cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anomalous Diffusion of Single Particles in Cytoplasm

The crowded intracellular environment poses a formidable challenge to experimental and theoretical analyses of intracellular transport mechanisms. Our measurements of single-particle trajectories in cytoplasm and their random-walk interpretations elucidate two of these mechanisms: molecular diffusion in crowded environments and cytoskeletal transport along microtubules. We employed acousto-optic deflector microscopy to map out the three-dimensional trajectories of microspheres migrating in the cytosolic fraction of a cellular extract. Classical Brownian motion (BM), continuous time random walk, and fractional BM were alternatively used to represent these trajectories. The comparison of the experimental and numerical data demonstrates that cytoskeletal transport along microtubules and diffusion in the cytosolic fraction exhibit anomalous (nonFickian) behavior and posses statistically distinct signatures. Among the three random-walk models used, continuous time random walk provides the best representation of diffusion, whereas microtubular transport is accurately modeled with fractional BM.
Probing Vividness Increment through Imagery Interruption

The purpose of the present study was to trace how visual experience changes over time during mental image generation, by using an interruption paradigm. In one experiment, participants were asked to read the verbal descriptions of eight common objects and imagine these objects. Changes in the quality of the images evoked by the eight stimuli were probed by interrupting the visual mental image generation process at various times from 0 to 1.7 s, and asking participants to rate the vividness of their image at the time of interruption. We found that vividness increased as the time allowed for image generation was augmented. This relationship was consistently detected in half of the participants and for all stimuli. The present findings support the implicit assumption of some current imagery models positing that mental images “improve” over time, and reject the alternative that images are generated in full detail before becoming accessible to consciousness. However, the “incremental” view is unsatisfactory fo...
Detection of Breaking Events in a Wind-Generated Wave Field

Abstract Measurements were made of the surface elevation of a fetch-limited wave field (fetch 7 km, wind speed about 6 m s−1). Good high-frequency response was attained by the use of a very thin, bare wire probe of diameter 0.13 mm. Breaking waves were detected based on the energy in the 18–32 Hz frequency band. An appropriate threshold was found by a trial and error method. General agreement was found with visual observations. The temporal intermittency of wave breaking (fraction of time spent in breaking regions) was found to be 1.2%;however, the fraction of high-frequency (5–50 Hz) energy in those region was 12%. An argument is presented to show that the spatial intermittency and the spatial energy fraction should have the same values. The mean crest height of the breaking waves was found to be much lower than expected from theoretical considerations (by a factor of 4).
Clinical significance in the change of decline in ALSFRS-R.

Our objective was to survey ALS clinicians and researchers regarding what percentage reduction in the ALSFRS-R (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale – Revised) slope they would consider clinically meaningful. A nine-question survey was provided to 65 members of the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS). They were asked to rate the clinical relevance of 10–50% changes in decline of the ALSFRS-R slope on a seven-point scale (1–7), where 1=‘not at all clinically meaningful’, 4=‘somewhat clinically meaningful’, and 7=‘very clinically meaningful’. Ninety per cent of participants rated a 20% change in the decline of the ALSFRS-R score as the percentage in which a somewhat clinically significant change starts to be noted (i.e. score of 4 or higher). All participants endorsed a 25% or higher change in the ALSFRS-R score as at least somewhat clinically meaningful (score of 4 or higher). Ninety-three per cent of the participants viewed a 50% change in decline as very clinically meaningful (score of 7). ...
A New 3000-Cycle Fluorescent-Lighting System

During the past 20 years, a number of installations have been made with fluorescent lamps operating at frequencies higher than 60 cycles. Generally, the frequency-conversion method has been limited by economics and availability to frequencies under 1000 c/s. With development of the silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR), the semiconductor frequency converter emerged as a reality and frequencies of more than 1000 c/s became practical and economical for fluorescent lighting of commercial and industrial buildings. This paper reports on high-frequency fluorescent lighting in which a new product converts 60-c/s power to 3000-c/s power.
Study of a surface state in a Ag-Au superlattice gap.

Ag-Au(111) superlattices are examined with angle-resolved photoemission. A Shockley-type surface state is observed within a superlattice gap. Varying the location of the terminating (surface) plane within a superlattice period causes this surface state to move across the gap for one half of the period and to disappear for the other half of the period. These observations are in good agreement with theoretical predictions.
Food consumption, growth and survival of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella Val at four salinities

Grass carp were raised in 227-1 indoor tanks at 3,5,7 and 9%osalinities and 18·5 and 29·5°C temperatures at a density of five fish per tank. Growth rate did not differ under these conditions. Food consumption was similar between temperatures at a given salinity but differed among the salinities with most food intake at the 5%o salinity. An average of 40% of grass carp survived for 180 or more days.
Effects of chlordecone on progesterone receptors in immature and adult rats.

Abstract The ability of the chlorinated pesticide chlordecone to induce the CNS (hypothalamus and preoptic area) plus pituitary and uterine progesterone receptors was examined in CDF-344 female rats following treatment with 25 μg estradiol or with 75 mg/kg chlordecone. In adult ovariectomized rats and in intact immature rats, estradiol increased progesterone receptors in neural and uterine tissues. This was in contrast to the effect of chlordecone. Chlordecone treatment of rats induced progesterone receptors in uterus of immature rats, but not in uterus of ovariectomized adult rats. In neither age group were CNS plus pituitary progesterone receptors increased following chlordecone treatment. These results suggest that the pesticide fails to mimic an estradiol-dependent event of substantial consequence to the CNS regulation of female reproductive functioning. These findings are discussed in terms of the possibility that chlordecone may, rather than mimicking, have the potential to attenuate estradiol's CNS effects. In addition to the effects of chlordecone on progesterone receptors, the effects of chlordecone in combination with estradiol were examined. Three temporal combinations between chlordecone and estradiol, which produce different effects on sexual behavior, were examined. The objective was to determine if chlordecone's inhibition of sexual behavior may have resulted from an attenuation of estradiol's production of CNS progesterone receptors. Chlordecone did not attenuate estradiol's elevation of CNS progesterone receptors under any of the three treatment conditions. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that chlordecone fails to mimic a well-defined and functionally significant effect of estradiol's interaction with the CNS estradiol receptor. However, they also suggest that the pesticide's inhibition of CNS estradiol events does not depend upon its attenuation of estradiol's induction of the CNS progesterone receptor.
Role of Conserved Glycines in pH Gating of Kir1.1 (ROMK)

Gating of inward rectifier Kir1.1 potassium channels by internal pH is believed to occur when large hydrophobic leucines, on each of the four subunits, obstruct the permeation path at the cytoplasmic end of the inner transmembrane helices (TM2). In this study, we examined whether closure of the channel at this point involves bending of the inner helix at one or both of two highly conserved glycine residues (corresponding to G134 and G143 in KirBac1.1) that have been proposed as putative “gating hinges” for potassium channels. Replacement of these conserved inner helical glycines by less flexible alanines did not abolish gating but shifted the apparent pKa from 6.6 ± 0.01 (wild-type) to 7.1 ± 0.01 for G157A-Kir1.1b, and to 7.3 ± 0.01 for G148A-Kir1.1b. When both glycines were mutated the effect was additive, shifting the pKa by 1.2 pH units to 7.8 ± 0.04 for the double mutant: G157A+G148A. At this pKa, the double mutant would remain completely closed under physiological conditions. In contrast, when the glycine at G148 was replaced by a proline, the pKa was shifted in the opposite direction from 6.6 ± 0.01 (wild-type) to 5.7 ± 0.01 for G148P. Although conserved glycines at G148 and G157 made it significantly easier to open the channel, they were not an absolute requirement for pH gating in Kir1.1. In addition, none of the glycine mutants produced more than small changes in either the cell-attached or excised single-channel kinetics which, in this channel, argues against changes in the selectivity filter. The putative pH sensor at K61-Kir1.1b, (equivalent to K80-Kir1.1a) was also examined. Mutation of this lysine to an untitratable methionine did not abolish pH gating, but shifted the pKa into an acid range from 6.6 ± 0.01 to 5.4 ± 0.04, similar to pH gating in Kir2.1. Hence K61-Kir1.1b cannot function as the exclusive pH sensor for the channel, although it may act as one of multiple pH sensors, or as a link between a cytoplasmic sensor and the channel gate. K61-Kir1.1b also interacted differently with the two glycine mutations. Gating of the double mutant: K61M+G148A was indistinguishable from K61M alone, whereas gating of K61M+G157A was midway between the alkaline pKa of G157A and the acid pKa of K61M. Finally, closure of ROMK, G148A, G157A, and K61M all required the same L160-Kir1.1b residue at the cytoplasmic end of the inner transmembrane helix. Hence in wild-type and mutant channels, closure occurs by steric occlusion of the permeation path by four leucine side chains (L160-Kir1.1b) at the helix bundle crossing. This is facilitated by the conserved glycines on TM2, but pH gating in Kir1.1 does not absolutely require glycine hinges in this region.
Laboratory measurements of the effective-stress law for carbonate rocks under deformation

The behavior of rocks under the combined effects of confining stress and pore pressure is an important issue for any in situ petroleum process. In order to simplify the difficulties in dealing with two independent parameters, it is customary to introduce an effective-stress law which relates a net, or effective, stress to some combination of confining stress and pore pressure. This report documents laboratory tests of mechanical properties of five carbonate rocks.
Baptist senior pastors’ knowledge and perceptions of mental illness

Senior pastors at churches affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) were anonymously surveyed using an online questionnaire to ascertain their knowledge and perceptions of the causes and potential treatments of mental illness. BGCT senior pastors reported a moderate level of contact with the mentally ill and populations known to have higher than average rates of mental illness (e.g., homeless). They also reported that the individuals with whom they counsel are rarely diagnosed with mental illness. While Baptist senior pastors embraced biological causes and treatments for mental illness as most important and effective, they varied greatly across disorders as to the perceived contribution of psychosocial and spiritual factors. Senior pastors in the present study reported being open to referring their congregants to mental health care professionals with whom they shared common values. Overall, the results of the study point to a need for greater mental health education for Baptist clerg...
Performance of cooperation strategies for a diamond relay network

How cooperation schemes improve end-to-end information rate of a two-relay half-duplex diamond network is studied. The signaling is close-loop in that the channel information is available at every node. Schemes such as amplify-forward, decode-forward, decode-beamforming, compress-forward, etc., are proposed and characterized for the diamond network. Furthermore, a cut-set upper bound is characterized by a linear programming optimization. How the strategies perform in a fading environment under IEEE 802.16 Erceg model is also plotted, and key observations are presented.
Oscillation Properties of an Emden-Fowler Type Equation on Discrete Time Scales

In this paper, we explore the oscillation properties of on a time scale T with only isolated points, where p(t) is defined on T and γ is a quotient of odd positive integers. We define oscillation in this setting, and generate conditions on the integral of p(t) which guarantee oscillation and find conditions which give the existence of a nonoscillatory solution. In addition, we consider the case when solutions of this equation has asymptotically positively bounded differences.
Hand and upper extremity transplantation: an update of outcomes in the worldwide experience.

Background:Hand/upper extremity transplantation is the most common form of vascularized composite allotransplantation performed to date. An Update of worldwide outcomes is reported.Methods:The authors summarize the international experience with 107 known transplanted hand/upper extremities in 72 pat
Diophantine definability over some rings of algebraic numbers with infinite number of primes allowed in the denominator

Let K be a number field. Let W be a set of non-archimedean primes of K, let O K , W ={x∈K∣ord p x≥0∀p∉W}. Then if K is a totally real non-trivial cyclic extension of ℚ, there exists an infinite set W of finite primes of K such that ℤ and the ring of algebraic integers of K have a Diophantine definition over O K , W . (Thus, the Diophantine problem of O K , W is undecidable.)
Computing Numerical Solutions of Delayed Fractional Differential Equations With Time Varying Coefficients

Fractional differential equations with time varying coefficients and delay are encountered in the analysis of models of metal cutting processes such as milling and drilling with viscoelastic damping elements. Viscoelastic damping is modeled as a fractional derivative. In the present paper, delayed fractional differential equations with bounded time varying coefficients in four different forms are analyzed using series solution and Chebyshev spectral collocation. A fractional differential equation with a known exact solution is then solved by the methodology presented in the paper. The agreement between the two is found to be excellent in terms of point-wise error in the trajectories. Solutions to the described fractional differential equations are computed next in state space and second order forms.
Linear IgE-epitope mapping and comparative structural homology modeling of hazelnut and English walnut 11S globulins.

Allergic reactions to walnuts and hazelnuts can be serious. The 11S globulins (legumins) have been identified as important allergens in these and other nuts and seeds. Here we identify the linear IgE-binding epitopes of walnut and hazelnut 11S globulins, and generate 3D 11S globulin models to map the locations of the epitopes for comparison to other allergenic homologues. Linear IgE-epitope mapping was performed by solid-phase overlapping 15-amino acid peptides probed with IgE from pooled allergic human sera. Several walnut (Jug r 4) and hazelnut (Cor a 9) 11S globulin peptides with reactivity to patient IgE were identified. Comparative alignment with cashew (Ana o 2), peanut (Ara h 3), and soybean G1 (Gly m 6.0101) and G2 (Gly m 6.0201) allergenic homologues revealed several shared allergenic ‘hot spots’. Homology modeling was performed based on the atomic structure of the soybean glycinin. Surface map comparisons between the tree nut and peanut homologues revealed structural motifs that could be important for IgE elicitation and binding and show that, contrary to predictions, the reactive epitopes are widely distributed throughout the monomeric subunits, both internally and externally, including regions occluded by quaternary subunit association. These findings reveal structural features that may be important to allergenicity and cross-reactivity of this protein class.
Sources of Inequality: Measuring the Contributions of Income Sources to Rising Family Income Inequality

We develop a simulation method for measuring the impact of changes in the distributions of the main income sources on growth in family income inequality. We simulate the entire distribution of family income under the counterfactual, “What if the distribution of each source had not changed?” The simulation method allows us to evaluate the impact of changes at any point in the distribution as well as with multiple measures of inequality. We incorporate married-couple and single-person families, appropriately accounting for changes in the proportion married. We apply the simulation method to investigate the impact of changes in male earnings, female earnings, and capital income on the distribution of family income in the United States between 1969 and 1999. We find that changes in the distribution of male earnings account for more of the growth in family income inequality than do changes in any other source of income. Changes in the distribution of female earnings have reduced family income inequality.
Complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy : imaging findings

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is rapidly becoming an acceptable alternative to traditional open cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic procedures are associated with shortened recovery periods and hospital stays and the cosmetic benefit of smaller scars. Early results from laparoscopic cholecystectomies suggested a high rate of complications; however, recent studies have shown that, in experienced hands, the complication rates of open and laparoscopic procedures are comparable. Complications differ somewhat between the two types of operations. In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, complications are associated with virtually every aspect of the procedure. The purpose of this essay is to illustrate the imaging findings of the complications that occur in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
A consideration of the relative contributions of different microbial subpopulations to the soil N cycle.

We examine and discuss literature targeted at identifying “active” subpopulations of soil microbial communities with regard to the factors that affect the balance between mineralization and immobilization/assimilation of N. Whereas a large fraction (≥50%) of soil microbial biomass can immediately respire exogenous substrates, it remains unclear what percentage of both bacterial and fungal populations are capable of expressing their growth potential. The factors controlling the relative amounts of respiratorily responsive biomass versus growth-active biomass will impact the balance between N mineralization and N immobilization. Stable isotope probing of de novo DNA synthesis, and pyrosequence analyses of rRNA:rDNA ratios in soils have identified both numerically dominant and rare microbial taxa showing greatest growth potential. The relative growth responses of numerically dominant or rare members of a soil community could influence the amount of N immobilized into biomass during a “growth” event. Recent studies have used selective antibiotics targeted at protein synthesis to measure the relative contributions of fungi and bacteria to ammonification and NH4+ consumption, and of NH3 oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) to NH3 oxidation. Evidence was obtained for bacteria to dominate NH4+ assimilation and for fungi to be involved in both consumption of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and its ammonification. Soil conditions, phase of cropping system, NH4+ availability, and soil pH influence the relative contributions of AOA and AOB to soil nitrification. A recent discovery that AOA can ammonify organic N sources and oxidize it to NO2- serves to illustrate roles for AOA in both the production and consumption of NH3/NH4+. Clearly, much remains to be learned about the factors influencing the relative contributions of bacteria, archaea and fungi to processing organic and inorganic N, and their impact on the balance between mineralization and immobilization of N.
Geography's Research Performance Based on Annals Manuscripts, 1987–1993*

I use data from the 628 manuscripts submitted to the Annals from 1987–1993 to provide a snapshot of recent geographic research, to obtain some measure of our research productivity as a discipline, and to identify major fields and regions of specialization. I utilize data on authors (total number and by gender), departments, ranks, and manuscript content to assess these themes. Data reveal that 81% of the manuscripts had at least one male author, 38% had at least one female, 109 authors submitted more than one manuscript, and authors came from 157 different universities and 30 countries outside North America. One-quarter of the papers came from California, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, and New York, 80% had a regional focus, and 28% received funding. The major fields were cultural, social, urban, and historical, but the “mix” of topics varied somewhat by rank and in particular by gender.
A Role for Parasite-Induced PGE2 in IL-10-Mediated Host Immunoregulation by Skin Stage Schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni

Significant quantities of PGE(2) were produced by cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni following incubation with linoleic acid, a free fatty acid found on the surface of the skin. Cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 inhibitors failed to block this PGE(2) production, suggesting that a different biochemical pathway may be involved in the production of PGE(2) by the parasite. In addition, the parasites were also able to induce PGE(2) and IL-10 from human and mouse keratinocytes. Analysis of mouse skin during skin migratory phases of infection confirmed these in vitro observations. COX2 inhibitors blocked the parasite-induced PGE(2) and IL-10 from keratinocytes. Further analysis of the parasite secretions showed that the PGE(2)/IL-10-inducing effect was associated with a fraction <30 kDa molecular size. Addition of this fraction or parasite-stimulated keratinocyte culture supernatant to Con A-stimulated spleen cells resulted in the suppression of cell proliferation. This effect could be blocked by anti-IL-10 treatment. In sharp contrast, attenuation of the parasites with gamma-irradiation significantly abrogated their ability to induce PGE(2) or IL-10 from skin cells. Significance of IL-10 in host immunoregulation by skin stage schistosomula of S. mansoni was further confirmed by using IL-10-deficient mice. In these mice the normal subdued cutaneous reaction to the parasite was absent. Instead, a prominent cellular reaction occurred around the parasite, and there was considerable delay in parasitic migration through the skin. Thus these results suggest a key role for parasite-induced PGE(2) in IL-10-dependent down-regulation of host immune responses in the skin.
Radiation therapy and esophageal endoprosthetics: Facts and fiction

Radiation therapy is a vital component for treatment of malignant diseases of the head and neck, esophagus, lung, and breast. It is perceived that endoprosthetics can interfere with the administration of radiation therapy. Additionally, there is concern that placement of endoprosthetics in patients who are to receive radiation therapy or who have previously received radiation therapy may have a higher risk of adverse events. The facts and fiction concerning the use of esophageal endoprosthetics and radiation therapy are discussed in this review.
Micromagnetic Simulation of Hybrid Soft Underlayer for Perpendicular Recording Media

A hybrid soft underlayer, consisting of a thin crystalline soft underlayer stacked above a non-magnetic seed layer and a conventional amorphous soft underlayer, provides an alternative approach for reducing the effective head-to-keeper spacing in perpendicular recording. Micromagnetic simulations indicate that the media using a hybrid soft underlayer helps enhance the effective field and the field gradient in comparison with conventional media that uses only an amorphous soft underlayer. The hybrid soft underlayer can support a thicker non-magnetic seed layer yet achieve an equivalent or better effective field and field gradient. In principle, both writability and growth texture can be simultaneously improved.
The investigation of karyotypic instability in the high-hyperdiploidy subgroup of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) of childhood has been cytogenetically well characterized, and approximately 25% of cases will have a high-hyperdiploid (51–68) chromosome complement. In a 5 year period a consecutive series of 152 presentation ALL's were karyotyped. In all cases a result was obtained and 138 (91%) had a detectable abnormal clone of which 44 (29%) were high-hyperdiploid. Within the high-hyperdiploidy group karyotypic cell to cell variation was observed in many cases. To provide further evidence of this phenomenon a dual-color fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) experiment was performed on stored fixed suspension from 14 ALL's with such a karyotype. In each case 4–6 probes were investigated, employing probes to centromeres of chromosomes X, 4, 6, 8, and 10 and a locus specific probe to chromosome 21q22. It was found that the FISH produced results that were generally in good agreement with the G-banding findings and supported the notion of karyotypic cell to cell variation. FISH furth...
Temperature dependence of nonelectrolyte permeation across red cell membranes.

The temperature dependence of permeation across human red cell membranes has been determined for a series of hydrophilic and lipophilic solutes, including urea and two methyl substituted derivatives, all the straight-chain amides from formamide through valeramide and the two isomers, isobutyramide and isovaleramide. The temperature coefficient for permeation by all the hydrophilic solutes is 12 kcal mol-1 or less, whereas that for all the lipophilic solutes is 19 kcal mol-1 or greater. This difference is consonant with the view that hydrophilic molecules cross the membrane by a path different from that taken by the lipophilic ones. The thermodynamic parameters associated with lipophile permeation have been studied in detail. ΔG is negative for adsorption of lipophilic amides onto an oil-water interface, whereas it is positive for transfer of the polar head from the aqueous medium to bulk lipid solvent. Application of absolute reaction rate theory makes it possible to make a clear distinction between diffusion across the water-red cell membrane interface and diffusion within the membrane. Diffusion coefficients and apparent activation enthalpies and entropies have been computed for each process. Transfer of the polar head from the solvent into the interface is characterized by ΔG‡ = 0 kcal mol-1 and ΔS‡ negative, whereas both of these parameters have large positive values for diffusion within the membrane. Diffusion within the membrane is similar to what is expected for diffusion through a highly associated viscous fluid.
Melanotic Xp11 translocation renal cancer: report of a case with a unique intratumoral sarcoid-like reaction

Background: Melanotic Xp11 translocation renal cancer is a rare tumor belonging to the family of microphthalmiaassociated transcription factor (MiTF)/transcription factor E (TFE) neoplasms. This tumor family also includes alveolar soft part sarcoma, perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms, Xp11 translocation renal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. To date, six confirmed melanotic Xp11 translocation cancers (five renal, one ovarian) have been reported in the literature. Case Report: Here, we report the clinical, histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of a unique melanotic Xp11 translocation renal cancer arising in a 34-year-old African-American female. Histologically, the tumor was composed of epithelioid tumor cells arranged in a nested pattern. The cells had clear to eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, vesicular nuclear chromatin, and prominent nucleoli. Multifocal intracytoplasmic deposits of granular brown melanin pigment were identified and confirmed by Fontana-Masson stain. An unusual histologic feature, not previously reported in melanotic Xp11 translocation renal cancer, was a sarcoid-like granulomatous reaction consisting of tight epithelioid granulomas with lymphocytic cuffing, numerous giant cells, and calcifications. Nuclear transcription factor E3 expression was identified by immunohistochemistry and TFE3 rearrangement was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Additional immunohistochemical findings included immunoreactivity for HMB45, cathepsin K, and progesterone receptor; negative staining was seen with actin, desmin, cytokeratins, epithelial membrane antigen, CD10, vimentin, and PAX-8. The patient is currently free of disease, two years following initial clinicoradiologic presentation and twenty-two months following partial nephrectomy without additional therapy. Conclusion: This report further expands the spectrum of morphologic and clinical findings previously described in melanotic Xp11 translocation renal cancer, a distinctive tumor showing overlapping features between Xp11 translocation renal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms. Virtual slides: The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/ 7225796341180634
Bashing Positivism and Reversing a Medical Model Under the Guise of Evidence

In her advocacy of a model to train counseling psychologists as “evidence-based practitioners,” Chwalisz (2003 [this issue]) criticizes research based on positivism and advocates for methodological pluralism but ironically suggests the adoption of a medical model to influence the discourse on practice. In this comment, the author examines (a) issues raised by methodological pluralism and multiple sources of evidence and (b) dilemmas created by criticizing quantitative methods while at the same time adopting a medical model. Finally, the author suggests that methodological inclusiveness does not logically imply, and should not lead to, rejection of quantitative methods in counseling psychology.
Tortuosity factors for diffusion in catalyst pellets

The dynamic pulse-response technique was used to measure effective diffusivities under nonreacting conditions in two, unsulfided, extrudate-type, hydrodesulfurization catalyst pellets of different porosities. Pore-volume distribution data showed a bidisperse pore structure with a broad pore-size range (100 μm to 3 nm). The main purpose of the study was to evaluate various methods for calculating the tortuosity factor, τ. For this particular catalyst, the most constant and unreasonable values of τ were obtained by supposing that diffusion occurred in all the pore volume (micro and macropores) and by summing the combined Knudsen and bulk contributions over each increment of pore volume.
The impact of computer use on children's and adolescents' development

In recent years, electronic games, home computers, and the Internet have assumed an important place in our lives. This paper presents a review of the research on the impact of home computer use on the development of children and adolescents. Time use data are presented along with a discussion of factors such as age, gender, and ethnicity, which impact the time spent on computers as well as the activities engaged in. Research on the impact of computer use on cognitive skill and academic development, social development and relationships, and perceptions of reality and violent behavior is reviewed. The special role of the Internet in the lives of adolescents is brought out using data from the HomeNet study. The paper concludes with recommendations for future study in order to better understand the growing impact of computers on our youth. D 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Multi-resolution similarity hashing

Large-scale digital forensic investigations present at least two fundamental challenges. The first one is accommodating the computational needs of a large amount of data to be processed. The second one is extracting useful information from the raw data in an automated fashion. Both of these problems could result in long processing times that can seriously hamper an investigation. In this paper, we discuss a new approach to one of the basic operations that is invariably applied to raw data - hashing. The essential idea is to produce an efficient and scalable hashing scheme that can be used to supplement the traditional cryptographic hashing during the initial pass over the raw evidence. The goal is to retain enough information to allow binary data to be queried for similarity at various levels of granularity without any further pre-processing/indexing. The specific solution we propose, called a multi-resolution similarity hash (or MRS hash), is a generalization of recent work in the area. Its main advantages are robust performance - raw speed comparable to a high-grade block-level crypto hash, scalability - ability to compare targets that vary in size by orders of magnitude, and space efficiency - typically below 0.5% of the size of the target.
On the monotonicity of matched-filter bounds for diversity combining receivers

An analytical framework to assess the performance of a given diversity system in wireless environments characterized by their power dispersion profiles is established. In particular, we consider maximal-ratio diversity systems and proved the monotonicity of their matched-filter bound performance. Our results are general in that fading distributions are not required to compare and/or bound the performance of a given diversity system in different wireless environments. Hence, these results are valid for arbitrary fading distributions.
Micronucleus formation in human keratinocytes is dependent on radiation quality and tissue architecture.

The cytokinesis-block micronucleus (MN) assay was used to assess the genotoxicity of low doses of different types of space radiation. Normal human primary keratinocytes and immortalized keratinocytes grown in 2D monolayers each were exposed to graded doses of 0.3 or 1.0 GeV/n silicon ions or similar energies of iron ions. The frequencies of induced MN were determined and compared to γ-ray data. RBEmax values ranged from 1.6 to 3.9 for primary keratinocytes and from 2.4 to 6.3 for immortalized keratinocytes. At low radiation doses ≤0.4 Gy, 0.3 GeV/n iron ions were the most effective at inducing MN in normal keratinocytes. An “over-kill effect” was observed for 0.3 GeV/n iron ions at higher doses, wherein 1.0 GeV/n iron ions were most efficient in inducing MN. In immortalized keratinocytes, 0.3 GeV/n iron ions produced MN with greater frequency than 1.0 GeV/n iron ions, except at the highest dose tested. MN formation was higher in immortalized keratinocytes than in normal keratinocytes for all doses and radiation qualities investigated. MN induction was also assessed in human keratinocytes cultured in 3D to simulate the complex architecture of human skin. RBE values for MN formation in 3D were reduced for normal keratinocytes exposed to iron ions, but were elevated for immortalized keratinocytes. Overall, MN induction was significantly lower in keratinocytes cultured in 3D than in 2D. Together, the results suggest that tissue architecture and immortalization status modulate the genotoxic response to space radiation, perhaps via alterations in DNA repair fidelity. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:22–31, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute Endothelin A Receptor Blockade Causes Selective Pulmonary Vasodilation in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

Background—Elevated plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in patients with chronic heart failure correlate with pulmonary artery pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance. ETA receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells mediate pulmonary vascular contraction and hypertrophy. We determined the acute hemodynamic effects of sitaxsentan, a selective ETA receptor antagonist, in patients with chronic stable heart failure receiving conventional therapy. Methods and Results—This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 48 patients with chronic New York Heart Association functional class III or IV heart failure (mean left ventricular ejection fraction 21±1%) treated with ACE inhibitors and diuretics. Patients with a baseline pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≥15 mm Hg and a cardiac index ≤2.5 L · min−1 · m−2 were randomized to 1 of 3 doses (1.5, 3.0, or 6.0 mg/kg) of sitaxsentan or placebo as an intravenous infusion over 15 minutes. Hemodynamic responses were assessed by catheterization of the rig...
Perturbation Analysis of Stable Oscillators

As pointed out in Chapter 2, noise analysis in electrical circuits is based on perturbation analysis. It is well known that linear perturbation analysis is not valid for oscillatory circuits. In order to develop a noise analysis technique for oscillators we first need to develop a rigorous perturbation analysis technique. In this chapter we first show that traditional linear perturbation analysis is not valid for oscillators. This also helps us introduce the notations which we use when we describe our perturbation analysis technique. We show that this incorrect linearization leads to nonphysical results such as infinite oscillator output phase noise power in presence of white noise. We then describe our perturbation analysis technique in detail. This analysis is not limited to any specific type electrical oscillator. In fact this analysis is valid for any autonomous system of equations with oscillatory solution. We also demonstrate our technique with an example.
DQE of direct and indirect digital radiography systems

Current flat-panel detectors either directly convert x-ray energy to electronic charge or use indirect conversion with an intermediate optical process. The purpose of this work was to compare direct and indirect detectors in terms of their modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE). Measurements were made on three flat-panel detectors, Philips Digital Diagnost, GE Revolution XQ/i, and Hologic Direct-Ray DR1000 using the IEC-defined RQA5 (approximately 75 kVp, 21 mm Al) and RQA9 (approximately 120 kVp, 40 mm Al) radiographic techniques. The presampled MTF of the systems was measured using an edge method (Samei et al., Med Phys 25:102, 1998). The NPS of the systems was determined for a range of exposure levels by 2D Fourier analysis of uniformly exposed radiographs (Flynn and Samei, Med Phys 26:1612, 1999). The ideal signal-to-noise ratio per exposure for each system was estimated using a semi-empirical x-ray model. The DQE, reported only at the RQA5 technique, was assessed from the measured MTF, NPS, exposure, and the ideal signal-to-noise ratio. For the direct system, the MTF was found to be significantly higher than that for the indirect systems and very close to an ideal function associated with the detector pixel size. The NPS for the direct system was found to be constant in relation to frequency. The DQE results reflected expected differences based on the absorption efficiency of the different detector materials. Using RQA5 and 0.3 mR exposure, the measured DQE values at spatial frequencies of 0.15 mm-1 and 2.5 mm-1 were 64% and 14% for the XQ/i system and 35% and 19% for DR-1000. Using RQA5 and the averages at all exposures, the corresponding values were 58% and 13% for the XQ/i system and 36% and 19% for DR-1000.
Clozapine improves deficient inhibitory auditory processing in DBA/2 mice, via a nicotinic cholinergic mechanism.

Abstract Rationale. Insufficient inhibitory processing of the P50 auditory evoked potential (AEP) is observed in most schizophrenia patients and is not improved by typical antipsychotic drugs, such as haloperidol. This inhibitory processing deficit is associated with a subnormal level of hippocampal α7 nicotinic receptors (nAChRs), and drugs that activate these receptors normalize the deficit. The atypical antipsychotic clozapine also normalizes this deficit in schizophrenia patients, but by an unknown mechanism. Objective. Similar to schizophrenia patients, DBA/2 mice spontaneously exhibit a deficit in inhibitory processing of the P20-N40 AEP, which is a rodent analogue of the human P50 AEP. The present study determined whether clozapine improved this deficit in DBA/2 mice, and by what mechanism. Method. Using a conditioning-testing paradigm with paired auditory stimuli to assess inhibitory P20-N40 AEP processing in DBA/2 mice, the effects of clozapine (0.1, 1, 3.33, or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) and haloperidol (1 mg/kg, i.p.) were assessed. The effect of clozapine (1 mg/kg) was assessed alone and after pre-administration of either α-bungarotoxin, an α7 nAChR antagonist, or dihydro-β-erythroidine, an α4β2 nAChR antagonist. Results. In a dose-dependent manner, clozapine improved the deficient inhibitory processing of the P20-N40 AEP normally exhibited by DBA/2 mice. Like α7 agonists, 1 mg/kg clozapine selectively increased the inhibition of the P20-N40 response to the second of paired auditory stimuli. The normalizing effect of 1 mg/kg clozapine was blocked by α-bungarotoxin, but not by dihydro-β-erythroidine. Haloperidol did not improve DBA/2's deficient P20-N40 AEP processing. Conclusions. Clozapine improved the deficient inhibitory processing of the P20-N40 AEP in DBA/2 mice, apparently through stimulation of α7 nicotinic receptors. This effect was not shared by the typical antipsychotic haloperidol.
FORCES ON A SPHERE UNDER LINEAR PROGRESSIVE WAVES

The rms horizontal forces which result from the action of a linear, deep and intermediate water, laboratory scale waves were measured on submerged spheres removed several diameters from the free surface. The study focuses on unseparated flows encountered at small values of (d0/D), where d0 is the orbital diameter and D is the sphere diameter. Under these conditions, a steady streaming around the vertical equator of the sphere was observed, giving rise to a circulation in the sense of rotation of the orbital motion. This phenomena was found to diminish the resultant of the wave pressure on the sphere predicted by potential theory. In approaching the onset of separation, the drag coefficients were found to compare in size with those reported for similar motions in steady unidirectional flow.
Gyroscope sensing and self-calibration architecture based on signal phase shift

Abstract MEMS vibratory gyroscopes measure rotation rates by sensing in various ways the effects of the Coriolis force on the gyroscope dynamics. This paper presents a rotation rate sensing method that is based on the phase shift induced by the Coriolis force in the gyroscope outputs. In principle, this method is applicable to any gyroscope that can be modeled at the functional level as a 2-DOF mass-spring system. Devices of this type include those based on various kinds of vibrating structures, as well as bulk acoustic wave (BAW) gyroscopes. Furthermore, it is shown that the sensing method presented in this paper can be used also for gyroscope calibration with only minor modifications to the control electronics, and without the need for additional moving parts or calibration stage. This is a significant benefit in applications that require in-situ gyroscope calibration.
On the attenuation of Lg waves in western and central Asia and their use as a discriminant between earthquakes and explosions

Data from earthquakes and explosions in the western and central parts of the Soviet Union are used to determine the values of the coefficient of anelastic attenuation of 1-sec period Lg waves from the Russian uplands region and for the region from the Caspian Sea to the southern perimeter of the Soviet Union. For the former region, the value is approximately 0.15 deg−1, and for the latter 0.35 deg−1. Using the empirical Veith and Clawson (1972) curve for the amplitude of P waves at regional distances and theoretical curves for the attenuation of higher mode surface waves for Lg , curves are constructed which show the variation of the amplitude ratio of Lg to P with epicentral distance, with the coefficient of anelastic attenuation as a parameter. When data from explosions and earthquakes in the Soviet Union are compared with the calculated curves, the amplitude ratios of Lg and P on the average are larger for earthquakes than explosions. However, there is much overlap, so that this ratio by itself does not appear to be a useful discriminant between earthquakes and explosions.
Encyclopedia of Statistical Sciences are reviewed

[1] Encyclopedia of Statistical Sciences; Volumes 1–16 edited by Samuel Kotz, N. Balakrishnan, C. B. Read, and B. Vidakovic, 2007, John Wiley and Sons Inc., One Wiley Drive, Somerset NJ 08817, USA,...
Alone in the Crowd: I Failed the ABGC Certification Exam

The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification examination (often referred to as "the board exam") has become a milestone within the field of genetic counseling. For many, it is the final standardized test taken and indicates the examinee has met "the standards of minimal competence to practice as a genetic counselor" (Bulletin 2015). Although voluntary, certification is strongly encouraged, and in some employment situations, required. Although recent statistics indicate the majority of those who take the test pass, each year there are those who sit for the test unsuccessfully. Despite this fact, exam failure and tools for dealing with this experience are not often broached in the literature. This essay recalls my experiences with a failed exam attempt and the subsequent emotional turmoil. It also aims to start the conversation regarding the difficulty of coping with the "secret" shame of public, professional failure, and suggests there is room for further discussion and resource development in this area.
The Contribution of Hypertension to Black–White Differences in Likelihood of Coronary Artery Disease Detected During Elective Angiography

Background Black patients in the United States undergoing angiography for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) have consistently been found to have less disease than whites. As the effects of hypertension are greater in blacks than whites, and hypertensive heart disease may mimic CAD and lead to catheterization, we examined the association between race and hypertension as an explanation for the disparities in angiographic CAD. Methods Using an academic hospital's institutional database, we studied patients undergoing first-time elective angiography from 2001 to 2008. Using multivariable logistic regression with data on patient demographics, CAD risk factors, and coronary stenoses, we compared rates of angiographic disease for blacks and whites, creating models separately for patients with and without hypertension. We then tested the significance of an interaction term between race and hypertension on angiographic findings. Results We identified 1,203 black and 2,538 white patients who underwent initial elective angiography. Black patients were less likely to have a significant stenotic lesion (≥50% stenosis in the left main artery or ≥70% stenosis elsewhere) than whites (adjusted risk ratio 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55-0.75). Among patients with hypertension this difference was exaggerated (adjusted risk ratio 0.60; 95% CI 0.51-0.71). However, among patients without hypertension, the risk of having a significant lesion was similar in blacks and whites (adjusted risk ratio 0.97; 95% CI 0.67-1.37). The interaction term for race and hypertension was confirmed as statistically significant. Conclusions Among patients electively referred for angiography, hypertension, and its effects may contribute to the lower rate of CAD found in blacks compared to whites.