cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) Narrative Therapy: Making meaning while learning skills

Abstract Emotion regulation difficulties are common experiences for survivors of trauma, especially those who have experienced early childhood and/or interpersonal trauma. Because close relationships provide a core vehicle for early learning, childhood and/or interpersonal trauma can interrupt the normative development of skills to modulate both emotional experiencing and interpersonal relating. Skills training in affective and interpersonal regulation (STAIR) Narrative Therapy offers a two-module framework to address such challenges in a supportive, pragmatic, and client-centered way. This chapter outlines key theoretical underpinnings of STAIR Narrative Therapy, particularly theories of attachment, resource loss, and narrative therapy, before providing an overview of the therapy’s skills training and narrative components. A case example elucidates how the theory and intervention work in an applied manner. The chapter ends with a review of the most recent research supporting the effectiveness of STAIR Narrative Therapy and a preview of more recent, novel applications of the model.
Factors that have an Impact on Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) Submissions

Increasing generic drug price competition by facilitating abbreviated new drug applications (ANDA) submission may help patients have access to affordable care. This study examined factors associated with first ANDA submission for the brand drug to be copied [the “reference listed drug” (RLD)]. This study used several data sources from 1/1/2011 to 12/31/2017, including FDA’s Approved Drug Products With Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations (the Orange Book), internal ANDA submission data, FDA’s Product-Specific Guidances (PSGs), National Drug Code, and IQVIA National Sales Perspectives. Two Cox proportional hazard models were separately performed to determine factors associated with first ANDA submissions for groups of ANDAs for RLDs with “new chemical entity” (NCE) exclusivity that were submitted on the first lawfully permissible date NCE ANDAs, and non-NCE ANDA groups. For NCE group, annual market sales were the only factor associated with increased likelihood of first ANDA submission. Specifically, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for RLDs with annual sales > $250 million was nearly 5 times higher than those with annual sales $100–250 million compared with sales < $10 million) and PSG availability were associated with increased likelihood of first ANDA submission. Being an ANDA for a complex drug product was associated with decreased likelihood of submission for both NCE (HR 0.51; CI 0.26–0.99) and non-NCE groups (HR 0.62; CI 0.39–0.98). Given the impact of regulatory-related factors, particularly PSG availability prior to ANDA submission, the findings provide opportunities to address high drug prices with specific FDA actions. Specifically, timely development of PSGs, including those for complex generics, and research prioritizing complex generics may facilitate ANDA submission; and thus, promote drug price competition.
Benefits and Harms of Short-Term International Academic Experiences Among Rehabilitation Students: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE More rehabilitation students are engaging in short-term international experiences to gain clinical experience with a novel population or setting. Further investigation of the impacts on the students and host populations resulting from these initiatives is needed. The purpose of this study was to examine the benefits and harms of short-term international academic experiences completed by rehabilitation students for both the student and the host populations. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL were searched for studies from 1998 through March 2019; any study design was eligible for review. Independent reviewers screened and selected studies. To be eligible, articles had to include a rehabilitation student participating in a short-term clinical or community-based experience. Two independent reviewers extracted data from included studies. Outcomes included benefits and harms of international academic experiences on students and host populations. Oxford Level of Evidence was used for quality assessment. Nineteen studies met eligibility criteria. RESULTS The most prevalent benefits and harms to students were increases in cultural and clinical competence and emotional health risks. The most prevalent benefits and harms to hosts were novel training and decreased productivity. CONCLUSIONS Highlighting benefits and harms serves a pivotal role in investigating ways to create more effective, mutually beneficial relationships between home and host populations. Future research should aim for a deeper analysis of the impact of short-term international academic experiences on host populations to develop and deepen sustainable partnerships. IMPACT With more rehabilitation students engaging in short-term international academic experiences, this review provides important guidance for the profession, including the recommendation that outcomes regarding the potential benefits and harms for home and host populations should be collected at 3 key times: immediately pre-departure for the host country, immediately post-departure in the home country, and 1-year post-arrival in the home country.
OpenGPT-2: open language models and implications of generated text

When OpenAI released its billion-parameter language model GPT-2, their attempts to withhold the model inspired two researchers to use open research practices to combat the misuse of machine learning.
Effect of Soil and Climatic Attribute on Greenhouse Gas Emission from Agriculture Sector.

Agriculture sector is a major contributor to global greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission and thus to anthropogenic climate change. In the proposed system, we used soil attributes, i.e., soil type, soil humidity, soil temperature, Ph value, soil moisture, and climatic attributes, i.e., temperature, humidity, wind speed, pressure, and location to analyze and predict the emission of greenhouse gases CO2 and CH4 from Pune, India. We used different regression techniques and deep learning model to analyze and predict the emission of CO2 and CH4 for different crops and season wise also. The result indicated that the decision tree regressor gives good result, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values 0.032930 and 0.026116 for emission of CO2 and CH4 as compared to other algorithm used. The deep learning model works best for 4 layers of sequential neural network. The RMSE values for number of epoch 1000 with different layers are 13.18, 7.87, and 10.36. Thus the effect of soil and climate attributes makes the difference in the greenhouse gas emission from agriculture field.
Measuring during a fault

Measuring instruments used in power systems will continue to report their results, even when there is a fault in the system. At such a time, the quality of the measurement is decreased, and the uncertainty of the value is increased. The uncertainty should be reported, but it rarely is. While power engineers have seemingly come to trust the results of such measurements without an uncertainty statement, in any case there is a fundamental problem with quantifying the uncertainty. The problem is not limited to power systems, though faults make it more evident. Uncertainty of the kind caused by a faulted power system can be considered definitional uncertainty, and that is normally evaluated statistically. It is not possible to perform statistics unless the measurement can be repeated at least a few times, and that is not an option outside the laboratory. This paper examines the matter from the viewpoint of measurement theory, and suggests a direction for some future work.
Individual-Level and Neighborhood-Level Factors Associated with Longitudinal Changes in Cardiometabolic Measures in Participants of a Care Coordination Program

Abstract Introduction Identifying individual and neighborhood-level factors associated with less improvement or worsening cardiometabolic measures in participants of clinic-based interventions may help identify candidates for supplementary community-based interventions. Methods Study design: Secondary data analysis of data from care coordination program cohort, Leveraging Information Technology to Guide High Tech, High Touch Care (LIGHT2). Participants: Medicare, Medicaid, or dual-eligible adults from the University of Missouri Health System enrolled in LIGHT2. Intervention: Nurse-led care coordination in ten primary care clinics. Outcomes: Hemoglobin A1C, low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and blood pressure. Multivariable generalized linear regression models assessed changes in outcomes after adjusting for clinical and sociodemographic factors, neighborhood-level factors, and driving time to primary care clinics. Results 6378 participants had pre-and post-intervention cardiometabolic measures reported (61% women, 86.3% White, non-Hispanic ethnicity, mean age 62.7 [SD, 18.5] years). In adjusted models, pre-intervention measures and female gender were associated with worsening of all cardiometabolic measures. Women’s LDL-cholesterol worsened compared to men irrespective of pre-intervention levels (β 7.87, 95% CI 5.24 to 10.5, p 6.8% had worsening hemoglobin A1C compared to men (main effect β −1.28, 95% CI −1.95 to −0.61, p 121 mm of Hg had worsening diastolic blood pressure compared to men (main effect β −5.42, 95% CI −9.8 to 0.098, p = 0.016; interaction effect β 0.04, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.078, p = 0.009). Adding neighborhood-level factors or driving time to primary care clinics did not improve the overall fit of the models. Conclusions In a solely clinic-based care coordination program, increasing baseline cardiometabolic measures and female gender were associated with worsening cardiometabolic outcomes. Further research to understand the causes of these associations may help tailor clinic-community-linked interventions.
Reverse-engineer the Distributional Structure of Infant Egocentric Views for Training Generalizable Image Classifiers.

We analyze egocentric views of attended objects from infants. This paper shows 1) empirical evidence that children's egocentric views have more diverse distributions compared to adults' views, 2) we can computationally simulate the infants' distribution, and 3) the distribution is beneficial for training more generalized image classifiers not only for infant egocentric vision but for third-person computer vision.
National and State Trends in autistic Adult Supplemental Security Income Awardees: 2005–2019

This paper used Social Security Administration program data from 2005 to 2019 to examine national- and state-level changes in the number of new adult supplemental security income (SSI) awardees on the autism spectrum relative to awardees with intellectual disability and other mental health disorders. We identified three main findings: the number of autistic awards increased between 2005 and 2019 when awards for all other mental health disorders declined; roughly nine out of every 10 autistic adult awardees were between ages 18–25 years; there was variation in the growth of autistic awards across states. These findings support the need to consider geographic and age differences in SSI program participation among autistic adults and determine the underlying causes.
Cloudpoint Studies of PMMA–MMA–n-Pentane Systems

An attempt was made to determine the existence of LCST behavior for the PMMA–MMA–n-Pentane binary system at a reasonable temperature. For the cloudpoint studies, primary standard PMMA (HI < 1.1) was purchased from Pressure Chemical Corp. (Pittsburgh, PA), with a molecular weight of 6,500 g/mol. As-received MMA was used in the determination of cloudpoint. The same apparatus was used in this study, as the one used for cloudpoint experiments in Sect. 1.1 of Caneba (2010). A constant proportion of PMMA relative to MMA of 52.4 g/g was used. The proportion of n-Pentane relative to MMA+PMMA was varied, by adding certain amounts of n-Pentane to aliquots of the PMMA–MMA mixture. The inverse-temperature cloudpoint was obtained by slowly raising the PMMA–MMA–n-Pentane temperature until the solution became turbid. The exact cloudpoint temperature was obtained at the onset of cloudiness. Thus, Table 13.1 shows cloudpoint temperature values of starting PMMA–MMA–n-Pentane mixtures used. It should be noted that at 28 wt% MMA, the system did not exhibit a clear LCST-based cloudpoint temperature, because the fluid was always turbid from room temperature up to 110°C. This supports the contention that an hourglass-shaped phase envelope was obtained from the PMMA–n-Pentane system.
Applying macroscopic material balance to evaluate interplay between dynamic drainage volume and well performance in tight formations

Abstract This study presents a novel approach to predict the production performance and evaluate the efficiency of fracturing stimulation. Despite the great success of fracturing operation in production from unconventional oil/gas resources, prediction of well performance is yet to be understood. We develop a mathematical model relating dynamic drainage volume and well deliverability in extremely low permeable formations. As the pressure disturbance created at the production well starts propagating throughout the reservoir, it will shape an expanding drainage volume; the boundaries of drainage volume are pushed back expanding the size of productive region as production continues. We treat the expanding drainage volume as moving boundary problem. In our mathematical model, the weak (integral) form of mass balance equation is written for the productive region. Fluids and rock compressibility, desorption parameters (for shale gas), and production rates are controlling the speed at which the boundaries are advancing. The calculated well deliverability is used to determine optimal fracturing spacing for wells completed in one of the oil shale plays in the United States. Two approaches are studied: 1) keep the original horizontal length and change the number of fracture clusters; 2) keep the original fracture spacing and change the horizontal length. For the wells studied here, changing the fracture spacing and the horizontal length result in various level of performance enhancement. Through the study, we determine the optimal parameters: optimal fracture spacing and optimal well spacing. The ultimate drainage volume (effective stimulated reservoir volume) and optimal fracture spacing can be obtained by the proposed method; therefore, neither comprehensive inputs required for the strong form (differential) nor any pre-knowledge about the productive region (shape, size,…) are needed for the new approach.
Marfan's syndrome associated with pregnancy

Abstract 1. 1. A case of postpartum death from dissecting aortic aneurysm in a patient with Marfan's syndrome is reported and the clinical and pathological aspects of this disease are reviewed. 2. 2. Two children of the patient likewise show evidence of the syndrome, pointing to its familial inheritance. 3. 3. The increased incidence of pre-, intra-, or postpartum dissection of aortic aneurysms is emphasized. 4. 4. This syndrome is one of the causes of sudden death associated with pregnancy and should be familiar to every physician dealing with women of the childbearing age.
*195 FAMILY VALUES FIRST WHEN FEDERAL LAWS COLLIDE: A PROPOSAL TO CREATE A PUB- LIC POLICY EXCEPTION TO THE EMPLOYMENT-AT-WILL DOCTRINE BASED UPON MANDATORY PARENTING DUTY

Wisconsin Women's Law JournalFall 2006Articles*195 FAMILY VALUES FIRST WHEN FEDERAL LAWS COLLIDE: A PROPOSAL TO CREATE A PUB-LIC POLICY EXCEPTION TO THE EMPLOYMENT-AT-WILL DOCTRINE BASED UPON MANDATORYPARENTING DUTYPamela Gershuny [FNa1]Copyright (c) 2006 Wisconsin Women's Law Journal; PamelaGershuny “Government cannot love a child, but it can support those who do, parents and family members and neigh-bors and caring adults who have heard the call.” [FN1]Introduction The passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)[FN2] and the Personal Responsibility and WorkOpportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), [FN3] which created Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF),[FN4] has worked a hardship on children in the United States. This Article argues that courts are in the best pos-ition to narrowly apply an extension of the wrongful discharge tort in recognition of the mandatory parentingduty public policy. The FMLA as enacted provides unpaid leave for parents when their children are sick.[FN5]However, for parents whose employers do not fall within the purview of the act and parents whose children's ill-nesses fall outside the FMLA, there is no unpaid leave, only unexcused absences. These parents are caughtbetween the devil and the deep blue sea: they can leave their children alone or be fired. The risks inherent inleaving unattended children in cars or at home while parents work are obvious. Likewise, the loss of income andhealth insurance benefits attendant to employment termination is clear. The less evident peril is*196 the TANFdictated loss of work-first government welfare benefits when parents are fired.[FN6] TANF authorizes states toimpose harsh financial sanctions, including cutting off entire families from aid for violating work requirements.[FN7] The collision of these two federal laws--a policy driven work-first TANF requirement that cuts off fund-ing for children if their parent does not go to work, with the short-term illness gaps in FMLA coverage that al-low employers to fire parents for staying home with sick children--combine with the employment-at-will doc-trine to jeopardize the well-being of children and families.Traditionally, multiple statutory and common-law developments have mitigated the harsh effects of the em-ployment-at-will doctrine. This Article examines the importance of narrowly extending a common-law cause ofaction, wrongful discharge in violation of public policy, to instances where an employee engages in mandatoryparenting duty. Part I discusses the changing face of employees as the number of working mothers increases, theimportance of the employment relationship, and treatment of parenting leave under the FMLA. Part II reviewsthe traditional public policy exceptions to employment terminations without cause. Part III justifies extension ofthe cause of action to mandatory parenting duty based upon fundamental public policy as found in statutory en-21 WIWLJ 195 Page 121 Wis. Women's L.J. 195© 2010 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
CHILDREN ACCUSED OF PRACTICING WITCHCRAFT IN AKWA IBOM, NIGERIA: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF ONLINE NEWS MEDIA

This essay analyzes online news media reactions to the labeling and stigmatizing of children as witches in Eket, within the state of Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. The paper was triggered by Governor Godswill Akpabio’s August 30, 2010, appearance on CNN, during which he stated that the situation of these stigmatized children is exaggerated. This essay seeks to understand what perspectives the online news media created in response to Akpabio's interview. Three themes - the children accused, the behavior of the gatekeepers (i.e., among others, parents, guardians, religious leaders, and government officials), and the practice of witchcraft - emerge from the data. The results reveal the following: (a) the Governor is defensive and in denial, (b) the involved pastors are opportunists, and (c) the accused children are abandoned, maltreated, and sometimes murdered. Results also show that none of the analyzed online news media specifically blame the parents of the accused children; rather they blame the Governor and pastors, and specifically Helen Ukpabio. Further analysis indicates that poverty is not necessarily the root of the problem as the Governor claims. The essay recommends acknowledgement of folk belief systems in the training of gatekeepers.
Clearance of normal and type 2A von Willebrand factor in the rat

A model for the in vivo clearance of normal and mutant forms of human von Willebrand factor (vWF) has been established using catheterized rats. vWF clearance rates in rat plasma were determined by quantitation of reduced vWF subunits on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and multimeric vWF was analyzed using nondenaturing SDS-agarose gels. Normal vWF derived from human umbilical vein endothelial cells displayed a biphasic pattern of clearance, with half times of 35 minutes (T 1/2 a; SD 15. min.) and 245 minutes (T 1/2 b; SD 76. min.); metabolic clearance rate = 0.65%/minute. High molecular weight multimers of vWF were cleared more rapidly than dimeric vWF. vWF containing the S1613P mutation found in some type 2A von Willebrand disease (vWD) patients was observed to undergo proteolysis in vivo resulting in a reduction of high molecular weight vWF and concomitant appearance of rapidly-migrating satellite species, although the overall clearance rate of vWF antigen was similar to wild type vWF. These results provide direct in vivo evidence that the S1613P mutation causes the characteristic type 2A vWD phenotype. Full-length recombinant vWF produced from transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells was cleared at a similar rate to endothelial cell-derived vWF, and recombinant vWF devoid of O-linked carbohydrates was cleared significantly faster. vWF devoid of sulfate was cleared at a similar rate as wild type vWF, indicating the sulfate moiety of vWF does not regulate in vivo clearance. This animal model should prove useful in subsequent in vivo analysis of additional forms of vWD and in the development of protease inhibitor therapy for 2A vWD.
Chaotic motions in the dynamics of a hopping robot

Discrete dynamical systems theory is applied to the dynamic stability analysis of a simplified hopping robot. A Poincare return map is developed to capture the system dynamics behavior, and two basic nondimensional parameters which influence the systems dynamics are identified. The hopping behavior of the system is investigated by constructing the bifurcation diagrams of the Poincare return map with respect to these parameters. The bifurcation diagrams show a period-doubling cascade leading to a regime of chaotic behavior, where a strange attractor is developed. One feature of the dynamics is that the strange attractor can be controlled and eliminated by tuning an appropriate parameter corresponding to the duration of applied hopping thrust. Physically, the collapse of the strange attractor leads to globally stable uniform hopping motion. >
Reduced Concentration Limit of Nucleic Acid Biosensor by Utilizing Long DNA

We previously described a simple, PCR-free, low cost device for sequence-specific nucleic acid detection which coupled target nucleic acids to a bead and measured the blockade of a large pore by the bead, achieving a 10 pM concentration detection limit of 20-mer DNA oligomers. Here, we describe function of our device for detection of longer DNA fragments. We prepared four different DNA fragments containing a specific target sequence 110, 235, 419, and 1613 nucleotides in length, and four different control fragments not containing the target sequence 125, 184, 309, and 1503 nucleotides in length. We examined detection of the target DNA oligomers at concentrations of 1pM - 1fM, finding that as target DNA length increased, lower concentrations were detectable, with a 10 fM detection limit for the 419 and 1613 nucleotide DNA oligomers.L. Esfandiari et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., vol. 134, no. 38, pp. 15880-15886, 2012.
A Numerical Method for Analysis of Extended Rough Wavy Surfaces in Contact

Topographies of engineering surfaces normally have both random and periodic components, designated as surface roughness and waviness. True contacts between two such surfaces develop between the peaks, or asperities, on each surface. The waviness of the surfaces determines the spatial distribution of true contacts over the interface such that true contacts on wavy surfaces occur at and near the wave crests. This paper presents a computational method for analysis of contact between two rough wavy surfaces for which the nominal contact area may be arbitrarily large. The model used here combines local deflection of contact point due only to the force acting on it with the non-local deflection of the same point due to forces at all other points of the surfaces. Using a three-stage loop similar to multi-level substructuring in finite element analysis and a nested iterative approach, the proposed method calculates the true contact area for a large number of asperity contacts, O (10 3 ). Results of calculations show how contact parameters change with external load and also demonstrate the validity of the method.
Effects of electric potential on chemical-mechanical polishing of copper

The effect of electric potential on the dissolution and polishing behavior of copper in acidic and alkaline media was investigated. The electromechanical polishing mechanism of copper is discussed based on removal rate of copper, pH of slurries, and surface morphology of polished copper. The most interesting phenomenon occurred in chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) of copper with applied direct current (DC) voltage is the variation of pH during polishing. The dissolution experiments indicated that an acidic agent might have more hydrogen reduced with higher DC potential. The results demonstrated that the application of DC voltage is beneficial to improve planarization of copper polishing in an alkaline slurry.
The Impact of Hemorheology on Wall Shear Stress in a Separated and Reattached Flow Region

Wall-bounded separating and reattaching flows are encountered in biological applications dealing with blood flows through arteries and prosthetic devices. Separated and reattached flow regions have been associated in the past with the most common arterial disease, atherosclerosis. Previous studies suggest that local wall shear stress (WSS) patterns affect the location and progression rate of atherosclerotic lesions. A parametric study is performed to investigate the influence of hemorheology on the wall shear stress distribution in a separated and reattached flow region. Recent hemorheological studies quantified and emphasized the yield stress and shear-thinning non-Newtonian characteristics of unadulterated human blood. Numerical solutions to the governing equations that account for yield stress and shear-thinning rheological effects are obtained. A low WSS region is observed around the flow reattachment point while a peak WSS always exists close to the vortex center. The yield shear-thinning hemorheological model always results in the highest observed peak WSS. The yield stress impact on WSS distribution is most pronounced in the case of severe restrictions to the flow.© 2013 ASME
Entrepreneurial failure: The case of Franchisees

The causes of failure are central to entrepreneurship research. This study extends agency and resource‐based logic to explain how established franchisors affect franchisee failure. Analysis of 88 r...
Heteroduplex formation in SMN gene dosage analysis.

Most spinal muscular atrophy patients lack both copies of SMN1 exon 7 and most carriers have only one copy of SMN1 exon 7. We investigated the effect of SMN1/SMN2 heteroduplex formation on SMNgene dosage analysis, which is an assay to determine copy number of SMN1 exon 7 that utilizes multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with DraI digestion to differentiate SMN1 from SMN2. Heteroduplex formation in PCR is a well-described phenomenon. In addition to demonstrating the presence of heteroduplexes by sequence analysis of purified SMN1 bands, we compared the SMN1 signals in various genotype groups (total n = 260) to those in a group lacking SMN2 (n = 13), and we estimated the relative amounts of SMN1/SMN2heteroduplexes. The SMN1 signal increased as SMN2 copy number increased despite a constant SMN1 copy number, although not all pairwise comparisons showed a statistically significant difference in the SMN1 signal. In conclusion,SMN1/SMN2 heteroduplexes form in SMN gene dosage analysis, falsely increasing the SMN1signal. External controls for SMN gene dosage analysis should be chosen carefully with regard to SMN2 copy number. The effect of heteroduplex formation should be considered when performing quantitative multiplex PCR.
Pharmacogenetics of breast cancer therapies

Treatment decisions for breast cancer patients are currently based on a small number of crude predictive markers, despite the known complexity and heterogeneity of the disease. The field of pharmacogenetics can increase the precision with which therapeutic decisions are made. Discovering associations between genetic variation and treatment response will allow clinicians to tailor therapies to most effectively treat that specific tumor in that patient. In this review we outline two genes with potential clinical relevance in breast cancer treatment. A common polymorphism in the gene encoding Fc fragment of IgG low affinity IIIa receptor (FCGR3A; gene: FCGR3A) may substantially influence a patient's likelihood of responding to trastuzumab. The other gene that will be discussed in the review is cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6; gene: CYP2D6), which has many genetic variants that impair the bioactivation and effectiveness of tamoxifen therapy.
Endoscopic endonasal transphenoidal surgery using the BrainLAB® Headband for navigation without rigid fixation.

The number of lesions of the skull base currently resected via endoscopic, endonasal, transphenoidal approach has increased. We have successfully treated 63 consecutive patients with pituitary lesions using this technique in combination with BrainLAB reference headband and laser surface scanning (BrainLAB ® , Heimstetten, Germany) for surgical navigation. This technique affords several advantages over neuronavigation based on adhesive-mounted fiducial registration. Rigid fixation in a Mayfield clamp is not required, which allows for flexibility with respect to positioning of the head during the procedure. This is particularly important, as extension and flexion of the head provide greater exposure to the clivus and anterior skull base, respectively. Also, we demonstrate that this technique is safe, easy-to-use, and faster compared with other ones.
Critical evaluation of analytical methods for the determination of selenium in air, water, and biological materials

Abstract The review describes suitable analytical methods for determining trace quantities of selenium in air, water and biological materials. Many methods are evaluated; some specific and established ones are given in detail. The sampling techniques for selenium are mentioned and the problems, particularly associated with air sampling using filter media have been discussed. The data on the extent of selenium losses, when filter media are used, are tabulated and also methods for chemical decomposition of selenium-containing samples are included. Impingement techniques with a few absorbing solvents are considered, however, water has been experimentally shown to be efficient for trapping airborne selenium.
Enhancing the validity and utility of randomized clinical trials in addictions treatment research: II. Participant samples and assessment.

Purpose This paper is the second in a series that describes strategies for optimizing the validity and utility of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in addictions treatment research. Whereas the first paper focused on treatment implementation and research design, here we address issues pertaining to participant samples and assessment methods. Scope With respect to participant samples, sections focus on the definition of study populations; informed consent; sample size and statistical power; recruitment and enrollment; sample retention; and participant tracking systems. Assessment topics include eligibility screening and baseline assessment; treatment-related variables; outcome measures; the frequency of follow-up evaluation; and assessment process. A final section highlights the importance of pilot testing. Conclusions Sample recruitment and retention strategies are needed that safeguard both internal and external validity. Daily estimation assessment procedures are recommended because of their versatility for creating a range of outcome measures. Assessment batteries should include measures that permit the investigation of treatment processes and mechanisms of action.
Thermal behavior of noncrystalline sputtered films in the system GeTe

Abstract As part of a systematic study of vapor deposited noncrystalline solid (VDNCS) sputtered films in the GeTe system, this paper reports on the thermal behavior of these films. Heating experiments were conducted on samples of various compositions throughout the NCS forming region which extends from pure Ge to at least 95 at.% Te. The crystallization temperatures of the films have been shown to be highly reproducible and sensitive to the particular NCS structure. At compositions from 70 to 95 at. % Te and at 30 at. % Te two stage crystallization was observed, in which the Te phase and Ge phase, respectively, crystallized first, followed in both cases, by crystallization of GeTe. All other compositions showed single stage crystallization in which the two phases, either GeTe + Te or GeTe + Ge, crystallized simultaneously. The possible existence of non-uniform structure in the films is indicated in the data on two stage crystallization. The relation between the crystallization temperature and the degree of disorder, or structure, of the VDNCS films is discussed with emphasis on both the composition and conditions of preparation of the films. The relevance of the current results to memory switch device research is noted.
Mechanical length scales and their link to fatigue crack growth kinetics in beta-annealed Ti–6Al–4V

Correlations among microstructure, crack-tip fields and fatigue fracture are studied in beta-annealed Ti–6Al–4V. By means of digital image correlation, the area integral of the opening strain (eint) over the cyclic plastic zone was obtained, which was proportional to ΔKm, where m is the Paris exponent, so that da/dN ∝ eint. Analysis shows that m ≅ 2 ( 2 + ( 1 + n ′ ) - 1 ) where n′ is the cyclic hardening exponent (0 ⩽ n′ ⩽ 1). This predicts 5 ⩽ m ⩽ 6, in agreement with experiments, and strongly suggests that fatigue fracture of beta-annealed Ti–6Al–4V can be described using non-local strain parameters.
Distribution and abundance of pelagic fish off Spanish Sahara during CUEA expedition JOINT-I☆

Abstract The distribution and abundance of pelagic fish was investigated during Expedition JOINT-I of the Coastal Upwelling Ecosystem Analysis Program. The studies were conducted off Spanish Sahara, primarily along 21° 40′N between 17°05′ and 17°40′W from 31 March to 10 May, 1974. Data on fish abundance were collected with a hydroacoustic system consisting of 120- and 38-kHz echo sounders and a computerized signal processing system. Two congregations of fish were observed, one associated with the upper continental slope and the second at midshelf. The upper slope congregation was primarily horse mackerel (Trachurus sp.) and was associated with high abundance of large (over 500 μm) zooplankton. The second congregation was primarily sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and was distributed coincident with maximum abundance of small zooplankton and phytoplankton. The mean abundance of fish was estimated at 60 g m−2 wet weight over an area of about 4000 km2.
The Influence of Goal-Directed and Experiential Activities on Online Flow Experiences

Recently, it has been proposed that creating compelling experiences in the distinctive consumption environment defined by the Internet depends on facilitating a state of flow. Although it has been established that consumers do, in fact, experience flow while using the Web, consumer researchers do not as yet have a comprehensive understanding of the specific activities during which consumers actually have these experiences. One fruitful focus of research on online consumer experience has been on two distinct categories of consumption behavior— goal directed and experiential consumption behavior. Drawing distinctions between these behaviors for the Web may be particularly important because the experiential process is, for many individuals, as or even more important than the final instrumental result. However, the general and broad nature of flow measurement to date has precluded a precise investigation of flow during goal-directed versus experiential activities. In this article, we explore this issue, investigating whether flow occurs during both experiential and goal-directed activities, if experiential and goal-directed flow states differ in terms of underlying constructs, and what the key characteristics are—based on prior theory—that define “types” of flow experiences reported on the Web. Our approach is to perform a series of quantitative analyses of qualitative descriptions of flow experiences provided by Web users collected in conjunction with the 10th GVU WWW User Survey. In contrast with previous research that suggests flow would be more likely to occur during recreational activities than task-oriented activities, we found more evidence of flow for task-oriented rather than experiential activities, although there is evidence flow occurs under both scenarios. As a final note, we argue that the role that goal-directed and experiential activities may play in facilitating the creation of compelling online environments may also be important in a broader consumer policy context.
The Roc domain of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 is sufficient for interaction with microtubules.

Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are the leading cause of genetically inherited Parkinson’s disease (PD). While this multi-domain protein has been shown to have both GTPase and kinase activities through the Roc and MAPKKK domains, respectively, the proteinprotein interactions and pathways involved in LRRK2-mediated signaling remain elusive. Utilizing a combination of protein pull-down assays, mass spectrometry, Western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy, this study identifies and describes the interaction between LRRK2 and microtubules. The Roc or GTPase-like domain of LRRK2 is sufficient for interaction with α/βtubulin heterodimers. This interaction occurs in a guanine-nucleotide independent manner, suggesting that tubulin may not be an effector of the LRRK2 GTPase domain. The R1441C pathogenic mutation, located within the Roc domain, retains interaction with α/β-tubulin heterodimers, suggesting that disruption of this interaction is not likely the mechanism whereby the R1441C mutation leads to disease. At a subcellular level, endogenous LRRK2 protein was found to colocalize with α/β-tubulin in primary hippocampal neurons. These findings are significant because they link LRRK2 with microtubules, a structural component of the cell that is critically involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases, including PD.
Ubiquitin on the Move: The Ubiquitin Modification System Plays Diverse Roles in the Regulation of Endoplasmic Reticulum- and Plasma Membrane-Localized Proteins

Ubiquitin ligation to other proteins modulates the activity, longevity, and/or localization of the target proteins in eukaryotic systems. As components of the ubiquitin pathway, plant hormone receptors determine the abundance of key transcriptional regulators of auxin, GA, and jasmonate response
Synthesis of the β-1,3-glucan, laminarahexaose : NMR and conformational studies

The synthesis of laminarahexaose is described. NMR studies of several of the intermediates leading to the β-1,3-glucan show anomalously small coupling constants for some of the C-1 hydrogens. An X-ray structure for the protected hexasaccharide shows that the small coupling constants are due to some of the glucopyranose rings adopting a twist-boat conformation. The X-ray studies also explain other unexpected NMR observations.
Ultrastructure of leydig cells as revealed by secondary tissue treatment with a ferrocyanide-osmium mixture.

Abstract Leydig cells prepared routinely (glutaraldehyde-osmium) for ultrastructural studies are generally found to be lacking in subcellular detail as a result of poor membrane preservation and a dense cytoplasmic matrix. A method modified after that of Karnovsky (1971) , utilizing a ferrocyanide-osmium mixture for posttreating glutaraldehyde fixed tissues, was found to yield routinely excellent preservation of Leydig cells. The primary advantages of this method were the enhancement of contrast within the Leydig cell and greatly improved membrane preservation. In addition, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum always appeared as an extensive network of interconnected tubules of uniform diameter; mitochondria, lysosomes, peroxisomes, multivesicular bodies, and Golgi were especially prominent. Glycogen and microfilaments, not readily seen in routine preparations, were found to be abundant in these cells. New observations on the numbers and distributions of subcellular organelles are described and are discussed in relation to their possible role in the steroidogenic process. In view of the greatly improved tissue preservation observed in this study, it is suggested that this treatment be used routinely for preservation of rat Leydig cells.
Ultra‐low‐frequency wave power in the magnetotail lobes 1. Relation to substorm Onsets and the auroral electrojet index

Time-series observations of the magnetotail-lobe magnetic field have been Fourier analyzed to compute the frequency-weighted energy density Pfz in the range 1-30 mHz. Pfz is generally observed in the range 0.0001-0.01 gamma-squared Hz with a mean value of 0.0012 during substorm growth phases and 0.001 in the comparison intervals. No strong correlation of Pfz is found with the auroral electrojet index in either set of intervals, but during substorm growth phases Pfz may vary by an order of magnitude over time scales of 30 min, with a tendency for higher power levels to occur later in the growth phase. Increases in Pfz precede by about 10 min localized expansive phase activity observed in individual magnetograms.
Comparing credentialing requirements of substance abuse treatment staff by funding source.

Abstract Studies have found that clinicians with higher education and/or attainment of national certification have a more favorable outlook regarding the adoption of evidence-based practices. However, staff hiring decisions may be based on a multitude of factors, including available resources and demands stemming from different funders. Using a mixed-methods case study approach with 34 agencies within one state, we assessed administrators' perspectives of the most important funding source, views on clinical hiring practices, and current staffing. We found that funding source predicted views and actual staff level of credentialing and education. Those agencies citing a criminal justice entity as the most important funder had the lowest requirements for credentialing and education. As the substance abuse treatment delivery system evolves and expands, we must ensure that vulnerable groups have access to more highly—rather than less—skilled workers to assess and facilitate recovery.
Going Forward: How the Field of Learning Disabilities has and will Contribute to Education

The field of learning disabilities has a past that it will never escape, but it has a future that, if it is predicated on the better parts of its past, will allow the field to continue to contribut...
Distributed Cooperation and Diversity for Hybrid Wireless Networks

In this paper, we propose a new Distributed Cooperation and Diversity Combining framework. Our focus is on heterogeneous networks with devices equipped with two types of radio frequency (RF) interfaces: short-range high-rate interface (e.g., IEEE802.11), and a long-range low-rate interface (e.g., cellular) communicating over urban Rayleigh fading channels. Within this framework, we propose and evaluate a set of distributed cooperation techniques operating at different hierarchical levels with resource constraints such as short-range RF bandwidth. We propose a Priority Maximum-Ratio Combining (PMRC) technique, and a Post Soft-Demodulation Combining (PSDC) technique. We show that the proposed techniques achieve significant improvements on Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), Bit Error Rate (BER) and throughput through analysis, simulation, and experimentation on our software radio testbed. Our results also indicate that, under several communication scenarios, PMRC and PSDC can improve the throughput performance by over an order of magnitude.
Arginine-specific modification of rabbit muscle phosphoglucose isomerase: Differences in the inactivation by phenylglyoxal and butanedione and in the protection by substrate analogs

Rabbit muscle phosphoglucose isomerase was modified with phenylglyoxal or 2,3-butanedione, the reaction with either reagent resulting in loss of enzymatic activity in a biphasic mode. At slightly alkaline pH butanedione was found to be approximately six times as effective as phenylglyoxal. The inactivation process could not be significantly reversed by removal of the modifier. Competitive inhibitors of the enzyme protected partially against loss of enzyme activity by either modification. The only kind of amino acid residue affected was arginine. However, more than one arginine residue per enzyme subunit was found to be susceptible to modification by the dicarbonyl reagents. From protection experiments it was concluded (i) that both modifiers react specifically with an arginine in the phosphoglucose isomerase active site and nonspecifically with one or more arginine residues elsewhere in the enzyme molecule, (ii) that modification at either loci causes loss of catalytic activity, and (iii) that butanedione has a higher preference for active site arginine than for arginine residues outside of the catalytic center whereas the opposite is true for phenylglyoxal.
Early detection of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer meets the criteria of a disease for which screening can be justified. The disease is most often diagnosed in advanced stages, when chances for long-term survival are poor. Yet effective treatment exists for early-stage disease, such that early detection can increase long-term survival. However, screening for early-stage ovarian cancer with the high specificity necessary for this low-prevalence disease has proven to be a challenge. This article reviews the issues of early detection of ovarian cancer, including pathology, statistical considerations, diagnostic modalities, and results of the major clinical studies undertaken.
Integrated and automatic mixing of whole blood: an evaluation of a novel blood gas analyzer.

Abstract Background A homogeneous whole blood specimen is essential to produce quality results from blood gas analysis, however achieving an adequately mixed specimen can be difficult due to the absence of any dead space in a blood gas syringe. This study evaluated the efficacy of an automatic mixing feature incorporated into the ABL800 FLEX blood gas analyzer and estimated the systematic error in tests performed by the instrument. Methods Quantitative measurements of pH, PCO2, PO2, Na+, K+, Ca+, glucose, lactate, and total hemoglobin were performed on 388 whole blood specimens collected into standard blood gas syringes or specific syringes designed to work in conjunction with the ABL800 FLEX. One hundred eighty specimens were manually or automatically mixed following horizontal storage for 10, 20, or 30 min and total hemoglobin was used as in indicator of specimen homogeneity. Two hundred eight specimens were used to estimate the systematic error of tests performed by the ABL800 FLEX. Results Manual mixing produced significantly more variation in paired hemoglobin measurements compared to automatic mixing at all three time points (p Conclusions In contrast to manual mixing, automatic mixing by the ABL800 FLEX consistently produces a homogeneous specimen.