Outcome of different treatment mixes in a multidimensional neuropsychological rehabilitation program.

Within a clinical demonstration program, 59 traumatically brain-injured patients were treated with 1 of 3 mixes of treatment. Mix 1 included cognitive remediation (CGR), small-group interpersonal (SGI) communication training, therapeutic community activities, and personal counseling. Mix 2 was similar to Mix 1 but stressed SGI exercises and eliminated CGR. Mix 3 emphasized CGR and eliminated SGI exercises. The efficacy of the treatment mixes was evaluated with performance on neuropsychological tests, improved independence in functional activities, measures of intra- and interpersonal functioning, and vocational outcome. Ss' participation in the program, irrespective of treatment mix, yielded improvements in (1) self-image, (2) quality of interpersonal relatedness and interaction, (3) involvement with others in naturalistic settings, and (4) vocational outcome. Overall, data point to the superiority of the balanced mix (Mix 1) over Mixes 2 and 3. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Influence of the deposition atmosphere on the characteristics of Pd–Mg thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition

Bilayered palladium (30 nm thick)–magnesium (350 nm thick) thin films were prepared using the pulsed laser deposition technique in the presence of various background gases (Ar, He and a mixture He + H₂) under different partial pressures (47 and 27 Pa). According to the deposition atmosphere, the Pd/Mg interface shows either a sharp or an extended transition. The electrochemical hydriding properties and the mechanical stability upon cycling of the Pd/Mg film are greatly improved when an extended «intermixing» zone between the Pd and Mg layers is present. The Pd–Mg films prepared under pure helium fulfill these conditions.     

Stress in Dairy Farming and the Adoption of New Technology.

Previous studies have identified a number of different farm stressors and have reported gender and age differences in levels of stress. This study aimed to determine stress experienced by New Zealand dairy farmers, particularly in relation to adoption of new technology and its relationship to age and gender. Measures of farm stress and adoption of technology were completed by 985 dairy farmers. The highest levels of stress were reported for time pressures, machinery breakdown, weather, and government policies. Stress related to new technologies occurred rarely. Women reported more stress and higher levels of stress for understanding new technologies. There was also an increase in severity of stress with age related to new technologies. Overall, stress levels were moderate and may reflect favorable economic conditions. The findings suggest a need to tailor stress interventions to meet specific needs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

码分多址（CDMA）技术和公用空中接口综述

本文主要讨论数字移动通信中扩频码分多址技术，阐明了ＣＤＭＡ体制的优越之外，分析了ＣＤＭＡ的关键技术，全面介绍了ＣＤＭＡ系统设计的基本原则和ＩＳ－９５－Ａ空中接口标准的含义。     

ART-EMAP: A neural network architecture for object recognition byevidence accumulation

A new neural network architecture is introduced for the recognition of pattern classes after supervised and unsupervised learning. Applications include spatio-temporal image understanding and prediction and 3D object recognition from a series of ambiguous 2D views. The architecture, called ART-EMAP, achieves a synthesis of adaptive resonance theory (ART) and spatial and temporal evidence integration for dynamic predictive mapping (EMAP). ART-EMAP extends the capabilities of fuzzy ARTMAP in four incremental stages. Stage 1 introduces distributed pattern representation at a view category field. Stage 2 adds a decision criterion to the mapping between view and object categories, delaying identification of ambiguous objects when faced with a low confidence prediction. Stage 3 augments the system with a field where evidence accumulates in medium-term memory. Stage 4 adds an unsupervised learning process to fine-tune performance after the limited initial period of supervised network training. Each ART-EMAP stage is illustrated with a benchmark simulation example, using both noisy and noise-free data.     

A GENERALIZED APPROACH TO MODELING THE HIERARCHICAL MAXIMAL COVERING LOCATION PROBLEM WITH REFERRAL

ABSTRACT Several investigators have developed hierarchically structured maximal covering location problems, especially for hierarchies with two levels such as clinics and hospitals: Moore and ReVelle developed and applied a hierarchical covering model to a medical service delivery problem in Houduras; and Church and Falon developed two alternate model forms of hierarchical covering that were applied to a medical services planning, problem in Colombia. In this paper, we proposed a hybrid formulation that encompasses all three of these previous models and which allows for the trade-off of up of four different objectives. This new model formulation is also an improvement in that it has a significantly more efficient and compact structure, even while encompassing a more complete location problem, of which the three previous works are special cases. Example solutions are given for two different data sels involving regions in Colombia and Uganda. In addition, two further model formulations of a closely related nature are presented without computational results.     

Photostability profiles of minoxidil solutions

Philosophical explanations of the phenomenon of akrasia have been used in this article to characterize some of the difficulties involved in successful behavior change. The theory of psychological reversals provides a framework for understanding various types of akratic behavior. In addition, empirical research on the temptations of persons trying to quit smoking has supported hypotheses generated by the theory. The theory suggests that resisting the temptation to engage in akratic behavior is a complex phenomenon. Different strategies are needed in different types of metamotivational states. Reversal theory provides a coherent system for understanding and predicting akratic behavior. It suggests possible interventions that would improve the probability of circumventing akrasia and that would improve behavior change efforts of nurses engaged in health-promotion and disease-prevention activities.     

Mapping the chicken genome: problems and perspectives

Various molecular methods are now used to map the chicken genome, including chromosome scraping, flow cytofluorimetry, zonal centrifugation, construction of chromosome-specific libraries, genetic analysis with polymorphic DNA markers, and in situ hybridization. Two main drawbacks are characteristic of existing maps of chicken chromosomes. First, classic genetic maps (i.e., linkage groups of genes for morphological, physiological, and biochemical characters), physical maps of chromosomes, and new genetic maps constructed on the basis of polymorphic DNA markers (RFLP, RAPD, VNTR, SSR, and CR1-PCR) do not coordinate with one another. Second, a relatively low number of genes is present in classic genetic maps and physical chromosome maps. Application of cytogenetic methods to chromosome mapping in birds is limited because of some specific features characteristic of the organization of avian genomes. For the same reason, studying the location and expression of avian genes is very important. Since mammalian and avian genomes differ in structure, revealing their possible common functional characteristics will provide for a better understanding of the general mechanisms that control biologically important characters in higher animals.     

Synthesis and characterization of cyclic pseudopeptide libraries containing thiomethylene and thiomethylene-sulfoxide amide bond surrogates

Resistance-modifying agents (RMAs) such as Verapamil have been proved to be effective in reversing multi-drug resistance (MDR) in many in vitro assays. In this study we have investigated the efficacy of Dex-Verapamil, the R-isomer of Verapamil, as a chemosensitizer in a murine leukemia cell line (P388) and in its resistant counterpart (P388/Dx) expressing a typical MDR phenotype. We have examined in vivo the effect of the co-administration of Dex-Verapamil and Doxorubicin in mice transplanted with P388 or P388/Dx cells. Mice treated with the combination of Doxorubicin plus RMA had a significant increase in survival rate as compared to controls; however, the effect was modest. On the contrary, in vitro Dex-Verapamil can enhance Doxorubicin cytotoxicity in P388/Dx cells with a much greater effect depending on the treatment scheme used, by increasing the intracellular content of drug. Taken together our data indicate that Dex-Verapamil can indeed increase the sensitivity to Doxorubicin in resistant cells, but the limited efficacy shown in vivo demonstrates that this phenomenon is strongly dependent on the treatment scheme used and on the maintenance of constantly elevated serum levels.     

Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated osteoclastogenesis is mediated by tumor necrosis factor via its P55 receptor

Chronic bone infection, as attends periodontitis, is often complicated by severe osteolysis. While LPS is believed to be central to the pathogenesis of the osteolytic lesion, the mechanisms by which this bacteria-derived molecule promotes bone resorption are unknown. We find that LPS induces bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) to express c-src, a protooncogene product that we demonstrate is a specific marker of commitment to the osteoclast phenotype. We next turned to possible soluble mediators of LPS-induced c-src. Of a number of osteoclastogenic cytokines tested, only TNF-alpha mirrors the c-src-enhancing effect of LPS. Suggesting that LPS augmentation of c-src is TNF-mediated, endotoxin sequentially induces BMM expression of TNF, followed by c-src. TNF and c-src expression, by cultured BMMs derived from LPS-injected mice, reflects duration of exposure to circulating endotoxin, intimating that endotoxin's effect in vivo is also mediated by TNF. Consistent with these findings, thalidomide (which antagonizes TNF action) attenuates c-src induction by LPS. An anti-TNF antibody blocks LPS enhancement of c-src mRNA, validating the cytokine's modulating role in vitro. Using BMMs of TNF receptor-deleted mice, we demonstrate that TNF induction of c-src is transmitted through the cytokine's p55, but not p75, receptor. Most importantly, LPS administered to wild-type mice prompts osteoclast precursor differentiation, manifest by profound osteoclastogenesis in marrow cultured ex vivo, and by a profusion of marrow-residing cells expressing the osteoclast marker tartrate resistant acid phosphatase, in vivo. In contrast, LPS does not substantially enhance osteoclast proliferation in mice lacking the p55TNF receptor, confirming that LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis is mediated by TNF in vivo via this receptor. Thus, therapy targeting TNF and/or its p55 receptor presents itself as a means of preventing the osteolysis of chronic bacterial infection.