducts of commutative rings

Abstract We describe classes of prime ideals in ultraproducts of commutative rings. We consider in particular prime ideals in ultraproducts of Noetherian rings, Krull domains, finite character rings and QR-domains.
Issues in developing quality aftercare clinics for the chronic mentally III

Two large aftercare clinics were established to provide treatment and rehabilitative care for a chronic mentally ill population requiring neuroleptic drugs. The clinics have evolved rapidly and expanded their service over the past 3 years but have required constant monitoring and modification in order to provide quality as well as quantity care in the community setting. These modifications are described and the importance of further community-based investigation in the rehabilitation and treatment of the chronic mentally ill is stressed.
Development of a Rapid Qualitative Assay for Determining Elevated Antibody Levels to Periodontopathic Organisms

To allow more widespread use of systemic antibody analysis in clinical settings, a rapid test for determining elevated antibody to periodontitis-associated bacteria was developed. The technique utilizes dot-immunoblotting (DIB) on nitrocellulose paper with whole formalinized Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia. An ELISA was used to compare IgG antibody levels to these organisms in venous serum and peripheral capillary blood from 44 subjects. Correlation between serum and capillary levels ranged from r = 0.760 to 0.900 (P less than 0.00001). Capillary blood antibody levels averaged 55% of those detected in serum. The assay was developed using a variety of antigen and reagent concentrations and multiple chromogenic enzyme-substrate systems. Subsequently, 34 periodontally diseased and 10 periodontally healthy subjects were analyzed for serum IgG antibodies using a quantitative ELISA. The qualitative DIB was performed using capillary blood obtained by digi-puncture and results were compared in a blind fashion to the ELISA data. Relative to its ability to detect elevated antibody levels to these 3 organisms, the DIB had an overall sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 87% (P less than 0.000001). Using peripheral capillary blood and the DIB, detection of elevated systemic antibody levels can be performed in approximately 2 hours. The DIB may be a useful aid in assessing the host response to putative periodontopathic microorganisms.
Incorporating development for mobile devices when teaching software engineering

This work presents a case study of incorporating projects on software and middleware development for mobile devices, into existing software engineering courses of a Computer Science curriculum. As a predominant technology among our student bodies (with smart phones and tablets), along with the growing market for Android or iPhone developers, students are yearning for opportunities to develop apps and interface with mobile devices. Here, we incorporate knowledge and practical experience with mobile systems (including app development, interfacing with research systems and off-the-shelf embedded devices) with existing software engineering courses.
Numerical approaches to the species problem

The use of numbers by systematists is not new. Measurements to describe individuals and formal taxa have been used since the beginnings of our science. But the advent of electronic computers now permits a much more accurate understanding of the phenotypic relationships within and among populations and taxa. Furthermore, estimates of cladistic relationship also are being attempted with the help of computers. Computers can increase our understanding of speciation, but this requires us to think intelligently about the meaning of their results.
Cytochemistry of erythrocytes and leukocytes of the white leghorn chicken

Abstract The cytochemistry of chicken blood and bone marrow cells was studied. Some of the changes of the chemical nature of cells which accompany maturation were demonstrated. These included the condensation of deoxyribonucleic acid, the disappearance of ribonucleic acid, and the reduction of polysaccharide and lipid deposits as the cells matured. The activity of most enzymes decreased as the cells reached maturity, but those required for the performance of specific functions by individual cell types were present in moderate amounts in mature cells. For example, leucine aminopeptidase activity was present in cells that could act as phagocytes but absent in erythrocytes. Slight activity of most enzymes was demonstrated in mature leukocytes, while few enzymes were found in erythrocytes. These findings agreed with the systemic functions of the two types of cells. All enzymes studied were found in the cytoplasm of one or more stages of the granulocyte series from marrow, but none appeared to be associated with the specific granules of cells. Discrete localization of enzymes was well demonstrated. Sites containing triphosphopyridine nucleotide diaphorase were restricted to the nuclear membrane of erythrocyte precursors, but they were distributed throughout the cytoplasm of granuloblasts.
A Dexterous Part-Holding Model for Handling Compliant Sheet Metal Parts

Material handling of compliant sheet metal parts significantly impacts both part dimensional quality and production rate in the stamping industry. This paper advances previously developed material handling end effector layout optimization methodology for rigid point end effectors [1] by developing a dexterous part-holding end effector model. This model overcomes the shortcomings of the rigid point part-holding end effector model by predicting part deformation more accurately for various modes of deformation and for a set of part-holding end effector locations. This is especially important for handling systems which utilize vacuum cup end effectors widely used for handling of large sheet metal parts. The dexterous end effector model design method and an algorithm for estimation of model parameters are developed. The algorithm combines data from design of computer simulations and from the set of experiments by integrating finite element analysis and a statistical data processing technique. Experimental studies are conducted to verify the developed model and the model parameter estimation algorithm. The developed methodology provides an analytical tool for product and process designers to accurately predict part deformation during handling, which further leads to minimization of part deformation, improvement of part dimensional quality and increase of production rate.
Strategies for solving neighboring-element problems: a case study using resonant X-ray diffraction and pulsed neutron diffraction to examine Sr8Ga16Ge30

The distribution of gallium and germanium over the available framework sites in the type-I clathrate Sr 8 Ga 16 Ge 30 (Pm3n) has been determined by powder diffraction using several different combinations of resonant scattering data sets, collected at energies close to both the Ga and Ge K-edges, and time-of-flight (TOF) neutron diffraction data. Based on a combined refinement using three X-ray data sets and a composition restraint, the fractional occupancies of the 6c, 16i and 24k sites by gallium are estimated to be 0.705 (5), 0.181 (3) and 0.376 (2), respectively. The required resonant scattering factors were determined by Kramers-Kronig transformation from X-ray absorption spectra. The results from refinements using single data sets and various combinations of data sets are compared. The high degree of scattering contrast that resonant diffraction can provide leads to very precise site occupancies. However, systematic errors in the resonant diffraction intensity data can considerably degrade the accuracy of the results. The use of a carefully chosen multiple-data-set strategy can minimize bias in the refinement results by reducing the correlations between site occupancies, atomic displacement parameters and histogram scale factors. The effect of errors in the resonant scattering factors on the refinement results was also examined.
Chandler Tides in the Atmosphere

Abstract The Chandler Motion Of the earth's rotation axis should give rise to tides in the oceans and atmosphere. The Chandler tide in the ocean has been studied and found empirically to exceed the theoretical magnitude. The few Previous studies of the atmospheric Chandler tide have been based on a single frequency. Using new information about the multiple frequency structure of the Chandler motion we have 1) determined the Chandler frequencies more precisely, 2) extracted the topography of the tidal surface from the historical sea level pressure record for the Northern Hemisphere, 3) described several observed modes of tidal oscillation, and 4) shown that the Chandler tide in the atmosphere is of significant amplitude and thus a source of interannual monthly mean pressure pattern variance.
A lower limit for ΔHf0(NF) and the excitation transfer reactions of N2(A 3Σu+) with NCO(X̃ 2Πi) and NF(X 3Σ−)

Abstract The reaction of F atoms with HNCO has been investigated in a flow reactor for a range of [F] and [HNCO] as a source of ground state NF molecules. Based upon the absence of NF(a 1 Δ) from the F+NCO secondary reaction, the Δ H f0 0 (NF) was assigned as ⩾49.6 kcal mol −1 and D 0 (N-F)⩽83.3 kcal mol −1 . The NCO(A 2 Σ + -X 2 Π i ) emission was observed for [HNCO] ⪢ [F]; the suggested mechanism is excitation transfer between N 2 (A 3 Σ u + ) and NCO(X 2 Π i ). The addition of an independent source of N 2 (A) to the system enhanced both the NCO(A-X) and the NF(b-X) emission intensities, confirming excitation transfer from N 2 (A) to NF (X) and NCO (X). The F + NCO rate constant was estimated as ⩾(5 ± 3) × 10 −12 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 .
Regulation of HSD17B1 and SRD5A1 in Lymphocytes

We previously reported lymphocyte expression of genes encoding enzymes required for steroid metabolism; however, only 17beta-HSD and 5alpha-reductase showed significant enzyme activity. We now investigate regulation of lymphocyte expression for genes encoding 17beta-HSD and 5alpha-reductase. Cultured human T and B lymphoid cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with known regulators of steroidogenic gene expression including forskolin, PMA, ionomycin, various steroids, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-6. Treatment with 10 or 50 microM forskolin resulted in a 20-60% reduction of expression for HSD17B1 (encoding 17beta-HSD I) in T and B lymphoid cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, although such a change was not observed in the expression of SRD5A1 (encoding 5alpha-reductase I). No significant changes were found when cells were treated for 24 h with various concentrations of PMA or ionomycin. Incubation with 10(-9) to 10(-7) M androstenedione or estradiol increased expression of HSD17B1, while testosterone decreased the expression of this gene. SRD5A1 expression was increased in the presence of 5alpha-DHT although no consistent changes were observed when the cells were treated with testosterone. Other steroids, including dexamethasone, progesterone, and 6-hydroxypregnanolone, produced no effects on expression of either HSD17B1 or SRD5A1. Treatment with 0.1-10 ng/ml of IL-4 or IL-6 also did not effect significant changes in gene expression. These data implicate the involvement of the cAMP-protein kinase signal transduction pathway in regulating lymphocyte expression of HSD17B1. Furthermore, it appears that lymphocyte HSD17B1 and SRD5A1 are regulated to some extent by specific steroids.
ATS-6 Synchronousi Orbit Trapped Radiation Studies with an Electron-Proton Spectrometer

The University of Minnesota Electron-Proton Spectrometer Experiment consists of two nearly identical detector assemblies. One of these assemblies was mounted in a position fixed on the satellite in the Environmental Measurements Experiments (EME) east direction and the other was rotated so that the spectrometer scanned a range of spatial directions covering 1800 from EME north to EME south through west. Each of the detector assemblies is a magnetic spectrometer containing four gold-silicon surface barrier detectors. This instrument provides a very clean separation between protons and electrons by the combination of pulse height analysis and magnetic deflection. Each detector assembly measures protons in three nominal energy ranges (30-50 keV), (50-160 keV), and (120-514 keV). Electrons also are measured in three energy intervals (30-50 keV), (150-214 keV), and (more than 500 keV). Data are transmitted from the experiment at rates as high as 8 measurements/s. Decreases in the flux of the energetic electrons and protons followed by very rapid increases are frequently observed on the nightside during periods of geomagnetic activity. Separation of temporal and spatial effects is possible using proton gradient information obtained when the detector systems are oppositely directed. Using this technique, the decreases have been interpreted as motion of the trapping region equatorward and Earthward of the satellite. The boundary motion associated with the particle recovery shows a marked local time dependence. Particle increases observed in the evening sector have been interpreted as motion from Earthward and equatorward of Applications Technology Satellite-6 (ATS-6).
Capture of Very Rare Circulating Tumor Cells for Human Breast Cancer Diagnosis

A method of collecting and delivering single or precise numbers of cells to assess the feasibility of capturing very rare circulating tumor cells for human breast cancer diagnosis and monitoring was developed. A PMMA device was assembled with minimal assembly variation using passive alignment. Thermoplastic fusion bonding was optimized to yield minimal deformation of the microfluidic channel. UV modification and an anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (anti-EpCAM) functionalization process were used to generate capture surfaces and maximized by control experiment. Single or precise numbers of target cells were collected using a cell collecting capillary tube and a hemacytometer and delivered into the microchannel without any loss. Cells from one of the human breast cancer cell lines, the MCF-7 cell line (ATCC, Manassas, VA) which strongly overexpresses EpCAM, were successfully captured on the anti-EpCAM coated microchannel surfaces. Successful capture of early stage breast cancer cells in whole blood may be feasible with further optimization of the microchannel geometry and flow velocity through the microfluidic device.© 2007 ASME
CD28 Ligation Induces Tyrosine Phosphorylation of Pyk2 but Not Fak in Jurkat T Cells

Protein tyrosine kinases are critical for the function of CD28 in T cells. We examined whether the tyrosine kinases Pyk2 and Fak (members of the focal adhesion kinase family) are involved in CD28 signaling. We found that ligating CD28 in Jurkat T cells rapidly increases the tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2 but not of Fak. Paxillin, a substrate for Pyk2 and Fak, was not tyrosine-phosphorylated after CD28 ligation. CD28-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2 was markedly reduced in the absence of external Ca2+. Previous studies have shown that the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) induces tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2. In this report, the concurrent ligation of CD28 and TCR increased tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2; however, the extent of phosphorylation by both receptors was equivalent to the sum of that induced by each receptor alone. The Syk/Zap inhibitor piceatannol blocked CD28, and TCR induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2, suggesting that Syk/Zap is involved in Pyk2 phosphorylation. In contrast, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin blocked TCR- but not CD28-induced phosphorylation of Pyk2, suggesting that CD28 and TCR activate distinct pathways to induce tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2. Notably, depleting phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-sensitive protein kinase C did not block CD28- and CD3-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2. These data provide evidence for the involvement of Pyk2 in the CD28 signaling cascade and suggest that neither Fak nor paxillin is involved in the signaling pathways of CD28.
Optimal management of Ménière's disease.

Confusion in the nomenclature of Meniere’s disease and lack of a standard definition of the disorder until 1995 has hampered accurate assessment of treatment efficacy since the presently defined disorder was first described in 1938. The lack of a widely accepted mechanism of the disease has also delayed the development of rational treatments. Past treatments have focused on relieving elevated pressures in the hydropic ear and more recently on treatment of underlying migraine. Present dietary methods of control include sodium restriction and migraine trigger elimination. Pharmacologic treatments include diuretics, migraine prophylactic medications, histamine analogs, and oral steroids. Surgical procedures include intratympanic steroid perfusion, shunts, and ablative procedures when conservative treatments fail. External pressure devices are also used. Evidence of efficacy is lacking for most interventions other than ablation. At our institution, Meniere’s disease is treated as a cerebrovascular disorder. Control of risk factors for cerebrovascular ischemia is combined with treatment of pressure dysfunction in the hydropic ear. Screening for risk factors is performed at presentation. Migraine, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, and atherosclerosis are among the major factors that often require medical management. Migraine prophylactic medications, magnesium supplementation, sodium restriction, migraine trigger elimination, diuretics, anticoagulants, and antihypertensives are among the treatments used initially. Steroids administered orally or intratympanically are used if control is not achieved medically, and ablation remains the definitive treatment in unilateral cases experiencing treatment failure.
Detection by Site-specific Disulfide Cross-linking of a Conformational Change in Binding of Escherichia coli Pyruvate Oxidase to Lipid Bilayers

Escherichia coli pyruvate oxidase, a peripheral membrane homotetrameric flavoprotein, exposes its C-terminal lipid binding site in the presence of substrate pyruvate and co-factor thiamine pyrophosphate Mg2+ and binds tightly to phospholipid bilayers during catalysis. Using site-specific disulfide cross-linking, we demonstrate that disulfide cross-links are formed between C termini of D560C pyruvate oxidase and that the degree of cross-linking is greatly increased by the presence of substrate and co-factors indicating a conformational change that results in juxtaposition of two subunit C termini. The cross-linked oxidase is enzymatically active and remains able to associate with lipid micelles. These results argue strongly that lipid bilayer binding of pyruvate oxidase involves pairing of the C termini of two subunits.
Basicity of difluorophosphines

Abstract The trends in the basicity of the difluorophosphines toward boranes is readily explained using a model based on the assumption that the parameter limiting the stability of the PB bond is the electrostatic repulsion between the group attached to phosphorus and the boron acid.
Second Language Readers' Comprehension of a Poem: Exploring Contextual and Linguistic Aspects.

: Seventy-three ESL students from three groups (seventh-grade, university intermediate, and university advanced) served as subjects in an exploratory psycholinguistic experiment designed to investigate the roles of context and selected linguistic structures on comprehension. Subjects read a free-verse poem in one of three context conditions: full context, in which both a picture and the poem's title accompanied the poem; partial context, in which only the title accompanied it; and no context, in which neither picture nor title accompanied it. In free- and probed-recall results, no significant effects were found for context. Group membership was significant for probed inferential recall of micropopositions. High-level propositions in the text hierarchy were better recalled than low-level propositions. No interaction reached significance. These findings suggest that ESL students tend to focus on literal language and need additional instruction in making inferences.
Pigmented conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma simulating a conjunctival melanoma

Abstract PURPOSE: To report a pigmented conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma that clinically simulated a conjunctival melanoma. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: Ocular examination, surgical excision, and clinicopathologic correlation. RESULTS: A 78-year-old white man developed a lightly pigmented mass at the temporal limbus of his right eye. The differential diagnosis included pigmented squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Histopathologic examination revealed a malignant squamous cell tumor that contained foci of melanin pigment. The final diagnosis was pigmented conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma may rarely be pigmented and simulate a conjunctival melanoma.
Conjugated linoleic acid isomer effects in atherosclerosis: growth and regression of lesions.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of octadecadienoic acid, has been shown to inhibit experimentally induced atherosclerosis in rabbits and also to cause significant regression of pre-established atheromatous lesions in rabbits. The two major CLA isomers (cis9,trans11 and trans10,cis12), now available at 90% purity, have been tested individually for their anti-atherogenic or lesion regression potency. The two major isomers and the mixture were fed for 90 d to rabbits fed 0.2% cholesterol. Atherosclerosis was inhibited significantly by all three preparations. The two CLA isomers and the isomer mix were also fed (1.0%) as part of a cholesterol-free diet for 90 d to rabbits bearing atheromatous lesions produced by feeding an atherogenic diet. A fourth group was maintained on a cholesterol-free diet. On the CLA-free diet atherosclerosis was exacerbated by 35%. Reduction of severity of atheromatous lesions was observed to the same extent in all three CLA-fed groups. The average reduction of severity in the three CLA-fed groups was 26±2% compared with the first control (atherogenic diet) and 46±1% compared with the regression diet. Insofar as individual effects on atherosclerosis were concerned, there was no difference between the CLA mix and the cis9,trans11 and trans10,cis12 isomers. They inhibit atherogenesis by 50% when fed as a component of a semipurified diet containing 0.2% cholesterol; and when fed as part of a cholesterol-free diet, they reduce established lesions by 26%. Reduction of atheromata to the observed extent by dietar means alone is noteworthy.
Toward adaptive conversational interfaces: Modeling speech convergence with animated personas

The design of robust interfaces that process conversational speech is a challenging research direction largely because users' spoken language is so variable. This research explored a new dimension of speaker stylistic variation by examining whether users' speech converges systematically with the text-to-speech (TTS) heard from a software partner. To pursue this question, a study was conducted in which twenty-four 7 to 10-year-old children conversed with animated partners that embodied different TTS voices. An analysis of children's amplitude, durational features, and dialogue response latencies confirmed that they spontaneously adapt several basic acoustic-prosodic features of their speech 10--50p, with the largest adaptations involving utterance pause structure and amplitude. Children's speech adaptations were relatively rapid, bidirectional, and dynamically readaptable when introduced to new partners, and generalized across different types of users and TTS voices. Adaptations also occurred consistently, with 70--95p of children converging with their partner's TTS, although individual differences in magnitude of adaptation were evident. In the design of future conversational systems, users' spontaneous convergence could be exploited to guide their speech within system processing bounds, thereby enhancing robustness. Adaptive system processing could yield further significant performance gains. The long-term goal of this research is the development of predictive models of human-computer communication to guide the design of new conversational interfaces.
Simultaneous analysis of phenylglycols and phenylethanols in human urine by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry

Abstract A method is described for the determination of the neutral metabolites formed from catecholamines and various other structurally related phenylethylamines by using gas chromatography—chemical ionization—mass spectrometry. These metabolites (phenylglycols and phenylethanols) were extracted from urine specimens and converted to pentafluoropropionyl derivatives which were separated on either 3% OV-1, 3% SP-2250, or 3% QF-1 packed columns. Our results demonstrate the presence in human urine of p -hydroxyphenylglycol, a metabolite of octopamine. One patient excreted 13 and 91 μg/day of free and total (free + conjugated) p -hydroxyphenylglycol, respectively. Treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor reduced the excretion of total p -hydroxyphenylglycol to 30% of baseline level.
Sample Size Estimation: How Many Individuals Should Be Studied?

The number of individuals to include in a research study, the sample size of the study, is an important consideration in the design of many clinical studies. This article reviews the basic factors that determine an appropriate sample size and provides methods for its calculation in some simple, yet common, cases. Sample size is closely tied to statistical power, which is the ability of a study to enable detection of a statistically significant difference when there truly is one. A trade-off exists between a feasible sample size and adequate statistical power. Strategies for reducing the necessary sample size while maintaining a reasonable power will also be discussed. © RSNA, 2003
Cigarette Smoking and Systemic Therapy for Lung Cancer: Considering the Evidence to Improve Cancer Care

1. In patients with cancer and survivors, the evidence is sufficient to conclude a causal relationship between cigarette smoking and adverse health outcomes. Quitting smoking improves the prognosis of patients with cancer. 2. In patients with cancer and survivors, the evidence is sufficient to conclude a causal relationship between cigarette smoking and increased all-cause mortality and cancer-specific mortality. 3. In patients with cancer and survivors, the evidence is sufficient to conclude a causal relationship between cigarette smoking and an increased risk of second primary cancers known to be caused by cigarette smoking, such as lung cancer. 4. In patients with cancer and survivors, the e vidence is suggestive but not sufficient to conclude a causal relationship between cigarette smoking and the risk of disease recurrence, poorer response to treatment, and increased treatment-related toxicity. These conclusions are the first large evidence assessment that causally associates tobacco smoking with adverse health outcomes in patients with cancer. The review pro- vided by O'Malley et al. 1 is a noteworthy contribution, highlighting an important facet of a complex question in cancer care: what are the true adverse effects of smoking on cancer treatment and what can be done to deal with these adverse effects? To begin to understand the depth of this question, we must first recognize the ever increasing complexity of modern cancer care. Oncologists are tasked with coordinating multiple facets of patient care centered around diagnosis and workup, treatment, assessing response, managing toxicity, and arranging follow-up. Each step requires assessment of a patient's comorbid condition and an understanding of each patient's behavioral, social, and financial environment. Oncologists have access to a broad variety of up-to-date resources, often delivered by daily emails, that highlight advances in cancer research and clinical care that often emphasize the potential utility of new biological agents, potentially new genomic prognosticators, and industry sponsored communication that advocate for the use of new agents in cancer care. Many of these new potential advances are untested in large trials and may not accurately reflect clinical effect or impact, but may still garner the attention of
Single Base-pair Precision and Structural Rigidity in a Small IHF-induced DNA Loop

The prokaryotic integration host factor (IHF) is a DNA-bending protein that binds to specific DNA sites as a heterodimer. Genetic and mutational analyses have previously identified asymmetric protein-DNA contacts by the individual subunits. By exploiting the unique sequence and positional context of one IHF binding site, H' in Lambda attachment sites (att sites), we have identified a symmetry element of binding and have localized the functional bend center to the center of this symmetry. A shift of the H' bend center by a single base-pair to the right or to the left within the very tight loop formed with Lambda integrase (Int) and IHF in att-site "intasomes" severely reduces recombination. This suggests that a precise, but wrongly positioned, DNA bend within a loop of constant length negatively influences the juxtaposition or "phasing" of the core-type and arm-type Int binding sites by differentially affecting the length of each leg of the loop. Furthermore, ten base-pair insertions within this loop that should not interfere with correct helical phasing are sensed in a position-dependent manner. Distal insertions abolish recombination, whereas proximal or double insertions (in both legs of the loop) are well tolerated.
Label-free assay for the detection of glucose mediated by the effects of narrowband absorption on quantum dot photoluminescence

We present a novel strategy for label-free detection of glucose based on CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs). We exploit the concentration-dependent, narrowband absorption of the hexokinase-glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzymatic assay to selectively filter a 365-nm excitation source, leading to a proportional decrease in the photoluminescence intensity of the QDs. The visible wavelength emission of the QDs enables quantitative readout using standard visible detectors (e.g., CCD). Experimental results show highly linear QD photoluminescence over the clinically relevant glucose concentration range of 1-25mM, in excellent agreement with detection methods demonstrated by others. The method has a demonstrated limit of detection of 3.5μM, also on par with the best proposed methods. A significant advantage of our strategy is the complete elimination of QDs as a consumable. In contrast with other methods of QD-based measurement of glucose, our system does not require the glucose solution to be mixed with the QDs, thereby decreasing its overall cost and making it an ideal strategy for point-of-care detection of glucose in low-resource areas. Furthermore, readout can be accomplished with low-cost, portable detectors such as cellular phones, eliminating the need for expensive and bulky spectrophotometers to output quantitative information. The general strategy we present is useful for other biosensing applications involving chemistries with unique absorption peaks falling within the excitation band of available QDs.
Scientists unveil new theory and findings about solar eruptions

With a coronagraph on board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) blocking out direct sunlight, an image of the Sun taken at 5:28 a.m. EST last November 6 picked up some wisps of gas streaming away into space. Yet, only a few hours later the picture from SOHO, which is jointly operated by NASA and the European Space Agency, had dramatically changed. At 8:46 a.m. EST, a subsequent image revealed a bursting coronal mass ejection (CME) and a resulting blizzard of accelerated protons that looks like static snow on a television. This solar eruption, whereby “a big chunk of the Sun's atmosphere is thrown out into space,” as Spiro Antiochos of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory puts it, was the first in a new cycle leading to the solar max. During the maximum of the new solar cycle, expected around 2000 and 2001, more frequent solar storms should occur. Some could carry 10 billion tons of matter and travel as fast as 1000 m/s. The eruptions' magnetic fields and speed could affect spacecraft, navigation, and communications systems, as well as ground-based electrical grids.
Cerebrospinal fluid glucose and leukocyte responses in experimental meningitis

The fall in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose and CSF leukocyte response was studied in cats with experimental meningitis. Klebsiella pneumoniae or Streptococcus pneumoniae were injected intracisternally, and the latter organisms were incubated with CSF in vitro. When 10(6)-10(9)K. pneumoniae were incubated with 4 ml of CSF, the time time necessary for the glucose to decrease to less than 10 mg/dl ranged from 6.5 to 2.5 h, at a rate proportional to the size of the inoculum. When the same numbers of bacteria were injected intracisternally, the time ranged from 9 to 3 h, and the CSF leukocyte response did not exceed 1200 WBC/mm3. At this time, only minimal histological changes in brain and choroid plexus were seen. Twenty hours after intrathecal K. pneumoniae, large numbers of leukocytes (up to 4 X 10(4)/mm3) were recovered from the CSF. Regardless of the number of leukocytes, however, hypoglycorrhachia occurred when the CSF contained more than 10(7) bacteria/ml. At this interval, large numbers of leukocytes were seen invading the stroma of the choroid plexus, leptomeninges and perivascular spaces. When 10(8) S. pneumoniae were injected intracisternally, CSF glucose concentration decreased as rapidly as with K. pneumoniae. The spinal fluid leukocyte response to S. pneumoniae was, however, greater than that to K. pneumoniae. These results suggest that under the conditions of these studies, hypoglycorrhachia of bacterial meningitis is the result of metabolism of the bacteria with little contribution from the leukocytes.
Isobaric vapor–liquid equilibria for mixtures of acetone, ethanol, and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane at 101.3 kPa

Abstract Isobaric vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data were determined at the pressure of 101.3 kPa for binary and ternary systems composed of acetone, ethanol, and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (isooctane). Minimum boiling azeotropes were found in the acetone + 2,2,4-trimethylpentane and ethanol + 2,2,4-trimethylpentane systems. Azeotropic behavior was not found for the ternary system. Thermodynamic consistency tests were performed for all VLE data. The activity coefficients of the binary mixtures were satisfactorily correlated as function of the mole fraction using the Wilson, NRTL, and UNIQUAC models. The models with their best-fitted parameters were used to predict the ternary vapor–liquid equilibrium. The Wilson model appears to yield the best prediction in boiling temperatures.
Acquired immunity to TNF: Effects on intestinal wound healing

Increased concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) damage normal tissue and produce a shock-like syndrome—changes that can be prevented with antibody-specific antisera. These findings suggest that TNF-stimulated immunity should protect normal tissue and promote wound healing. To test this hypothesis, 30 Fischer 344 rats (150–200 g) were serially immunized against TNF (20 μg/kg). Convalescent sera assayed (micro-ELISA) for circulating antibodies revealed titers (2.54 ± 0.08 au) significantly higher (P< 0.00001) in immunized animals than in nonimmunized controls (0.11 ± 0.06 au). Following this, 10 immunized (Group I), 10 nonimmunized (Group II), and 10 control rats underwent partial cecectomy with primary anastomosis. Animals from Groups I and II received TNF (25 μg/kg) while controls received saline intravenously on Postoperative Days 1, 3, and 5. Animals were then sacrificed to determine: (1) hydroxyproline content of the anastomosis, (2) mitochondrial respiratory control ratio, and (3) pyruvate dehydrogenase activity of the muscle. We found that (1) exposure to increased concentrations of TNF (Group II) depresses (P< 0.01) biologic markers of wound healing and (2) acquired immunity to TNF (Group I) eliminates this response. In conclusion, acquired immunity to TNF protects the healing intestinal anastomosis from the effects of exposure to increased levels of TNF.
Consequences of insular population structure: Distribution and extinction of spruce grouse populations.

The population structure of the spruce grouse (Canachites canadensis) was studied in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, U.S.A. Twenty-five isolated habitat patches exist and are occupied by spruce grouse, with 7 suitable but unoccupied patches existing at the periphery of the range. The regional distribution and abundance of spruce grouse is correlated with the amount of lowland coniferous forest habitat. Unoccupied patches were significantly smaller and significantly farther from occupied patches than were other occupied patches. For all patches, as distance from the nearest occupied patch increased, the percent of occupied patches decreased linearly. I incorporated birth and death rates for spruce grouse into the MacArthur-Wilson survivorship model which closely predicted the proportion of occupied patches for an average population density (2.8 ♀ spruce grouse/100ha). For the same demographic parameters, extinction times were calculated which indicate that the 15 habitat patches of a carrying capacity of ≦3 female spruce grouse (≦100 ha) would have an average extinction time of less than 6 years. This in part accounts for the high proportion of these patches which are unoccupied. Extinctions and recolonizations of patches were observed during the study. The patterns of patch occupancy can partially be predicted based on their size, spatial arrangement, and the demographic characteristics of the spruce grouse.
Sensitivity to inflation of the respiratory system in the chicken.

Abstract Experiments were conducted on two breeds of chickens, as well as on rabbits and dogs, to quantitate the reflex respiratory alterations induced by inflation of the ventilatory systems. For all three species the length of apnea produced by inflation with air was related logarithmically to inflation pressure. Carbon dioxide (5 to 8 %) added to the inflating gas did not influence the apneic response in the mammals; however, in chickens inflation with this gas did not cause apnea but produced only a slight decrease in respiratory rate. Results of these experiments failed to demonstrate the presence of stretch receptors in the respiratory system of chickens. However, receptors sensitive to intrapulmonary CO2 concentrations appear to provide a strong peripheral influence on the control of respiration in these animals.
Fractal nature and scaling of normal faults in the Española Basin, Rio Grande rift, New Mexico: implications for fault growth and brittle strain

Abstract Quaternary faults in the western Espanola Basin of the Rio Grande rift show a power-law size (displacement) distribution suggesting that faulting in this region is scale invariant, and that faults are self similar. The power law, or fractal, distribution is characterized by fractal dimension of 0.66 to 0.79 and represents a young, immature, active fault population in a continental extensional regime. Based on this distribution, it is estimated that unobserved faults with very small displacements account for up to 6% of the total strain. Since 1.2 Ma. total extension in this part of the basin has been at least 5%. A direct correlation exists between maximum displacement and length of faults in this area suggesting that they obey a scaling relationship in which the ratio of log d max /log L is 5 × 10 -3 . This ratio is nearly constant for faults whose lengths span three-orders of magnitude, indicating that there is no difference in the scaling relationship of displacement and length between faults of all sizes. Considering previous models, these fault characteristics suggest that, in the western Espanola Basin: (1) host rock shear strengths are low; (2) remote shear stresses were probably high: and (3) most faults do not extend throughout the brittle crust. Finally, displacement profiles on five of the largest faults arc asymmetric and show a rapid decrease in displacement from the point of maximum displacement toward the fault tip. The fractal nature, scaling relationship and distribution of displacement on faults are used to suggest that faults grew by nearly proportional increases in displacement and length, perhaps by mechanisms dominated by propagating shear fractures rather than by linkage of pre-existing joints or faults.
A space homeomorphic to each uncountable closed subspace under CH

Abstract Under CH there is a thin-tall locally compact scattered space which is homeomorphic to each uncountable closed subspace. This construction partially answera a Boolean Algebraic question of Matti Rubin.
Performance-based constraints for multidimensional networks

A stochastic analysis of multidimensional networks with unidirectional or bidirectional links between nodes is presented. The analysis allows the development of an accurate model for examining the performance and cost trade-offs of different network configurations. The model is validated through simulation and does not rely on the simplifying assumptions of previous models. In addition, the model is valid for the hypercube network. Two new performance-based design constraints are introduced: constant maximum throughput and constant unity queue. These new constraints are fundamentally different than previous constraints, which are based on some characterization of hardware implementation costs. Both of the new constraints allow performance and cost comparisons of different network configurations to be made on the basis of an equal ability to handle a range of traffic load. Results under the new constraints clearly show that a low dimensional network, while offering the lowest message latency, must be significantly more expensive than a comparable high dimensional network and, in some cases, may be impractical to implement. In addition, the constraints demonstrate that performance is highly dependent on offered load.
Employers’ Perceptions of Intimate Partner Violence among a Diverse Workforce

OBJECTIVES: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant global public health concern, affecting 5.3 million US individuals annually. An estimated 1 in 3 women globally are abused by an intimate partner in their lifetime, and the effects carry over into the workplace. This article examines employers' perceptions of IPV in the workplace, targeting supervisors of Latina employees. METHODS: Fourteen employers and supervisors of small service-sector companies in Oregon were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Interpretive description was used to identify themes. These qualitative interviews preceded and helped to formulate a larger workplace intervention study. RESULTS: THE FOLLOWING THEMES WERE FOUND AND ARE DETAILED: (1) factors associated with recognizing IPV in the workplace, (2) effects of IPV on the work environment and (3) supervisors' responses to IPV-active vs. passive involvement. Also, supervisors' suggestions for addressing IPV in the workplace are summarized. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate the need for more IPV-related resources in the workplace to be available to supervisors as well as survivors and their coworkers. The needs of supervisors and workplaces vary by site, demonstrating the need for tailored interventions, and culturally appropriate workplace interventions are needed for Latinas and other racially and ethnically diverse populations. Language: en