cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk factors relating blood markers of inflammation and nutritional status to survival in cachectic geriatric patients in a randomized clinical trial.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of proinflammatory cytokines, their receptors, and nutritional indicators (at baseline and after 12 weeks of megestrol acetate (MA) treatment) upon long-term survival in geriatric cachectic patients without active acute infections, inflammation, or cancer. Design: Randomized clinical trial with placebo or MA treatment for 12 weeks and then follow-up for more than 4 years. Setting: Veterans Affairs nursing home in Northport, New York. Participants: Nursing home patients with weight loss of 5% of usual body weight over the previous 3 months or body weight 20% below ideal body weight. Intervention: Random assignment of placebo or MA oral suspension 800 mg/d to the eligible patients for 12 weeks. Measurements: White blood cell counts, prealbumin, plasma cytokine levels (or their receptors), including tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR), soluble subunits (TNFR-p55 and TNFR-p75), interleukin (IL)-6, soluble IL-2 receptor, and C-reactive protein at baseline and 12 weeks after treatment. Results: There was no difference in survival between the MA and placebo groups. Considering possible confounders, initial IL-6, initial TNFR-p75 levels, and final neutrophil percentage were associated with elevated mortality, whereas higher initial prealbumin, initial albumin, final prealbumin, final albumin, and final weight gain were associated with decreased death. Conclusion: In geriatric weight-loss patients with cachexia, certain cytokines and nutritional indicators were effective in predicting long-term mortality, regardless of treatment with MA. Interventions to modify levels of these cytokines or their receptors and improvement in nutritional status by weight gain might be helpful in ameliorating undetected chronic inflammation and thus might prolong the survival of these nursing home residents.
Solution of two-dimensional axisymmetric laminar diffusion flames by adaptive boundary value methods

The flame type of most practical combustion devices is the diffusion flame. These flames are important in the interaction of heat and mass transfer with chemical reactions in ram jets, jet turbines and commercial burners. The ability to predict the coupled effects of complex transport phenomena with detailed chemical kinetics in these systems is critical in the modeling of turbulent reacting flows, in improving engine efficiency and in investigating the effects of facility related contaminants on the flammability limits of combustion under supersonic conditions. Specifically, the ability to understand those factors affecting flame extinction is critical in improving engine efficiency. Combustor geometry and flow field patterns may produce flames with sharp edges. Extinction along these edges results from incomplete combustion and, hence, produces a decrease in fuel efficiency. The opening of such flames corresponds to the local extinction of a specific highly curved portion of the flame front. An understanding of the mechanisms that cause this behavior is important in flame stability and in determining flammability limits for flames exhibiting strong curvature [1]. In addition, most commercial power generating units employ diffusion flames as their primary flame type. Emphasis on improving the efficiency of these units combined with environmental issues dealing with the production of nitrogen based pollutants helps to motivate the study of this type of diffusion flame. Most of the oxides of nitrogen are formed during combustion when part of the oxygen combines with atmospheric nitrogen rather than with the fuel.
Kinetic theory of subsonic and supersonic transport processes in weakly ionized gases

A statistical theory of the inter-component momentum and energy exchange in nonisothermal many-component systems is presented, in which the particles interact according to the elastic-sphere model. It is shown that the inter-component transport processes depend through transcendental functions on the drift velocities of the components, simple functional relations resulting for infra-sonic and ultra-sonic drift velocities. As an application, a theoretical description is given of: 1) the nonlinear electrical conduction of weakly ionized plasmas in strong electric fields, 2) the inter-component thermal nonequilibrium of a weakly ionized plasma in strong electric fields, and 3) the relaxation of energetic test particles by collisions with field particles having an equilibrium velocity distribution. By means of these concrete examples, the existence of subsonic and supersonic transport processes is discussed, respectively.
Paying for Prevention: Challenges to Health Insurance Coverage for Biomedical HIV Prevention in the United States

Reducing the incidence of HIV infection continues to be a crucial public health priority in the United States, especially among populations at elevated risk such as men who have sex with men, transgender women, people who inject drugs, and racial and ethnic minority communities. Although most HIV prevention efforts to date have focused on changing risky behaviors, the past decade has yielded efficacious new biomedical technologies designed to prevent infection, such as the prophylactic use of antiretroviral drugs and the first indications of an efficacious vaccine. Access to prevention technologies will be a significant part of the next decade’s response to HIV, and advocates are mobilizing to achieve more widespread use of these interventions. These breakthroughs, however, arrive at a time of escalating healthcare costs; health insurance coverage therefore raises pressing new questions about priority-setting and the allocation of responsibility for public health. The goals of this Article are to identify legal challenges and potential solutions for expanding access to biomedical HIV prevention through health insurance coverage. This Article discusses the public policy implications of HIV prevention coverage decisions, assesses possible legal grounds on which insurers may initially deny coverage for these technologies, and evaluates the extent to which these denials may survive external and judicial review. Because several of these legal grounds may be persuasive, particularly denials on the basis of medical necessity, this Article also explores alternative strategies for financing biomedical HIV prevention efforts.
White Infant Mortality in Appalachian States, 1976–1980 and 1996–2000: Changing Patterns and Persistent Disparities

Purpose Appalachian counties have historically had elevated infant mortality rates. Changes in infant mortality disparities over time in Appalachia are not well-understood. This study explores spatial inequalities in white infant mortality rates over time in the 13 Appalachian states, comparing counties in Appalachia with non-Appalachian counties.
Cochlear implant performance in senior citizens

Cochlear implants are indicated for elderly patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss (sensorineural hearing loss ≥70 dB). Their use has been limited, possibly by the misconception that elderly patients will perform poorly. To document the performance of older adults (≥65 years old), we undertook a retrospective analysis of our postlingually deafened adult patients who underwent implantation with the CLARION Multi-Strategy Cochlear Implant and underwent formal audiologic analysis (sentence recognition [Central Institute for the Deaf, CID] and monosyllabic word recognition (consonant-noun-consonant, CNC)). Both younger (n = 20; mean age = 46.9 years) and older (n = 16; mean age = 71.5 years) adults showed statistically significant increases in CID and CNC scores after cochlear implantation. No statistically significant difference could be detected in operative time, anesthesia time, length of hospitalization, or CID or CNC scores between the two age groups. We conclude that age should not be a criterion for deciding who should receive cochlear implants. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;123:419-24.)
Measurement of interlayer spacings and crystal sizes in turbostratic carbons

Abstract Interlayer spacings and crystal sizes of turbostratic carbons are frequently obtained by the direct and improper application of the Bragg, Scherrer, and Warren equations to the experimental X-ray scattering profile. The components of this scattering profile and their sources are considered, and the applicability of the Scherrer and Warren equations to turbostratic carbons is discussed. An analytical method is outlined for separating the incoherent scattering, the scattering due to crystallographically amorphous atoms and single graphitic-type layers, and the 002, 004, 10, 11 and 20 bands from the experimental data. Proper application of the Bragg, Scherrer, and Warren equations to these bands yields useful and accurate values of the interlayer spacings and crystal sizes. It is shown that these values differ significantly from the results obtained directly from the experimental profile.
Comparative effects of PGD2 and PGE2 on vasoconstrictor responses in the feline intestinal vascular bed.

Abstract The effects of prostaglandins (PG) D 2 and E2 on vascular resistance and vasoconstrictor responses were compared in the feline mesenteric vascular bed under conditions of controlled flow so that changes in perfusion pressure directly reflect changes in vascular resistance. Infusions of PGD 2 into the superior mesenteric artery significantly dilated the mesenteric vascular bed and inhibited vasoconstrictor responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation and intra-arterial injections of norepinephrine and angiotensin II. The inhibitory effects of PGD were reversible and dose-dependent. PGD 2 inhibited responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation to a greater extent than responses to the pressor hormones. Infusion of PGE 2 at similar doses dilated the mesenteric vascular bed but had little or no effect on vasoconstrictor responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation or pressor hormones. These data suggest that PGD 2 possesses the ability to modulate responses to nerve stimulation and pressor hormones by both pre- and post-junctional actions in the feline mesenteric vascular bed.
Effect of pulse shape and distribution on the plastic deformation of a circular plate

Abstract The dynamic plastic deformation of a simply-supported circular plate subjected to a pressure distribution, which is an arbitrary function of radius and time, is found to depend on the moment history applied by the pressure and the moment history applied by the pressure excess over a conical distribution. Each of these moment histories can be replaced by an equivalent rectangular pulse in determining the final deformation at the center of the plate.
Nanoscale materials for sensing and detection based on surface plasmon excitation

In this paper we present the effect of gold, silver and oxide thicknesses on the sensitivity of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). SPR sensor with enhanced sensitivities can be realized based on gold/silver films. Surface Plasmons (SP) are electromagnetic waves that transmit along the interference between a metal and a dielectric film, and the electromagnetic wave of the surface plasmons is coupled to oscillations of free electrons in the metal. SPR has attracted interest in many applications such as solar cells, chemical and biological sensing. The potential sensor application by using gold/silver nanocrystal enhanced SPR phenomenon. Sensitivity is a significant parameter to assess the sensor's performance. Essentially, sensitivity is determined by the force of light and matter interaction.
Purification and preliminary characterization of the soybean glyoxysomal aspartate aminotransferase isozyme

Abstract The glyoxysomal isozyme of aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1: AAT1) was purified from soybean cotyledons. AAT1 was separated from other soybean AAT isozymes by DEAE ion exchange chromatography and then purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by immunoaffinity chromatography. The purified isozyme contained a single polypeptide as detected on SDS PAGE with an estimated Mr of 42 000 Da. The glyoxysomal AAT had a broad pH optimum from 7.5 to 10.5 with maximal activity found at 9.5. The apparent Km values were 4.7 mM for aspartate, 0.11 mM for 2-oxoglutarate, 49 mM for glutamate, and 0.11 mM for oxaloacetate. Kinetic parameters and size of the AAT1 polypeptide suggest this glyoxysomal form of AAT is similar to AAT isozymes targeted to other subcellular compartments in plants.
OBSTRUCTING CALCIFIED THROMBUS OF THE AORTIC ISTHMUS. A DIAGNOSTIC ROENTGENOLOGICAL APPEARANCE.

Abstract A patient in whom an occluding calcified thrombus of the isthmus of the aorta produced the clinical picture of coarctation is presented. The lesion produced a diagnostic appearance on chest roentgenogram.
Estimating morbidity risks in relatives the effect of reduced fertility

Various methods have been given for calculating morbidity risks in relatives. When estimating morbidity risks for parents an additional complication needs to considered i.e. that the disease may affect fertility thereby biasing the parent sample (usually in favor of those who are unaffected). The effect of reduced fertility was first noted in 1955 in schizophrenics by Essen-Moller. A simple method for adjusting the observed morbid risk to parents whicch requires fewer assumptions than Essen-Mollers method is presented. A method is outlined for determining the potential effect of reduced fertility on the estimation of morbid risk for other types of relatives -- siblings grandchildren and nieces and nephews. The morbid risk to parents of probands is a reflection of the following parameters: A prevalence of the disorder in the population; mo mean number of children produced by an unaffected individual; ml mean number of children produced by an affected individual; to probability that the child of an unaffected individual is affected; and tl probability that the child of an affected individual is affected. It is assumed that ml includes both the effect of nonmarriage and the effect of reduced fertility within marriage. The tl parameter is to be estimated from the observed risk to parents. The accuracy of tl depends only on the precision of knowledge of ml/mo the ratio of mean number of children produced by affected individuals vso normals. The Essen-Moller method requires knowing the relative fertility for affected individuals both before and after disease onset as well as the ages at onset with respect to the birth of the proband for affected parents of probands. To consider morbid risk to parents by sex it is necessary to define sex specific parameters. That the observed risk to siblings may also be diminished due to reduced fertility of affecteds may be seen as follows. Suppose the risk to a sib when 1 of the probands parents is also affected is greater than when both parents are unaffected. An affected parent produces fewer children overall than when both parents are normal. Thus a proband with an affected parent has fewer sibs than one without an affected parent. To determine the effect of reduced fertility on the risk to the grandchildren of an affected individual the 2 cases where the intervening parent is affected or normal must be considered. The risk to nieces and nephews of a proband may depend on whether the parent of the niece/nephew (i.e. probands sibling) is affected or not. The only risk estimate that is free of fertility effects is the risk to children. As shown here risks to other relatives can be substantially influenced depending on the particular relationship involved. One should be cautious about combining risks to all 1st-degree relatives as well as concerned with the age adjustment method used in calculating morbid risks.
Combining Surge and Wind Risk from Hurricanes Using a Copula Model: An Example from Galveston, Texas

Consideration of climate-related impacts on coasts is important to ensure readiness for disaster response. Local risk of storm surge and strong winds from hurricanes affecting Galveston, Texas, is quantified using a bivariate copula model fit to observed data. The model uses a two-dimensional Archimedean copula. Parametric uncertainty (5th and 95th percentiles) is quantified using a Monte Carlo procedure. The annual probability of a hurricane producing winds of at least 50 ms−1 and a surge of at least 4 m is 1.7 percent with a 95 percent confidence interval of (1.33, 1.78) percent. The methodology can be extended to include inland flooding and can be applied elsewhere with available information.
Factors Influencing Golden-Winged Warbler (Vermivora Chrysoptera) Nest-Site Selection and Nest Survival in the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee

Abstract Studies of reproduction and habitat use are essential for any species assessment, especially for species with declining populations. We compared habitat in nest sites and randomly selected sites within Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) territories. We also modeled the effects of temporal and biotic factors on daily nest survival in relation to the constant-survival model. The percent cover of herbaceous vegetation was greater at nest sites, and that of woody vegetation was greater at non-nest sites. There was support for models with annual variation and a decline in nest survival throughout the nesting season, but the constant-survival model performed equally well. One parameter performed marginally better than the constant-survival model: nests with a woody stem in the substrate had lower nest-survival rates. We conclude that nest-site selection was nonrandom, such that females use specific criteria to select nest sites. However, habitat characteristics did not appear to significantl...
Electronic structure and Fermi-surface-related instabilities in 1 T-TaS2 and 1 T-TaSe2

The electronic-energy-band structure and full-Brillouin-zone Fermi surfaces of the layered dichalcogenides, $1T\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{T}\mathrm{a}{\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ and $1T\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{T}\mathrm{a}{\mathrm{Se}}_{2}$, have been calculated using the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method in the muffin-tin approximation. We find that the Fermi surfaces for both systems away from symmetry points and lines have cross sections which are approximately constant along the $z$ direction. Strong nesting features of the Fermi surface are found for a spanning vector parallel to the $\ensuremath{\Gamma}M$ direction in reciprocal space with values in good agreement with the charge-density-wave results found by Wilson, Di Salvo, and Mahajan for these compounds.
Comparison of Rorschach anatomy responses from psychosomatic out-patients and a matched group of psychiatric controls.

35 out-patient Ss with demonstrable psychosomatic symptoms were matched with 35 psychiatric out-patients with "milder" forms of psychopathology, i.e., neurosis, personality disorders and latent schizophrenia. The psychosomatic group showed significantly more anatomy responses on the Rorschach but there was much overlap, leading to the conclusion that anatomy does not directly reflect simply psychosomatic disturbances but, rather, is associated with psychodynamics which tend to underlie psychosomatic illnesses.
Social and biological reinforcement in an open psychiatric ward

Abstract A brief experimental incentive program was conducted in an open ward, in a New York State psychiatric hospital. Patients had to complete four target behaviors, without being reminded, by noon each day. They were first reinforced socially, receiving publicly posted stars against their names; later, only those who had earned a star were admitted to the dining room for lunch. Computations were based on eight patients who lived in the ward for the 3 months of the study, and who served as their own controls. During the base line period the level of performance was very low; it rose when stars were given as reinforcement, and more so when stars were added to food. The program was economical in terms of money, training and effort.
Regional approaches to the management of patients with advanced, radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma

For patients with advanced, radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer, current treatment guidelines recommend clinical trial enrollment or small-molecule kinase inhibitor therapy. However, details of patient management vary between countries depending on trial availability and national regulatory policies. Insufficient clinical trial data and variable disease characteristics challenge the creation of universal guidelines, and treatment plans often reflect regional influences. A multidisciplinary, multiregional panel of experts met to discuss regional approaches to managing patients with advanced, radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer and the potential impact of emerging therapies on current treatment strategies. Despite process-oriented regional differences, the decision-making strategies were similar. Multidisciplinary teams used to manage high-risk patients varied in composition across regions, particularly regarding the responsible physician's specialty. Cytotoxic chemotherapy was viewed as limited in clinical benefit, and targeted agents as attractive, based on promising data. Panel members support clinical trial enrollment as the preferred treatment strategy for managing these patients.
Robust Set Separation Via Exponentials.

Given a pair of finite disjoint sets A and B in Euclidean n-space, a fundamental problem with numerous applications is to efficiently determine a hyperplane H(ω, γ) which separates these sets when they are separable, or 'nearly' separates them when they are not. We seek a hyperplane that separates them in the sense that a measure of the Euclidean distance between the separating hyperplane and all of the points is as large as possible. This is done by 'weighting' points relative to A ∪ B according to their distance to H(ω, γ), with the closer points getting a higher weight, but still taking into account the points distant from H(ω, γ). The negative exponential is chosen for that purpose. In this paper we examine the optimization problem associated with this set separation problem and characterize it (convex or non-convex).
Family satisfactions and filial norms among elderly Vietnamese immigrants

Abstract A questionnaire, administered to a sample of 60 elderly Vietnamese immigrants, probed their (1) proximity to and contact with their adult children, siblings, and parents, (2) overall satisfaction with their family relationships, and (3) generalized filial responsibility norms. The results indicate close proximity and contact with family, satisfaction with family relations, and strong filial norms, except for financial responsibility, which was seen as the government's duty.
ON EXISTENCE AND UNIQUENESS IN A FREE BOUNDARY PROBLEM FROM COMBUSTION

We study a free boundary problem for the heat equation describing the propagation of laminar flames under certain geometric assumptions on the initial data. The problem arises as the limit of a sin...
Applying life-cycle assessment to low carbon fuel standards—How allocation choices influence carbon intensity for renewable transportation fuels

Abstract The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 requires life-cycle assessment (LCA) for quantifying greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from expanded U.S. biofuel production. To qualify under the Renewable Fuel Standard, cellulosic ethanol and new corn ethanol must demonstrate 60% and 20% lower emissions than petroleum fuels, respectively. A combined corn-grain and corn-stover ethanol system could potentially satisfy a major portion of renewable fuel production goals. This work examines multiple LCA allocation procedures for a hypothetical system producing ethanol from both corn grain and corn stover. Allocation choice is known to strongly influence GHG emission results for corn-ethanol. Stover-derived ethanol production further complicates allocation practices because additional products result from the same corn production system. This study measures the carbon intensity of ethanol fuels against EISA limits using multiple allocation approaches. Allocation decisions are shown to be paramount. Under varying approaches, carbon intensity for corn ethanol was 36–79% that of gasoline, while carbon intensity for stover-derived ethanol was −10% to 44% that of gasoline. Producing corn-stover ethanol dramatically reduced carbon intensity for corn-grain ethanol, because substantially more ethanol is produced with only minor increases in emissions. Regulatory considerations for applying LCA are discussed.
The M-1 Radiation Model: Evaluation for Predicting Thermal Radiation From Fires

The M-1 radiation model is a thermal radiation transport model that is derived from a maximum entropy approximation to the radiative transport equation. It involves the solution of four hyperbolic equations for conservation of radiative energy. The M-1 model has similarities to the classical diffusion approximations (like P-1), but is able to better predict directed flux. Consequently, shadowing and long-range transport can be well resolved for a fraction of the cost of methods with exponentially increasing accuracy costs like the method of discrete ordinates and Monte Carlo ray-tracing. The M-1 method is mostly used historically in astronomical radiation transport, but has recently been shown to work for combustion applications of smaller scale. Past work has shown it to give good comparisons to fire problems with length scales of interest. Because of the potential for the model to predict radiation transport more cost-effectively, it is being examined for implementation as an option in our fire codes. We present the theory behind the model. The Eddington factor is used to partition directed and diffuse radiation. It is normally modeled since it is derived from a transcendental functional relationship. We analyze Eddington factor models presented in previous work, and present a new model that we show to be superior in most ways to all the previously presented models. Some 1-dimensional calculations are also shown that illustrate the potential accuracy and challenges with implementing the M-1 model. Such challenges include the specification of boundary conditions and the development of robust solver methods.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
The neuroprotective effect of human uncoupling protein 2 (hUCP2) requires cAMP-dependent protein kinase in a toxin model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD), caused by selective loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra, is the most common movement disorder with no cure or effective treatment. Exposure to the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone recapitulates pathological hallmarks of PD in rodents and selective loss of DA neurons in Drosophila. However, mechanisms underlying rotenone toxicity are not completely resolved. We previously reported a neuroprotective effect of human uncoupling protein 2 (hUCP2) against rotenone toxicity in adult fly DA neurons. In the current study, we show that increased mitochondrial fusion is protective from rotenone toxicity whereas increased fission sensitizes the neurons to rotenone-induced cell loss in vivo. In primary DA neurons, rotenone-induced mitochondrial fragmentation and lethality is attenuated as the result of hucp2 expression. To test the idea that the neuroprotective mechanism of hUCP2 involves modulation of mitochondrial dynamics, we detect preserved mitochondrial network, mobility and fusion events in hucp2 expressing DA neurons exposed to rotenone. hucp2 expression also increases intracellular cAMP levels. Thus, we hypothesize that cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) might be an effector that mediates hUCP2-associated neuroprotection against rotenone. Indeed, PKA inhibitors block preserved mitochondrial integrity, movement and cell survival in hucp2 expressing DA neurons exposed to rotenone. Taken together, we present strong evidence identifying a hUCP2-PKA axis that controls mitochondrial dynamics and survival in DA neurons exposed to rotenone implicating a novel therapeutic strategy in modifying the progression of PD pathogenesis.
An in situ heater for a phase-change-material-based actuation system

This paper reports efforts to develop paraffin actuators that rely on a phase change to achieve actuation. While paraffin phase-change actuators have existed for some time, this work relies on heating the paraffin in situ, rather than using external heaters. Graphite is used to create an in situ heater that utilizes resistive heating as a voltage is applied across the graphite–paraffin wax mixture. The main motivation behind this work is to reduce the actuation time and power required. An added advantage of the developed in situ heater is the use of printed circuit board technology to fabricate the prototypes rapidly and in a cost-effective manner. A video microscope and IR camera are used to characterize the performance of the actuators built in this work. Different compositions of graphite in paraffin wax are used to measure the actuator performance characteristics such as actuation time, actuation height and power required. Both dc and a pulsed power input are used to test the prototypes. Comparison with a similar actuator that utilizes a thin film heater shows a 90% reduction in actuation time for similar power usage. The actuator developed as part of this work resulted in 0.577 mm dot height at 0.69 W power input in 6 s translating to ~4 J/actuation for an actuator chamber of 2.82 µL. A new performance metric, 'effective actuation time (W s−1 mm−4)', is used to compare the performance of this technology with other phase-change-material-based actuators, and the actuator developed in this work is found to be 10 to 200 times better.
Are psychological disorders most prevalent among older adults? Examining the evidence.

Abstract A persistent popular and professional perception is the high rate of psychological disorders among older adults (age 65 +), especially higher than among younger adults. To examine the perception's accuracy, data from all psychiatric epidemiology studies conducted since 1950 with random community samples were reviewed. The studies were divided into categories according to type of disorder and instrument used. Prevalence rates were recalculated to compare those under 65 and over with those aged 65 and over. The review reveals than in none of the impairment categories do the preponderance of studies document more disorders among older than younger adults. In contrast, studies indicate more disorders reported by younger than older adults for depressive symptoms, major depression (clinical), and clinical affective disorders. While several methodological caveats are warranted, available data do not support the prevailing perception that psychological disorders are most prevalent among older adults. Despite these findings, future policies should consider older adults a high priority for outpatient mental health services. Older persons use disproportionately fewer outpatient services than other adults; over-utilization of primary care services occurs among all age groups, including older persons; and finally, the co-occurence of psychological and physical disorders often results in elders' mental disorders not being recognized or treated appropriately in the primary care sector.
Evolution of oscillating scalar fields as dark energy

Oscillating scalar fields, with an oscillation frequency much greater than the expansion rate, have been proposed as models for dark energy. We examine these models, with particular emphasis on the evolution of the ratio of the oscillation frequency to the expansion rate. We show that this ratio always increases with time if the dark energy density declines less rapidly than the background energy density. This allows us to classify oscillating dark energy models in terms of the epoch at which the oscillation frequency exceeds the expansion rate, which is effectively the time at which rapid oscillations begin. There are three basic types of behavior: early oscillation models, in which oscillations begin during the matter-dominated era; late oscillation models, in which oscillations begin after scalar-field domination; and nonoscillating models. We examine a representative set of models (those with power-law potentials) and determine the parameter range giving acceptable agreement with the supernova observations. We show that a subset of all three classes of models can be consistent with the observational data.
Effect of uncertain ancillary parameters on maximum likelihood estimates in dynamic models

The behavior of maximum likelihood (ML) parameter estimates in dynamic models is considered here. In particular, we present results useful in examining the effect that imprecisely known ancillary-or nuisance-parameters have on ML estimates of the parameters of interest. The methodology relies on a certain derivative-based approximation which is obtained using the implicit function theorem. This approximation can be used to do deterministic sensitivity studies or to adjust confidence intervals. Several theoretical results are presented that relate quantities derived from this approximation to those that would be obtained from the corresponding exact expression.
Factors regulating excystment of Alexandrium in Puget Sound, WA, USA.

A B S T R A C T Factors regulating excystment of a toxic dinoflagellate in the genus Alexandrium were investigated in cysts from Puget Sound, Washington State, USA. Experiments were carried out in the laboratory using cysts collected from benthic seedbeds to determine if excystment is controlled by internal or environmental factors. The results suggest that the timing of germination is not tightly controlled by an endogenous clock, though there is a suggestion of a cyclical pattern. This was explored using cysts that had been stored under cold (4 8C), anoxic conditions in the dark and then incubated for 6 weeks at constant favorable environmental conditions. Excystment occurred during all months of the year, with variable excystment success ranging from 31–90%. When cysts were isolated directly from freshly collected sediments every month and incubated at the in situ bottom water temperature, a seasonal pattern in excystment was observed that was independent of temperature. This pattern may be consistent with secondary dormancy, an externally modulated pattern that prevents excystment during periods that are not favorable for sustained vegetative growth. However, observation over more annual cycles is required and the duration of the mandatory dormancy period of these cysts must be determined before the seasonality of germination can be fully characterized in Alexandrium from Puget Sound. Both temperature and light were found to be important environmental factors regulating excystment, with the highest rates of excystment observed for the warmest temperature treatment (20 8C) and in the light.
Revised Metallicity Classes for Low-Mass Stars: Dwarfs (dM), Subdwarfs (sdM), Extreme Subdwarfs (esdM), and Ultrasubdwarfs (usdM)* **

The current classification system of M stars on the main sequence distinguishes three metallicity classes (dwarfs: dM; subdwarfs: sdM; and extreme subdwarfs: esdM). The spectroscopic definition of these classes is based on the relative strength of prominent CaH and TiO molecular absorption bands near 7000 A, as quantified by three spectroscopic indices (CaH2, CaH3, and TiO5). The boundaries between the metallicity classes were initially defined from a relatively small sample of only 79 metal-poor stars (subdwarfs and extreme subdwarfs). We re-examine this classification system in light of our ongoing spectroscopic survey of stars with proper motion μ > 0.45'' yr-1, which has increased the census of spectroscopically identified metal-poor M stars to over 400 objects. Kinematic separation of disk dwarfs and halo subdwarfs suggest deficiencies in the current classification system. Observations of common proper motion doubles indicates that the current dM/sdM and sdM/esdM boundaries in the [TiO5, CaH2+CaH3] index plane do not follow isometallicity contours, leaving some binaries inappropriately classified as dM+sdM or sdM+esdM. We propose a revision of the classification system based on an empirical calibration of the TiO/CaH ratio for stars of near solar metallicity. We introduce the parameter ζTiO/CaH, which quantifies the weakening of the TiO band strength due to metallicity effect, with values ranging from ζTiO/CaH = 1 for stars of near-solar metallicity to ζTiO/CaH 0 for the most metal-poor (and TiO depleted) subdwarfs. We redefine the metallicity classes based on the value of the parameter ζTiO/CaH and refine the scheme by introducing an additional class of ultrasubdwarfs (usdM). We introduce sequences of sdM, esdM, and usdM stars to be used as formal classification standards.
A Matter of Emphasis

In these reflections on the symposium as an event, the author speculates about change and continuity in rhetorical scholarship over the last two decades and ponders the relationship between rhetorics of performance and citizenship.
Differential effects of chelating agents on cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor stability and nuclear binding in vitro

The effect of several metal chelators (EDTA, EGTA, and 1,10 phenanthroline) on rat liver glucocorticoid receptor properties in vitro was investigated. At 4 degrees C 10 mM EDTA (unlike 10 mM EGTA and 10 mM 1,10 phenanthroline) had a significant stabilizing effect on unbound hepatic glucocorticoid receptors. At higher temperature (25 degrees C) 10 mM EGTA appeared to act as a chemical stabilizer of unbound receptors. 1,10 Phenanthroline had no stabilizing effect at either temperature. Scatchard analysis indicated that the alteration in receptor binding after incubation at 4 and 25 degrees C in the presence and absence of chelating agents was due to a change in the number of steroid binding sites rather than perturbation of receptor affinity. Unlike results obtained with unbound receptors, all three chelating agents appeared to enhance prebound glucocorticoid-receptor complex inactivation. Interestingly these chelating reagents also significantly altered glucocorticoid-receptor complex binding to isolated nuclei.
Spatial discrimination of display and partial-display contingencies by male siamese fighting fish

Three male Betta splendens preferred to perform an operant which permitted them to display freely to a mirror for 30 sec over an operant in which the initiation of display movements resulted in mirror termination. One fish, which showed the opposite preference, received more time with his mirror image as a consequence. These results are consistent with a theoretical view which holds that a history of reinforcement provided by consummatory responding is sufficient for an instrumental activity to occur.
Contextually Based Professional Development

In this article, the authors detail a study of a three-year professional development project designed to increase in-service teachers’ classroom technology integration. Participants engaged in learning activities that modeled technology integration from a contextually based perspective that included technology, and pedagogical and content knowledge. Although participants reported having very limited technology skills before professional development began, after two years they reported a significant increase in using technology skills. In addition, participants reported increased comfort and confidence in using technology to the level where they changed their teaching practice to integrate technology. Indeed, between years two and three, participants reported a significant increase in technology use for learning by their students.
Distancing passion: narratives in social science

How knowledge is framed determines its importance. This essay explores the use of narratives in social science writing and posits that the way in which academics choose to display their meaning shapes their identity as scholars. The argument that emotion and reason can be linked through narratives is discussed in relation to issues of textual organization, narrative voice, and the politics of metaphor. By using narratives, scholars become storytellers, and the implications of this role with regard to truth value and authenticity of narrative accounts is examined. Becoming comfortable with narrative accounts means accepting the idea that the world has no fixed rules for assigning meaning to behavior. The answer to this existential dilemma lies in collaborating with others to build consensus around shared meaning and to ensure the inclusion of multiple voices.
Exchange Market for Complex Goods: Theory and Experiments

The modern economy includes a variety of markets, and the Internet has opened opportunities for efficient on-line trading. Researchers have developed algorithms for various auctions, which have become a popular means of on-line sales. They have also designed algorithms for exchange markets, which support fast-paced trading of standardized goods. On the other hand, they have done little work on exchanges for complex nonstandard goods, such as used cars. We propose a formal model for trading complex goods, and present an exchange system that allows traders to describe desirable purchases and sales by multiple attributes; for example, a car buyer can specify a model, options, color, and other properties of a desirable vehicle. Furthermore, a trader can enter complex constraints on the acceptable items; for instance, a buyer can specify a set of desirable vehicles and their features. The system supports markets with up to 260,000 orders, and generates hundreds of trades per second.
A comparison of the effects of sodium saccharin in NBR rats and in intact and castrated male F344 rats

High doses of sodium saccharin (NaSac) increase proliferation in the bladder of the rat, with a male preponderance. The possibility that alpha 2u-globulin is involved in its mechanism of action was evaluated by feeding it at 7.5% of the diet to NCI-Black-Reiter (NBR) male rats, which do not synthesize liver-derived alpha 2u-globulin. NaSac affected urinary parameters similarly in F344 and NBR male rats, but NBR rats consumed more water leading to greater urinary volume. NaSac produced less proliferation in NBR than in intact F344 rats, with intermediate changes in castrated F344 males, which had intermediate urinary alpha 2u-globulin levels.
Rituals of Consumption and the Politics of Feasting on the Eastern African Coast, AD 700-1500

Historically, the Swahili of the eastern African coast have performed feasts through which they negotiated and contested social power. Feasts draw on tradition and practice, but create the space for, and conditions of, imbalance and social debt. Drawing on this historical frame, I examine the archaeology of feasting in the more distant Swahili past, AD 700–1500, in particular looking at how feasts can domesticate distant power—the power drawn from objects and practices from elsewhere. By charting changing assemblages of imported and local ceramics alongside settlement and food preferences, I examine developments in feasting patterns and the way feasts provided a social context within which local and distant power could be translated into authority.
In vivo Small Animal Imaging using Combined MR-DOT System

We developed a simultaneous MR-DOT system for small animal imaging. MRI image is used as a-priori information for DOT reconstruction providing accurate geometry and boundary condition. Performance is demonstrated in-vivo with ENU tumor bearing rat.
Trp53 loss during in vitro selection contributes to acquired Ara-C resistance in acute myeloid leukemia

Objective Chemoresistance remains a major clinical obstacle to curative chemotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to chemotherapeutic agents used in AML are largely unknown. We have attempted to investigate genetic mechanisms causing resistance to Ara-C [1-β-D-arabinofuranosyl-cytosine (cytarabine)], one mainstay in AML chemotherapy for decades. Material and Methods Highly Ara-C-resistant murine BXH-2 strain AML cell lines were generated, and their molecular changes were compared to their sensitive parental lines. The causative changes were confirmed using a genetic approach. Results We derived nine highly Ara-C-resistant murine BXH-2 strain AML sublines via in vitro selection. p21 Cip1 was dramatically downregulated and p53 protein accumulation induced by Ara-C treatment was impaired in one resistant line. In this line, repeated Ara-C exposure had selected for cells that harbor a genomic deletion affecting the splicing of Trp53 mRNA. This deletion produces an aberrant Trp53 mRNA, in which exon 4 is skipped, producing a protein lacking parts of both the transactivation and DNA-binding domains. Retroviral transduction of the sensitive parental cells with a dominant-negative Trp53 cDNA caused changes in the protein levels of p21 Cip1 , BAX, and cleaved caspase-3, but not bcl -XL, and rendered the cells more resistant to Ara-C. Unexpectedly, we found that pifithrin-α (PFTα), a compound that has been proposed to regulate p53 protein activity, induced apoptosis in both Ara-C-sensitive and -resistant lines, and decreased Ara-C resistance in cells with either normal or mutant Trp53 genes. Conclusions These data indicate that Trp53 loss-of-function could partly explain the acquisition of AML chemoresistance, and suggest that PFTα could be useful in treatment of relapsed AML.
Radiative Slip Between Two Adjacent Absorbing-Emitting Gases and Its Application to Air Pollution.

Abstract It has been suggested that discontinuities in the lapse rate of temperature may be physically realistic in a radiative model for studies of air pollution effects in the atmosphere. It is the purpose of this note to demonstrate that not only a discontinuity in lapse rate, but also a temperature jump, is possible, provided that the atmosphere consists of layers with different radiative properties and radiative transfer is the only heat transfer mode considered. A slip boundary condition between two adjacent absorbing-emitting gases is derived. Sonic aspects of this slip boundary condition for a non-gray gas are discussed. A simple gray gas urban air pollution model is constructed and a weak inversion at the upper boundary of the polluted layer is demonstrated through the use of the slip boundary condition.
Evaluating the Usability of Multimedia, Mobile and Network-Based Products

The usability of a product or service can mean the difference between product success or failure in both the field and the marketplace. Successful products are easy to use and intuitive for the user. There are a set of well-defined methods used to determine if a product, service or system is usable and meets the needs of the end user. This paper describes the four major methods of usability assessment: 1 Inquiry Methods, 2 Inspection Methods, 3 Observation Methods and 4 Automated Methods. Each method and its attendant sub-methods are described, as is a discussion of the methods' strengths and weaknesses.
Isolation of Abscisin, an Abscission Accelerating Substance.

A crystalline substance, designated abscisin, which accelerates abscission of excised debladed petioles at 10-2 microgram per abscission zone, has been isolated from cotton burs. The yield was approximately 1 milligram from 10 kilograms of dry plant material.
Making Positive Changes: A Psychoeducation Group for Parents with HIV/AIDS

ABSTRACT As people with HIV are living longer, HIV-infected parents are raising children while managing the effects of chronic illness and stigma. Groups need to adapt to the changing needs of people with HIV/AIDS. The Making Positive Changes Program uses groups to enhance social support and to provide education on issues that affect families with HIV. Sessions focus on one of two major topics-self-care and parenting-with consumer involvement in planning and facilitation. Challenges included those typical to group work but also specific to HIV/AIDS, especially stigma. As the program develops, consumers will increasingly participate in and guide group implementation.