cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Water absorption and transport in bis-silane films

Water (D2O) ingress in bis-amino silane and bis-sulfur silane films was studied by in situneutron reflectivity. Bis-amino silane film absorbs substantially more D2O (33 vol%) than the bis-sulfur silane film (4.6 vol%) at equilibrium. The volume increase (swelling) of both films, however, is much smaller than the total volume of D2O absorbed in the films. The results suggest that the absorbed water exists in two populations: one is dissolved in the polymer matrix (Henry’s mode) while the other occupies unrelaxed free volume existing in the polymer (Langmuir mode). The dominance of Langmuir mode accounts for the small film thickness change during the water absorption. Dual-mode sorption is also consistent with the observed two-stage swelling process whereby an initial rapid increase in film thickness is followed by a slower process extending over 11 h.
A low-resolution spectrometer for open-path Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry

A novel open-path Fourier-transform infrared (OP-FTIR) spectrometer has been designed and constructed. The spectrometer differs from conventional OP-FTIR spectrometers in that it uses a low-resolution interferometer and a deuterated λ-alanine-doped triglycine sulfate detector. The system also incorporates separate transmitting and receiving telescopes, the mirrors of which are fabricated from spin-cast epoxy resin, and a lateral transfer hollow retroreflector. The use of these components allows for a lighter, more rugged and robust system that can easily be employed for remote sensing/continuous monitoring for both outdoor (fence line or traditional) and indoor environments. Advantages over contemporary instruments were found in weight, cost, and utility. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Field Analyt Chem Technol 3: 131–138, 1999
A multi-period profit maximizing model for retail supply chain management: An integration of demand and supply-side mechanisms

Abstract We present a multi-period inventory and pricing model for a single product, where the product has a fixed life perishability for a certain number of periods. This problem has significant importance for an efficient operation of the marketing/manufacturing interface at the retail end of the supply chain. The profit maximization problem is modeled as a dynamic program, and the Wagner–Whitin dynamic programming recursions are developed for both perishable and non-perishable products. The structural properties of the model are investigated, and it is shown that the maximum profit function is continuous piecewise concave. Two efficient search heuristics are presented, and the results are compared with benchmark optimum values. The heuristics have been extensively tested and the results indicate that the proposed approach is robust, efficient and practically viable. Directions for future research are presented.
Stability of active muscle tissue

The notion of material stability is examined in the context of active muscle tissue modeling, where the nonlinear constitutive law is dependent both on the physiologically driven muscle contraction and finite mechanical deformation. First, the governing equations and constitutive laws for a general active-elastic material with a single preferred direction are linearized about a homogeneous underlying configuration with respect to both the active contraction and deformation gradient. In order to obtain mathematical restrictions analogous to those found in elastic materials, stability conditions are derived based on the propagation of homogeneous plane waves with real wave speeds, and the generalized acoustic tensor is obtained. Focusing on 2D motions, and considering a simplified, decoupled transversely isotropic energy function, the restriction on the active acoustic tensor is recast in terms of a generally applicable constitutive law, with specific attention paid to the fiber contribution. The implication of the material stability conditions on material parameters, active contraction, and elastic stretch is investigated for prototype material models of muscle tissue.
Association Between Cardiovascular Health and Hearing Function: Pure-Tone and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission Measures

Purpose A reduction in hearing sensitivity is often considered to be a normal age-related change. Recent studies have revisited prior ways of thinking about sensory changes over time, uncovering he...
HIGH-ORDER RADIATION BOUNDARY CONDITIONS FOR STRATIFIED MEDIA AND CURVILINEAR COORDINATES

Optimized local radiation boundary conditions to truncate the computational domain by a rectangular boundary have been constructed for acoustic waves propagating into a homogeneous, isotropic far field. Here we try to achieve comparable efficiencies in stratified media and cylindrical coordinates. We find that conditions constructed for homogeneous media are highly effective in the stratified case. On the circle we derive boundary conditions by optimizing a semidiscretized perfectly matched layer. Though we are unsuccessful in matching the accuracies of the Cartesian case, our experiments show that older sequences based on the progressive wave expansion are surprisingly efficient.
Hallucinations in Older Adults with Schizophrenia on 4.5 Year Follow-up

Introduction: There are little data available on the prevalence, course, associated factors, and impact of hallucinations in later life. This longitudinal study of older persons with schizophrenia explores: (1) the changes in the prevalence of hallucinations over time; (2) clinical and social variables at baseline that predict hallucinations on follow-up; (3) the effect of baseline hallucinations on various clinical and social outcomes; (4) variables associated with changes in hallucination status. Methods: The study consisted of 254 persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders aged 55 and over living in NYC who developed the disorder prior to age 45. Data on 103 patients followed for a mean of 52 months are presented. Mean age was 61 years, 55% were male, and 55% were white. Hallucinations consisted self-reported auditory, visual, or olfactory symptoms. Results: There was no significant difference between the means of the PANSS hallucination scale at Time 1 (T1; 2.0 1.6) and Time 2 (T2; 1.8 1.5) and 33% and 26% of subjects had hallucinations at T1 and T2, respectively. None of these differences were significant. Notably, only 16% had hallucinations at both T1 and T2, 57% never had hallucinations, 10% developed hallucinations, and 17% no longer had hallucinations. Although several T1 variables predicted presence of T2 hallucinations, in logistic regression only the presence of hallucinations (OR1⁄45.8) and lower Community Integration Scale (OR1⁄4.60) scores at T1 remained significant predictors. The presence of hallucinations at T1 did not significantly correlate with any clinical variables at T2. Change from hallucinations at T1 to no hallucinations at T2 was associated with having higher Community Integration Scale scores and more confidantes at T1. Conclusions: Although point-prevalence of hallucinations is fairly low (less than one-third) there were fluctuations in symptoms so that 43% had hallucinations during the study period. There were few long-term predictors of hallucinations, although persons who had better community integration—a measure of independent living, life quality, and social engagement—had better outcomes. The findings suggest that hallucinations do not remain stable in later life, and commonly may disappear or re-emerge. Identifying age appropriate strategies for enhancing community integration may help maintain and increase the likelihood of symptom remission.
Spectrally Efficient Noncoherent Optical Communications

A noncoherent optical communication system employing M-ary DPSK/differential QAM and multilevel-coding (MLC), with LDPC codes as component codes, is proposed. 8-DPSK-based MLC-scheme provides the coding gain of 11.8dB at BER=10-10 with spectral efficiency 2 bits/s/Hz.
Exchange Rate Fluctuations, Pass-Through, and Market Share

When the exchange rate fluctuates and the market exhibits hysteresis, planning horizons of domestic and foreign competitors will matter in the determination of pass-through as well as relative market shares of these firms. Using the Cournot duopoly model, it is shown that if the foreign exporter is a long-term maximizer relative to the domestic firm, pass-through will be lower and average export penetration higher than otherwise.
Evaluation of sample preparation methods for water activity determination in jerky and kippered beef: a research note.

Commercially available packaged whole muscle beef jerky, chopped and formed beef jerky, and kippered beef steak were obtained from retail stores to determine the effect of two sample preparation methods on water activity (a(w)). Intact samples were prepared by cutting product into a hexagonal shape with a 3.2 cm diameter. Diced samples were prepared by cutting the product into 0.4 x 0.4 cm squares. Whole muscle jerky a(w) was higher (0.016 units; P 0.05) in a(w) levels between the two preparation methods for chopped and formed jerky or kippered beef steak. An intact sample preparation method is recommended for a(w) determination of whole muscle jerky to obtain a more conservative value, especially if a(w) is near the margin of safety.
Normal and abnormal uncrossed retinotectal pathways in rats: An HRP study in adults

Horseradish peroxidase was injected into the superior colliculus of normal pigmented and albino rats and rats which had been unilaterally enuleated at birth, in order to identify the retinal ganglion cells which contribute normal and abnormal uncrossed retinotectal axons. The results show that while in pigmented rats, the normal uncrossed pathway derives solely from the lower temporal retina and distributes to the anterior and medial parts of the colliculus, occasional cells throughout the retina of albino rats contribute to the uncrossed pathway and the terminal distribution is broader in the tectum. These findings are confirmed with orthograde pathway tracing methods. After neonatal unilateral eye enucleation, many more ganglion cells in the remaining eye of both pigmented and albino rats project ipsilaterally. It is notable from both HRP studies and from further degenration experiments that cells in part of the lower temporal retina do not restrict their distribution to a mirror togographic position in the ipsilateral tectum but send axons across all but the posterolateral part of the colliculus. No single class of ganglion cell (defined by soma diameter) appears responsible for the expanded ipsilateral projection, although more large cells from the lower temporal retina are involved. These may be the result of enlargement of cells with expanded terminal fields rather than necessarily indicating a preferential contribution from one retinal ganglion cell class.
Observations on the Biology of Utah Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae)

During 1951 and 1952 a study was conducted on types of larval habitat, larval and adult feeding, cocoon spinning, the emergence process and oviposition of Utah black flies. Most of the work was concentrated at six stations in City Creek Canyon and four stations in Red Butte Canyon. The data obtained at these stations were supplemented with additional observations, made thru 1955, in various localities throughout the state.Red Butte and City Creek Canyons are located on the western side of the Wasatch Mountains. Red Butte Canyon is directly east of Salt Lake City, and City Creek Canyon is approximately three miles northwest of Red Butte and north of the City.
Review of prevalence surveys of internal parasites recovered (1951-1990) from horses ate necropsy in entucky

Summary A review is made on surveys for internal parasites of equids at necropsy in Kentucky between 1951 and 1990. Information from the surveys when there was limited or no antiparasitic treatment was used as a baseline for comparison with data from the surveys on well-cared for horses, probably treated often with antiparasitic drugs. Lower prevalences were observed for several species (e.g., bots, stomach worms, and large strongyles) of parasites in horses on parasite control programs, including good management and routine chemotherapy. This was probably because of frequent use of effective antiparasitic compounds. Even though control of Strongylus vulgaris was apparent on farms with periodic anthelmintic treatment of horses, low numbers of this parasite persisted. Prevalence of the tapeworm, Anoplocephala perfoliata remained essentially constant in the surveys on Thoroughbreds.
The effects of covert sensitization on preference for sexual stimuli: A preliminary analogue experiment

Although covert sensitization is a widely and diversely employed clinical technique, there is no generally accepted conceptual guideline for its implementation. Consequently, there is considerable variability in the way covert sensitization procedures are employed, which may account for the reported inconsistency in its clinical effectiveness. The present study is an analogue experimental test of a conceptual account of covert sensitization that is based upon classical conditioning. The classical conditioning procedure is viewed as affecting operant target behaviors by altering the reinforcer effectiveness of target stimuli. This was explicitly tested by examining the effects of covert sensitization on subjects' preference for sexual stimuli in an operant choice paradigm. The results support the conceptual account.
Modeling radar scattering from icy lunar regoliths at 13 cm and 4 cm wavelengths

[1] Two orbital synthetic aperture radars (SARs), the Chandrayaan-1 Mini-SAR (13 cm wavelength) and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mini-RF (13 and 4.2 cm wavelengths), have been imaging the lunar surface searching for ice deposits in the polar permanently shadowed areas. To understand the radar signatures of lunar polar ices, an empirical two-component model with parametric variations of the specular and diffuse components was developed and validated. This model estimates scattering differences associated with slopes, surface roughness, thin regolith over ice, and patches of ice. Lunar radar backscatter cross sections for the average surface for the Chandrayaan-1 and LRO instruments are estimated from the radar cross sections from the Moon at 3.8, 23, and 68 cm wavelengths measured in the 1960s at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This modeling predicts that enhanced diffuse scattering from near-surface ice can be separated from rocks if the scattering is characterized by both the high reflectivity and circular polarization ratios (CPRs) like those observed on Mercury, Mars, and the Galilean satellites. Scattering from near-surface ices covered by a thin regolith can be separated from rocks if the enhancement is twice the average or more. If, however, the lunar ice is dispersed throughout the regolith as ice-filling pores, then scattering differences might be too small to detect. Preliminary validation using LRO radar data for a few polar and midlatitude craters indicate that the observed CPRs are consistent with our models for different regolith ice and roughness conditions.
High-strain, high-strain-rate deformation behavior of tantalum and tantalum-tungsten based alloys

Nous avons realise une etude systematique de l'evolution de la microstructure et de la localisation du cisaillement dans du tantale et des alliages de tantale avec du tungstene a 1 et 2.5% en poids, deformes dans des conditions dynamiques jusqu'a des taux de deformation eleves. L'evolution de la microstructure avec le taux de deformation commence par la formation des grains avec une tres haute densite de dislocations, et se poursuit par la creation de cellules en forme de lattes, la formation de sous-grains, et finalement la creation des grains. Les equations constitutives du comportement des materiaux ont permis une estimation des augmentations de temperatures en accord avec la restauration dynamique et le debut de la recristalisation dynamique. Ce modele est confirme par les observations en microscopie electronique en transmission (MET) faite dnas la zone de localisation du cisaillement.
Sulfhydryl reagents affect Na+ uptake into toad bladder membrane vesicles.

The effect of sulfhydryl reagents on the Na+ permeability mechanisms of toad urinary bladder vesicles was examined. The reagents 5,5′-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), iodosobenzoate, and ethylenimine were able to decrease amiloride-inhibited sodium uptake into vesicles when used at low concentrations. When used at higher concentrations these reagents were able to induce large increases in vesicle Na+ permeability that were not sensitive to amiloride. The reagentp-chloro-mercuribenzene sulfonate was able to induce such leaks even at low concentrations. The reagent N-ethylmaleimide was incapable of substantially affecting vesicle Na+ transport in any way. All of the effects observed could be reversed by removing the reagents from the solution surrounding the vesicles. Our results help explain the varied actions of sulfhydryl reagents on intact epithelial tissue.
Hidden Markov models approach to the analysis of array CGH data

The development of solid tumors is associated with acquisition of complex genetic alterations, indicating that failures in the mechanisms that maintain the integrity of the genome contribute to tumor evolution. Thus, one expects that the particular types of genomic alterations seen in tumors reflect underlying failures in maintenance of genetic stability, as well as selection for changes that provide growth advantage. In order to investigate genomic alterations we are using microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH). The computational task is to map and characterize the number and types of copy number alternations present in the tumors, and so define copy number phenotypes and associate them with known biological markers.To utilize the spatial coherence between nearby clones. we use an unsupervised hidden Markov models approach. The clones are partitioned into the states which represent the underlying copy number of the group of clones. The method is demonstrated on the two cell line datasets, one with known copy number alterations. The biological conclusions drawn from the analyses are discussed.
Wave Propagation In Inhomogeneous Media Containing Randomly Oriented Nonspherical Scatterers

When waves propagate in a medium containing a random distribution of randomly oriented nonspherical scatterers, the attenuation and the dispersion are independent of the direction of propagation due to the fact that the scattering medium is macroscopically or on the average isotropic. But, in many cases, the non-spherical particles are aligned, rendering the random medium effectively anisotropic. Previous approaches to the problem, depending on the concentration of scatterers, used either single scattering theory (an extension of Mie theory for a single scatterer) or multiple scattering theory by assuming spherical statistics for describing the spatial distribution of even nonspherical scatterers. Approximating the spatial distribution of aligned nonspherical scatterers using spherical statics will yield very different results which has been, recently, shown by the authors. In this paper, we wish to discuss the isotropic properties of randomly oriented nonspherical scatterers with a considerable concentration. In collaboration with Professor William A. Steele of Chemistry Department at Penn State, we have generated by Monte Carlo simulation the pair correlation function for randomly oriented spheroidal particles as a function of the their separation distance and the relative azimuthal and polar angles. The randomly oriented case is more complicated than that for the aligned one. The pair correlation function is then incorporated into the multiple scattering calculations and compared with those using spherical statistics. Numerical results are presented for the attenuation of electromagnetic waves versus freqency and concentration.
Williams' the Widow's Lament in Springtime

(1987). Williams' the Widow's Lament in Springtime. The Explicator: Vol. 45, No. 2, pp. 49-50.
A study of the rheological behavior of high‐temperature polymer electrolyte membrane solutions

The viscosity behavior of various compositions of polymer electrolyte membrane solutions, which are later hydrolyzed into proton conducting membrane film for fuel cells, is characterized. Using the Carreau-Yasuda model and time–temperature superposition, an empirical model relating the viscosity as a function of temperature and shear strain rate has been developed for several membrane solution compositions. It is observed that the viscosity of the non-Newtonian membrane has a strong correlation to the membrane's inherent viscosity (a property determined during membrane synthesis). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Quality of life, health status and clinical outcomes in Type 2 diabetes patients.

This study examines relationships between patient reported outcomes (PROs) and clinical outcomes in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients at the outpatient clinics of a university hospital completed measures of generic health status (SF-12), diabetes-specific quality of life (Audit of Diabetes Dependent Quality of Life – ADDQoL), and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression – CES-D). Patient reported data were merged with a retrospective collection of clinical and utilization data, including HbA1C, from electronic medical records. A Charlson comorbidity score, diabetes complications score, BMI, and total number of ER and hospital visits were calculated. Usable response rate was 44.3% (n = 385). Patients were dichotomized into glycemic control levels based on the ADA recommended A1C level < 7.0, vs. ≥ 7.0. The ADDQoL, PCS-12, and MCS-12 scores were separately examined as dependent variables using hierarchical regression models, with glycemic control as the primary explanatory variable, and controlling for demographics and clinical variables including comorbidities and complications. Glycemic control was not a significant predictor in any regression model. Obesity was a significant predictor leading to poorer PCS-12 and MCS-12 scores, while depressive symptoms significantly resulted in lower PCS-12, MCS-12 and ADDQoL scores. These and other factors related to self-management behaviors may contribute to a greater understanding of how to intervene with patients with T2DM. The use of such PROs alongside biomedical measures such as A1C is recommended.
EGF and FGF-2 Infusion Increases Post-Ischemic Neural Progenitor Cell Proliferation in the Adult Rat Brain

OBJECTIVE Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) play a critical role in neurogenesis. In the present study, we evaluated the additive effect of administering these two factors on post-ischemic progenitor cell proliferation, survival, and phenotypic maturation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) and the subventricular zone (SVZ) in the adult rat brain after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. METHODS A combination of EGF+FGF-2 (each 1.44 ng/d) was continuously administered into the lateral ventricles for 3 days, 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) was injected (50 mg/Kg) twice daily for 3 days starting on Day 1 of reperfusion, and cohorts of rats were sacrificed on Day 5 and Day 21 of reperfusion. RESULTS Compared with sham controls, ischemic rats showed a significantly higher number of newly proliferated cells in both the DG (by 766 +/- 37%, P < 0.05) and the SVZ (by 650 +/- 43%, P < 0.05). Of the progenitor cells proliferated on Day 5 after ischemia, 41 +/- 6% in the DG and 28 +/- 5% in the SVZ survived to 3 weeks. Compared with vehicle control, the EGF + FGF-2 infusion significantly increased the post-ischemic progenitor cell proliferation (by 319 +/- 40%, P < 0.05 in the DG and by 366 +/- 32%, P < 0.05 in the SVZ) and survival (by 40 +/- 12%, P < 0.05 in the DG and by 522 +/- 47%, P < 0.05 in the SVZ) studied at 5 and 21 days, respectively. Furthermore, of the newly proliferated cells survived to 3 weeks after ischemia, EGF + FGF-2 infusion caused a significantly higher number of neuronal nuclear protein-BrdUrd double-positive mature neurons in the DG (46 +/- 9%, P < 0.05) compared with vehicle control. Neuronal nuclear protein and BrdUrd double-positive mature neurons were also found in the DG. Glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes did not show double-positive staining in either region. CONCLUSION Specific growth factor infusion enhances post-ischemic progenitor cell proliferation by 5 days of reperfusion and neuronal maturation by 21 days of reperfusion in both the DG and SVZ in the adult rat brain.
Brief A transformation approach for solving the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation in H2 deterministic and stochastic optimal control of affine nonlinear systems

In this paper, we present a transformation approach for solving the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations (HJBEs) arising in H"2 or quadratic-cost control of nonlinear deterministic and stochastic systems. We show that the HJBE can be solved analogously to a scalar quadratic equation, and we give a parameterization of solutions to the HJBE characterizing the solution of the optimal control problem. The procedure is also generalized to include nonsmooth or viscosity solutions of the (S)HJBE.
Robojelly bell kinematics and resistance feedback control

A comparative kinematics analysis was conducted between natural Aurelia aurita medusa and biomimetic robotic jellyfish (Robojelly). A resistance feedback controller was implemented to tailor the deformation profile of BISMAC actuators embedded in Robojelly. Robojelly's performance was quantified in terms of thrust production and power consumption during vertical swimming experiments. A maximum average instantaneous thrust production of 0.006 N was achieved at a driving current (I hi ) of 1.5 A with 35% duty cycle. Rapid heating of SMA wires was found to reduce power consumption and increase thrust. The bell kinematic analysis revealed resemblance and differences in bell deformation trajectories of the biomimetic and natural jellyfish. The inflexion point of the A. aurita was found to convert an inner bell trajectory into an outer one during contraction which assists the thrust production.
Volume infusion produces abdominal distension, lung compression, and chest wall stiffening in pigs.

The effect of severe generalized edema on respiratory system mechanics is not well described. We measured airway pressure, gastric pressure, and four vertical pleural pressures in 13 anesthetized p...
The Welfare Significance and Nonsignificance of General Equilibrium Demand and Supply Curves

General equilibrium demand and supply curves can be used to measure the multiple market effects of interventions m a single market. However, complications arise when feedback into the mtervened-m market comes through both demand and supply channels. This article presents a new and straightforward proof of the significance of general equilibrium curves when there is only one source of feedback, establishes the conditions under which multiple sources of feedback invalidate the analysis, and demonstrates that the general equilibrium curves become policy dependent when there are multiple sources of feedback.
FEASIBILITY OF CONTRAST‐ENHANCED ULTRASOUND‐GUIDED BIOPSY OF SENTINEL LYMPH NODES IN DOGS

Our goal was to develop and validate a technique to identify the sentinel lymph nodes of the mammary glands of healthy dogs with contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and evaluate the feasibility of obtaining representative samples of a sentinel lymph node under ultrasound guidance using a new biopsy device. Three healthy intact female adult hounds were anesthetized and each received an injection of octafluoropropane-filled lipid microspheres and a separate subcutaneous injection of methylene blue dye around a mammary gland. Ultrasound was then used to follow the contrast agent through the lymphatic channel to the sentinel lymph node. Lymph node biopsy was performed under ultrasound guidance, followed by an excisional biopsy of the lymph nodes and a regional mastectomy procedure. Excised tissues were submitted for histopathologic examination and evaluated as to whether they were representative of the node. The ultrasound contrast agent was easily visualized with ultrasound leading up to the sentinel lymph nodes. Eight normal lymph nodes (two inguinal, one axillary in two dogs; two inguinal in one dog) were identified and biopsied. Lymphoid tissue was obtained from all biopsy specimens. Samples from four of eight lymph nodes contained both cortical and medullary lymphoid tissue. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can be successfully used to image and guide minimally invasive biopsy of the normal sentinel lymph nodes draining the mammary glands in healthy dogs. Further work is needed to evaluate whether this technique may be applicable in patients with breast cancer or other conditions warranting evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes in animals.
Review: cognitive behavioural therapy is an effective treatment for depression, panic disorder, and generalised anxiety disorder, but may be less effective in severe cases.

Study selection and analysis: The review included randomised controlled trials of (RCTs) of CBT, behavioural therapy, or cognitive therapy with a wait list, no treatment, attention placebo, or pill placebo control group. Participants were aged 18 or over with DSM-III or DSM-III-R major depression or dysthymia (excluding psychotic disorder and bipolar disorder), panic disorder or DSM-III-R or DSM-IV generalised anxiety disorder. RCTs were only included if means and standard deviations were reported for continuous outcome measures, to enable the calculation of effect sizes. Effect sizes for each study were calculated using Hedges' adjusted g, by averaging across the relevant outcome measures. These effect sizes were then pooled to produce overall effect sizes, and a meta-regression was performed for the effect size for all studies. Outcomes: Effect sizes pooled continuous measures of symptoms, functioning, and quality of life. MAIN RESULTS A total of 33 RCTs met the inclusion criteria, representing 52 treatment versus control comparisons. CBT had a moderate to large effect size overall (0.68, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.84), but there was significant heterogeneity among studies (p,0.001). Multivariate regression analysis found that the inclusion of people with severe disorders significantly reduced effect size (p = 0.048). It also found that the type of control group used significantly contributed to effect size (p = 0.002), with RCTs using an attention placebo having smaller effect sizes than RCTs with a wait list control. Effect sizes did not differ significantly for the different disorders. The effect size for depression was 0.77 (95% CI 0.44 to 1.10; 11 RCTs, 17 comparisons), the effect size for panic disorder was 0.64 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.86; 19 RCTs, 30 comparisons), and the effect size for GAD was 0.64 (95% CI 0.28 to 1.00; 3 RCTs, 5 comparisons).
Fatty Acid Dietary Supplements in Treatment of Developmental Coordination Disorder and ADHD

The effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil and evening primrose oil (in a ratio of 80% to 20%) compared to placebo were assessed in a randomized, controlled trial in 117 children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), aged 5-12 years, at the University of Oxford, UK.
The impact of climate on the biogeochemical functioning of volcanic soils

Abstract Rainfall and the amount of water available to leach ions from soil are among the most important features determining mineral weathering, secondary mineral synthesis and soil chemical properties. Along an arid to humid climosequence on Kohala Mountain, Hawaii, we sampled 16 soil profiles and found that weathering and soil properties change in a nonlinear fashion with increased rainfall. The lavas are influenced by a strong rain shadow with mean annual precipitation (MAP) averaging 160 mm near the coast and rising to >3000 mm near the summit. A temperature decline from 24 to 15 °C with increasing elevation is matched by lower potential evapotranspiration (ET). A water balance model (monthly precipitation minus monthly ET) defines three broad climate zones along the sampling transect: an arid zone with moisture deficit in every month, an intermediate zone with moisture deficit during low-rainfall summer months and moisture surplus during high-rainfall winter months, and a humid zone with moisture surplus during every month. The annualized water balance can be ratioed with the integrated porosity of the top meter of soil to provide a leaching index. The index reaches 1 (total filling of the pore space on an annual basis) at about 1400 mm MAP. Index values >1 imply intense leaching conditions because of pore water replacement. In these 170 ka soils, leaching losses of soluble base cations and Si are nearly complete at index values >1, whereas only 60% of Al has been lost. At index values 1400 mm, soil buffering capacity has been totally exhausted leading to low pH and low ECEC. The nonlinear decline in ECEC is irreversible under natural conditions; base cation depleted soils will remain so even if the climate shifts to drier conditions. In contrast, a climate shift to wetter conditions can drastically modify surface chemical properties existing in the drier soils as weathering depletes primary minerals, elements are lost to leaching, and surface chemistry is modified. There is a time-dimension implied in climate gradient studies; soils forming in recently rejuvenated landscapes contain more primary minerals and should experience loss of buffering capacity at higher rainfall. Loss of buffering capacity means that biological acidity will move more deeply into the vadose zone or into the aquatic system. The details of this transfer depend on present and past climate, and the age and erosional stability of landscapes.
Statistical Physics Algorithms That Converge

In recent years there has been significant interest in adapting techniques from statistical physics, in particular mean field theory, to provide deterministic heuristic algorithms for obtaining approximate solutions to optimization problems. Although these algorithms have been shown experimentally to be successful there has been little theoretical analysis of them. In this paper we demonstrate connections between mean field theory methods and other approaches, in particular, barrier function and interior point methods. As an explicit example, we summarize our work on the linear assignment problem. In this previous work we defined a number of algorithms, including deterministic annealing, for solving the assignment problem. We proved convergence, gave bounds on the convergence times, and showed relations to other optimization algorithms.
Convective Cooling at Low Airspeeds and the Shapes of Broad Leaves

Circular, abstractly lobed, and leaf-shaped flat copper plates were heated in a very low-speed wind tunnel. Surface temperature distributions of the plates were matched to those of real leaves. With the centres of the plates 15 °C above ambient temperature, their heat dissipation was measured at wind velocities of < 1, 10, and 30 cm s_1 from below and laterally with horizontal and vertical plate orientations. Even very slight forced-air movements markedly increased heat dissipation in this range of mixed free and forced convection. Lobed plates were more effective dissipators than circles, with the greatest differences occurring where flow was normal to the plate. Circular plates dissipated about one-fourth more heat when vertical than when horizontal in still air (free convection). By contrast, dissipation was essen tially independent of orientation for extensively lobed models. Under some circumstances, maximum dissipation occurred with lobed plates oblique to a forced air stream. Physical explanations and biological implications of these results are discussed.
METHODS OF RESEARCH ON TEACHING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: THE METHODOLOGY CHAPTERS FROM THE HANDBOOK OF RESEARCH ON TEACHING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (2nd ed.)

METHODS OF RESEARCH ON TEACHING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: THE METHODOLOGY CHAPTERS FROM THE HANDBOOK OF RESEARCH ON TEACHING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (2nd ed.). James Flood, Diane Lapp, James R. Squire, and Julie M. Jensen (Eds.). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, 2005. Pp. viii + 337. $39.95 paper.This text combines the research methodology chapters from the second edition of the Handbook of research on teaching the English language arts (Flood, Lapp, Squire, & Jensen, 2003) to provide readers with a concise account of contemporary research methodologies in the English language arts (ELA). The volume begins with a general overview of ELA research for teachers before addressing more specific methodological topics, which include multiple literacies, empirical research, longitudinal studies and literacy development, case studies, ethnography, teacher research, synthesis research, and fictive representation. The volume concludes with a summary chapter that speculates on current methodological issues and future directions for researching the ELA.
Sequential network construction for time series prediction

This paper introduces an application of the sequential network construction (SNC) method to select the size of several popular neural network predictor architectures for various benchmark training sets. The specific architectures considered are a FIR network and the partially recurrent Elman network and its extension, with context units also added for the output layer. We consider an enhancement of a FIR network in which only those weights having relevant time delays are utilized. Bias-variance trade-off in relation to the prediction risk estimation by means of nonlinear cross-validation (NCV) is discussed. The presented approach is applied to the Wolfer sunspot number data and a Mackey-Glass chaotic time series. Results show that the best predictions for the Wolfer data are computed using a FIR neural network while for Mackey-Glass data an Elman network yields superior results.
CDKN2B Loss Promotes Progression from Benign Melanocytic Nevus to Melanoma

Deletion of the entire CDKN2B-CDKN2A gene cluster is among the most common genetic events in cancer. The tumor-promoting effects are generally attributed to loss of CDKN2A-encoded p16 and p14ARF tumor suppressors. The degree to which the associated CDKN2B-encoded p15 loss contributes to human tumorigenesis is unclear. Here we show that CDKN2B is highly upregulated in benign melanocytic nevi, contributes to maintaining nevus melanocytes in a growth-arrested premalignant state, and is commonly lost in melanoma. Using primary melanocytes isolated directly from freshly excised human nevi naturally expressing the common BRAF(V600E) activating mutation, nevi progressing to melanoma, and normal melanocytes engineered to inducibly express BRAF(V600E), we show that BRAF activation results in reversible, TGFβ-dependent, p15 induction that halts proliferation. Further, we engineer human skin grafts containing nevus-derived melanocytes to establish a new, architecturally faithful, in vivo melanoma model, and demonstrate that p15 loss promotes the transition from benign nevus to melanoma.
Nasotracheal intubation in the Emergency Department, revisited

This retrospective study was designed to investigate the current practice of nasotracheal intubation (NTI) in the Emergency Department (ED) at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center. Over a 5-year period, 21% (105/501) of patients intubated in the ED had at least one NTI attempt. The most frequent primary diagnoses in these patients included drug overdose, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We report an overall NTI success rate of 79% (83/105). Sixty-one percent (64/105) of the patients were nasally intubated on the first NTI attempt. Nasal dilators, topical neosynephrine, and sedation improved NTI success rates. Epistaxis and improper tube position were the most common immediate complications. Sinusitis, pneumonia, and sepsis were the most frequent late complications. Patients receiving thrombolytic therapy were at risk of developing severe epistaxis. A prior history of sinus disease may predispose a nasally intubated patient to sinusitis. The complication rates reported here are similar to those of previous studies. A survey of emergency medicine (EM) residency programs found that EM residents throughout the country perform an average of 2.8 NTIs during their residency training. Thus, there is limited exposure to this intubation technique in EM residency programs. Nasotracheal intubation is a useful alternative to oral intubation, particularly when oral access is compromised. While not the optimal approach, we conclude that NTI is still a valuable method for establishing an airway and should remain among the emergency physician's arsenal of intubation techniques.
Zephyr: efficient incremental reprogramming of sensor nodes using function call indirections and difference computation

Wireless reprogramming of sensor nodes is an essential requirement for long-lived networks since the software functionality changes over time. The amount of information that needs to be wirelessly transmitted during reprogramming should be minimized since reprogramming time and energy depend chiefly on the amount of radio transmissions. In this paper, we present a multi-hop incremental reprogramming protocol called Zephyr that transfers the delta between the old and the new software and lets the sensor nodes rebuild the new software using the received delta and the old software. It reduces the delta size by using application-level modifications to mitigate the effects of function shifts. Then it compares the binary images at the byte-level with a novel method to create small delta, that is then sent over the wireless network to all the nodes. For a wide range of software change cases that we experimented with, we find that Zephyr transfers 1.83 to 1987 times less traffic through the network than Deluge, the standard reprogramming protocol for TinyOS, and 1.14 to 49 times less than an existing incremental reprogramming protocol by Jeong and Culler.
Statistically comparing user satisfaction instruments: an application of the bootstrap using a spreadsheet

Testing and comparing the effectiveness of measures of emerging technologies is a challenge to information systems researchers. One reason for this challenge is that, in the social sciences, the classical approach to constructing confidence intervals and testing for significance has relied on the assumption of distribution normality. Nonparametric techniques (which do not require such assumptions) have traditionally been difficult to implement. However, with the development and widespread use of the electronic spreadsheet, researchers are now able to easily and powerfully implement nonparametric techniques. This paper describes a spreadsheet application of one such technique: bootstrapping. Here, distributions of the R/sup 2/ statistic from two user satisfaction instruments were first simulated and then statistically compared.
The many faces of replication

Replication is one of the three cornerstones of inference from experimental studies, the other two being control and randomization. In fact, replication is essential for the benefits of randomization to apply. In addition to ordinary replication, the repetition of treatments within a study, two other levels of replication have been identified. Pseudoreplication, a termed coined by Stuart Hurlbert, generally involves making multiple measurements on experiment units (which is commendable) and treating them as if they reflected independent responses to treatment (which is erroneous). Metareplication is a higher level of replication in which entire studies are repeated. Scientists are too much concerned about analysis of data within studies and too little concerned about the repeatability of findings from studies conducted under a variety of conditions. Findings that are consistent among studies performed at different locations at different times with different investigators using different methods are likely to be robust and reliable.
How to Train Your Biomarker

Type I insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor (IGF1R) inhibitors are new cancer therapies. Pitts and colleagues used in vitro data to "train" a predictive biomarker for an IGF1R tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Given the complexity of IGF signaling, additional layers of biomarker analysis will likely be needed to develop predictive factors.
Properties of Graphite Interconnect Circuit Boards with Anisotropic Thermal Expansion

We report the investigation of an interconnect circuit board (ICB) with anisotropic thermal expansion for use with bump bonded, indirect hybrid, scanning focal plane arrays. This ICB is designed to reduce significantly the thermal stresses on the indium bump bonds during thermal cycling. Highly oriented pyrolitic graphite (HOPG) was chosen because its anisotropic thermal expansion meets the criteria for forming an indirect hybrid ICB using silicon processor circuits and mecury cadmium telluride detectors. Properties of HOPG influencing its performance as an ICB have been investigated including thermal expansion, electrical conductivity, durability, and adherence of electrically insulating thin films.
A robust and scalable synthesis of the potent neuroprotective agent (−)-huperzine A

(−)-Huperzine A (1) is a tricyclic alkaloid that is produced in low yield by the Chinese herb Huperzia serrata. There is intense contemporary interest in clinical application of (−)-huperzine A (1) for treating neurodegenerative diseases and protecting against the lethal effects of chemical warfare agents, such as sarin and VX. We report a robust, scalable, and efficient synthesis of (−)-huperzine A (1) from (R)-4-methyl-cyclohex-2-ene-1-one (5). Our route proceeds in 35–45% overall yield, delivers (−)-huperzine A (1) in only eight steps from cyclohexenone 5, requires only three chromatographic purifications, and can provide gram quantities of the target. This route represents a critical, enabling advance toward detailed evaluation of (−)-huperzine A (1) in clinical settings.
Linkage mapping of femoral material properties in a reciprocal intercross of HcB-8 and HcB-23 recombinant mouse strains.

Abstract Skeletal fragility is an important health problem with a large genetic component. We performed a 603 animal F2 reciprocal intercross of the recombinant congenic strains HcB-8 and HcB-23 to genetically map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for tissue-level femoral biomechanical performance. These included elastic and post-yield strain, Young's modulus, elastic and maximum stress, and toughness and were calculated from 3-point bend testing of femora by the application of standard beam equations. We mapped these with R/qtl and QTL Cartographer and established significance levels empirically by permutation testing. Significant QTLs for at least one trait are present on chromosomes 1, 6, and 10 in the full F2 population, with additional QTLs evident in subpopulations defined by sex and cross direction. On chromosome 10, we find a QTL for post-yield strain and toughness, phenotypes that have not been mapped previously. Notably, the HcB-8 allele at this QTL increases post-yield strain and toughness, but decreases bone mineral density (BMD), while the material property QTLs on chromosomes 1, 6, and at a second chromosome 10 QTL are independent of BMD. We find significant sex × QTL and cross direction × QTL interactions. A robust, pleiotropic chromosome 4 QTL that we previously reported at the whole-bone level showed no evidence of linkage at the tissue-level, supporting our interpretation that modeling capacity is its primary phenotype. Our data demonstrate an inverse relationship between femoral perimeter and Young's modulus, with R2 = 0.27, supporting the view that geometric and material bone properties are subject to an integrated set of regulatory mechanisms. Mapping QTLs for tissue-level biomechanical performance advances understanding of the genetic basis of bone quality.