cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning from unreliability: the importance of inconsistency in coping dynamics.

Abstract The role of response stability in the measurement of coping is examined with a focus on the unique information that can be gleaned from low test–retest reliability (`inconsistency'). Data from two studies are presented in which a card sort measure of coping flexibility was used on people with three different chronic diseases and the elderly (n=219). We begin by testing the hypothesis that the low stability reflects unreliability due to measurement artifacts, such as random error, low ecological validity, long test–retest interval, surrogate assistance, or error due to completing the questionnaire in multiple sittings. Our findings suggest that surrogate assistance in completing questionnaires was the only measurement artifact associated with low stability. We then tested the proposition that low stability reflects a genuine behavior pattern (i.e. inconsistency). Hierarchical modeling revealed that measurement artifact accounted for less than one percent of the variance in inconsistency in reported coping behavior and that an additional 21% of the variance could be explained by the behavioral factors, including neuropsychological problems (9%), psychological morbidity (4%), locus of control (3%) and eudaimonistic well-being (5%). Thus inconsistency in reported coping behavior was better explained by behavioral and psychosocial factors than by the tested measurement artifacts. We conclude that inconsistency in reported coping behavior does indeed reflect a meaningful behavior pattern, rather than simply measurement artifact.
Adolescent Female Murderers: Characteristics and Treatment Implications

This study examines individual and family characteristics of a population of 29 adolescent females charged with homicide or attempted homicide in the juvenile justice system. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the limited knowledge about adolescent females charged with homicide. Data were collected including the MAYSI-2, a risk classification instrument, and social, educational and family histories. Findings include high rates of reported substance use, delinquent peers, early indicators of mental health problems, and limited control and supervision by parents. The most common weapon used was a car and the most common victim was a known person. A comparison was conducted on girls charged with homicide during the commission of another crime or committed during a conflict. The conflict group was found to victimized friends and family significantly more often than the crime group. The crime group showed higher use of alcohol and drugs, used a gun more and had co-offenders at a higher rate. A profile was developed to describe the typical adolescent female homicide offender found in this study. Treatment recommendations and future research were discussed.
Reduced breakdown delay in high power microwave dielectric window discharges

Summary form only given. Development of high power microwave (HPM) distributed discharge limiters relies critically on minimizing the delay time between HPM incidence and diffuse plasma creation. We present a range of pulsed plasma experiments conducted in neon, argon, helium, and mixtures of these gases, from 50-760 torr. Breakdown is achieved by illuminating a gas cell with a ~25kW, ~2 kV/cm, 800ns-long pulse as well as 41Hz pulse trains. Current results focus on preliminary experiments with metamaterial window coatings that indicate significant improvement opportunities for controlling breakdown thresholds and reducing breakdown delay. New results with gas mixtures in which observed breakdown occurs in <;100ns are also presented.
Creativity, primary process cognition and personality

Abstract Potential creativity as measured by the Alternate Uses Test, remoteness of word associations, and rated creativity of fantasy stories was found to be related to primary process content in written fantasy stories. Psychoticism and openness to experience have been found to be related to creativity. There are theoretical reasons to think that they might also be related to use of primary process cognition. However, neither potential creativity nor primary process content were significantly correlated with either psychoticism or openness to experience. An exploratory factor analysis, though, suggests that creativity, primary process cognition, extraversion, and psychoticism are interrelated. The common train linking them together may be disinhibition.
Domain specific information retrieval and text mining in medical document

This paper introduces a domain specific knowledge discovery technique that is applicable for both information retrieval and text mining, identifying word meanings characterized by domains. The meaning of words is identified by using a domain fusion algorithm that not only narrows domain concepts from different domain knowledge but also avoids the unknown domain problem so that specific domains can be found in a series of words. Domain knowledge is presented for the purpose of experiments on medical documents. Experiments performed over two different fields: query expansion in information retrieval and text classification in text mining, demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Anisotropy estimates from a North Sea VSP

A North Sea VSP shot with three walk-away lines is analyzed for anisotropy. Here, the phase slowness method is used to determine the fracture orientation, assuming a background TIV medium. The slowness estimation is complicated by an inclined tool. Weak anisotropy values are obtained using a re-arranged version of Thomsen’s (1986) qP velocity expression. The difference in the elastic properties between lines determines both the fracture strike (51 from the second centered line) and fracture density.
EMBODYING SINGING IN THE CHORAL CLASSROOM: A SOMATIC APPROACH TO TEACHING AND LEARNING

The purpose of this study was to investigate how somatic (mind–body) instruction facilitated participants’ understanding of embodiment and affected their singing performance. Using an integrated ca...
Optical properties of Zitex in the infrared to submillimeter

The results of measurements of the refractive index and power attenuation coefficient of Zitex at 290K, 77K, and 4K in the spectral region from 1 to 1000 microns are presented. Zitex is a porous Teflon sheet with a filling factor of approx. 50%, and is manufactured in several varieties as a filter paper. Zitex is found to be an effective IR block, with thin (200 microns) sheets transmitting less than 1% in the 1 - 50 microns range while attenuating less than or approx. 10% at wavelengths longer than 200 microns. Some variation in the cutoff wavelength is seen, tending to be a shorter wavelength cutoff for a smaller pore size. Additionally, the thermal conductivity of Zitex at cryogenic temperatures has been measured, and is found to be roughly one-half that of bulk Teflon. Finally, its dielectric constant has been measured in the submillimeter as n = 1.20, resulting in extremely low dielectric reflection losses. As a result, Zitex is particularly useful as an IR blocking filter in low-noise heterodyne receivers; in the millimeter-wave range (lambda greater than approx. 850 microns or nu less than or = 350 GHz) the attenuation of alpha less than or = 0.01/cm for a 3.5 mm thickness filter of Zitex G125 would raise receiver noise temperatures by less than 1K.
Geodimeter measurements of slip and strain accumulation along the san andreas fault

Abstract The U.S. Geological Survey conducts repeated geodimeter surveys of trilateration networks in central California in order to study the processes of slip and strain accumulation along the San Andreas fault. The precision of distance measurement is described by a standard deviation σ = (a 2 + b 2 L 2 ) 1 2 where a = 3mm, b = 2 · 10−7, and L is the line length. Within the precision of measurement, no anomalous strain episodes preceding earthquakes or even strain discontinuities at the time of earthquakes were detected from repeated measurements of lines near the epicenters of small (magnitude 4.5–5.1) earthquakes. Annual measurements of small (5-km aperture) strain polygons near the San Andreas fault have not proved strain accumulation in a 3-year period. Repeated measurements of longer lines over periods of 8 to 14 years indicate changes that cannot be attributed to fault slip and must represent strain accumulation at the level of a few parts in 107 per year.
Evaluating the Series or Parallel Structure Assumption for System Reliability

[This abstract is based on the author’s abstract.] Using component-level data to improve the estimation of system reliability can be both beneficial and cost-effective, but if the intended structure of the system during design doesn’t match the actual i..
Strengthening Biblical Historicity vis-à-vis Minimalism, 1992–2008 and Beyond, Part 2.1: The Literature of Perspective, Critique, and Methodology, First Half

In this series of articles the author covers scholarly works in English which can, at least potentially, be associated with a positive view of biblical historicity regarding the periods preceding the Israelites’ return from exile. Part 2 covers works that treat the concepts and methodological issues at the center of the maximalist–minimalist debate. Parts 3–5 will cover works on evidences. In this article, the first half of Part 2, the author focuses on works that provide a framework in which there exists the realistic possibility for large amounts of Hebrew Scripture to stand as valid historical source material—while still subject to comparison with other sources. These works are by J. Maxwell Miller and John H. Hayes, Megan Bishop Moore, Lester L. Grabbe, James Barr, Bob Becking, Amihai Mazar, Hans M. Barstad, Ronald S. Hendel, and Mark S. Smith. The article leads up to this focus by beginning with bibliographic selections in earlier works, works that offer long-term perspectives, and a summary of good ...
Taking the Study of Cancer Cell Survival to a New Dimension

Apoptosis plays a key role in the development of cancer and the response of tumor cells to therapeutic intervention. Recent work using three-dimensional cell culture models underscores the importance of the interactions between epithelial cells-both normal and malignant-and the extracellular matrix that surrounds them in informing life and death decisions. Research in this area is beginning to define the oncogenic pathways that can interfere with this process and the biochemical pathways that transmit signals from proper cell-matrix interactions to promote cell survival.
Prolactin, the Golgi apparatus, and milk secretion. Brief interpretive review.

Abstract Knowledge of the structural-functional effects of prolactin on the differentiated epithelial cell of the mammary gland is becoming coherent. In the absence of this hormone, synthesis and secretion of milk is nil. In its presence the Golgi apparatus of the cell becomes hypertrophied. This action involves extensive proliferation of Golgi structure and abundant milk (protein and lactose) synthesis therein. With respect to the cells of a given alveolus, milk synthesis and secretion appears to be an all-or-none process; i.e., either all cells fully functioning or all cells inactive. That functional cells within an alveolus are synchronized with regard to formation and secretion of fat globules also suggests communication between these cells.
Feedback-Driven Response to Multidecadal Climatic Variability at an Alpine Treeline

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) has significant climatological and ecological effects in northwestern North America. Its possible effects and their modification by feedbacks are examined in the forest-tundra ecotone in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA. Tree ring samples were collected to estimate establishment dates in 10 quadrats. Age-diameter regressions were used to estimate the ages of uncored trees. The temporal pattern of establishment and survival was compared to the pattern of the PDO. A wave of establishment began in the mid-1940s, rose to a peak rate in the mid-1970s, and dropped precipitously beginning ca. 1980 to near zero for the 1990s. The period of establishment primarily coincided with the negative phase of the PDO, but the establishment and survival pattern is not correlated with the PDO index. The pattern indicates a period during which establishment was possible and was augmented by positive feedback from surviving trees. Snow may be the most important factor in the feedback, b...
The isolation of two types of streptomycin-resistant mutants of Escherichia coli ML35 differing in constitutive enzymes

Abstract The exposure of Escherichia coli ML35, a strain which is cryptic and constitutive for β-galactosidase (β- D -galactoside-galactohydrolase, EC3.2.1.23), to streptomycin permitted the isolation of streptomycin-resistant mutants. Some of these mutants also acquired the ability to produce high levels of alkaline phosphatase (orthophosphoric monoester-phosphohydrolase, EC3.1.3.1 under conditions that normally assure repression of this enzyme. Simultaneously these mutants discontinued the un-repressed synthesis of β-galactosidase. β-Galactosidase was inducible by lactose in these streptomycin-resistant bacteria, which means that they also lost their cryptic character.
Effects of methantheline bromide and clonidine hydrochloride on salivary secretion

T he maintenance of an operative field free of moisture contamination is important in many dental procedures. Impression materials such as the silicones and polysulfides possess hydrophobic properties. Cements, amalgam, and composite resins exhibit weakened or altered physical properties when contaminated with moisture. Finally, equilibration procedures that require the use of inked ribbon are virtually impossible to perform without adequate saliva control. Many devices have been used to control saliva during dental treatment: cotton rolls, absorbent papers and other moisture absorbing materials, saliva ejectors, and high volume evacuators. Various drugs have also been successfully used but are often prohibited by potential side effects. Methantheline bromide was originally intended for use in the treatment of peptic ulcers.‘,’ It has long been considered an effective antisialagogue;3,4 however, potential side effects in both the healthy and compromised patient have prevented its widespread and routine use.2,3 An antihypertensive, clonidine hydrochloride, has shown merit recently in reducing saliva output with minimal side effects and fewer contraindications than methantheline bromide.5-9 The purposes of this study were 1) to compare in a double-blind fashion the inhibition of stimulated salivary output produced with clonidine hydrochloride, methantheline bromide, and a placebo in healthy volunteers and 2) to discern the effects of a standard meal on the action of clonidine hydrochloride.
Coulometric titration of bases in concentrated neutral salt solutions in water and non-aqueous solvents

Abstract Weak bases were titrated with coulometrically generated hydrogen ions in aqueous 8 M sodium perchlorate solutions. Bases with ionization constants as low as 4·10-12 were titrated in acetone containing 3 M lithium perchlorate. Enhancement of end-point breaks was obtained in both solvents in the presence of the concentrated salts. Methods of end-point detection were investigated.
A Study Quantifying the Hand-to-Face Contact Rate and Its Potential Application to Predicting Respiratory Tract Infection

A substantial portion of human respiratory tract infection is thought to be transmitted via contaminated hand contact with the mouth, eyes, and/or nostrils. Thus, a key risk factor for infection transmission should be the rate of hand contact with these areas termed target facial membranes. A study was conducted in which 10 subjects were each videotaped for 3 hr while performing office-type work in isolation from other persons. The number of contacts to the eyes, nostrils, and lips was scored during subsequent viewing of the tapes. The total contacts per subject had sample mean x = 47 and sample standard deviation s = 34. The average total contact rate per hour was 15.7. The authors developed a relatively simple algebraic model for estimating the dose of pathogens transferred to target facial membranes during a defined exposure period. The model considers the rate of pathogen transfer to the hands via contact with contaminated environmental surfaces, and the rate of pathogen loss from the hands due to pat...
Separation and dispersion of conditionally sampled eddies through an intake tube

With conditional sampling, atmospheric fluxes are estimated from the difference in mean concentration of a gas between upward and downward moving eddies and a measure of the standard deviation of the vertical wind velocity. Two basic components of a conditional sampling system are a sonic anemometer to measure the direction and standard deviation of the vertical wind velocity, and a valve to separate air sampled from updrafts and downdrafts. Use of the Campbell Scientific CSAT3 three-axis sonic anemometer to measure the vertical direction of the eddies and to trigger a splitter valve requires building a physical delay into the air sampling line to counter the electronic delay that is built into the anemometer. This physical delay in the form of an intake tube creates a source of dispersion that may reduce concentration differences and affect estimates of fluxes. Our objectives were to determine the proper match of electronic and physical delays to separate eddies, and then to measure the amount of dispersion from the combined mixing in the tube and the splitter valve. A conditional sampling system to measure CO 2 fluxes was constructed using a CSAT3 anemometer and a three-way valve. A physical delay was created by adding tubing on the upstream side of the valve. A simple timing circuit was used to control a highspeed valve that pulsed CO 2 in front of the intake tube to mark the locations of eddy transitions. Differences in concentrations between updraft and downdraft lines were measured as flow rates and electronic delays were varied. Tube length based on electronic delay, flow rate, and intake tube geometry was found to be adequate for separation of updrafts and downdrafts. Dispersion in the intake tube was significant and predictable. The effect of the splitter valve on dispersion was minimal. A correction factor to adjust concentration differences in the lines for dispersion may be warranted, but only for eddy reversal frequencies > 2 Hz.
An expedient synthesis of maraviroc (UK-427,857) via C-H functionalization.

A new, concise synthesis of the CCR-5 receptor antagonist maraviroc (UK-427,857) from 3-phenyl-1-propanol has been completed in four steps featuring a site-selective C–H functionalization.
Giant Electrostrictive Response in Poly(vinylidene-fluoride hexafluoropropylene) copolymer

In the present study, the strain response of a new class of copolymers of PVF2 is investigated. Electrostrictive strains were measured in poly(vinylidene-fluoride hexafluoropropylene), P(VF2-HFP), using a capacitance method (air-gap capacitor), as a function of electric field. Three different thermal treatments (ice water quenched, air quenched and slow cooled) were given to samples of composition 5% and 15% HFP. Strains greater than 4 % were observed in the 5% HFP ice water quenched P(VF2-HFP) copolymer. Values of elastic modulus were lower for the quenched 5 % films than for the slow cooled ones, and in both cases they were higher than previously studied polyurethane elastomers and poly(vinylidene-fluoride trifluoroethylene) copolymers. Key words: Electrostrictive Polymer, Poly(vinylidene-fluoride hexafluoropropylene) copolymer, Ferroelectic, X-ray, DSC.
Who’s Following Twitter? Coverage of the Microblogging Phenomenon by U.S. Cable News Networks

Through data captured in a digital content analysis (DCA) lab, we examine coverage of Twitter across three 24-hour U.S. cable news channels: CNN , Fox News Channel , and MSNBC. This investigation tracked Twitter coverage from its initial stage, followed by its rise to a massively used tool and its subsequent diffusion into society, evident through its plateauing coverage. News stories covering Twitter, as it penetrated into society, were more likely to use benefit/gain frames when discussing the technology, highlighting its positive social, communicative, political, and participatory impact. Benefit frames were also likely to associate Twitter with journalism. Patterns emerging through the indicator graphs plotted by the DCA lab showed that the most intense coverage occurred during crisis situations, as Twitter coverage reached saturation, followed by increased personal daily usage of Twitter.
Personality Profiles of Women in Multiple Abusive Relationships

Personality profiles of women with multiple abusive relationship histories (N = 42) were compared to either abused women with 1 abusive relationship (N = 33) or a control group (N = 52) on the Coolidge Axis II Inventory (Coolidge & Merwin, 1992, J. Pers. Assess. 59: 223–238), a self-report measure based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Women with multiple abusive relationships had higher rates and greater levels of dependent, paranoid, and self-defeating personality disorders than women in the other 2 groups. Women in multiple abusive relationships had significantly more depression, and women in this group with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had significantly more personality disorders than women with single abusive relationships with PTSD. Women in single abusive relationships did not exhibit more psychopathology than women in the control group with matched marital status. Theoretical and methodological issues, and treatment recommendations are discussed.
Aortic involvement in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is one of the most common congenital heart defects. This condition is associated with significant valvular disease including aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, and infective endocarditis. BAV disease not only affects the aortic valve, but also the aortic root, ascending aorta, and aortic arch, all tissues originating from the neural crest. BAV may be associated with important diseases of the aorta including ascending aortic dilatation, ascending aortic aneurysm, and coarctation of the aorta. Notably, BAV is a well recognised risk factor for acute aortic dissection. It may occur sporadically or can occur as a familial trait. Additional congenital heart defects may be associated with BAV. With enhanced imaging and discoveries in molecular genetics and cellular research, the aortopathy of BAV disease is becoming much better understood. Underlying alterations in connective tissue, metalloproteinase and inhibitor activity, cell signalling, and specific gene mutations are all being evaluated in BAV aortic disease. This article discusses the key points in the pathophysiology, evaluation, and management of the aortic involvement in patients with BAV. The prevalence of BAV is between 0.5–1.4% of the general population and has a male predominance of at least 2–3:1 in most series.1 There is a wide spectrum of BAVs with variability in appearance and morphology. Most often (∼75%), the right and left coronary leaflets are the larger, fused leaflet, with the leaflets oriented right and left and the true commissures oriented in an anterior and posterior manner (figure 1). Certain populations have a much higher prevalence of BAV, including those with coarctation of the aorta and Turner syndrome. Because of the high prevalence of BAV in the general population, BAV is one of the most common underlying disorders requiring aortic valve replacement. Additionally, because it is a common disorder and many patients with BAV have coexisting …
Twelve versus six months of clopidogrel to reduce major cardiac events in patients undergoing gamma-radiation therapy for in-stent restenosis: Washington Radiation for In-Stent restenosis Trial (WRIST) 12 versus WRIST PLUS.

BACKGROUND: Intracoronary gamma-radiation reduces recurrent in-stent restenosis (ISR). Late thrombosis was attenuated with 6 months of aspirin and clopidogrel. We aimed to find out whether 12 months of aspirin plus clopidogrel is superior to a strategy of 6 months after radiation therapy for patients with ISR. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred twenty consecutive patients with diffuse ISR in native coronaries and vein grafts with lesions <80 mm in length underwent PTCA, laser ablation, or rotational atherectomy. Additional stents were placed in 39 patients (33%). After the intervention, a ribbon with different trains of radioactive 192Ir seeds was positioned to cover the treated site, and a dose of 14 Gy to 2 mm was prescribed. Patients were discharged with clopidogrel and aspirin for 12 months and followed up clinically. The cardiac clinical event rates at 15 months were compared with the gamma-treated (n=120) patients of the WRIST PLUS study (only 6 months of antiplatelet therapy). Whereas the late thrombosis rates were similar (3.3% for the group given 12 months of antiplatelet therapy versus 4.2% for the group given 6 months, P=0.72), the group treated with 12 months of antiplatelet therapy had a rate of 21% for major adverse cardiac events and 20% for target-lesion revascularization compared with 36% (P=0.01) and 35% (P=0.009), respectively, in patients who were treated with only 6 months of clopidogrel. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve months of clopidogrel is superior to 6 months in reducing overall major cardiac events and revascularization rates at 15 months for patients with ISR treated with gamma-radiation. At least 12 months of clopidogrel therapy should be recommended for patients undergoing radiation therapy for ISR.
American Society of Clinical Oncology 2003 Update on the Role of Bisphosphonates and Bone Health Issues in Women With Breast Cancer

Purpose: To update the 2000 ASCO guidelines on the role of bisphosphonates in women with breast cancer and address the subject of bone health in these women. Results: For patients with plain radiographic evidence of bone destruction, intravenous pamidronate 90 mg delivered over 2 hours or zoledronic acid 4 mg over 15 minutes every 3 to 4 weeks is recommended. There is insufficient evidence supporting the efficacy of one bisphosphonate over the other. Starting bisphosphonates in women who demonstrate bone destruction through imaging but who have normal plain radiographs is considered reasonable treatment. Starting bisphosphonates in women with only an abnormal bone scan but without evidence of bone destruction is not recommended. The presence or absence of bone pain should not be a factor in initiating bisphosphonates. In patients with a serum creatinine less than 3.0 mg/dL (265 μmol/L), no change in dosage, infusion time, or interval is required. Infusion times less than 2 hours with pamidronate or less t...
Neither by global nor local cues alone: evidence for a unified orientation process

A substantial amount of empirical and theoretical debate remains concerning the extent to which an ability to orient with respect to the environment is determined by global (i.e., principal axis of space), local (i.e., wall lengths, angles), and/or view-based (i.e., stored representation) accounts. We developed an orientation task that allowed the manipulation of the reliability of the principal axis of space (i.e., searching at the egocentric left- and/or right-hand side of the principal axis) between groups while maintaining goal distance from the principal axis, local cues specifying the goal location (i.e., short wall left, short wall right, and obtuse angle), and visual aspects of the goal location consistent across groups. Control and test trials revealed that participants trained with a reliable principal axis of space utilized both global and local geometric cues, whereas those trained with an unreliable principal axis of space utilized only local geometric cues. Results suggest that both global and local geometric cues are utilized for reorientation and that the reliability of the principal axis of an enclosure differentially influences the use of geometric cues. Such results have implications for purely global-based, purely local-based, and purely view-based matching theoretical accounts of geometry learning and provide evidence for a unified orientation process.
Security model for a multi-agent marketplace

A multi-agent marketplace, MAGNET (Multi AGent Negotiation Testbed), is a promising solution to conduct online combinatorial auctions. The trust model of MAGNET is somewhat different from other on-line auction systems: the mediated marketplace is a partially-trusted third party. In this paper, we identify the security vulnerabilities of MAGNET and present a solution that overcomes these weaknesses. Our solution makes use of three different existing technologies with other standard cryptographic techniques: publish/subscribe systems that provide simple and more general messaging, time-release cryptography to provide guaranteed nondisclosure of the bids, and anonymous communication to hide the identity of the bidders until the end of the auction. By doing so, we successfully minimize the trust on the market as well as increase the security of the whole system. The protocol that we have developed can be adapted for use by other agent-based auction systems, which use a third party to mediate transactions.
Stark effect spectroscopy of the 1250 nm P+ band of Rhodobacter sphaeroides reaction centers and related model compounds

Abstract The absorption and Stark effect spectra of the 1250 nm hand associated with the oxidized special pair (P + ) in Rhodobacter sphaeroides reaction centers have been measured. The absorption spectrum in the 1000–1450 nm region is essentially identical whether P + is generated by chemical oxidation or continuous illumination. The Stark effect on the 1250 nm band of P + is relatively small compared to the Stark effect seen for the Q Y transition of P. A quantitative analysis indicates that the change in dipole moment for the 1250 nm band is very small. These results are compared with data for two model systems: a lanthanide-bridged porphyrin dimer, Eu(OEP) 2 , and a mixed valence coordination complex, the Creutz-Taube ion. The Stark effect spectrum of the 1250 nm P + band is found to be similar to both of these systems. This contrasts with valence-trapped systems whose mixed valence transitions exhibit a large change in dipole moment (Oh, D. and Boxer, S.G. (1990) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 112, 816; Oh, D. and Boxer, S.G. (1991) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 113, 6880). These results, together with other observations on the spectrum of reaction centers in the P + state, are consistent with the view that the 1250 nm electronic transition of P + is delocalized over the two bacteriochlorophyll molecules comprising the special pair.
Dynamic reconfiguration for optical network

Our work looks into the reconfiguration of virtual topology for wavelength-routed mesh optical network under dynamic traffic demand. When reconfiguring the optical network, it is important to minimize the number of receivers that need to be retuned. It is also important to minimize the average weighted hop count as it is directly proportional to the throughput of the network. The tradeoff here is between the optimality of the network and the network disruption. In our work we first model this tradeoff as mixed integer linear problem and then present a heuristic algorithm for dynamic reconfiguration of optical network. Our algorithm minimizes the physical resources used, physical hops encountered, and the necessary number of retuning of receivers. It tries to satisfy the traffic demand with minimal network disruption.
The RNA Binding Domain of Influenza A Virus NS1 Protein Affects Secretion of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha, Interleukin-6, and Interferon in Primary Murine Tracheal Epithelial Cells

Primary differentiated respiratory epithelial cell cultures closely model the in vivo environment and allow for studies of innate immune responses generated specifically by epithelial cells, the primary cell type infected by human influenza A virus strains. We used primary murine tracheal epithelial cell (mTEC) cultures to investigate antiviral and cytokine responses to influenza A virus infection, focusing on the contribution of the RNA binding domain of the NS1 protein. rWSN NS1 R38A replication is attenuated in mTEC cultures; however, viral antigen is detected predominantly in ciliated cells, similar to wild-type virus. NS1 and NS1 R38A proteins display a primarily cytoplasmic localization in infected mTEC cultures. Increased production of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and beta interferon is observed during rWSN NS1 R38A infection, and cytokines are secreted in a directional manner. Cytokine pretreatment of mTEC cultures and Vero cells suggest that rWSN NS1 R38A is more sensitive to the presence of antiviral/inflammatory cytokines than wild-type virus. Our results demonstrate that the RNA binding domain is a critical regulator of both cytokine production and cytokine sensitivity during influenza A virus infection of primary tracheal epithelial cells.
Assimilating to a white identity: The case of Arab Americans

Racial identity is one of the primary means by which immigrants assimilate to the United States. Drawing from the tenets of segmented assimilation, this study examines how the ethnic traits of immigrant status, national origin, religious affiliation, and Arab Americaness contribute to the announcement of a white racial identity using a regionally representative sample of Arab Americans. Results illustrate that those who were Lebanese/Syrian or Christian, and those who felt that the term “Arab American” does not describe them, were more likely to identify as white. In addition, among those who affirmed that the pan-ethnic term “Arab American” does describe them, results illustrated that strongly held feelings about being Arab American and associated actions were also linked with a higher likelihood of identifying as white. Findings point to different patterns of assimilation among Arab Americans. Some segments of Arab Americans appear to report both strong ethnic and white identities, while others report a strong white identity, yet distance themselves from the pan-ethnic “Arab American” label.
Training, supervision and quality monitoring of the COMBINE Study behavioral interventions.

Objective: Current standards for clinical trials require that behavioral interventions be thoroughly specified, that clinicians be well trained and closely supervised and that performance be carefully monitored to ensure and document treatment fidelity. This article describes procedures developed and implemented for this purpose in the COMBINE Study, a multisite trial combining medications and behavioral interventions for alcohol dependence. Methods: Two behavioral treatments were tested in COMBINE: a Medical Management (MM) protocol to accompany the delivery of trial medications and a Combined Behavioral Intervention (CBI) designed as a comprehensive and flexible evidence-based psychotherapy. Results: Information is provided concerning (1) screening and qualifications of practitioners, (2) training and certification in the interventions, (3) on-site supervision and coordination of the two treatments, (4) central monitoring and coding of treatment sessions and (5) maintenance and documentation of treatmen...
Reconstructing the Sphinx

From 1979 to 1983 the American Research Center in Egypt carried out an architectural, archaeological and geo-archaeological study of the Giza Sphinx. Photogrammetry and conventional surveying techniques were used to prepare detailed plans and front and side elevations of the monument. These have made it possible to construct a computer model of the current condition of the Sphinx, and its hypothesized condition in ancient times, both as originally carved in the 4th Dynasty, and as remodelled and renovated during the 18th Dynasty. Careful analysis of surviving detached fragments of the Sphinx allowed details of beard and uraeus to be included in the reconstruction. This process of creating a computer model of the Sphinx is akin to sculpting the statue again in computer memory.
Mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis testis in a child.

Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis is uncommon in adults and exceedingly rare in children. This tumor not only raises clinical and histological diagnostic problems, but also has an unpredictable clinical course, particularly in the pediatric age group. We report on a boy with mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, and discuss clinical and pathological findings. CASE REPORT A 6-year-old boy who had previously undergone right inguinal herniotomy at age 2 years 6 months presented with a right hydrocele. Surgical exploration through an inguinal incision revealed 45 ml. of bloodstained fluid in the hydrocele sac. The visceral and parietal surfaces of the tunica vaginalis were thickened, and covered with multiple yellowish plaques and nodules ranging from 15 to less than 0.1 mm. (fig. 1). Frozen section examination suggested a yolk sac tumor and inguinal orchiectomy was performed. Pathological evaluation revealed multiple papillary and solid tumors arising from the tunica vaginalis (fig. 2, A). These masses showed focal invasion of the tunica albuginea but they did not penetrate the testis or epididymis. Lymphvascular involvement was present at the resection margin of the spermatic cord and the solid areas had rudimentary tubules. Multiple psammoma bodies were identified as well as occasional mitotic figures (fig. 2, B). Immunocytochemistry studies demonstrated a positive staining reaction for cytokeratins, CAM 5.2, AE 1IAE 3 and epithelial membrane antigen in the tumor cells. Immunoreactivity was negative for carcinoembryonic antigen Ber-Ep4 (a specific epithelial marker) and a-fetoprotein. Electron microscopy revealed irregular microvilli of variable length on the free surfaces of the tumor cells and within spaces between the cells, consistent with a mesothelial cell origin. Tumor cells were also identified in the bloody hydrocele fluid. The diagnosis was low grade mesothelioma. Followup at 24 months showed no evidence of recurrent disease.
KRAS and BRAF: drug targets and predictive biomarkers

Three decades have passed since RAS was first identified as the transformative factor in the Harvey and Kirsten strains of the mouse sarcoma virus. RAS and several of its downstream effectors, including BRAF, have since been shown to be commonly mutated in broad range of human cancers and biological studies have confirmed that RAS pathway activation promotes tumour initiation, progression and metastatic spread in many contexts. With the identification of RAS mutation as a strong predictor of clinical resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies, RAS mutational testing has been incorporated into the routine clinical care of patients with colorectal and lung cancers. This article reviews the current understanding of RAS signalling as it relates to cancer biology, current efforts to develop inhibitors of RAS and its key downstream effectors and the technical challenges of RAS mutational testing in the clinical setting.
Design of a High Speed Optical Production Line

The engineering requirements for a high speed production line for optical elements have been investigated. The studies were based on a three-step process-diamond tubular tool generation, diamond pellet lapping and polishing with polyurethane bonded cerium oxide. Emphasis was placed on precision ground surface generation based on an analytical model. The generation process resulted in surfaces with a precision of one interference ring and an accuracy of three interference rings with respect to the desired radius of curvature. The lapping and polishing stages were designed to reduce the microstructure of the work while leaving the surface shape unaffected. At each stage of the process the surface figure was measured. A new testing technique was used to study and to quantify the microstructure of the lapped and polished surfaces. The microstructure was measured to 20 Angstroms peak-to-peak using a Scanning Fizeau Interferometer.
Chemical control of phase transformation kinetics in periodic silica/surfactant composites.

Control of phase stability is investigated through control of silica chemistry in ordered silica/surfactant composites under hydrothermal conditions. The composites were hydrothermally treated in pH 9 through pH 11 buffers while using in situ real time X-ray diffraction to follow a p6mm hexagonal-to-lamellar structural transition. The data were analyzed using both isothermal and nonisothermal (temperature-ramped) kinetics to determine activation energies. It was found that the most mildly basic conditions utilized (pH 9), which favor silica condensation, best inhibit the phase transition and thus produce the most kinetically stable composites. High-pH treatment, conversely, allows for the most facile rearrangements. Condensation occurring during composite synthesis rather than during hydrothermal treatment has a much smaller effect on phase stability, probably because much of the condensation that occurs during synthesis is random and not optimally coupled to the nanoscale architecture. Materials that sta...
The basolateral amygdala modulates specific sensory memory representations in the cerebral cortex

Stress hormones released by an experience can modulate memory strength via the basolateral amygdala, which in turn acts on sites of memory storage such as the cerebral cortex [McGaugh, J. L. (2004). The amygdala modulates the consolidation of memories of emotionally arousing experiences. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 27, 1–28]. Stimuli that acquire behavioral importance gain increased representation in the cortex. For example, learning shifts the tuning of neurons in the primary auditory cortex (A1) to the frequency of a conditioned stimulus (CS), and the greater the level of CS importance, the larger the area of representational gain [Weinberger, N. M. (2007). Associative representational plasticity in the auditory cortex: A synthesis of two disciplines. Learning & Memory, 14(1–2), 1–16]. The two lines of research suggest that BLA strengthening of memory might be accomplished in part by increasing the representation of an environmental stimulus. The present study investigated whether stimulation of the BLA can affect cortical memory representations. In male Sprague–Dawley rats studied under urethane general anesthesia, frequency receptive fields were obtained from A1 before and up to 75 min after the pairing of a tone with BLA stimulation (BLAstm: 100 trials, 400 ms, 100 Hz, 400 μA [±16.54]). Tone started before and continued after BLAstm. Group BLA/1.0 (n = 16) had a 1 s CS–BLAstm interval while Group BLA/1.6 (n = 5) has a 1.6 s interval. The BLA/1.0 group did develop specific tuning shifts toward and to the CS, which could change frequency tuning by as much as two octaves. Moreover, its shifts increased over time and were enduring, lasting 75 min. However, group BLA/1.6 did not develop tuning shifts, indicating that precise CS–BLAstm timing is important in the anesthetized animal. Further, training in the BLA/1.0 paradigm but stimulating outside of the BLA did not produce tuning shifts. These findings demonstrate that the BLA is capable of exerting highly specific, enduring, learning-related modifications of stimulus representation in the cerebral cortex. These findings suggest that the ability of the BLA to alter specific cortical representations may underlie, at least in part, the modulatory influence of BLA activity on strengthening long-term memory.
Six-month and 1-year continuation rates following postpartum insertion of implants and intrauterine devices.

Abstract Objective Studies show immediate postpartum (PP) insertion increases use of contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Our objective was to compare the satisfaction and continuation rates of the two types of devices at 6 months and 1 year following PP insertion. Study Design We enrolled 133 women in a prospective cohort study following immediate PP insertion of an implant or IUD at two academic hospitals during 8 months of 2011. Subjects completed an enrollment survey during hospital admission and a follow-up phone survey 6 months and 1 year PP. Results At 6 months PP, 72% of subjects provided follow-up information. Implant users were more likely to be using the originally-placed device (40/41, 98% vs. 45/55, 82%, p=0.02); nine women reported IUD expulsions. When accounting for replacement of expelled IUDs, IUD continuation at 6 months was 89% yielding similar continuation rates between groups (p=0.12). At 1 year PP, 51% provided follow-up. Of those, 82% still had a LARC method in place with similar continuation by device type (84% for implants, 81% for IUDs, p=0.96). Overall, satisfaction was similarly high in both groups. Conclusion Due to IUD expulsion, implants had a higher continuation rate than IUDs six months following immediate PP insertion. After replacement of expelled IUDs, continuation and satisfaction were similar for both devices at 6 months and 1 year. Implications Placement of implants and IUDs immediately PP can lead to high satisfaction. Despite early IUD expulsions, continuation rates were similar to those placed outside of the immediate PP period.
Hydrocortisone requirement for the induction of glutamine synthetase in chick-embryo retinas

Hydrocortisone has been found to induce glutamine synthetase activity in chick-embryo retinas in culture. Evidence is presented to show that the hydrocortisone is definitely required for transcription; its requirement for translation has not been ruled out. The possible identity of hydrocortisone with an active component of calf-serum diffusate reported earlier is discussed. The data also indicate that the glutamine synthetase messenger RNA is stable for at least several hours.
MPT and the Downside Risk Framework: A Comment on Two Recent Studies

Executive Summary. Comparing the downside risk (DR) framework with classic modern portfolio theory (MPT) is less straightforward than it may appear. Two recent studies have attempted to compare the...
Frequency Analysis for 3D Localization-based Optical Microscopy

We conducted a comprehensive frequency-domain analysis of a recently-reported self-bending point spread function (SB-PSF) and compared it with Gaussian and astigmatic PSFs, quantifying its advantages for 3D localization-based optical microscopy.
Ability to control GSR amplitude

This investigation attempted to study the effects of Eysenck’s personality factors and differential feedback conditions upon ability to inhibit GSR amplitude to a CS. High-neurotic introverts and low-neurotic extroverts were assigned, in equal numbers, to three experimental groups. Group 1 received immediate feedback and explicit instructions as to the experimental task, Group 2 received explicit instructions, and Group 3 received the same series of classical trials without feedback or instructions. Results indicated that only those Ss receiving feedback and explicit instructions significantly reduced GSR amplitude over trials. No effect was observed for personality factors.