cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-perceptions of speech language pathologists-in-training before and after pseudostuttering experiences on the telephone.

Purpose : This survey investigated the effect of 'pseudostuttering' experiences on self-perceptions of 29 female, graduate students enrolled in a graduate seminar in stuttering while in a programme of study to become professional speech language pathologists. Method : Perceptions of self prior to, and immediately after, participation in five scripted telephone calls that contained pseudostuttering were measured via a 25-item semantic differential scale. Results : Participants perceived themselves as significantly more ( p &#118 < &#118 0.002) withdrawn, tense, avoiding, afraid, introverted, nervous, self-conscious, anxious, quiet, inflexible, fearful, shy, careless, hesitant, uncooperative, dull, passive, unpleasant, insecure, unfriendly, guarded, and reticent after their pseudostuttering telephone call experiences. Conclusions : Findings suggests that the pseudostuttering experiences have an impact on self-perceptions and that the experience of 'adopting the disability of a person who stutters' may provi...
Raman spectroscopy of fluorophosphate and fluorovanadate laser crystals

Fluorophospates and fluorovanadates are efficient solid state laser materials with promising new applications, especially for diode pumping of microchip lasers. High quality, low loss Nd doped Sr 5 (PO 4 ) 3 F, Ca 5 (PO 4 ) 3 F, Sr 5 (VO 4 ) 3 F and Ca 5 (VO 4 ) 3 F crystals were grown by the Czochralski technique. The lattice vibrations of the host material are studied by polarized Raman spectroscopy. The Raman active modes are determined by the irreducible representations of the space group of the crystal, and they provide insight to the crystal symmetry and chemical bonding. In all four compounds the internal and external vibrations are separated in the Raman spectra indicating that the internal binding of the (PO 4 ) -3 and (VO 4 ) -3 tetrahedra is different from the other ionic forces in the crystals. The group of internal modes in the fluorovanadates is shifted to lower frequencies by more than 100 cm -1 compared with the fluorophosphates, though the x-ray structures are isomorphous. In addition there are remarkable changes in intensity, which may be attributed to interaction among the tetrahedral subunits in the hexagonal unit cell. The substitution of Sr for Ca causes frequency shifts in the vibrational modes. These are discussed with respect to the mass effect and changes in the coupling strength due to the differences between alkaline-earth cation binding and oxygen binding in the tetrahedral subunits. A comparison of the various substitutions makes assignments of the vibrational modes possible.
Physiological profiles of overtrained and stale athletes: A review

Abstract Recently, it has become apparent that many athletes are exposed to very high volumes of intense training. Sometimes, rather than adapting normally to the training stimulus (i.e., improving in performance), the athlete experiences a reduction in his or her performance capacity. This occurrence has been termed overtraining or a state of staleness. The intent of this review is to characterize the physiological changes found in athletes exposed to overtraining or exhibiting a state of staleness. Changes and responses in five general physiological systems are discussed 1) neuromuscular, 2) cardiovascular, 3) metabolic-endocrine, 4) im-munological, kind 5) kinanthropometric. Perturbations within each of the major physiological systems associated with physical performance have been reported. Inconsistencies, however, exist in the degree and nature of the physiological changes. The present treatment for staleness consists of rest, and in some cases, complete abstention from training and sporting activiti...
Cellular phone etiquette among college students

There has been tremendous growth in the cellular telephone industry in recent years. This evolving technology has given rise to concerns over the social rules of etiquette governing cellphone usage behaviour. The present study was undertaken to better understand the perceptions of cellphone usage propriety among one of the most important target markets for cellphone products – young adults attending college. Data were collected from a total of 383 cellphone consumers residing in geographically diverse regions of the United States. Overall, the results indicated a high degree of agreement among respondents as to appropriate and inappropriate situations for cellphone usage. Respondents considered inappropriate situations for cellphone usage to include during worship/church, during class, in a library and in a movie theatre during a movie. Respondents considered it to be appropriate to use cellphones while on public transportation, in a supermarket, and to use a hands-free set while driving. Specific differences were found as a function of geographic regions, gender and employment status.
Effects of non-Abelian statistics on two-terminal shot noise in a quantum Hall liquid in the Pfaffian state

We study nonequilibrium noise in the tunneling current between the edges of a quantum Hall liquid in the Pfaffian state, which is a strong candidate for the plateau at $\ensuremath{\nu}=5∕2$. To first nonvanishing order in perturbation theory (in the tunneling amplitude) we find that one can extract the value of the fractional charge of the tunneling quasiparticles. We note, however, that no direct information about non-Abelian statistics can be retrieved at this level. If we go to higher order in the perturbative calculation of the nonequilibrium shot noise, we find effects due to non-Abelian statistics. They are subtle, but eventually may have an experimental signature on the frequency-dependent shot noise. We suggest how multiterminal noise measurements might yield a more dramatic signature of non-Abelian statistics and develop some of the relevant formalism.
Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) and microwave-assisted combustion synthesis (MACS) of the thallium superconducting phases

Abstract This paper explores the speed of reaction as a parameter to minimizing thallium loss. Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) and microwave-assisted combustion synthesis (MACS) were developed for the synthesis of Tl-2212 and Tl-2223 superconductors using Cu metal powder as a fuel. A kitchen microwave oven was used to carry out MACS reactions. The samples were reacted for few seconds and led to the formation of the superconducting phases. Further explorations and modifications in the processing could lead to the formation of single phases by MACS.
SUDS: an infrastructure for creating dynamic software defect detection tools

SUDS is a powerful infrastructure for creating dynamic software defect detection tools. It contains phases for both static analysis and dynamic instrumentation allowing users to create tools that take advantage of both paradigms. The results of static analysis phases can be used to improve the quality of dynamic defect detection tools created with SUDS by focusing the instrumentation on types of defects, sources of data, or regions of code. The instrumentation engine is designed in a manner that allows users to create their own correctness models quickly but is flexible to support construction of a wide range of different tools. The effectiveness of SUDS is demonstrated by showing that it is capable of finding bugs and that performance improves when static analysis is used to eliminate unnecessary instrumentation.
Appearances, antirealism, and Aristotle

Nussbaum misconstrues the difference between Plato and Aristotle over what is real for a debate over a conception of truth. She seems to mistake Aristotle's arguments against Plato' version of realism as an argument against realism per se, though the texts do not permit such a reading. She claims Aristotle is convinced that realism involves a fatal “failure of reference,” yet she produces not a single text where Aristotle is even remotely concerned about such a failure of reference given the commitments of realism. And nowhere is the crucial question of the relationship between Aristotle's antirealism and his method of appearances explicitly addressed or resolved.
A water-balance drip-irrigation scheduling model

Abstract To conserve water, some form of irrigation scheduling should be used by the farming community. Most irrigation scheduling computer models in the United States are one-dimensional water balance models that may not be appropriate for a two-dimensional flow regime under drip irrigation. However, the one-dimensional water balance models have been applied to all forms of irrigation systems, from flood, to sprinkler to drip irrigation. The objective of the research was to develop an irrigation scheduling model that simulates two-dimensional water infiltration, drainage, and uptake for a surface-line source-drip irrigation system and to compare the results to the simpler one-dimensional model for a shallow-rooted onion crop and a deep-rooted chile pepper ( Capsicum annuum ) crop. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the models. One was conducted during the 2006–2007 growing season for a shallow-rooted onion ( Allium cepa L.) crop and the other for a deep-rooted chile pepper crop grown in 1995 and 1996. The one-dimensional model overestimates seasonal evapotranspiration (Et) compared to the measured values for onions by 20% and for chile by 12%. The two-dimensional model overestimates seasonal Et compared to the measured values for onion by 5% and for chile by 8%. Therefore, the two-dimensional model is recommended for scheduling irrigation for drip-irrigated shallow-rooted crops. For deep-rooted crops, both the one-dimensional and two-dimensional models give reasonable results, but the two-dimensional model simulates the seasonal water balance better than the one-dimensional model.
Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Pulmonary Function and Blood Gases of Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Summary: Nitrogen washout measurements and blood-gas analyses were made on 32 newborn infants with severe RDS at continuous positive airway pressures (CPAP) of 5, 10, and 15 cm H2O. Increases in airway pressure resulted in significant increases in PaO2 and functional residual capacity (FRC). It also produced significant decreases in alveolar turnover rates of the “fast” and “slow” alveolar spaces of a two-space lung model. Changes in CPAP did not significantly affect the distribution of ventilation. The changes in PaO2, due to changes in CPAP, did not correlate well with changes in FRC/wt nor with changes in alveolar turnover rates. Thus, the effects of increasing CPAP on PaO2 were not simply due to increases in FRC. The changes in PaO2 are due to a complex relationship between changes in FRC, alveolar turnover rates, and to other alterations in cardiopulmonary function that are yet to be fully understood. Speculation: Results from this study show that large portions of the lung have alveolar turnover rates below normal. Increasing airway pressures could lead to decreases in the rate of pulmonary perfusion and to an improvement in the ventilation-perfusion ratio of these alveolar units. This could partially account for the observation that increases in CPAP generally produce increases in PaO2.
A transposable element inserted just 5′ to a Drosophila glue protein gene alters gene expression and chromatin structure

The Drosophila Sgs-4 gene directs the developmentally regulated production of a glue protein in the salivary glands of mature larvae. Previous work suggests that Sgs-4 expression requires a remote upstream region that becomes hypersensitive to DNAase I digestion when the gene is active. Here we describe a variant Sgs-4 locus that has a 1.3 kb DNA insert separating the gene from the remote hypersensitive region. This insert defines a new family of transposable elements that we call hobo. Expression from the variant locus is reduced 50 to 100 fold, and rather than the one, normal Sgs-4 transcript, there are now four transcripts, two starting within the hobo element. These multiple transcripts are still expressed only in late larval salivary glands, implying that developmental regulation is unaffected by changes in the site of transcript initiation. When Sgs-4 is active, the remote DNAase I-hypersensitive region, now even more remote due to the insert, still forms over its normal sequences. In contrast, new hypersensitive sites form within hobo near the starts of the new transcripts.
Morphological and crystallite size impact on electrochemical performance of electrospun rutile and rutile/multiwall carbon nanotube nanofibers for lithium ion batteries

Abstract A sol–gel based route was used to produce TiO 2 based nanocomposites. Sols were electrospun into continuous nanofibers and calcined to get rutile phase. Fibers with diameter around 100 nm and crystallites size between 10 and 50 nm were obtained. The morphological impact and crystallites size dependence of the electrochemical performance for as-synthesized materials are reported. Enhancements using inert calcination atmosphere and incorporation of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) into the system are also presented.
Utilization of evidence-based computerized order sets in pediatrics

Little is known about utilization of different evidence-based order sets within computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems. We designed a retrospective study of resident and attending physician order set utilization to evaluate the use of three evidence-based computerized order sets (asthma, post-appendectomy care, and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)), and examine patient and admission characteristics associated with order set utilization in pediatrics. We studied all 529 asthma patients, 277 appendectomy patients, and 210 CAP patients admitted between 1 November 2001 and 30 November 2003 during implementation of standardized order sets at a large, independent, not-for-profit pediatric institution. We analyzed order set utilization for the three order sets and tested the relationship between order set use and potential factors associated with utilization. Order set utilization varied by condition (X(2)=339.2, p<0.001), with the asthma order set use rate highest (88.1%), followed by appendectomy order set utilization (79.4%), and substantially lower CAP order set use (21.1%). We found that trends in order set utilization also varied by condition. Only the asthma order set showed a trend of increasing use after implementation (z= -3.02, p=0.002). In addition, factors associated with order set utilization varied. Uses of the asthma and post-appendectomy order sets were associated with factors such as admission unit and case complexity. CAP order set utilization was associated with case complexity but not admission source. We conclude that health services organizations looking to implement computerized order sets to reduce unnecessary practice variation while promoting best practices must consider the different factors that may influence the use of each order set rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all implementation strategy. Further, issues such as the level of physician involvement in order set development and consensus around order set content may be particularly important factors influencing order set utilization.
Implementation of targeted interventions to control Escherichia coli O157:H7 in a commercial abattoir.

Abstract The objective of this study was to define locations on the carcass with highest contamination of E. coli O157 throughout the harvest process and implement targeted interventions to reduce or eliminate contamination. To establish a pathogen baseline, samples were collected at the foreshank, hindshank, inside round, neck and midline area and evaluated for E. coli O157:H7 presence. Environmental samples were also collected in the harvest area and the fabrication area of the facility. E. coli O157:H7 prevalence was highest on the foreshank, hindshank and inside rounds in the baseline study and steam vacuums/cones were implemented as an intervention in these specific areas on the harvest floor. At pre-evisceration, foreshank prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 was significantly ( P E. coli O157:H7 was detected post-intervention implementation. E. coli O157:H7 on hindshanks and inside rounds was significantly reduced after intervention implementation from 24.2 to 11.5% and 37.5 to 16.7%, respectively at the final rail. Pathogen contamination of environmental samples collected in fabrication declined from 6.7% to 0.7% after slaughter interventions were implemented. Data indicate the identifying areas of contamination on the carcass and implementing interventions can significantly reduce E. coli O157 on the carcasses and in the fabrication environment.
Glycoalkaloids and resistance to the Colorado potato beetle in Solanum chacoense Bitter

Resistance of 20 F2 Solarium chacoense Bitter clones to the Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), was measured in a field test. Levels of total glycoalkaloids (TGA) and composicion of the glycoalkaloid mixtures in foliage of the clones were also determined. Clones with either commersonine or dehydrocommersonine as the major foliar glycoalkaloid were significantly more resistant (lower damage ratings, fewer larvae and adult insects) than clones with solanine and chaconine. Damage ratings were negatively correlated (r = -0.67, p = 0.01) with foliar TGA levels. The results indicate that the types of glycoalkaloids present in the foliage ofS. chacoense may be as important as the level of TGA in limiting damage and numbers of insects.
Complexities for generalized models of self-assembly

In this paper, we extend Rothemund and Winfree's examination of the tile complexity of tile self-assembly [6]. They provided a lower bound of Ω(log N/log log N) on the tile complexity of assembling an N × N square for almost all N. Adleman et al. [1] gave a construction which achieves this bound. We consider whether the tile complexity for self-assembly can be reduced through several natural generalizations of the model. One of our results is a tile set of size O(√log N) which assembles an N × N square in a model which allows flexible glue strength between non-equal glues (This was independently discovered in [3]). This result is matched by a lower bound dictated by Kolmogorov complexity. For three other generalizations, we show that the Ω(log N/log log N) lower bound applies to N × N squares. At the same time, we demonstrate that there are some other shapes for which these generalizations allow reduced tile sets. Specifically, for thin rectangles with length N and width k, we provide a tighter lower bound of Ω(N(1/k)/k) for the standard model, yet we also give a construction which achieves O(log N/log log N) complexity in a model in which the temperature of the tile system is adjusted during assembly. We also investigate the problem of verifying whether a given tile system uniquely assembles into a given shape, and show that this problem is NP-hard.
Restriction in the lytic efficiency of complement on different erythrocyte targets: A re-examination of the activities of horse C8 and C9

Abstract Differences in the lytic efficiency of different complement sources have frequently been observed. This effect has been shown to be related to both the species of the target erythrocyte and the species composition of terminal complement components within the 5b-9 membrane attack complex. The majority of studies have indicated that the source of C9 is critical in controlling the range of erythrocyte species that can be lysed efficiently. One exception to this general finding was the report by Lachmann et al ., 1973 ( Immunology 24 , 135–145), using horse serum as a complement source. In that study, horse C8 rather than C9 was implicated as the critical component. In this study, we have re-examined this observation and find that the restricted hemolytic potential of horse complement correlates absolutely with the presence of horse C9. The reason for the differences between our findings and those of the earlier study are discussed.
‘You’ and ‘I’, ‘Here’ and ‘Now’: Spatial and Social Situatedness in Deixis

Abstract I examine the ordinary‐language use of deictic terms, notably the personal, spatial and temporal markers ‘I’ and ‘you’, ‘here’ and ‘now’, in order to make manifest that their meaning is inextricably embedded within a pragmatic, perceptual and interpersonal situation. This inextricable embeddedness of deixis within the shared natural and social world suggests, I contend, an I–you connectedness at the heart of meaning and experience. The thesis of I–you connectedness extends to the larger claim about the situatedness of embodied perceivers within a shared perspectivally configured milieu. This claim can be cast in terms of a polycentric orientation to the natural and social world, which provides a robust alternative to an egocentric conception of experience. I develop this claim via a renewed phenomenological reflection on speech, assisted by ordinary‐language philosophy, as well as relevant contributions from empirical sociolinguistic studies and developmental psychology. These reflective and empi...
Electronic Core Levels of Zinc Chalcogenides

X-ray-induced photoemission studies were used to determine the energy levels of core electrons in ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe, and ZnTe. The investigated energy range extends from the Fermi level to about 1200 eV below the valence band. The observed Auger transitions in these compounds are in good agreement with the measured energy levels. Some of the uncertainties in using this technique for the study of electron energy levels in semiconducting or insulating crystals were investigated and are discussed. The measured energy levels are compared with published experimental data for the respective pure elements. Comparison is also made with energy values predicted by several different types of theoretical calculations. Significant conclusions are: (i) The location of the Zn $3d$ level in the zinc chalcogenides has been unambiguously determined and (ii) the discrepancy between our measured values and the theoretically determined energy values is angular momentum dependent.
The Optimal Design of Symmetric Laminated Beams Considering Damping

The task of designing symmetric laminated beams with optimal stiffness and damping is considered by incorporating the damping model of Adams, et al. into an optimization algorithm. The design variables are the fiber orientation in each ply, the stacking se quence, and also the thickness of each ply in the laminate. A recursive quadratic program ming algorithm is employed for the optimization process and numerical results are presented for several test problems including the constraint condition of invariable flexural rigidity.
Influence of Calcium Treatment on‘Golden Delicious’Apple Quality

The use of a CaCl2 treatment in the storage of apples improved the keeping quality of fresh apples in prolonged cold storage and did not deter from the quality of the processed product. The fresh market apples in controlled atmosphere storage were firmer with more ascorbic acid than CaCl2 treated apples in standard cold storage. However, fresh market CaCl2 treated apples had less green color, were firmer, with a high titratable acidity and ascorbic acid content, than untreated apples in standard cold storage. The processed products made from CaCl2 treated apples had better color and firmness than those made with apples from standard cold storage and better consistency and less weep than those made with apples from controlled atmosphere storage.
Specification diagnostics based on Laguerre alternatives for econometric models of duration

Abstract Score tests of the null hypothesis of exponentially distributed durations (conditional on regressors) against alternatives in a family of approximations to arbitrary distributions for non-negative random variables are developed. The test statistics take a simple, easily calculated and interpreted form. The alternatives considered are expansions of various orders in Laguerre polynomials. An economic model generating exponential unemployment duration is presented. The statistics are applied in a look at unemployment durations in the Denver Income Maintenance Experiment data.
β-alanine tanning of Drosophila cuticles and chitin

Abstract The cuticular lamellae of the Drosophila melanogaster mutants, “ebony” (which fails to transport β-alanine into the cuticle during development) and “black” (which shows inhibited β-alanine synthesis) are wider and more diffuse than normal, and the endocuticular microfibrils lack distinctness. Injection of β-alanine into “black” induces normal compact lamellation and cuticular tanning. β-alanine readily forms tan colours when reacting with pure chitin or its saccharide monomer, N- acetyl-glucosamine (or glucose). Other dipolar omega amino acids do likewise. β-alanine is bound to pure chitin more rapidly than is l -alanine. Pre-treatment of chitin with β-alanine depresses subsequent binding of DOPA. Complexing of β-alanine with mucopolysaccharides or glycopolysaccharides may be responsible for inhibition of catabolism of glucose. Such inhibition is observed in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells in vitro.
The Later Performance of Under-Aged Children Admitted to School on the Basis of Mental Age

(1929). The Later Performance of Under-Aged Children Admitted to School on the Basis of Mental Age. The Journal of Educational Research: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 22-30.
Transport properties of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for flame modeling

Abstract A method for systematic evaluation of the Lennard-Jones parameters for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds is presented, in which correlations for these parameters are derived using a group contribution technique for critical temperatures and pressures and the Tee-Gotoh-Stewart correlations of corresponding states. The Lennard-Jones self-collision diameters and well depths of 29 PAHs were estimated using this approach and are shown to correlate with the molecular weights of aromatics. The gaseous binary diffusion coefficients of aromatics in common gases were calculated with Chapman-Enskog equation using the estimated Lennard-Jones parameters and were found to compare well with the available experimental data and the predictions of one of the most reliable empirical approximations. The effect of ordinary diffusion of PAH species on their predicted concentration profiles in a 20-torr laminar premixed acetylene flame is demonstrated computationally.
The relationship between exercise work intervals and duration of exercise on lower extremity training induced by electrical stimulation in humans with spinal cord injuries

A group of 90 male paraplegics were studied to determine the optimal training protocol for isokinetic exercise induced by functional electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscles. The parameters that were varied were the number of training sessions a week, the length of the training sessions each day, and the work-rest intervals in each training session. Training for 3 days a week for 30 min a day with 6 s of exercise and 6 s of rest proved the optimal protocol. Training for 5 days or for 1 day a week was not as effective in training strength or endurance. A combination of 50% work and 50% rest produced a much greater gain in strength and endurance than work:rest ratios of 66%:33% or 25%:75%. When training was conducted for 5 min, 15 min or 30 min each day, the greatest increase was found when the muscles were exercised for 30 min each day. While more variables need to be examined, this study has provided some initial guidelines for isokinetic training of humans using electrical stimulation.
Half-power beamwidth of a self-adapting conformal 1 × 4 microstrip array

A new four element self-adapting conformal microstrip antenna array with an embedded sensor system and voltage controlled phase shifters is introduced. The sensor systems consists of a flexible resistive sensor used to measure the shape of the conformal surface and circuitry for measuring the resistance of the sensor. The voltage controlled phase shifters are controlled by the sensing circuitry and are used to introduce a specific phase compensation that dynamically preserves the radiation pattern of the array as the shape of the antenna changes. Specifically, in this work, the autonomous recovery of the half-power beamwidth (HPBW) of the four element array is investigated.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis: outcome of surgical resection for patients with thyromegaly and compressive symptoms.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to determine the indications and outcome of surgery in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Methods All patients who underwent thyroidectomy from 1990 to 2009 with pathologically confirmed HT were identified. Patients whose principle diagnosis was HT were evaluated for symptoms and outcome of thyroidectomy. Results Thirty-two (15%) of 216 patients with HT were referred with thyroid enlargement and compressive symptoms; 25 (78%) had an associated nodule and 12 (38%) had retrosternal extension. Symptom resolution occurred in 30 (94%) and improvement occurred in 2 (6%) patients after total thyroidectomy in 21 (66%) and thyroid lobectomy in 11 (34%) patients. The only complication was transient hypocalcemia in 12 (38%) patients. One patient had an incidental thyroid lymphoma. Conclusions HT is a cause for diffuse or nodular goiter that may impinge on vital structures in the neck and thyroidectomy is safe and effective for relief of compressive symptoms.
Efficient implementation of adaptive software

Adaptive programs compute with objects, just like object-oriented programs. Each task to be accomplished is specified by a so-called propagation pattern which traverses the receiver object. The object traversal is a recursive descent via the instance variables where information is collected or propagated along the way. A propagation pattern consists of (1) a name for the task, (2) a succinct specification of the parts of the receiver object that should be traversed, and (3) code fragments to be executed when specific object types are encountered. The propagation patterns need to be complemented by a class graph which defines the detailed object structure. The separation of structure and behavior yields a degree of flexibility and understandability not present in traditional object-oriented languages. For example, the class graph can be changed without changing the adaptive program at all. We present an efficient implementation of adaptive programs. Given an adaptive program and a class graph, we generate an efficient object-oriented program, for example, in C++. Moreover, we prove the correctness of the core of this translation. A key assumption in the theorem is that the traversal specifications are consistent with the class graph. We prove the soundness of a proof system for conservatively checking consistency, and we show how to implement it efficiently.
A comparison of skills training and cognitive restructuring-relaxation for the treatment of speech anxiety *

This study compared public speaking skills training with cognitive restructuring-relaxation training for the treatment of speech anxiety. Interactions between type of clients and treatment outcome were also explored. In a 2×4 design, 57 speech-anxious undergraduates were divided at the median of the Social Anxiety and Distress Scale and assigned to one of four groups. The skills group used behavioral rehearsal and videotape feedback to increase voice inflection, rate, volume, eye contact, gestures, and speech organization. The cognitive restructuring-relaxation group learned coping statements and relaxation. Each treatment group met for five 1-hr sessions. Both the skills training and cognitive restructuring-relaxation groups significantly improved on one subjective and two behavioral measures of speech anxiety and improvements were maintained at a 2-month followup. Reductions in speech anxiety did not generalize to decreases in social anxiety. Discussion-placebo and waiting list groups improved slightly but did not differ from each other. Although the trends did not reach significance, interactions between clients and treatments suggest that the skills training was equally effective for subjects high and low in social anxiety, while cognitive restructuring-relaxation appears to be more effective for subjects high in social anxiety. To increse generalization of treatment effects, the integration of skills training and cognitive restructuring is proposed.
A note on the divergence problem arising in calculation of Green’s function for a 2D piezoelectric thin film strip containing straight line defects and free boundaries: Fourier approach for bodies of unrestricted anisotropy

Abstract In this paper we derive a set of novel formulas for computation of the Green’s function and the coupled electro-elastic fields in a 2D piezoelectric strip with free boundaries and containing a distribution of straight line defects. The strip is assumed to be of unrestricted anisotropy, but allowing piezoelectricity, and in this sense situation is more general than in the available literature where only cubic symmetry was investigated. We employ a set of already known analytic formulas for the Fourier amplitude of the Green’s function and the corresponding electro-elastic fields. The key novelty of this paper is solution for the divergence problem occurring during integration of the Fourier amplitude. This problem is caused by poles at k = 0 in various matrix components of the amplitude. From purely mathematical point of view such poles lead to quantities which do not tend to zero at infinity, and this situation is clearly unphysical. To resolve this issue it is demonstrated by means of rigorous analysis that when some additional physical conditions are imposed, physical fields exhibit regular behavior at infinity – the poles do not contribute. Nevertheless, they lead to irremovable numerical ∞ − ∞ uncertainties spreading over the whole domain of integration. This motivates us to compute exact formulas for all these poles to enable engineering calculations involving the system in question.
Characterization of a human myxoid malignant fibrous histiocytoma cell line, OH931

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), the most common soft-tissue sarcoma of late adult life, includes several histopathologic subtypes. The myxoid MFH subtype is characterized by the presence of abundant mucopolysaccharide within a loose connective tissue stroma. Although the myxoid variant is typically distinguished clinically by its better prognosis, we report a case of myxoid MFH that exhibited an aggressive phenotype with early metastases and death. A cell line, OH931, was established from this myxoid MFH. The primary tumor, OH931 cell line, and cells recovered from tumors generated in nude mice shared similar morphologic features, including the continued production of abundant mucopolysaccharide. Cytogenetic analysis of the primary tumor and a subsequently established cell line (OH931) revealed a complex hypertriploid mainline. Chromosomal breakpoints involved in all three specimens analyzed (diagnostic biopsy, definitive surgical, and cell line) included 1p33, 1q21, 2p14, 4p15, 5q13, 12q13, 14p13, 15p13, 19q13 and 20q13.1. The OH931 cell line, which appears to maintain its peculiar characteristics in vitro, should be useful in studies investigating the role of mucopolysaccharide production in the process of neoplasia.
Analytical analysis of the ablation phase of low number wire arrays

Summary form only given. Whilst the dynamical evolution of wire arrays is well understood, and multi-dimensional Magneto-Hydrodynamic (MHD) modeling has demonstrated significant progress, a comprehensive predictive capability has not been realized to date. Recent experimental investigations have highlighted the need to more closely examine the ablation structure and its dependence on the initial parameters of the array. In particular, the range over which the ablated plasma is accelerated, and hence extent to which magnetic flux is convected into the array, is often a disputed point in the comparison simulation and analytical work. Recent work at UC San Diego [ 1 ] uses a modification of the Lebedev rocket model of wire ablation to fit the range of ablation velocities which are observed in experiments. This analysis can be extended to infer the 2D distribution of effective velocities which redistribute the mass as a function of time. From this data it may be possible to direct observe the acceleration region in a wire array. An analysis of the effect of array geometry on the determined acceleration region will be attempted using interferographic and radiographic data from experiments at 200 kA to 1 MA. Conclusions and possible extensions to this work will be presented and discussed.
Considerate Audio MEdiating Oracle (CAMEO): improving human-to-human communications in conference calls

This paper introduces CAMEO, a behavior-driven design approach to address commonly occurring technical and social problems in audio-only teleconference calls. Many of these problems are associated with the missing visual channel and the low bandwidth for non-verbal signals. CAMEO seeks not only to sense these problems, but also to frame and respond to them in considerate ways. These include scheduling of advisory prompts, and assistive mechanisms to augment this bandwidth-constrained medium. This paper describes their implementation in CAMEO using a blackboard architecture that shapes and define its behavior. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate CAMEO on its resolution of conversational dominance in a collaborative meeting, and its utility in reducing the effects of disruptive extraneous noise on a conference call. We show that variance in conversational dominance can significantly be reduced with proactive aural feedback. Our experiments further reveal that such feedback can also reduce the impact of extraneous noise on conversations.
Melting kinetics of gallium single crystals

Abstract Melting rates of gallium single crystals in capillary tubes were measured at superheating up to about 0.1 °C, starting with a (111), (001), or (211) face at the solid-liquid interface. Melting occurred along a face at or near (013) at rates proportional to the superheating in some experiments and to the 1.7 power of the superheating in others. The melting appears to be dislocation-assisted.
Influence of a Pre-blended Antibiotic (Gentamicin Sulfate Powder) on Various Mechanical, Thermal, and Physical Properties of Three Acrylic Bone Cements:

The aim of this work was to determine an array of mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of three pairs of commercially available acrylic bone cement brands, with the brands in each pair having the same compositions except that one contains 4.22 wt/wt% gentamicin sulfate blended with the powder by the manufacturer and the other one does not. The difference between the pairs was in the viscosity of the curing cement dough, with one pair of ‘low-viscosity’, one pair of ‘medium-viscosity’, and one pair of ‘high-viscosity’ brands being used. Thus, the brands studied cover the range of those used in anchoring some total joint replacements (TJRs). The properties determined were the strength, modulus, and work-to-fracture (all under four-point bending), plane-strain fracture toughness, Weibull mean fatigue life (fatigue conditions: 15 MPa; 2 Hz), activation energy and frequency factor for the cement polymerization process (both determined, using differential scanning calorimetry, at heating rates of 5, 10,...
Abstract 3900: Alpha2beta1 integrin regulation of endothelial notch signaling in the retina.

Angiogenesis expands the vascular network during normal development and in response to angiogenic stress. Dysregulation of this dynamic process contributes to tumor progression and to the pathogenesis of many diseases. Evidence suggests that the alpha2beta1 integrin, a collagen and laminin receptor, plays an important role in angiogenesis. In the wound-healing and tumor microenvironment, deletion of the alpha2beta1 integrin has been reported to increase neoangiogenesis. In contrast, small molecule inhibitor (SMI) targeting of the alpha2 integrin blocks sprouting angiogenesis. To reconcile these divergent findings and gain a fuller understanding of alpha2beta1 integrin9s role in angiogenesis we turned to the retina. The retinal model is uniquely suited for angiogenesis investigations as the retinal vasculature develops postnatally in a 2-dimensional plane in a well-characterized manner. Evaluation of the alpha2-null retina reveals a constellation of defects and delays in vascular development, including delayed vessel outgrowth, and increased vessel irregularity and decreased plexus density at the vascular front. Additionally we determined that alpha2 integrin-deletion has a protective effect in an oxygen-induced retinopathy model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in mice by inhibiting both hyperoxia-induced vaso-obliteration and hypoxia-induced pathologic neovascularization. Confirming this result, our analysis of human microarray data shows, for the first time, that preterm infants with lower ITGA2 expression are less likely to suffer from ROP. This work clarifies the role of alpha2beta1 integrin in sprouting angiogenesis and raises the intriguing possibility of alpha2 integrin targeted therapies for prevention of ROP. These changes are reminiscent of changes observed in other models with dysregulated notch signaling. Recent studies reported that the alpha2beta1 integrin regulates sprouting angiogenesis by inducing DLL4 in ‘tip cells’. We show, for the first time, notch induced downregulation of alpha2beta1 integrin expression in ‘stalk cells’. Together these results suggest that the alpha2beta1 integrin coordinates endothelial notch signaling by stabilizing tip-stalk status. The apparent discrepancy between the effects of the alpha2 integrin inhibition and integrin-deletion may reflect differences between acute and chronic upregulation of notch signaling. We propose that synergistic use of notch and alpha2 integrin targeted therapies may provide enhanced anti-tumor angiogenesis. Citation Format: Aasakiran Madamanchi, Megan Capozzi, Ling Geng, Zhengzhi Li, Zhonghua Zhang, Richard Friedman, Kent Dickeson, John Penn, Mary Zutter. Alpha2beta1 integrin regulation of endothelial notch signaling in the retina. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3900. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3900
Subgroups of Tcr α chains and correlation with T-cell function

T-cell receptor (Tcr) α chains are classified into four subgroups (I, II, III, and miscellaneous) based on the amino acid residues at positions 61 and 62. Subgroup I has Gly Phe at these positions, subgroup II has Arg Phe, subgroup III has Arg Leu, and subgroup miscellaneous has several other combinations. Variability plots for subgroups I, II, and III sequences show higher values around positions 93–103, 105, 108, 111, 113, and 115, suggesting that these positions may interact with the processed antigen molecules. Smaller peaks are present at various other regions which may bind the major histocompatibility complex class I or II molecules. The patterns of variability within one subgroup are similar for all species, for human alone, and for mouse alone. These subgroup patterns appear much less complicated than patterns for sequences in all subgroups taken together, implying that subgroups may be related to Tcr functions. Among 83 mouse chains, 15 are from cytotoxic cells and 40 from helper cells. Of the 15 from cytotoxic cells, 11, 2, 0, and 2 are in subgroups I, II, III, and miscellaneous; and of the 40 from helper cells, 9, 16, 12, ans 3 are in subgroups I, II, III, and miscellaneous, respectively. Thus, a correlation between sequence and function of Tcr α chains seems possible.
A new ferroelastic transition in some A2(MO4)3 molybdates and tungstates

Abstract We have found for the first time a ferroelastic transition in many molybdates and tungstates with the Sc2(MoO4)3-type structure. Below the transition these phases are monoclinic ( P2 1 a ), and above the transition they are orthorhombic (Pnca). Observed transition temperatures are: Al2(MoO4)3, 200°C; Al2(WO4)3, −6°C; Cr2(MoO4)3, 385°C; Fe2(MoO4)3, 499°C; In2(MoO4)3, 335°C; In2(WO4)3, 252°C; and Sc2(MoO4)3, 9°C.
Better conditions for mammalian in vitro splicing provided by acetate and glutamate as potassium counterions

We demonstrate here that replacing potassium chloride (KCl) with potassium acetate (KAc) or potassium glutamate (KGlu) routinely enhances the yield of RNA intermediates and products obtained from in vitro splicing reactions performed in HeLa cell nuclear extract. This effect was reproducibly observed with multiple splicing substrates. The enhanced yields are at least partially due to stabilization of splicing precursors and products in the KAc and KGlu reactions. This stabilization relative to KCl reactions was greatest with KGlu and was observed over an extended potassium concentration range. The RNA stability differences could not be attributed to heavy metal contamination of the KCl, since ultrapure preparations of this salt yielded similar results. After testing various methods for altering the salts, we found that substitution of KAc or KGlu for KCl and MgAc(2)for MgCl(2)in splicing reactions is the simplest and most effective. Since the conditions defined here more closely mimic in vivo ionic concentrations, they may permit the study of more weakly spliced substrates, as well as facilitate more detailed analyses of spliceosome structure and function.
d-Band filling in Ni-P metallic glasses

Abstract We present the first realistic computations on the electronic structure of Ni-P metallic glasses. Our results show strong deviations from the commonly assumed rigid band picture for the electronic structure of this classic metal-metalloid system and consistently explain a variety of experiments. The Ni- d holes are found to persist over the entire glass forming range. We show nevertheless how Faber-Ziman and Nagel-Tauc type arguments concerning the properties of this glass may remain intact in our theory.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Diffusion in the Presence of Background Gradients and Imaging of Background Gradients

Abstract The measurement of the self-diffusion coefficient D by an NMR technique that uses an applied gradient G A can be corrupted by systems that have a background magnetic field gradient G 0 and also by imaging gradients G 1 , when used in an imaging mode. In a nonimaging mode, the corrupting cross term G A · G 0 can be eliminated in the diffusion measurement by use of an alternating-pulse-field-gradient (APFG) sequence that allows an accurate and uncorrupted measurement of D . A Carr-Purcell echo train enables the measurement of the expectation value, 〈 D G 2 0 〉; assuming D and G 0 to be uncorrelated will allow 〈 G 2 0 〉 to be determined. An image of D or of 〈 D G 2 0 〉 may be obtained without the corrupting G A · G 0 and G A · G I terms by appending a standard imaging sequence to an APFG sequence or a Carr-Purcell sequence, respectively; assuming D and G 0 to be uncorrelated will allow (〈 G 2 0 〉 to be determined within each pixel. Measurements of D and 〈 G 2 0 〉 and their images are made in apple flesh in which minute air bubbles are shown to produce the large 〈 G 2 0 〉. Their values in an 81 g Golden Delicious apple at a measuring frequency of 100 MHz were D = 1.42 × 10 −5 cm 2 /s and [formula] = 8.9 G/cm.