cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis and comparative decarboxylation of aminomalonic acid, β-carboxyaspartic acid, and γ-carboxyglutamic acid

Abstract Methods for quantitative analysis of the carboxylated amino acids, aminomalonic acid, β-carboxyaspartic acid, and γ-carboxyglutamic acid, are presented. These substances are acid labile and thus can be measured only after alkaline hydrolysis of proteins and peptides. Half-times for decarboxylation in 1 m HCl at 100°C are: aminomalonic acid (1.2 min); β-carboxyaspartic acid (1.7 min); and γ-carboxyglutamic acid (8.6 min). This property is useful for unequivocal identification in complex hydrolysates.
Self-advocacy training for cancer survivors. The Cancer Survival Toolbox.

objectives: With the advent of managed healthcare, self-advocacy has been identified as an essential skill for cancer survivors. This article describes a self-advocacy training program, the Cancer Survival Toolbox, developed through a unique collaborative effort by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, the Association of Oncology Social Work, and the Oncology Nursing Society. materials and methods: Self-advocacy training is provided in audiotape format, as well as through the Internet and in interactive groups. The need for this training was established through surveys completed by 569 cancer survivors and 833 oncology professionals. Essential skills were identified through a literature review, and the content of the training was pilot tested with bicoastal groups of cancer survivors and with feedback from representatives of 15 national cancer organizations. results: While the majority of the 569 respondents to the survivor survey were highly educated and between the ages of 31 and 60 years, fewer than half reported that when they first received a diagnosis of cancer they were able to communicate their needs effectively, had the skills necessary to make decisions, or were able to negotiate with healthcare providers, insurers, and employers. Results of the survey of professional oncology nurses and social workers also supported the need for self-advocacy training. Fewer than one third of the 833 respondents to the professional survey reported that their patients who had received new diagnoses of cancer had essential self-advocacy skills. conclusions: This self-advocacy training program is currently available on audiotape in English and Spanish. It is available in print in Chinese on the Internet. Data from the pilot groups indicate the program effectively addresses the self-advocacy skills of communication, information seeking, problem solving, decision making, and negotiating. Data are currently being collected to assess the efficacy of the audiotape format and the impact of the training on survivors and professionals. Future plans include training oncology professionals to teach these skills and to work collaboratively with survivors in advocacy efforts. Additional programs designed to address the needs of the uninsured as well as older adult and pediatric survivor populations are in development.
The isolation of humic substances and alcohol-soluble organic matter from seawater

Abstract The practical details of a method for the recovery of humic substances and alcohol-soluble organic matter from large volumes of seawater are described. Low levels of contamination make it useful for chemical characterization studies of these fractions of the dissolved organic matter.
Enamel biopsy results of children receiving fluoride tablets

This study measured the fluoridation in enamel after daily use of fluoride tablets and determined if this concentration was associated with a reduction in caries. Findings reported here suggest that fluoride can restrict dental caries by some mechanism other than fluoride uptake in the enamel.
Safety assessment of existing structures using a filtered fuzzy relation

Abstract Most constructed systems, as well as our infrastructure system, require regular inspection and reassessment so that proper actions can be taken to maintain their current usefulness. Although the quantitative information obtained from these inspections can be analyzed systematically and consistently using probability theory, a parallel analysis is not yet developed for the qualitative information obtained. A filtered fuzzy relation algorithm which utilizes the fuzzy set theory is developed to analyze the qualitative data methodologically. The analysis yields a safety function which shows the degree of belonging for each level of safety reduction from the original design reliability. A sensitivity analysis on the membership functions associated with the input data to the resulting safety function is also performed. The results indicate that, in general, the preciseness of these membership functions has little or no influence on the safety functions. Thus the filtered fuzzy relation algorithm has practical application in assessing existing membership functions.
Progress in the study of fossil Gymnodinium (Dinophyceae)

This paper reports preliminary results of a study of over 1,000 specimens of Upper Cretaceous (chiefly Maastrichtian) Gymnodinium1 representing some 25 species. These species have not yet been described in detail nor have they been compared yet with the type specimens of previously incompletely described species. Important characters common to the species are an apical opening (archeopyle) and minute wall-canals. Interspecifically variable characters include, besides size and outline, the position of the cingulum (defined by a cingulum index, CI, here proposed), the surface ornamentation (psilate, scabrate, granulate, pustulate), the distribution and orientation of wall-canals, and the size of the archeopyle. In discriminating species, care must be taken to recognize the great intraspecific variability in size and outline shape shown by some species, as well as well as common “inflation” of ribbed specimens related to their accordion-like structure. Equivocal evidence on the nature of the fossils (remains of cysts of motile cells?) is discussed.
Puzzles as heuristic programming exercises

In the 1970s people were drawn into programming careers because of the fast-moving and free-spirited nature of the workplace. These individuals were creative and adventurous. Personal computers and software products from spreadsheets to flight simulators were the result of their efforts. There were also many project failures including the development of unsupportable programs. To fix those problems, university and corporate education classes now stress analysis, quality control, and structured techniques. An unfortunate side-effect to excessive structure is that students may never address problems where creativity, rather than accounting skills, is the key. Puzzles provide programming projects where analysis and structure may coexist with creative thinking.
Coupled inverse modeling of vadose zone water, heat, and solute transport: calibration constraints, parameter nonuniqueness, and predictive uncertainty

Abstract In this study, an inverse methodology is presented and used to evaluate the effect that calibration of a synthetic artificial recharge model, constrained by different combinations of measurements (pressure head, temperature, and concentration), has on estimated vadose zone model parameter-value nonuniqueness and predictive water, heat, and solute transport uncertainty. Several findings are arrived at following model calibration and predictive analysis. First, composite scaled sensitivities revealed that all calibration measurement combinations contributed to the estimation of 30 water, heat, and solute transport parameters by inverting a set of vadose zone transport equations that were coupled explicitly through dependent variables and implicitly through parameters and fluid properties. Second, despite excellent model quality and perfect match of simulated-to-measured dependent field variables, the limitations in information content of field measurements used to constrain the calibration process promoted correlation among parameters; correlation among parameters promoted parameter nonuniqueness; and parameter nonuniqueness promoted predictive uncertainty. Consequently, simulations by transport models calibrated against field information represent a single realization associated with some quantifiable range of predictive uncertainty. Third, a primary reduction in uncertainty was achieved by increasing the number of calibration-constraint measurements, but reductions in uncertainty appeared restricted implying a practical limit to parameterization detail. Fourth, for a fixed number of measurements, a less prominent reduction in the range of predictive uncertainty could be realized through selective use of measurement types to constrain the calibration process. Therefore, field measurement types used to constrain the calibration process should be matched to target predictions. Fifth, because correlation among parameters contributes to predictive uncertainty, it may be possible to further reduce predictive uncertainty by estimating parameters that also minimize the largest eigenvalue in the normalized eigenvector matrix.
X-ray and Density Functional Theory Structural Study of 1,3,5,7,9-Penta-tert-butylcorannulene, C40H50

The first X-ray structural characterization of an alkyl-substituted corannulene, namely, 1,3,5,7,9-penta-tert-butylcorannulene (C40H50), has been accomplished. The addition of bulky tert-butyl groups to the corannulene core flattens the bowl and affects the solid-state packing. The presence of two enantiomers, in addition to positional disorder of the C40H50 bowls in the solid-state structure, has prevented the acquisition of accurate geometric parameters of this open geodesic polyarene. Therefore, DFT calculations have been used to describe its molecular geometry and to access bond lengths, bond angles, and a bowl depth.
Laser-induced fluorescence: Limits to the remote detection of hydrogen ion, aluminum, and dissolved organic matter☆

Abstract Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in lake water is, to a certain extent, indicative of water quality. DOM fluorescence intensity varies directly with connentration of the fluorescing organic matter; however, the intensity and spectral distribution of fluorescence are also affected by other physical and chemical factors. The chemical factors include concentrations of trace metals, hydrogen ion, and the composition of the DOM itself. An empirical study was conducted seeking specific relationships between the intensity and spectral distribution of DOM fluorescence and the concentration of aluminum and hydrogen ion in lake water. Water samples from 49 lakes in northern Michigan and northern Wisconsin were collected and their fluorescence emission spectra analyzed with respect to the lake water chemistry. Trends that had been apparent in previous measurements using prepared samples were less visible in the lake water data. Observed changes in the fluorescence emission can be produced by one of two general mechanisms: quenching and precipitation. Quenching of DOM fluorescence - a result of cation reactions - is seen as a reduction of the total fluorescence intensity and a shift of the overall emission spectrum to shorter wavelengths. In contrast, preferential precipitation of the high molecular weight DOM by cation reactions appears to shift DOM fluorescence to the longer wavelengths. These nonspecific effects make it difficult, if not impossible, to predict the complicated relationships between fluorescence emission and individual water chemistry parameters. By itself, a simple fluorescence emission spectrum of DOM is not a sufficiently accurate indicator of hydrogen ion or aluminum concentration; however, fluorescence parameters correlate well with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) And with the organic aluminum per unit dissolved organic carbon (Al 0 / DOC). DOM fluorescence emission spectra should also be useful as a survey tool in conjunction with limited water chemistry or as a means of monitoring change in a lake whose initial chemistry and fluorescence properties have been defined. Lastly, by augmenting fluorescence emission data with other remote sensing data, e.g., fluorescence excitation spectra, fluorescence decay rates, and Raman spectra, a more detailed chemical analysis should be possible.
Selective Versus Universal Screening for Lynch Syndrome: A Six-Year Clinical Experience.

Lynch syndrome is the most common cause of hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) and confers increased risk of other cancers. Identification of patients improves morbidity and mortality. Screening tumors for absent mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a recommended approach. Despite guidelines advocating universal screening, significant variation in clinical practice exists. A retrospective study of two different IHC-based Lynch syndrome screening protocols at an urban, university hospital was performed. Outcomes from a “selective” screening strategy utilized from August 2007–July 2010 on CRC tumors from patients with high-risk features were compared with a “universal” strategy of screening all CRC tumors from July 2010–August 2013. Positively screened patients were referred for genetic counseling and offered germline testing. A total of 392 patients with CRC were screened: 107 selectively and 285 universally. The prevalence of Lynch syndrome was 3.1 %, with no difference by strategy. There was a trend (p = 0.06) toward fewer universally screened patients agreeing to genetic counseling compared with those selectively screened. Selective criteria failed to identify one of eight cases of Lynch syndrome from the universal group, though the universal strategy screened 166 additional tumors to find this additional patient. Selective screening for Lynch syndrome has similar outcomes as universal screening in terms of identifying Lynch syndrome, despite screening far fewer patients. In addition, fewer eligible patients in our study agreed to undergo genetic counseling and germline testing than in prior studies. These lower rates may better reflect uptake of these services in clinical practice.
Challenging dangerous ideas: a multi-disciplinary critique of evolutionary psychology

‘‘Evolutionary Psychology’’ (EP) is used in this Special Theme issue to denote the thought of an influential group of researchers including, among others, Leda Cosmides, John Tooby, David Buss, and Steven Pinker. Their approach to evolutionary psychology (intended here as the general field of inquiry, following Rauscher and Scher 2003) is based on a specific set of assumptions. These assumptions include a commitment to adaptationism, massive modularity, speciestypicality, and the concept that human psychological mechanisms have been selected during the environment of evolutionary adaptiveness, an unspecified period during human evolution spanning the Pleistocene era (Bolhuis, Brown, Richardson, and Laland 2011; Buller 2005; Rauscher and Scher 2003; Buss 2005). Other terms have been used to refer to the same approach, such as ‘‘Santa Barbara school of evolutionary psychology’’ (Bolhuis et al. 2011; Buller 2005) and ‘‘narrow
The isolation and structure of β-melanocyte-stimulating hormone from horse pituitary glands

Abstract The complete amino acid sequence in equine β-melanocyte-stimulating hormone has been determined on highly purified material isolated from the neurointermediate lobes of horse pituitaries. In the final purification step (countercurrent distribution in 0.1% acid- n -butanol-pyridine, 11:5:3 v v ), as well as in zone electrophoresis at pH 4.9 on starch, this material behaved like bovine β-melanocyte-stimulating hormone; however, complete amino acid analysis of the hormone, as well as the elucidation of the structure of the peptide fragments isolated from chymotryptic and tryptic digests of the equine β-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, revealed its unique structure to be H-Asp.Glu.Gly.Pro.Tyr.Lys.Met.Glu.His.Phe.Arg.Try.Gly. Ser.Pro.Arg.Lys.Asp-OH. Although the sequence differs somewhat from that found in any other naturally occurring melanocyte-stimulating pituitary hormone (see Fig. 3), it still contains the nonvarying internal heptapeptide sequence… Met.Glu.His.Phe.Arg.Try.Gly… found in each of these hormones. On the basis of results of bioassay, it was concluded that the nature of the NH 2 -terminal sequence in β-melanotropins is far more important for the in vivo melanocyte stimulation than is the amino acid composition near the COOH terminus.
Cardiovascular reserve capacity in healthy older humans

In healthy normotensive individuals who have been rigorously screened to exclude coronary disease, the cardiovascular reserve capacity decreases with aging. A reduction in the maximum aerobic capacity is accompanied by a reduction in the maximum heart rate. Stroke volume during vigorous exercise in the upright position does not decline with aging in healthy individuals, because the left ventricular end- diastolic volume dilates more in older than in younger individuals; however, the reduction in left ventricular end- systolic volume that occurs during exercise is blunted in older individuals, resulting in a lesser increase in the left ventricular ejection fraction. This pattern of altered cardiac reserve resembles that caused by s- adrenergic blockade, and substantial evidence indicates that the efficacy of the s- adrenergic post synaptic response of cardiovascular tissues declines with aging. Changes in cardiac structure, e.g., enlargement of cardiac myocytes leading to a moderate heart wall thickening, and changes in vascular properties, e.g., aortic wall thickening and increased stiffness, also likely have a role in the reduction in left ventricular reserve in older individuals. Chronic exercise conditioning in older individuals increases aerobic capacity, decreases arterial stiffness and left ventricular function. The exercise heart rate deficit that occurs with aging, however, is not affected by physical conditioning. (Aging Clin. Exp. Res. 6: 213–223, 1994).
A population-level analysis of bilateral breast reduction: does age affect early complications?

Background: As the American population ages, a growing number of women may suffer from symptomatic macromastia in their later years. Objectives: The authors analyzed population data from the 2005-2010 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to investigate effects of age on 30-day surgical outcomes for reduction mammaplasty with the hope of improving patient care, counseling, and risk stratification. Methods: Overall, 3537 patients were included in the analysis. Outcome variables included 30-day postoperative major surgical, medical, and wound complications. Patients were initially stratified into 2 groups: 60 years as elderly. The authors then performed a subgroup analysis, further stratifying the younger cohort into <50 years and 50-60 years of age. Univariate analysis was performed to assess the dependency of preoperative factors on surgical outcomes ( P < .05). Results: Of the 3547 patients, 3050 were <60 years of age (39.7 ± 11.8 years) and 487 were ≥60 years of age (65.1 ± 4.7 years). A total of 182 thirty-day postoperative surgical complications were documented. Stratifying patients into 2 age groups did not reveal an association between age and any surgical complication ( P = .26). Conclusions: This population-level analysis of reduction mammaplasty indicated that, with proper patient selection, the procedure can be performed safely on older patients.
Early postoperative enteral feeding improves whole body protein kinetics in upper gastrointestinal cancer patients.

Abstract Background Patients with upper gastrointestinal (Gl) tract malignancies are at increased risk for malnutrition, as well as postoperative morbidity and mortality. As data clearly documenting the benefit of early postoperative enterai feeding in upper Gl cancer patients as compared with no feeding are sparse, we examined the protein kinetic effects of early enterai feeding and compared it with standard postoperative care (ie, intravenous fluid). Methods Twenty-nine patients undergoing resection of an upper Gl tract malignancy were prospectively randomized to either enterai feeding (FEED, n=12) starting on postoperative day (POD) 1 via a jejunostomy tube or intravenous fluid (IVF, n=17). On POD 5, all patients underwent resting energy expenditure determination and a protein metabolic study using the isotope 14 C-leucine to determine whole body (WB, μmol leu/kg/min) protein kinetics. Results Respiratory quotient and insulin (μU/ mL) levels were significantly increased in patients receiving enterai feeding (0.85 ± 0.02,19.8 ± 4.5 versus 0.78 ± 0.02, 9.3 ± 0.8, FEED versus IVF, P P P = 0.002), and WB protein net balance was converted to positive in FEED group (−0.10 ± 0.01 versus 0.30 ± 0.03, IVF versus FEED, P Conclusions Early enterai feeding decreases fat oxidation and whole body protein catabolism while improving net nitrogen balance. By significantly improving protein metabolism, enteral feeding may decrease postoperative morbidity and mortality in upper Gl cancer patients.
Assessing Resource Utilization during Vigilance Using Transcranial Doppler The Effects of Extraversion

Although automated systems have decreased the information-processing load on workers and have increased productivity, studies have shown that automation can have serious drawbacks, such as reductions in operator vigilance that can lead to decreased detection of critical events. Transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) is a tool used to measure cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV), and previous studies have shown that TCD can be used to examine attentional resource utilization and allocation during vigilance task performance. This study was designed to assess the attentional resource utilization of an individual difference measure that has shown to be associated with vigilance performance efficiency, extraversion. Twelve extraverts and thirteen introverts monitored a 60-min vigilance task for critical signals, which in this case, was the absence of a line on one of the five circles displayed on a computer monitor. CBFV and correct detections over six 10-min periods were used as the units of analysis. While a v...
Effect of pituitary autografts on hair color in the short-tailed weasel.

Abstract Short-tailed weasels ( Mustela erminea ) were hypophysectomized and the pituitary glands transplanted under the kidney capsules. Animals with grafts molted and grew brown hair even when exposed to a photoperiod which induced growth of the white winter pelage in intact controls. Removal of the pituitary grafts from auto-transplanted weasels initiated a molt and growth of white hair. The results indicate that the pituitary grafts probably synthesize and release MSH and that the central nervous system exerts an inhibitory effect over the production and/or secretion of this hormone.
Handle local optimum traps in CBIR systems

Existing CBIR systems, designed around query refinement based on relevance feedback, suffer from local optimum traps. That is, when the user is examining a relevant cluster surrounded by less relevant images, essentially the same set of images will be returned for the user to provide relevance feedback. Since the user would select the same query images again, the relevance feedback process gets trapped in a local optimum. This local-optimum trap problem may severely impair the overall retrieval performance of today's CBIR systems. In this paper, we therefore propose a simulated annealing-based approach to address this important issue. When a stuck-at-a-local-optimum occurs, we employ a neighborhood search technique (i.e., simulated annealing) to escape from the local optimum. We also propose an index structure to speed up such neighborhood search. Our experimental study confirms that our approach can efficiently address the local-optimum trap problem, and therefore can improve the effectiveness of existing CBIR systems.
Pregabalin as long-term treatment of fibromyalgia pain

Introduction:This study (A0081057) was designed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of pregabalin treatment of fibromyalgia (FM).Methods:In this 1-year, open-label (OL) extension of a 13-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial of pregabalin FM patients had the option of continuing pregabalin at doses of 150 to 600 mg/d. Efficacy was measured by the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), which included sensory and affective pain descriptors, Present Pain Intensity (PPI) index, and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS).Results:429 of 431 screened patients entered OL treatment, 249 (58%) completed, 70 (16.3%) discontinued due to an adverse event (AE), and 110 (25.7%) discontinued for other reasons. Median duration of treatment with pregabalin was 357 days (range, 1-402 days); 114 received pregabalin for ≥1 year. No clinically meaningful increases in dose were noted over the OL treatment period. Weighted mean dose was 414 mg/d in the first 3 months of treatment and 444 mg/d after 9 months of treatment. SF-MPQ sensory, affective, and total scores were improved relative to baseline, VAS pain score decreased 21 points (0-100 scale), and PPI decreased 0.9 point (0-5 scale). The most frequently reported all-causality AEs were dizziness, somnolence, peripheral edema, and increased weight, most of which were mild to moderate in intensity and of limited duration.Conclusions:Pregabalin administered for up to 1 year was generally well tolerated by FM patients without evidence of dose increase over time. The sustained improvement in pain measures during OL treatment was consistent with that in shorter term double-blind trials.
Precision mechanical design of an UHV-compatible artificial channel-cut x-ray monochromator

A novel ultra-high-vacuum (UHV)-compatible x-ray monochromator has been designed and commissioned at the undulator beamline 8-ID-I at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) for x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy applications. To meet the challenging stability and x-ray optical requirements, the monochromator integrates two new precision angular positioning mechanisms into its crystal optics motion control system: An overconstrained weak-link mechanism that enables the positioning of an assembly of two crystals to achieve the same performance as a single channel-cut crystal, the so called "artificial channel-cut crystal"; A ceramic motor driven in-vacuum sine-bar mechanism for the double crystal combined pitch motion. The mechanical design of the monochromator, as well as the test results of its positioning performance are presented in this paper.
Electroglottographic tracking of phonatory response to Botox.

Summary Botox injection into the thyroarytenoid muscle is thought to alter the glottal competence and laryngeal adduction of patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD). Hypofunctional responses to treatment have been rated subjectively and inferred from postinjection breathy voice, aphonia, midline glottal gap, or subclinical aspiration. Clinical experience suggests that temporary hypofunction varies in duration and severity among patients. This study used electroglottographic measures to examine changes over time in glottal competence during the relatively stable phonation produced by 5 patients with ADSD. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to test 3 hypotheses: (a) that reduced laryngeal adduction would occur during the first 3 weeks postinjection, followed by a reversal; (b) that patients' hypofunctional response curves would differ one from another; and (c) that changes in adduction, if present, would be related to changes in severity ratings of ADSD symptoms. For 3 participants, significant hypoadduction occurred after injection and reversed toward preinjection level over an 8-week period. Two participants demonstrated a flat or increasing vocal fold contact response curve during the early postinjection period. Observations were consistent with the previously reported differences and possibly complex relation between the resolution of breathy hypofunction and ultimate return of ADSD symptoms.
Improved tandem mirror fusion reactor

It is shown that the introduction of barrier potentials between the plugs and solenoid of a tandem mirror substantially reduce ion energy and density required in end plugs. Several means for creating barriers and some of the important physics issues are discussed.
The Evolution of the Engineering Community: Pressures, Opportunities, and Challenges

The practice of engineering is undergoing significant changes due not only to the inexorable progress of technology but also to the changes being wrought in business practice the world over. The manufacturing sector is showing decline in numbers of engineers, and the service sector is growing. The advent of the truly global economy augers still further change. Perhaps the most pervasive changes are due to the digital revolution along with the molecular biology revolution. Inevitably the engineering disciplines will find new branches and engineering education will find new paths to follow as a result.
927-38 Noninvasive Predictors of Successful Implantation of Transvenous Defibrillator Lead Systems

Successful implantation of transvenous defibrillator lead systems depends on achieving an intraoperative defibrillation threshold (DFT) of ≤ 25 J. Since defibrillation is related to a critical mass of myocardium, we sought to determine whether left ventricular (LV) mass or LV volume could predict successful implantation of a transvenous lead system. 20 echocardiography was therefore performed in 46 pts who underwent implantation of a transvenous lead system. Fifteen pts were excluded because of inadequate 20 images. OFT (J) g 25 (n = 22) OFT (J) ≤ 25(n = 9) P LV Volume (ml) 359 ± 72 263 ± 88 002 LV Mass (g) 229 ± 52 214 ± 51 NS Posterior Wall Thickness (mm) 0.87 ± 0.19 0.94 ± 0.17 NS Septal Thickness (mm) 1.64 ± 2.33 1.17 ± 1.32 NS Enddlastolic LV Diameter (mm) 5.56 ± 1.96 6.14 ± 0.92 NS Results In addition, age and LV ejection fraction were not significantly different between the 2 groups. All pts with DFT g 25 J but only 28% of pts with DFT ≤ 25 J had an LV volume g275 ml (P l 0.01). Conclusions All pts with an LV volume l 275 ml had acceptable DFTs. These results suggest that LV volume is an important determinant of successful defibrillation with transvenous lead systems since it may in part determine transmyocardial current density for a given defibrillation shock.
Individually administered videotape parent training: “who benefits?”

One-hundred families with young conduct problem children were randomly assigned to either an individually administered videotape modeling parent training program (IVM) or to a waiting-list control group. Results immediately posttreatment indicated that treated parents reported using significantly less physical discipline and perceived improvements in their children's behavior problems compared with untreated control parents. During home observations, treated parents exhibited significant changes in at least two of the four behavior outcome variables in their interactions with their children compared with untreated parent—child interactions. One year later, these changes were maintained and the children continued to improve. Correlational analyses indicated that, for treated families, single mother status, maternal depression, and mother's mental age were significantly correlated with at least two of the four mother outcome variables at both posttreatment assessments. A 1-year followup social class was significantly correlated with more critical mother behaviors and increased child deviance. For fathers, analyses indicated that high negative life stress and father depression was correlated with more negative father perceptions of child adjustment and increased child deviance at immediate posttreatment. At 1-year followup only father mental age was correlated with teacher perceptions of child behavior problems. The data support the general effectiveness of the IVM program but caution its use as the sole treatment with highly stressed families.
Linear fractional composition operators on H 2

If ϕ is an analytic function mapping the unit diskD into itself, the composition operatorC ϕ is the operator onH 2 given byC ϕf=foϕ. The structure of the composition operatorC ϕ is usually complex, even if the function ϕ is fairly simple. In this paper, we consider composition operators whose symbol ϕ is a linear fractional transformation mapping the disk into itself. That is, we will assume throughout that $$\varphi \left( z \right) = \frac{{az + b}}{{cz + d}}$$ for some complex numbersa, b, c, d such that ϕ maps the unit diskD into itself. For this restricted class of examples, we address some of the basic questions of interest to operator theorists, including the computation of the adjoint.
Ethanol dependence in the rat: role of extrapyramidal motor systems in the withdrawal reaction.

Abstract Rats were implanted with chronic recording electrodes in the caudate nucleus, substantia nigra, red nucleus, and pontine reticular formation and thereafter maintained on ethanol-containing liquid diets for 18 to 22 days. The removal of ethanol resulted in the time-dependent appearance of epileptiform abnormalities in each of the explored brain regions. The abnormalities characteristically began with increases in EEG synchrony and amplitude coupled with the appearance of epileptiform spike activity, which increased in amplitude and frequency during the latter stages of withdrawal. Quantification of preconvulsive epileptiform spike activity revealed major differences in the temporal sequence of development of spiking in the caudate nucleus and substantia nigra compared to the red nucleus and pontine reticular formation. However, a significant equipotentiality existed among these regions as initiation sites for seizure discharge during spontaneous behavioral convulsion. It was concluded that these brain sites, which have previously been considered to serve significant motor functions, play an active, but as yet unspecifiable, role in the genesis of the ethanol withdrawal reaction. It was further hypothesized that an important aspect of the development of epileptiform activity during the ethanol withdrawal reaction may involve interaction of the caudate nucleus, substantia nigra, and red nucleus with existing thalamocortical synchronizing systems in the midline and nonspecific thalamic nuclei.
Impact Total Psoas Volume on Short- and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Curative Resection for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: a New Tool to Assess Sarcopenia

Background While sarcopenia is typically defined using total psoas area (TPA), characterizing sarcopenia using only a single axial cross-sectional image may be inadequate. We sought to evaluate total psoas volume (TPV) as a new tool to define sarcopenia and compare patient outcomes relative to TPA and TPV.
Influence of indium and phosphine on Au-catalyzed InP nanowire growth on Si substrates

Abstract The growth of InP nanowires by the VLS mechanism on Si 〈1 1 1〉 substrates with varying pre-growth treatments was investigated. When Au-catalyst particles were treated with trimethylindium before growth there was an increase in the fraction of catalyst particles yielding wire growth and in the number of these wires growing vertically from the substrate. This was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy revealed that Au-catalyst particles exposed to PH3 before growth did not alloy with the underlying Si substrate. InP wires were also grown using Ag catalyst particles which do not alloy with the Si substrate. However, wire growth does not appear to be inhibited in this case. These results suggest that P is the primary cause for the both lack of growth from some catalyst particles and growth in directions other than the vertical 〈1 1 1〉 direction of the substrate.
A pedagogical pattern for bringing service into the curriculum via the web

The Web reduces the economic hurdles of publishing a message to a large audience. This paper documents a pedagogical pattern to integrate community service with the curriculum. Students in two different computer science courses teamed up to create websites for local non profit organizations (NPOs). The projects provided CS majors with real customers, the challenge of working on an interdisciplinary team, an opportunity for community service, and an opportunity to learn very new technologies. For their part the NPOs gained a new means of communicating their missions to the world. We believe the potential for reuse of this pattern is high and could benefit other schools and communities.
Blue light-absorbing intraocular lens and retinal pigment epithelium protection in vitro

Abstract Purpose: To compare the Alcon AcrySof® Natural (SN60AT) and AcrySof (SA60AT), the AMO Sensar® (AR40e) and ClariFlex®, and the Pfizer CeeOn® Edge 911A intraocular lenses (IOLs) as to their ability to protect retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from light damage mediated by the lipofuscin fluorophore A2E. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. Methods: Cultured human RPE cells (ARPE-19 cell line) that had accumulated A2E were exposed to blue (430 nm ± 30), green (550 ± 10 nm), or white (390 to 750 nm) light with and without an IOL in the light path. Results: The blue light-absorbing AcrySof Natural IOL was associated with significant reduction (78% to 82%; P Conclusions: By absorbing blue light, the AcrySof Natural IOL shields RPE cells that have accumulated the aging lipofuscin fluorophore A2E from the damaging effects of light. A long-term population-based clinical trial would determine whether a blue light-absorbing IOL can reduce the risk for or progression of age-related macular degeneration.
THE USE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING IN CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS

Evaluation of families for purposes of assisting the court in making decisions about custody is perhaps the most complicated forensic evaluation. Mental health professionals conducting such evaluations must ensure that their evaluations validly assess areas of concern deemed relevant by the judiciary and legislature. Evaluators sometimes use psychological measures in the evaluation process, and in recent years, a number of tests designed specifically for use in child custody evaluation contexts have been developed. Because some published tests do not meet basic professional standards, child custody evaluators should carefully review any test and its supporting documentation before including it in their examination procedures. In this article, the authors discuss the rationale for using psychological tests in child custody evaluations, describe current testing practices, review and critique contemporary custody evaluation instruments, and offer a template for mental health professionals to use when considering use of a particular test.
Torsional tension in the DNA double helix measured with trimethylpsoralen in living E. coli cells: Analogous measurements in insect and human cells

Abstract The rate of covalent photobinding of trimethylpsoralen to DNA is greater when the DNA is wound with negative superhelical tension than when it is relaxed. In vitro the rate of photobinding is directly proportional to the negative superhelical density of the DNA. Thus measurement of the rate of photobinding provides an assay for probing in vivo unrestrained tension in the winding of the DNA double helix. This approach has been applied to measure torsional tension in DNA as it is packaged in living E. coli, Drosophila and HeLa cells. A method is described for measuring the rate of photobinding to intracellular DNA and rRNA, and for using the latter measurement as an internal control of the rate of me 3 -psoralen photobinding in vivo. This permits more accurate and reproducible measurement of changes in the DNA-psoralen photobinding reaction. The me 3 -psoralen probe interacts with intracellular bacterial DNA as expected for a purified DNA duplex wound with superhelical density σ = −0.05 ± 0.01. This superhelical tension is relaxed in cells when multiple single-strand breaks are introduced into the chromosomal DNA by γ-irradiation. Similar relaxation occurs when cells are treated with the DNA gyrase inhibitor coumermycin. The results suggest that the DNA double helix is wound with torsional tension in vivo and that DNA supercoils which are equilibrated with this tension are not completely restrained in nucleosome-like structures. Torsional tension in the DNA of eucaryotic cells is not detectable in analogous measurements of the packaged DNA of HeLa and Drosophila cells. The simplest interpretation of this finding is that, within the limits of detection, all superhelical turns in the DNA are restrained in nucleosomes or nucleosome-like structures in these eucaryotic cells.
Acyclic analogues of deoxyadenosine 3', 5'-bisphosphates as P2Y1 receptor antagonists

P2Y1 receptors are activated by ADP and occur on endothelial cells, smooth muscle, epithelial cells, lungs, pancreas, platelets, and in the central nervous system. With the aid of molecular modeling, we have designed nucleotide analogues that act as selective antagonists at this subtype. The present study has tested the hypothesis that acyclic modifications of the ribose ring, proven highly successful for nucleoside antiviral agents such as gancyclovir, are generalizable to P2Y receptor ligands. Specifically, the binding site of the P2Y1 receptor was found to be sufficiently accommodating to allow the substitution of the ribose group with acyclic aliphatic and aromatic chains attached to the 9-position of adenine. Three groups of adenine derivatives having diverse side-chain structures, each containing two symmetrical phosphate or phosphonate groups, were prepared. Biological activity was demonstrated by the ability of the acyclic derivatives to act as agonists or antagonists in the stimulation of phospho...
Acculturation and depressive symptoms among Mexican American elders new to the caregiving role: results from the Hispanic-EPESE.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics associated with becoming a caregiver among Mexican American (MA) elders and to examine predictors of depressive symptoms among the new caregivers 2 years later. Method: Drawn from the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (H-EPESE), 152 MA recent caregivers and 2,023 other MAs were compared. Residualized change regression analysis was conducted. Results: At baseline, MAs who had recently become caregivers exhibited a significantly greater number of depressive symptoms compared to those who had not. Controlling for background characteristics, physical health, social support, and baseline depressive symptoms, regression analysis revealed that 2 years later higher acculturation was related to a greater number of depressive symptoms among those who at baseline were new caregivers. Discussion: Better knowledge of the within-group differences among MA elderly caregivers, especially with respect to acculturation, may better inform interventions for this at-risk group.
Automated support for classifying software failure reports

This paper proposes automated support for classifying reported software failures in order to facilitate prioritizing them and diagnosing their causes. A classification strategy is presented that involves the use of supervised and unsupervised pattern classification and multivariate visualization. These techniques are applied to profiles of failed executions in order to group together failures with the same or similar causes. The resulting classification is then used to assess the frequency and severity of failures caused by particular defects and to help diagnose those defects. The results of applying the proposed classification strategy to failures of three large subject programs are reported. These results indicate that the strategy can be effective.
Effects of nitrogen carriers, nitrogen rates, and maturity on composition of smooth bromegrass

Abstract Magnesium and Ca concentrations in smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis L) were not affected by late‐winter applications of N. Magnesium concentrations were constant until rapid growth in mid‐May then they declined until early June harvest. Highest seasonal concentrations were found in the fall regrowth. Calcium concentrations declined as plants matured in spring. Highest seasonal Ca concentrations were found in the fall regrowth. Nitrogen, P, and K concentrations and K/(Ca+Mg) ratios were increased by N applications during early spring but did not differ significantly by early June harvest. Nitrogen and P concentrations decreased as plants matured in spring and fall. K concentrations and K/(Ca+Mg) ratios changed inconsistently from sampling date to sampling date. Forage yields were approximately doubled by 67 kg N/ha and tripled by 202 kg N/ha. Significant yield differences were related to different N carriers.
A survey and taxonomy of strategy‐related performance measures for manufacturing

Although the topic of manufacturing performance measurement has recently attracted considerable interest, little has been done to enumerate or classify the measures that exist. Lists 125 different strategy‐related measures that were found through a survey of accounting, manufacturing and managerial literature. Develops a taxonomy which categorizes those measures according to competitive priority (cost, quality, flexibility, delivery reliability, or speed), data source (internal or external), data type (objective or subjective), measure reference (self‐referenced or benchmark), and process orientation (process input or process outcome). Finds that the largest number of measures have been proposed for the competitive priority of flexibility and the fewest for delivery reliability. Most measures have focused only on process outcomes using self‐referenced objective data from internal sources. Based on these results, suggests that companies and academic researchers utilize new or different measures to assess adequately strategy‐related manufacturing performance.
Cannabinoid pharmacological properties common to other centrally acting drugs.

Abstract Cannabinoids produce a characteristic profile of in vivo effects in mice, including suppression of spontaneous activity, antinociception, hypothermia, and catalepsy. Measurement of these four properties, commonly referred to as the tetrad test, has played a key role in establishing the structure–activity relationship of cannabinoids acting at cannabinoid CB 1 receptors. The purpose of this study was to determine whether drugs acting at noncannabinoid CB 1 receptors produced a similar pharmacological profile. Mice were tested in this paradigm after being injected with Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol and selected drugs from other drug classes. Δ 9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol dose-dependently produced all four effects with reversal by the cannabinoid CB 1 receptor antagonist N -(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1 H -pyrazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride (SR 141716A). Amphetamine, scopolamine, morphine, desipramine, pimozide, pentobarbital, ethanol, and diazepam were not fully active in at least one of the tests. Antipsychotics showed the greatest similarity to those of cannabinoids in the tetrad tests, although there were also distinct differences. Clozapine, haloperidol, thioridazine, and chlorpromazine (but not pimozide) were fully active in all four tests; however, unlike with Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol, their effects were not blocked by SR 141716A. Further, whereas antipsychotics produced nearly 100% catalepsy, maximal catalepsy produced by Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol was 60%. The mechanism through which antipsychotics produce these effects in mice is uncertain, but it differs from cannabinoid CB 1 receptor activation that mediates the effects of cannabinoids. While results of previous research suggest that the tetrad tests are a useful tool in examination of structure–activity relationships of cannabinoid CB 1 receptor agonists, the present results suggest that they must be used cautiously in the search for novel cannabinoid receptors.