cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Utility of Single Subject Design Research

Single subject design SSD research is a quantitative approach used to investigate basic and applied research questions. It has been used for decades to examine issues of social importance such as those related to general and special education strategies, therapeutic approaches in mental health, community health practices, safety, and business practices, to name a few. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the reader to the structure and function of SSD research, concepts of internal and external validity related to this methodology, and data analytic tactics used to evaluate SSD research. Additionally, several designs are described along with examples from the applied literature to illustrate the approach.
FlexSEA: Flexible, Scalable Electronics Architecture for wearable robotic applications

Embedded systems for wearable robotics are ideally low-cost, lightweight, miniature, reliable and safe. They have high peak output and negligible standby power, are simple to use and program, can support high-performance real-time control loops and accept additional degrees of freedom, input and output devices. However, practical solutions cannot accommodate all of these criteria and compromises are made; while commercial systems favor cost, safety and reliability, research projects emphasize ease of development and rapid prototyping. To this day, no de facto embedded system exists, impeding the development of novel wearable robots. This work introduces FlexSEA, the FLEXible, Scalable Electronics Architecture designed for wearable robotic applications. This accessible and open-source architecture is useable across various wearable robotic research initiatives, eliminating the need to design a new embedded system for each and every research project.
Interaction Between Future Climate and Terrestrial Carbon and Nitrogen

The terrestrial components of the climate system store about five times as much carbon as does the atmosphere and annually remove about one-fourth of the carbon dioxide added by human activities. These exchanges with the atmosphere are extremely dynamic, depending on the assimilation of carbon by vegetation and on plant and soil respiratory processes. The rate at which the terrestrial system takes up carbon depends on climate, atmospheric carbon dioxide, and the availability of nutrients, especially nitrogen. Respiratory losses occur in the soil column, depending on soil temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels. Nitrogen availability may be a major factor limiting carbon uptake. It depends on a balance between sources and sinks that are closely coupled to soil carbon cycling and climate influences. Carbon and nitrogen cycling are now included in many climate models, some of which are used to project future climate. The models make various assumptions and approximations and provide a wide divergence of conclusions as to relative magnitudes and importance of various terms. This chapter looks at the modelling research that provides a framework for projecting the coupling between future climate and terrestrial carbon storage. It also reviews the observational studies that examine the processes that should be considered in such modelling.
Appearance Differences Between Lots and Brands of Similar Shade Designations of Dental Composite Resins.

Objectives The purposes of this study were to investigate differences in two inherent appearance characteristics between lots of an enamel dental composite resin of the same shade and brand, and to further compare these differences to those of similar shade designation of a different brand of dental composite resins. Methods Appearance analyses proceeded for three different lots of shades A1, B2, and D3 manufactured by one company and for one lot of shade EA1 manufactured by another. Samples were measured on black, white, and gray backings using spectroradiometry. Kubelka–Munk theory was used to determine reflectivity of each lot studied. CIELAB values and color differences between shades and lots were analyzed. Translucency indicators were compared between lots over thicknesses from 0.5 to 3.0 mm. Results Differences in inherent color between some lots of same shade designations within a brand were found to be above the acceptability threshold. Color difference between an enamel composite resin of shade A1 and a composite resin of shade EA1 was also above the acceptability threshold. Statistically significant differences in the translucency were found between some lots of one shade over the entire range of thicknesses studied. Conclusion Appearance analyses indicate substantial variation between lots of same shade designations as well as between brands of similar shade designations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Optical principles applied to important clinical appearance attributes are described which characterize inherent appearance attributes and provide aid in the appearance matching process for dental composite resins used in restorative and operative dental procedures.(J Esthet Restor Dent, 2016)
Predicting adherence to use of remote health monitoring systems in a cohort of patients with chronic heart failure

Author(s): Evangelista, Lorraine S; Ghasemzadeh, Hassan; Lee, Jung-Ah; Fallahzadeh, Ramin; Sarrafzadeh, Majid; Moser, Debra K | Abstract: BackgroundIt is unclear whether subgroups of patients may benefit from remote monitoring systems (RMS) and what user characteristics and contextual factors determine effective use of RMS in patients with heart failure (HF).ObjectiveThe study was conducted to determine whether certain user characteristics (i.e. personal and clinical variables) predict use of RMS using advanced machine learning software algorithms in patients with HF.MethodsThis pilot study was a single-arm experimental study with a pre- (baseline) and post- (3 months) design; data from the baseline measures were used for the current data analyses. Sixteen patients provided consent; only 7 patients (mean age 65.8 ± 6.1, range 58-83) accessed the RMS and transmitted daily data (e.g. weight, blood pressure) as instructed during the 12 week study duration.ResultsBaseline demographic and clinical characteristics of users and non-users were comparable for a majority of factors. However, users were more likely to have no HF specialty based care or an automatic internal cardioverter defibrillator. The precision accuracy of decision tree, multilayer perceptron (MLP) and k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) classifiers for predicting access to RMS was 87.5%, 90.3%, and 94.5% respectively.ConclusionOur preliminary data show that a small set of baseline attributes is sufficient to predict subgroups of patients who had a higher likelihood of using RMS. While our findings shed light on potential end-users more likely to benefit from RMS-based interventions, additional research in a larger sample is warranted to explicate the impact of user characteristics on actual use of these technologies.
Testicular Germ Cell Tumors

Testicular cancer corresponds to approximately 1–2 % of tumors in men; however, they are the most common malignancy in those between the ages of 15 and 34. About 95 % of testicular tumors are germ cell tumors (GCT). Significant improvements in our understanding of the underlying pathogenesis and molecular biology in recent years have resulted in a new classification of GCT. Testicular GCT fall mainly within three pathogenetic types and include prepubertal-type tumors (type I GCT), encompassing teratomas and yolk sac tumors; postpubertal tumors (type II GCT), encompassing seminomatous and non-seminomatous GCT – by far the most common ones; and spermatocytic tumor (type III GCT), a unique type of GCT occurring exclusively in the testis. Association with germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS, formerly referred to as intratubular germ cell neoplasia or carcinoma in situ) plays a pivotal role in the most recent WHO classification of GCT in the testis. Subtypes associated with GCNIS include seminoma, embryonal carcinoma, choriocarcinoma and other trophoblastic tumors, postpubertal types of yolk sac tumor and teratoma, and mixed germ cell tumors, and correspond to pathogenetic type II GCT. Subtypes not associated with GCNIS include spermatocytic tumor and prepubertal types of yolk sac tumors and teratomas, including dermoid cysts. Other types of GCT include carcinoid tumors and the mixed GCT/sex cord-stromal tumor gonadoblastoma. Management of GCT frequently includes primary or post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. These specimens render a spectrum of pathologic findings that need to be appropriately recognized by the surgical pathologist as they may impact subsequent management and prognosis.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met genotype modulates amygdala habituation

A deficit in amygdala habituation to repeated emotional stimuli may be an endophenotype of disorders characterized by emotion dysregulation, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD). Amygdala reactivity to emotional stimuli is genetically modulated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) variants. Whether amygdala habituation itself is also modulated by BDNF genotypes remains unknown. We used imaging-genetics to examine the effect of BDNF Val66Met genotypes on amygdala habituation to repeated emotional stimuli. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 57 subjects (19 BPD patients, 18 patients with schizotypal personality disorder [SPD] and 20 healthy controls [HC]) during a task involving viewing of unpleasant, neutral, and pleasant pictures, each presented twice to measure habituation. Amygdala responses across genotypes (Val66Met SNP Met allele-carriers vs. Non-Met carriers) and diagnoses (HC, BPD, SPD) were examined with ANOVA. The BDNF 66Met allele was significantly associated with a deficit in amygdala habituation, particularly for emotional pictures. The association of the 66Met allele with a deficit in habituation to unpleasant emotional pictures remained significant in the subsample of BPD patients. Using imaging-genetics, we found preliminary evidence that deficient amygdala habituation may be modulated by BDNF genotype.
Program implementation of the rating methods of preference ranking

Preference ranking is one of the methods to solve selection problems [1,2]. Selection problems are very important for decision making in unique systems such as medical, sports, environmental or ecological systems. Very often in such situations the right decision is based upon expert information. This paper presents theoretical results of the rating systems of preference ranking [3,5] as well as a practical realization of this approach in the form of the C++ program. Theoretical results presented in this paper include the convergence of consensus ranking to the real ranking almost everywhere, and the inclusion of the consensus ranking into the Kemeny Median set [2]. It is shown also that all contemporary rating systems, (for instance those used in sports classifications), are congruent in the sense of producing the same final preference ranking. Such rating methods of preference ranking are very useful for solving multi-criteria problems of decision making and/or developing one goodness criteria from many different criteria [4].
On Min-Max Optimization of a Collection of Classical Discrete Optimization Problems

In this paper, we study discrete optimization problems with min-max objective functions. This type of optimization has long been the attention of researchers, and it has direct applications in the recent development of robust optimization. The following well-known classes of problems are discussed: 1) the minimum spanning tree problem, 2) the resource allocation problem with separable cost functions, and 3) the production control problem. Computational complexities of the corresponding min-max version of the above-mentioned problems are analyzed. Pseudo-polynomial algorithms for these problems under certain conditions are provided.
Barack Obama Is Brazilian

This chapter investigates Obama’s characterizations in the Brazilian media, produced during his visit to Brazil in March 2011. It studies how mainstream media and political cartoons reappropriated the U.S. president as a Brazilian, using elements of national identity—soccer, samba, and miscegenation—to transform him into a “legitimate” Brazilian. This Chapter examines the “Brazilianization” of Obama, seeking to demonstrate that, if Brazil could not elect a black president, Brazilians had to show how he was not really American, but in reality a “true” Brazilian—if not by his nationality, then by his “essence.” Inversely, this chapter also investigates how Obama emerges negatively in several political cartoons, being portrayed as an instrument of the oppressive U.S. imperialism, a destructive and tyrannical leader.
Security and privacy risks in electronic communications: A user's assessment

Most research today in electronic communications focuses on developing new technologies and “best practices” to enhance security and privacy. However, these technologies and best-practice codes are all too often not used, and in this failure the users are often their own worst enemies. It is thus important to develop an enhanced understanding of why users indicate concern about security and privacy, but when given the opportunity act contrary to their stated intention. We collect data from 435 participants about 24 electronic activities with a survey and a mixed effects model. We find a significant inverse relationship between their assessed risk and benefit (recognizing that the particular technology matters where some technologies are inherently perceived as more risky than others). This significant inverse relationship represents a departure from decision theories that assume purely cognitive information processing, and the separation of the probabilities and the utilities. We shed light on the role of affect, which commonly competes with cognition, and works as an orienting mechanism in security and privacy behaviors, and discuss business and policy implications of our findings.
Classroom Computer Capsules: Interpolating Polynomials and Their Coordinates Relative to a Basis

(1992). Classroom Computer Capsules: Interpolating Polynomials and Their Coordinates Relative to a Basis. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 23, No. 4, pp. 329-333.
CMOS VLSI Layout and Verification of a SIMD Computer

A CMOS VLSI layout and verification of a 3 x 3 processor parallel computer has been completed. The layout was done using the MAGIC tool and the verification using HSPICE. Suggestions for expanding the computer into a million processor network are presented. Many problems that might be encountered when implementing a massively parallel computer are discussed.
Moments for L-functions for GLr×GLr-1

We establish a spectral identity for moments of Rankin–Selberg L-functions on GL r ×GL r − 1 over arbitrary number fields, generalizing our previous results for r = 2.
Plant-derived natural products as leads for drug discovery

In this chapter, some successful drugs derived from plant secondary metabolites in their original or modified forms, and other substances, currently under clinical trial as drug candidates, as well as several additional compounds used as biochemical probes afforded from plants, will be described. A general description of the importance and perspective of plants in drug discovery will also be given.
Synthesis and techno-economic assessment of microbial-based processes for terpenes production

Recent advances in metabolic engineering enable the production of chemicals from sugars through microbial bio-conversion. Terpenes have attracted substantial attention due to their relatively high prices and wide applications in different industries. To this end, we synthesize and assess processes for microbial production of terpenes. To explain a counterintuitive experimental phenomenon where terpenes such as limonene (normal boiling point 176 °C) are often found to be 100% present in the vapor phase after bio-conversion (operating at only ~ 30 °C), we first analyze the vapor–liquid equilibrium for systems containing terpenes. Then, we propose alternative production configurations, which are further studied, using limonene as an example, in several case studies. Next, we perform economic assessment of the alternative processes and identify the major cost components. Finally, we extend the assessment to account for different process parameters, terpene products, ways to address terpene toxicity (microbial engineering vs. solvent use), and cellulosic biomass as a feedstock. We identify the key cost drivers to be (1) feed glucose concentration (wt%), (2) product yield (% of maximum theoretical yield) and (3) VVM (Volume of air per Volume of broth liquid per Minute, i.e., aeration rate in min−1). The production of limonene, based on current experimental data, is found to be economically infeasible (production cost ~ 465 $/kg vs. market selling price ~ 7 $/kg), but higher glucose concentration and yield can lower the cost. Among 12 terpenes studied, limonene appears to be the most reasonable short-term target because of its large market size (~ 160 million $/year in the US) and the relatively easier to achieve break-even yield (~ 30%, assuming a 14 wt% feed glucose concentration and 0.1 min−1 VVM). The methods proposed in this work are applicable to a range of terpenes as well as other extracellular insoluble chemicals with density lower than that of water, such as fatty acids. The results provide guidance for future research in metabolic engineering toward terpenes production in terms of setting targets for key design parameters.
The synthesis of cyclic polymers by olefin metathesis: Achievements and challenges

Cyclic polymers have drawn considerable interest for their peculiar physical properties in comparison to linear polymers, despite their equivalent compositions. Synthetically, cyclic polymers can be accessed through either macrocyclic ring‐closure or by ring‐expansion polymerization, but the main challenge with either method is the production of highly pure cyclic polymer samples. This highlight describes advances in the area of cyclic polymer synthesis, with a particular focus on ring‐expansion metathesis polymerization. Methods for characterizing cyclic polymers and assessing their purity are also discussed in order to emphasize the need for additional robust and reliable methods for synthesizing and studying topologically complex macromolecules. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 228–242
Fast-neutron testing at the University of Washington Medical Cyclotron Facility

Because of the cascade of secondary particles, including neutrons, produced in the shielding of large spacecraft, it is important to test the reliability of electronic devices exposed to energetic (fast) neutrons. Additionally, devices located near accelerators, such as those found in cancer therapy clinics, can be exposed to a substantial fluence of neutrons.The energy spectrum of the primary neutron beam has been modeled and benchmarked extensively. To cater to a broader community interested in fast-neutron testing, we have been developing a series of neutron spectra based on scattering the primary neutron beam. A stack of plastic used to scatter the beam, was simulated using MCNP6.2 to analyze the spectra at various locations. We also use MCNP6.2 to investigate the potential of developing a softer neutron spectrum using graphite to reduce the low energy absorption which occurs in the plastic.
Iteratively Re-weighted L1-PCA of Tensor Data

Modern big and multi-modal datasets often contain corrupted entries or outliers. Standard methods for multi-way/tensor data analysis, relying on L2-norm formulations, are often very sensitive to such dataset corruptions. A new paradigm in data analysis suggests the use of robust L1-norm formulations instead. In this work, we present a novel method for iterative tensor L1-PCA with data re-weighting. The proposed method (i) returns significantly robust tensor bases and (ii) is capable to identify outlying, non-conforming entries of the data tensor. The presented algorithmic developments are validated with numerical studies on real-world data.
Growth Outcomes in Very Low Birth Weight Infants Receiving Erythropoietin and Aggressive Iron Therapy

Introduction: Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are at risk for developing symptomatic anemia and iron deficiency anemia. Erythropoietin (EPO) has been used to stimulate erythropoiesis in at risk infants, and more recent literature suggests a possible neuroprotective effect. Iron is important for neurodevelopment, erythropoeisis and somatic growth in the preterm infant. Brain iron deficiency …
Approximating Correlated Equilibria using Relaxations on the Marginal Polytope

In game theory, a Correlated Equilibrium (CE) is an equilibrium concept that generalizes the more well-known Nash Equilibrium. If the game is represented as a graphical game, the computational complexity of computing an optimum CE is exponential in the tree-width of the graph. In settings where this exact computation is not feasible, it is desirable to approximate the properties of the CE, such as its expected social utility and marginal probabilities. We study outer relaxations of this problem that yield approximate marginal strategies for the players under a variety of utility functions. Results on simulated games and in a real problem involving drug design indicate that our approximations can be highly accurate and can be successfully used when exact computation of CE is infeasible.
Barriers to and factors influencing the pursuit of pharmacy student research.

Abstract Introduction The objective of this study was to identify perceived barriers and factors influencing student pursuit of research during pharmacy school. Methods A voluntary, paper-based or electronic questionnaire was administered to all pharmacy students at a private college of pharmacy in mandatory courses during the 2016–2017 academic year. Survey questions collected information pertaining to demographics, factors influencing student pursuit of research, and barriers to pursuit of research. Participation was incentivized with gift cards. Results A total of 623 students completed the survey (79% response rate). The average respondent was female (69.1%), 25-years old (IQR 23–26 years), employed (69.9%), and had a prior degree (66.6%). During pharmacy school, 27.3% of respondents pursued a research project. Of students not pursuing a research project during pharmacy school, the amount of interest to complete a project differed significantly between professional years (P Conclusions Students report additional information regarding research opportunities would positively influence their decision to pursue research while in pharmacy school. Future studies should evaluate strategies to familiarize students with the research process.
What Matters When: A Multistage Model and Empirical Examination of Job Search Effort

We develop a multistage self-regulatory perspective on job search effort assuming active job seekers conducting job searches within a job search goal life span. Specifically, we propose that time pressure increases as the goal of finding employment becomes more proximal, while job search uncertainty decreases. Drawing on these premises, we integrate social comparison theory, control theory, and the attentional focus model of time pressure to hypothesize how various intrapersonal (i.e., prior effort, job search progress) and sociocontextual (i.e., effort put forth by peers in a social network) factors relate to job seekers’ self-regulation of effort at different stages (i.e., preparatory, active-extensive, and active-intensive) of a job search process. In two studies of job seekers, we found that (1) prior job seeker effort is positively related to current effort across stages, (2) average peer job search effort is more strongly and positively related to job seeker effort earlier in job search, and (3) job search progress (i.e., the ratio of interviews to applications in Study 1 and perceived progress in Study 2) is negatively related to job seeker effort later in job search. Theoretical implications and future research directions are discussed.
Ribbon operators in the generalized Kitaev quantum double model based on Hopf algebras

Kitaev's quantum double model is a family of exactly solvable lattice models that realize two dimensional topological phases of matter. Originally it is based on finite groups, and is later generalized to semi-simple Hopf algebras. We rigorously define and study ribbon operators in the generalized Kitaev quantum double model. These ribbon operators are important tools to understand quasi-particle excitations. It turns out that there are some subtleties in defining the operators in contrast to what one would naively think. In particular, one has to distinguish two classes of ribbons which we call locally clockwise and locally counterclockwise ribbons. Moreover, this issue already exists in the original model based on finite non-Abelian groups. We show how certain properties would fail even in the original model if we do not distinguish these two classes of ribbons. Perhaps not surprisingly, under the new definitions ribbon operators satisfy all properties that are expected. For instance, they create quasi-particle excitations only at the end of the ribbon, and the types of the quasi-particles correspond to irreducible representations of the Drinfeld double of the input Hopf algebra. However, the proofs of these properties are much more complicated than those in the case of finite groups. This is partly due to the complications in dealing with general Hopf algebras rather than just group algebras.
Clinical Importance of Incidentally Detected Hyperenhancing Liver Observations on Portal Venous Phase Computed Tomography in Patients Without Known Malignancy or Liver Disease

Objective The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of clinically important masses among incidental hyperenhancing liver observations on portal venous phase computed tomography (CT) in patients without known malignancy or liver disease. Methods Retrospective search of portal venous phase CTs was performed to identify hyperenhancing liver observations in patients without cancer or liver disease. Observations were assigned a morphology of homogeneous, hemangioma, or heterogeneous. The reference standard was pathology (n = 2), liver protocol CT/magnetic resonance imaging (n = 40), follow-up portal venous phase CT for 2 years or more (n = 81), or clinical follow-up for 5 years or more (n = 107). Results There were no clinically important masses among 83 observations with homogeneous morphology or 110 with hemangioma morphology. There were 2 clinically important masses (1 hepatocellular carcinoma and 1 hepatic adenoma) among 37 (5.4%) heterogeneous morphology observations. Conclusions Incidental hyperenhancing liver observations on portal venous phase CT with homogeneous or typical hemangioma morphology in patients without known cancer or liver disease are highly likely benign.
Ultrawideband Characterization of Complex Dielectric Constant of Planar Materials for 5G Applications

A broadband (1–35 GHz) time-/frequency-domain reflection technique for measuring the complex dielectric constant of low-loss dielectric slabs is presented. The technique uses a coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission line sample holder for measurements. In addition to the standard substrate materials, the technique is suitable for the characterization of materials, such as glass, as it does not require complicated sample machining and preparation. The procedure is based on comparing the measured effective dielectric constant and the attenuation constants for both the loaded and unloaded CPW line sample holder. The effective dielectric constant and the attenuation constant are first modeled as a function of the real and imaginary parts of the superstrate’s dielectric constant using a 2-D numerical line calculator. Samples under test are assumed to be nonmagnetic and have their material resonances at frequencies substantially above 35 GHz. The technique is validated through measurements of known Rogers RT/duroid samples. Measured complex dielectric constants of different materials are in very good agreement with data reported in materials’ datasheets.
Brain image analysis using spherical splines

We propose a novel technique based on spherical splines for brain surface representation and analysis. This research is strongly inspired by the fact that, for brain surfaces, it is both necessary and natural to employ spheres as their natural domains. We develop an automatic and efficient algorithm, which transforms a brain surface to a single spherical spline whose maximal error deviation from the original data is less than the user-specified tolerance. Compared to the discrete mesh-based representation, our spherical spline offers a concise (low storage requirement) digital form with high continuity (C n − − 1 continuity for a degree n spherical spline). Furthermore, this representation enables the accurate evaluation of differential properties, such as curvature, principal direction, and geodesic, without the need for any numerical approximations. Thus, certain shape analysis procedures, such as segmentation, gyri and sulci tracing, and 3D shape matching, can be carried out both robustly and accurately. We conduct several experiments in order to demonstrate the efficacy of our approach for the quantitative measurement and analysis of brain surfaces.
Integration of Ab Initio Nuclear Physics Calculations with Optimization Techniques

Optimization techniques are finding their inroads into the field of nuclear physics calculations where the objective functions are very complex and computationally intensive. A vast space of parameters needs searching to obtain a good match between theoretical (computed) and experimental observables, such as energy levels and spectra. In this paper, we propose a design integrating the ab initionuclear physics code MFDn and the VTDIRECT95 code for derivative-free optimization. We experiment with the initial implementation of the design showing good matches for several single-nucleus cases. For the parallel MFDn code, we determine appropriate processor numbers to execute efficiently a multiple-nuclei parameter search.
Symmetry analysis in neutron diffraction studies of magnetic structures: 5. Polarization effects in the scattering of neutrons by magnetic structures

Abstract It is shown that both the cross section of elastic scattering by a magnetic structure and the polarization vector of the scattered neutrons beam are described by a set of complex axial vectors M L . They depend on the vectors of atomic magnetic moments in a primitive cell of the crystal and the wave-vector star of the magnetic structure. Particularly, the intensity of a magnetic Bragg reflection and the polarization vector of the scattered beam of that reflection are determined only by a vector M L connected with an arm star contribution of the magnetic structure and corresponding to the wave vector k L of a star { k }. A single magnetic reflection allows one to determinean arm contribution of the magnetic structure if one uses polarization effects and an expansion of the magnetic structure over the basis functions of the irreducible representation of the crystal space group. In the general case minimal number of necessary reflections for the total determination of a magnetic crystal is equal to the arm number of the wave-vector star. All analyses here have been done for the single domain magnetic structure. The polarization phenomena will not be observed for many cases where there is a uniform distribution of domains.
Teaching Critical Thinking in Social Work Practice Courses

Social workers in direct practice rely on critical thinking to apply theories, make informed decisions, and explain their assessments and decisions. This article describes methods for teaching critical thinking to graduate and undergraduate social work students in practice courses. The authors define critical thinking, explore the skills necessary for its development, describe the methods and assignments used to teach these skills, and detail a simple pre/post-test method used to evaluate graduate students’ gains in critical thinking skills.
Hematological Changes in Mice

In 1948 J. M. Barnothy concluded from experiments in which he placed mice in strong magnetic fields that the main biological effect of a magnetic field is, most probably, a general retardation of mitosis and, furthermore, that this effect, as is the case with other external agents, is greater in rapidly dividing cells.1 Prompted by these considerations, I. Boszormeny-Nagy suggested in 1956 that we should investigate the effect of magnetic fields upon hemopoietic organs. The lifespan of leukocytes in the circulating blood is short, of the order of one day.2 Should the magnetic field affect the leukocyte-producing organs, the leukocyte number would change and provide a suitable test of the retardation of mitotic activity.
Three views of common knowledge

This paper investigates the relationships between three different views of common knowledge: the iterate approach, the fixed point approach, and the shared environment approach. We show that no two of these approaches are equivalent, contrary to accepted wisdom. We argue that the fixed point is the best conceptual analysis of the pretheoretic notion, but that the shared environment approach has its own role to play in understanding how common knowledge is used. We also discuss the assumptions under which various versions of the iterate approach are equivalent to the fixed point approach. We find that, for common knowledge, these assumptions are false, but that for simply having information, the assumptions are not so implausible, at least in the case of finite situations.
Low noise amplification for optical detector arrays [microbes detection]

Detection of low intensity light pulses is accomplished using a three stage amplifier design. A highly sensitive input stage provides a large gain and buffers the sensor from the following stages. An integration stage averages the input signal and holds the output value during data collection. Low impedance output drive capability and noise immunity are provided by a third stage. The combination of these three stages produces a system capable of detecting photocurrent signals in the range of 10-100 nA.
Molecular characterization of the genome of a partitivirus from the basidiomycete Rhizoctonia solani.

The bisegmented genome of a double-stranded (ds) RNA virus from the fungus Rhizoctonia solani isolate Rhs 717 was characterized. The larger segment, dsRNA 1, is 2363 bases long whereas the smaller segment, dsRNA 2, has 2206 bases. The 5′ ends of the coding strands of dsRNA 1 and dsRNA 2 are highly conserved (100% identity over 47 bases), and contain inverted repeats capable of forming stable stem–loop structures. Analysis of the coding potential of each of the two segments showed that dsRNAs 1 and 2 could code for polypeptides of 730 aa (bases 86–2275; molecular mass 86 kDa) and 683 aa (bases 79–2130; molecular mass 76 kDa), respectively. The 86 kDa polypeptide has all the motifs of dsRNA RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RDRP), and has significant homology with putative RDRPs of partitiviruses from Fusarium poae and Atkinsonella hypoxylon. The 76 kDa protein shows homology with the putative capsid proteins (CP) of the same viruses. Northern blot analysis revealed no subgenomic RNA species, consistent with the fact that the long open reading frames encoding the putative RDRP and CP cover the entire length of the respective dsRNAs.
HBV virological assessment

Management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients involves serological diagnosis, quantitation of HBV–DNA and measurement of HBV drug resistance. Different serological markers such as HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc (total and IgM), HBeAg and anti-HBe are assessed by immunoassays in order to define the infection status. The emergence of surface mutants however is a continuous challenge to design more effective immunoassays. Commercially available quantitative HBV–DNA assays with increased sensitivity and wider linear range give a more accurate estimate of viral replication and contribute decisively in the initiation and the monitoring of the response to HBV therapy. Genotypic drug resistance assays are important diagnostic tools, since the administration of nucleoside/nucleotide analogues to HBV infected patients leads to the development of drug resistance patterns very much dependent on the treatment regimen. Special issues have to be taken into consideration regarding HBV/HIV-1 co-infected patients, since concominant HIV and HBV replication results in higher rates of HBV replication. Current efforts are focused on the standardization of HBV–DNA assays (qualitative and quantitative), of HBV drug resistance assays as well as in the development of new assays and markers that will help in the prognosis and management of HBV infection (quantitative detection of pre-core mutants and HBV ccc-DNA assays).
Polytype Distribution in Circumstellar Silicon Carbide

The inferred crystallographic class of circumstellar silicon carbide based on astronomical infrared spectra is controversial. We have directly determined the polytype distribution of circumstellar SiC from transmission electron microscopy of presolar silicon carbide from the Murchison carbonaceous meteorite. Only two polytypes (of a possible several hundred) were observed: cubic 3C and hexagonal 2H silicon carbide and their intergrowths. We conclude that this structural simplicity is a direct consequence of the low pressures in circumstellar outflows and the corresponding low silicon carbide condensation temperatures.
Assessing the entropy changes of Bloch-vector trajectories using experimental data

We present a procedure for assessing changes in the order-1 Renyi entropy of the Bloch-vector trajectory of a two-level atom using only one Bloch-vector component. Entropy changes of the Bloch-vector trajectory are manifested in an alternate three-dimensional trajectory constructed from the time series of atomic-population variations using a simple delay-coordinate embedding procedure. This technique is shown to be robust in the presence of noise. Hence it provides a tool to aid in the experimental investigation of the correlations between Rabi resonances and entropy enhancements in atomic systems.
The GSK3β signaling cascade and neurodegenerative disease

Biochemical signaling pathways are known to have a critical role in neuronal development and function. A growing body of evidence is accumulating to suggest that signaling pathways also underlie neurodegeneration and neurodegenerative disease. One pathway with a prominent role in neurodegenerative disease is the signaling pathway in which the enzyme glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is a key component. In vitro and in vivo evidence point to a key role for GSK3 in promoting neurodegeneration and in Alzheimer's disease plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation. How GSK3 acts in this regard is still open to debate, but it may involve both extracellular and nuclear apoptotic activities.
Cell-Based Multi-Parametric Model of Cleft Progression during Submandibular Salivary Gland Branching Morphogenesis

Cleft formation during submandibular salivary gland branching morphogenesis is the critical step initiating the growth and development of the complex adult organ. Previous experimental studies indicated requirements for several epithelial cellular processes, such as proliferation, migration, cell-cell adhesion, cell-extracellular matrix (matrix) adhesion, and cellular contraction in cleft formation; however, the relative contribution of each of these processes is not fully understood since it is not possible to experimentally manipulate each factor independently. We present here a comprehensive analysis of several cellular parameters regulating cleft progression during branching morphogenesis in the epithelial tissue of an early embryonic salivary gland at a local scale using an on lattice Monte-Carlo simulation model, the Glazier-Graner-Hogeweg model. We utilized measurements from time-lapse images of mouse submandibular gland organ explants to construct a temporally and spatially relevant cell-based 2D model. Our model simulates the effect of cellular proliferation, actomyosin contractility, cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesions on cleft progression, and it was used to test specific hypotheses regarding the function of these parameters in branching morphogenesis. We use innovative features capturing several aspects of cleft morphology and quantitatively analyze clefts formed during functional modification of the cellular parameters. Our simulations predict that a low epithelial mitosis rate and moderate level of actomyosin contractility in the cleft cells promote cleft progression. Raising or lowering levels of contractility and mitosis rate resulted in non-progressive clefts. We also show that lowered cell-cell adhesion in the cleft region and increased cleft cell-matrix adhesions are required for cleft progression. Using a classifier-based analysis, the relative importance of these four contributing cellular factors for effective cleft progression was determined as follows: cleft cell contractility, cleft region cell-cell adhesion strength, epithelial cell mitosis rate, and cell-matrix adhesion strength.
Phosphate transport in rat liver mitochondria: Location of sulfhydryl groups essential for transport activities

The membrane orientation and symmetry of protein thiol group(s) necessary for transport of Pi in rat liver mitochondria have been assessed by comparing inhibition of transport in intact mitochondria to that in inverted vesicles of purified inner membrane. The permeability characteristics of a variety of inhibitors have been determined under specified conditions. The sensitivities of the uptake pathways in mitochondria and in inverted vesicles appear thus far to be identical. By comparing results with permeant and nonpermeant inhibitors, or sequential treatment with different inhibitors, arguments can be made in favor of a single reorienting site of thiol sensitivity.
Measuring 2-D laser-beam phase and intensity profiles: a new technique

A new technique has been developed that uses an acoustooptic modulator, a heterodyne detector, and 2-D raster-scanning mirrors to characterize laser-beam quality. The technique is described, and its preliminary performance is discussed in relation to the real-time 2-D phase and intensity profiles it produces and the computer data processing performed on those profiles.
Corneal power measurement with a rotating Scheimpflug imaging system after Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty.

Purpose To evaluate alterations in corneal power parameters after Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) using rotating Scheimpflug imaging. Setting University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. Methods Eyes that had DSAEK were evaluated with a rotating Scheimpflug imaging system (Pentacam). The outcome parameters were mean anterior and posterior keratometry (K), mean anterior radius of curvature and posterior radius of curvature, anterior and posterior astigmatism, central corneal thickness (CCT), true net power, corneal volume, keratometric power deviation, and mean zonal-equivalent K readings. These values were compared with those in a control group of age and sex-matched normal eyes. Results The DSAEK group comprised 32 eyes (28 patients) and the control group, 32 eyes. The mean anterior K, posterior K, and true net power were 42.53 diopters (D) ± 1.52 (SD), −6.80 ± 0.55 D, and 40.55 ± 1.79 D, respectively, in the DSAEK group and 43.60 ± 1.62 D, −6.20 ± 0.31 D, and 42.49 ± 1.57 D, respectively, in the control group. The posterior radius of curvature, anterior and posterior K values, and true net power were statistically significantly lower in DSAEK eyes than in control eyes (P Conclusion The true net power of the cornea decreased significantly after DSAEK, mainly because of an increase in posterior curvature. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Difficulty walking as a symptom of panic disorder

Abstract Two patients with marked difficulty walking improved markedly when diagnosed as having panic disorder and treated with antidepressants.
Correlates of Recovery from Alcohol Dependence: A Prospective Study Over a 3‐Year Follow‐Up Interval

Background Correlates of recovery from alcohol dependence have been identified through a variety of study designs characterized by different strengths and limitations. The goal of this study was to compare correlates of recovery based on a 3-year prospective design with those based on cross-sectional analyses of data from the same source. Methods Data from the 2001 to 2002 Wave 1 and 2004 to 2005 Wave 2 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) were used to examine baseline characteristics associated with Wave 2 recovery from alcohol dependence, among those who classified with past-year DSM-IV alcohol dependence at Wave 1 (n = 1,172). Results Abstinent recovery was significantly associated with Black/Asian/Hispanic race/ethnicity, children <1 year of age in the household at baseline, attending religious services greater than or equal to weekly at follow-up, and having initiated help-seeking that comprised/included 12-step participation within <3 years prior to baseline. Nonabstinent recovery was positively associated with being never married at baseline, having job problems or being unemployed in the year preceding baseline, attending religious services less than weekly at follow-up, baseline smoking and volume of ethanol intake, and having terminated a first marriage within <3 years prior to baseline. Findings, including others of marginal significance (0.05 < p < 0.10), generally supported results from prior pseudo-prospective survival analyses with time-dependent covariates but differed in many ways from cross-sectional analyses of Wave 1 NESARC data. Conclusions Various aspects of study design must be considered when interpreting correlates of recovery. Cross-sectional analyses of lifetime correlates of recovery are highly subject to misinterpretation, but pseudo-prospective survival analyses with time-dependent covariates may yield results as valid as those from prospective studies.
Semi-insulating layers in 4H and 6H SiC by Si and C ion implantation

Semi-insulating regions have been obtained in 6H and 4H silicon carbide using ion implantation. The silicon carbide samples were implanted with either carbon or silicon ions followed by isochronal heat treatments. This leads to compensation, which is achieved by the lattice damage and by the thermal redistribution of atoms.
Interventional neurovascular treatment of a giant intracranial aneurysm using platinum microcoils

A 70-year-old woman presented with symptoms of progressive cerebellar dysfunction due to mass effect from a giant, expanding, posterior fossa aneurysm arising from the distal vertebral artery. The aneurysm contained thrombus and had a broad-based neck. From a transfemoral approach, with the patient under local anesthesia, a 2.2 French microcatheter was guided through the vertebral artery and placed directly into the aneurysm. Six 5 x 15-mm platinum microcoils were deposited into the residual lumen of the aneurysm, resulting in complete thrombosis with obliteration of the aneurysm and preservation of the parent artery. Endovascular coil embolization therapy by interventional neurovascular techniques may provide a therapeutic alternative in the management of surgically difficult symptomatic intracranial aneurysms.