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Introduction/Aims: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) exhibits selective muscle weakness. The weak shoulder and arm sparing signs, assessed by a single experienced neurologist, have been reported to be superior to previous signs in sensitivity and specificity. However, it is unknown whether the same results are observed when assessed by multiple neurologists. Methods: Subjects were retrospectively identified from our department's inpatient database from 2014 to 2023. Medical Research Council (MRC) scores of the deltoid (Del), biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), and first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscles were evaluated. The weak shoulder sign was defined as positive when Del was weaker than BB and TB. The arm sparing sign was defined as positive when both Del and FDI were weaker than BB and TB. Sensitivity was analyzed in all ALS patients and in subgroups based on the region of symptom onset, presence or absence of upper motor neuron (UMN) signs, and the Japanese ALS Severity Classification. Results: Seventy‐one patients with ALS were identified. Eight neurologists and three neurology residents evaluated each patient's MRC scores. The weak shoulder and arm sparing signs were observed in 72% and 48% of patients, respectively, with no significant difference in sensitivity across patient subgroups. Discussion: The weak shoulder and arm sparing signs showed high and moderate sensitivity, respectively, consistent with a previous report, even when evaluated by multiple examiners. This expands the clinical utility and increases the reliability of these signs, potentially contributing to accurate ALS diagnosis when combined with other clinical features and objective assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stabilization of resistive wall modes (RWMs) is one of the important issues in magnetic fusion research. In the reversed field pinch (RFP), the number of unstable RWMs becomes smaller by lowering the aspect ratio (A), the ratio of the minor to major radius of the device. In REversed field pinch of Low‐Aspect ratio eXperiment (RELAX), whose aspect ratio is 2, unstable m/n = 1/2 RWM was stabilized by a single mode control power supply system with improvements of discharge performance. In this paper we report new results with modified power supply system in which magnetic boundary condition near the poloidal gaps is controlled. The modified power supply system is designed to stabilize the most unstable m/n = 1/2 mode by use of the saddle coil array covering the whole torus with eight (8) power supplies. The results show that the discharge duration is improved from ~ 3.0 ms to ~ 4.0 ms, limited by the capability of the iron core in RELAX device. Stabilization of the dominant RWM with the resultant improved plasma performance by a single mode control power supply system shows one of the advantages of a low‐aspect‐ratio RFP concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stabilization of resistive wall modes (RWMs) is one of the important issues in magnetic fusion research. In the reversed field pinch (RFP), the number of unstable RWMs becomes smaller by lowering the aspect ratio (A), the ratio of the minor to major radius of the device. In REversed field pinch of Low‐Aspect ratio eXperiment (RELAX), whose aspect ratio is 2, unstable m/n = 1/2 RWM was stabilized by a single mode control power supply system with improvements of discharge performance. In this paper we report new results with modified power supply system in which magnetic boundary condition near the poloidal gaps is controlled. The modified power supply system is designed to stabilize the most unstable m/n = 1/2 mode by use of the saddle coil array covering the whole torus with eight (8) power supplies. The results show that the discharge duration is improved from ~ 3.0 ms to ~ 4.0 ms, limited by the capability of the iron core in RELAX device. Stabilization of the dominant RWM with the resultant improved plasma performance by a single mode control power supply system shows one of the advantages of a low‐aspect‐ratio RFP concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable equilibrium reconstruction is indispensable for understanding and controlling hot magnetized plasmas to achieve fusion reactors. In axisymmetric systems, current and pressure profiles that satisfy the force balance conditions are given by the Grad–Shafranov (GS) equation. While many novel approaches have been developed to swiftly and robustly find an optimum solution of the GS equation, approaches based on a single solution search may not be adaptable if diagnostics fail to provide sufficient constraints. Here, we investigate the solution space of the GS equation when only basic edge magnetic measurements are available. By combining Gaussian process regression and Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling within the Bayesian framework, we treat each current element as an independent variable and evaluate the probability distribution that describes all possible solutions. We have applied this inference frame to the geometry of the PLATO tokamak and shown that the flux surface locations can be determined relatively well only from 16 pick-up coils, 4 flux loops and a diamagnetic loop. On the other hand, the toroidal current density is inferred with limited success, and the inferences of the safety factor and pressure profiles are difficult. The characterization of possible choices of equilibria realized by this inference framework will help optimize diagnostic setups for equilibrium reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levitation of pollen particles has been demonstrated in a radio frequency (RF) plasma. Pollen particles from Japanese cypress are levitated to various heights from lower electrode, where they spontaneously form quasi ordered state. Levitating pollen particles are identified from divinylbenzene particles in real-time using the polarization imaging technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although belching is mostly associated with gastrointestinal disorders, it occasionally accompanies movement disorders such as Parkinsonism or dystonia. A woman in her 80s presented distressing belching and chorea of the right arm and leg from 3 years earlier. A brain MRI showed a left caudate infarction and atrophic change. Haloperidol significantly improved belching and chorea. Caudate infarction can cause distressing belching with chorea. It might be important to select the appropriate drug by referring to the accompanying involuntary movement to treat belching with movement disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Substance use disorders (SUDs) impact everything about an individual's life—health, family, employment, education, housing, transportation, and finances. By the time individuals with SUDs begin treatment—especially in publicly funded programs—most have few financial resources. Many have resorted to property crimes, resulting in fines, fees, and restitution costs that compound their financial difficulties. Reestablishing financial functioning is key to recovering from the consequences of addiction. Yet access to cash may also trigger relapses—especially in early recovery. Objective: This paper reports initial results from studies exploring how clients in treatment for SUDs manage their financial responsibilities, assessing their financial capability both in terms of access to financial services and personal financial literacy. Method: Using data collected between June 2017 and October 2019 from almost 5,000 SUD clients as they entered treatment as well as a financial needs assessment study of 70 clients during treatment, we conducted Chi-square testing and logistic regressions to analyze the relationships between client characteristics and financial capability. Results: Our results indicated that over 50% of individuals in addiction treatment did not have access to accounts at insured financial institutions, and that clients' ages and education levels were significantly related to their financial capability. We also found that 78% of clients feel that money management skills are important to their recovery. Conclusions: Many SUD clients in recovery have limited financial capability, and they are interested in developing financial skills. Increasing client financial capability may be an underemphasized, yet important part of recovery capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study examined the data from the Fukushima Health Management Survey conducted after the Great East Japan Earthquake to identify disaster-related factors affecting the mental health status of adolescents following the disaster and obtained basic data necessary in providing mental healthcare.Methods: The study included 2808 adolescents aged 15-19 years (male: 1327; female: 1481) who completed the 2011 edition of the registered questionnaire. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale scores, age, sex, health status, sleep satisfaction level, Great East Japan Earthquake experience, experience of losing a loved one, change in employment status, change in residence, and awareness of the impact of radiation on health were examined.Results: Psychological distress was significantly correlated with sex, health status, sleep satisfaction of, experience of losing a loved one, change in employment status, extreme anxiety regarding the acute health impact of radiation, and extreme anxiety regarding the impact of radiation on health in adolescents and the next generation.Limitations: The present study is limited because of its cross-sectional design, due to which, the causal relationship between each factor and psychological distress could not be clarified.Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that appropriate mental healthcare should be administered immediately following an earthquake to adolescents who have lost a loved one and experienced anxiety regarding the health impact of radiation following a nuclear accident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fu and Mishima [J. Combin. Des. 10 (2002), pp. 116–125] have utilized the extended Skolem sequence to prove that there exists a 1‐rotationally resolvable 4‐cycle system of 2Kv if and only if v≡0 (mod 4). In this paper, the existence of a cyclically near‐resolvable 4‐cycle system is discussed, and it is shown that there exists a cyclically near‐resolvable 4‐cycle system of 2Kv if and only if v≡1 (mod 4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) typically occurs after gastroenteritis and respiratory tract infection, but surgery has also been considered one of the triggers. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare complication of GBS. A normotensive female in her 70s presented ascending paralysis and frontal-parieto-occipital subcortical lesions with intermittent hypertension after spinal surgery. Nerve conduction studies revealed demyelinating polyneuropathy. The patient's brain lesions disappeared with amelioration of hypertension. She was diagnosed with the demyelinating form of GBS and PRES caused by intermittent hypertension. Intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) improved her symptoms without exacerbation of the PRES. Surgery can be a trigger of GBS, and GBS can cause PRES by hypertension and present as central nervous lesions. It is important to treat hypertension before using IVIG when PRES is suspected as a complication of GBS, since the encephalopathy can be exacerbated by IVIG. There may be more undiagnosed cases of the coexistence of GBS and PRES after surgery because surgery itself can also cause PRES. Proper control of blood pressure and confirmation of negative central nervous lesions are required to treat GBS patients with IVIG safely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment with interferon beta often leads to the development of relapses and expedites functional disability in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients. An accurate diagnosis frequently requires the presence of anti‐aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) antibodies when we encounter a patient who manifests atypical radiological findings. Case presentation: A 35‐year‐old woman developed sudden vertigo and had lesions around her bilateral dentate nuclei, a part of which was enhanced with gadolinium. Soon, she developed optic neuritis. Other lesions in the central nervous system and anti‐AQP4 antibody staining using cell‐based assays were not detectable. During the treatment with interferon beta‐1a, re‐examination of the anti‐AQP4 antibody staining led to a positive result; however, this was detectable by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The latent development of an intractable hiccup and a postrema lesion fulfilled the latest diagnostic criteria of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, even if the patient did not have anti‐AQP4 antibodies. Conclusions: Anti‐AQP4 antibodies detected only by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay might be a false positive result. However, alteration in the immune balance between T‐helper cell type 1 and T‐helper cell type 2 were suspected during the treatment with interferon beta‐1a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A crystallike structure was successfully formed as a result of the levitation of a kind of bacillus microorganisms $Klebsiella ~pneumoniae$ in a radio frequency (RF) plasma. The crystallike structure was confirmed to be hexagonal from top-view photograph. Neutral gas friction cools the particles down to equilibrium positions. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) measurement suggests that RF plasma processes the surface of levitating microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the levitation of micro-organisms in the sheath of radio-frequency (RF) plasma. Based on simple force-balance calculations, the required electric field for the levitation of micro-organisms has been estimated. It is predicted that micro-organisms could levitate at the periphery of the sheath. Experimental results demonstrate the levitation of two species of bacillus micro-organisms Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae in an RF plasma. The almost monodiverse Klebsiella pneumoniae levitating in the RF plasma formed an ordered state similar to a 2-D Coulomb crystal. Diverse E. coli particles demonstrate the tendency that the levitating height of micro-organisms decreases as the radius of particles increases. Levitating micro-organisms in plasmas can be referred as dusty plasmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High temperature sodium batteries with inorganic electrolytes are attracting increasing attention due to their high thermal stability, reliability, long-cycle life and safety. Despite the intensive investigation of Na-NiCl 2 batteries during last decades, designing a stable conducting network in the cathode is still challenging but desirable. In this work, a new cathode structure composed of Ni nanowires with an effective electron conducting network is proposed for planar sodium–nickel chloride batteries. During the first stage of charge, Ni nanowires reacted with Cl ion to form NiCl 2 on the surface and the excessive Ni nanowires inside can serve as conducting framework to facilitate the fast electron transport. As expected, the metal nanowires show a high specific capacity of 130 mA h g −1 (∼14 mAh cm −2 ) at 0.05 C after 100 cycles. Meanwhile, the batteries show stable cycling performance at 0.05 C with a high cut-off energy density of 360 W h kg −1 , much higher than the traditional tubular sodium-nickel chloride batteries (∼100 Wh kg −1 ). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the cathode after long cycling reveal the ultra-slow growth of Ni particles, confirming the excellent stability of the prepared nanowires cathode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct lattice strain, either distortion, compressive, or tensile, can efficiently alter the intrinsic electrocatalytic property of the catalysts. In this work, we report a novel and effective strategy to distort the lattice structure by constructing a metastable MoSSe solid solution and thus, tune its catalytic activity for the Li-O2 batteries. The lattice distortion structure with inequivalent interplanar spacing between the same crystals plane were directly observed in individual MoSSe nanosheets with transmission electron microscopy and aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy. In addition, in situ transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed the fast Li+ diffusion across the whole metastable structure. As expected, when evaluated as oxygen electrode for deep-cycle Li-O2 batteries, the metastable MoSSe solid solution deliver a high specific capacity of ~730 mA h g-1 with stable discharge-charge overpotentials (0.17/0.49 V) over 30 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initial result of 3-D reconstruction of dusty plasma obtained through the integral photography technique has been reported. Integral photography has been applied to observe fine particles floating in a horizontally parallel-plate radio-frequency plasma. By using a simple system with a lens array and a standard charge-coupled device camera, we can identify the 3-D position of dust particles from a single exposure image obtained from one viewing port. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We propose an optical encryption framework that can encrypt and decrypt large-sized images beyond the size of the encrypted image using our two methods: random phase-free method and scaled diffraction. In order to record the entire image information on the encrypted image, the large-sized images require the random phase to widely diffuse the object light over the encrypted image; however, the random phase gives rise to the speckle noise on the decrypted images, and it may be difficult to recognize the decrypted images. In order to reduce the speckle noise, we apply our random phase-free method to the framework. In addition, we employ scaled diffraction that calculates light propagation between planes with different sizes by changing the sampling rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recent years have seen increased numbers of children with conditions that contribute strongly to atherosclerotic disease, such as passive smoking, obesity, and dyslipidemia. In the present study, we evaluated the utility of non-invasive urinary markers in preventing lifestyle-related diseases by comparing lipid metabolism-related parameters with oxidative stress markers in school children. Methods Subjects were 85 first-grade students. The variables examined included the smoking in subjects' household; exercise habits; height and weight; blood pressure; and plasma total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, leptin, blood sugar, urinary cotinine, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8- OHdG), and 8-isoprostaglandin F2α ( IsoP). Results Of the subjects, 10.6% were obese (% overweight ≥20%), 3.5% had a high-risk arteriosclerosis index ( AI; 3 ≤ AI < 5), and 29.4% were passive smokers. No significant differences were seen between boys and girls for any of the measurement parameters. Both urinary 8- OHdG (6.8-24.5 ng/mg creatinine) and IsoP (0.9-7.4 ng/mg creatinine) were detected in all subjects, and a significant positive correlation was seen between the two markers. On multiple regression analysis using AI as an objective variable and all non-invasive markers as explanatory variables, urinary IsoP correlated most strongly with AI ( P ≤ 0.01). Conclusions Risk factors for atherosclerosis in adults, such as obesity and hypercholesterolemia, are associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. The present findings of the strongest correlation between urinary IsoP and AI suggest that urinary IsoP may serve as a non-invasive and effective early marker in predicting risk in children of developing lifestyle-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During early embryonic development, the RNA-binding protein CPEB mediates cytoplasmic polyadenylation and translational activation through a combinatorial code defined by the cy-toplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE) present in maternal mRNAs. However, in non-neuronal somatic cells, CPEB accelerates deadenylation to repress translation of the target, including c-myc mRNA, through an ill-defined cis-regulatory mechanism. Using RNA mutagenesis and electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we demonstrated that a combination of tandemly arranged consensus (cCPE) and non-consensus (ncCPE) cytoplasmic polyadenylation elements (CPEs) constituted a combinatorial code for CPEB-mediated c-myc mRNA decay. CPEB binds to cCPEs with high affinity (Kd = ~250 nM), whereas it binds to ncCPEs with low affinity (Kd > ~900 nM). CPEB binding to a cCPE enhances CPEB binding to the proximal ncCPE. In contrast, while a cCPE did not activate mRNA degradation, an ncCPE was essential for the induction of degradation, and a combination of a cCPE and ncCPEs further promoted degradation. Based on these findings, we propose a model in which the high-affinity binding of CPEB to the cCPE accelerates the binding of the second CPEB to the ncCPEs, resulting in the recruitment of deadenylases, acceleration of deadenylation, and repression of c-myc mRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a research conducted to examine the properties of waxy rice mochi and waxy wheat mochi to improve traditional Japanese food that offers choking hazards through video-endoscopy. Topics include use of waxy wheat mochi due to its property of less cohesiveness and adhesiveness, use of sensory evaluation to compare difference in chewing and swallowing waxy rice mochi and waxy wheat mochi, and evaluation of food samples by video-endoscopy.

We have developed a two-dimensional (2D) electron temperature (Te) diagnostic system for thermal structure studies in a low-aspect-ratio reversed field pinch (RFP). The system consists of a soft x-ray (SXR) camera with two pin holes for two-kinds of absorber foils, combined with a high-speed camera. Two SXR images with almost the same viewing area are formed through different absorber foils on a single micro-channel plate (MCP). A 2D Te image can then be obtained by calculating the intensity ratio for each element of the images. We have succeeded in distinguishing Te image in quasi-single helicity (QSH) from that in multi-helicity (MH) RFP states, where the former is characterized by concentrated magnetic fluctuation spectrum and the latter, by broad spectrum of edge magnetic fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the feasibility of a new method for monitoring the three-dimensional (3D) shape of an asymmetrically magnetized high-temperature toroidal plasma. The proposed method utilizes multiple pinholes on a single disk. Devoid of any assumptions on the plasma shape, 3D tomography images of T e and n e can be successfully created using mathematical methods based on an expansion of the Fourier–Bessel series and a regression analysis on the dataset of the multiple soft X-ray filaments in numerical experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the association of mandibular incisor agenesis with other dental anomalies in Japanese orthodontic patients. Methods: A total of 52 subjects with 1 or 2 congenitally missing permanent mandibular lateral incisors (group A) were selected and divided into group 1a (26 subjects with 1 lateral incisor missing) and group 2a (26 subjects with 2 lateral incisors missing). Fifty two sex-matched subjects without agenesis of the mandibular lateral incisor served as controls (group C). Radiographs, study models, and medical and dental records were used to identify anomalies of teeth. Results: The prevalence rate of agenesis of teeth other than the mandibular lateral incisors and third molars was significantly increased in group A. Agenesis of the maxillary second premolars was significantly increased in groups 2a and A. Significantly increased prevalence rates of symmetrical tooth agenesis, with third molars excluded, and third molar agenesis were observed in group 1a and A. Conclusions: Japanese subjects with agenesis of 1 or 2 permanent mandibular lateral incisors have significantly increased prevalence rates of other permanent tooth agenesis and symmetrical tooth agenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors assessed the effect of career-relevant instruction on school valuing and engagement of middle school students in a southern U.S. school district. Previous research and theory indicate students learn best when new knowledge is provided within the context of information students consider to be of value. The data come from a school-based randomized trial of the CareerStart intervention that was introduced in 7 of 14 middle schools, and include the initial 3 years of data for 3,493 students. The authors examined the effect of the CareerStart intervention and student-reported career-relevant instruction on psychosocial measures of school engagement and school valuing. After controlling for previous school engagement, demographic, socioeconomic, and academic factors, the analysis confirms that students in the treatment schools reported significantly higher levels of school valuing than students in the control schools, and students reporting greater career-relevant instruction indicated significantly higher levels of school engagement and valuing. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study uses nationally representative data from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Youth 1997 to analyze adolescent outcome indexes (delinquency, substance use, and emotional and behavior problems) by gender, race, household income, and family structure. Results from analysis of variance show that family structure is correlated with better adolescent outcomes, even after controlling for gender, race, and household income. For example, adolescents from two-parent biological homes consistently reported significantly less delinquency and use of illegal substances such as alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana than adolescents from single-mother or stepfamily households. All adolescents and their parents in two-parent biological families reported significantly lower incidences of behavioral and emotional problems than adolescents and their parents in single-mother or stepfamilies. Other findings with respect to gender, race, and income, as well as some interaction effects, were also indicated by the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the effects of parental marital quality and the quality of the parent-child relationship on the educational progress of adolescents. Previous research indicates that family structure and economic capacity have significant effects on educational achievement and high school graduation rates. Few studies, however, examined the effects of the quality of the parental relationship on the educational outcomes of their children. This study is built on bioecological and social capital theories of human development suggesting that the capacity for child and youth development is enhanced when their primary relationships are supportive and provide them with social assets that encourage human capital development. The study uses data from the NLSY97, a nationally representative sample of adolescents who are being followed into adulthood. The findings indicate that family stability and living with two biological parents is a stronger predictor of high school graduation than parent marital quality and the quality of the parent-child relationship. But the data also indicate that parent marital quality and the quality of the parent-child relationship have a strong and positive effect on postsecondary education access among those who do graduate from high school. These findings are interpreted in light of the contribution of relationship quality to further educational involvement and the implications this has for workforce development and successful labor force competition in a global economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on family processes and adolescent religious attendance and personal religiosity. We find that the closeness and quality of the marital relationship and relationship between adolescent and parents significantly contributes to the strength of adolescent religious conviction and practice. The study used data from the NLSY97 cohort. Predictors include parenting style, closeness, and parent-child closeness; family structure; income, employment, parental education, mother's age at first birth, and number of siblings; adolescent characteristics (e.g., age, gender, race/ethnicity, disability, lying or cheating); and environmental characteristics (e.g., region of country, urbanicity, and physical environment risk). Family religious attendance was dramatically influenced by race in adolescents aged 16 years. Adolescents living with married, biological parents in 1997 were 36% more likely to attend worship services than those living with stepfamilies. Adolescents living in more physically risky environments, with peers who belonged to gangs, cut classes, or had sex, were less likely to attend weekly worship services with their families. Finally, compared with adolescents whose parents had a high-quality marital relationship and who had good relationships with both parents, all other adolescents were less likely to attend weekly worship services with their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current report addresses several issues regarding family process measures in the NLSY97. We draw particular attention to the numerous sampling strategies available, the strengths and weaknesses of each strategy, the nature of missingness among variables dependent on sampling strategy, and the issue of nonindependence associated with sibling respondents in some, but not all, families sampled. We also include a description of four key variables created to describe variations in the family process measures by gender, race, family income, and family structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article uses data from the NLSY97 to provide a descriptive portrait of core family process measures—family routines, parent-youth relationship, parental monitoring, control and autonomy in parenting adolescents, parenting style, and the parents' marital relationship. This research contributes to our understanding of how family processes vary by gender, race, household income, and family structure. The comparisons were performed using analysis of variance. We found that adolescents with single mothers reported fewer family routines; adolescents reported better relationships with their mothers than their fathers; and adolescents reported less control over limit setting than their parents reported but reported more limit breaking than their parents. Finally, most adolescents reported their parents had an authoritative parenting style. Other findings with respect to gender, race, and income, as well as some interaction effects, were also indicated by the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article uses data from the NLSY97 to provide a descriptive portrait of family environmental indices—family/home risk, physical environment risk, enriching environments for youth, and family religious practices. The report includes a brief overview of the literature on risk, resilience, and protective factors as they relate to family processes, detailed information about the indices related to family/home risk, physical environment risk, enriching environments for youth, and family religious practices, as well as variations in each of these indices by adolescent gender, race, family income, and family structure. The comparisons were performed using analysis of variance to control for group differences. Results show that White adolescents reported fewer environmental risks and more protective factors than African American adolescents. Parents of African American adolescents reported higher religiosity than parents of Hispanic or White adolescents. Other findings with respect to gender, race, and income, as well as some interaction effects, were also indicated by the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper gives explicit formulae for analysing an experiment carried out in an affine resolvable proper block design. They follow from a randomization model, decomposed into stratum submodels. Analyses within the four relevant strata, and then the combined analysis, are considered in details. The paper is essentially an extension of some results presented in recent books, by Caliński and Kageyama [2000. Block Designs: A Randomization Approach, Volume I: Analysis. Lecture Notes in Statistics, vol. 150. Springer, New York; 2003. Block Designs: A Randomization Approach, Volume II: Design. Lecture Notes in Statistics, vol. 170. Springer, New York]. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The concept of affine -resolvability has been discussed for block designs in literature since 1942 for and in particular since 1963 for . Among group divisible (GD) designs, affine -resolvable designs are known for both classes of singular GD and semi-regular GD designs. However, no example has been found for an affine -resolvable regular GD design in literature. In this paper, the validity of such concept will be disproved for regular GD designs in general. Thus the regular GD design does not possess any property of the affine -resolvability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

School choice is one of the most frequent recommendations for education reform in the United States today. Unfortunately, the debates are hindered by the lack of a common taxonomy or framework for discussing and evaluating the wide variety of school choice programs available in the United States. Furthermore, there is little information on the number of students that use school choice options. In this paper, I remedy both of these deficiencies. First, I describe the varieties of school choice available and place them within a framework to facilitate comparison. Second, I examine the availability of various school choice options and estimate the number of students in the United States using each option. This information will significantly inform the ongoing school choice debates, including evaluations of school choice and future policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mn-matrix was defined by Mohan [21] who has shown a method of constructing (1,-1)-matrices and studied some of their properties. The (1, - 1)-matrices were constructed and studied by Cohn [6], Ehrlich [9], Ehrlich and Zeller [10], and Wang [34]. But in this paper, while giving some resemblances of this matrix with a Hadamard matrix, and by naming it as an M-matrix, we show how to construct partially balanced incomplete block designs and some regular graphs by it. Two types of these M-matrices have been considered. Also we will make a mention of certain applications of these M-matrices in signal and communication processing, and network systems and end with some open problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the formation of vortical crystal structures of electrons, the distribution of background electrons works as a “cooler” of randomly moving, intense vortices. We examine the supporting effect of background electrons to forming crystal structures from the perspective of a reduction of the vortices’ random motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several methods of constructing group divisible (GD) designs are given by use of rectangular designs and nested balanced incomplete block designs. The GD designs obtained here are rather large, but as series they appear to be new. In the process, some series of rectangular designs, balanced arrays, and orthogonal arrays are also provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nested pairwise efficiency and variance balanced designs form a new class of block designs. In this article, two methods of constructing such designs from a symmetric balanced incomplete block design are proposed with some illustrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the evaluation of the susceptibility of a cavity with an aperture using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method and experimentally. To reduce the computing time, the FDTD method is used for the radiation from the cavity and the susceptibility is obtained by using the reciprocity theorem. The cavity used here is modeled after a full-tower desktop enclosure with a 3.5-in bay. The susceptibility characteristics are evaluated by measuring outputs of a monopole antenna and transmission lines installed in the cavity. The susceptibility characteristics, using a three-dimensional (3-D) map, are studied from the computed and the measured results by applying slowly rotating electromagnetic fields to the cavity on a turntable. Measured and modeled results are in good agreement, indicating the merits of the proposed approach for susceptibility/immunity evaluation. Moreover, some discussions are made to check the susceptibility mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines indicators of family strength among a random sample of low-income households with children. The Family Strength Index assesses strength according to economic, problem-solving, communication, family cohesion, and social support assets. Variations in family strength are explained according to parental status and level of employment. Logistic regression is used to examine the contribution of assets to family outcomes. Findings indicate that relationship assets such as communication, problem solving, and social support predict positive outcomes for low-income families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from a 1999 national sample of families, the authors report their findings on how the presence of family strengths and the likelihood of achieving positive family outcomes vary across income groups. Data from a Family Strength Index is reviewed and indicates that income differences primarily discriminate on the economic assets of families but not on the relational and social support assets of families. A discussion of the implications of the findings for practice and future research is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from a 1999 national sample of families, the authors report their findings on how the presence of family strengths and the likelihood of achieving positive family outcomes vary across income groups. Data from a Family Strength Index is reviewed and indicates that income differences primarily discriminate on the economic assets of families but not on the relational and social support assets of families. A discussion of the implications of the findings for practice and future research is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A (k,λ)-frame of type hu is a (k,λ)-GDD (X,G,A) of type hu in which the collection of blocks A can be partitioned into partial parallel classes each of which partitions X−Gi for some Gi∈G. In this paper, we investigate the existence of (4,3)-frames of type hu and show that the necessary conditions are also sufficient with a small number of possible exceptions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

It is shown that a group divisible design with r=λ1+1 is regular and symmetric. Some block structure of the design is also determined. This characterization is given by a constructive approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents the results of a test performance on RPC (glass) operating with non-ozone depletion freon gas and butane-silver. Standard gas mixture used for RPCs; Limitation of this chemical make-up; Alternate chemical compound suggested for use in RPCs.

Discusses some of the problems in addressing school funding equity issues in the United States. Analysis on the 1994 decision of the Arizona Supreme Court in the case of Roosevelt versus Bishop; Facts and reasoning behind the court's verdict.

Background: Few reports have examined the feasibility of a post-contrast double inversion recovery (DIR) magnetic resonance (MR) sequence in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) because of partial or complete signal loss of enhancing MS lesions. Purpose: To compare subtracted images of DIR (pre-contrast – post-contrast DIR images) with contrast enhanced T1-weighted (CE-T1W) images in the depiction of contrast enhancement of MS lesions. Material and Methods: In total, 27 patients were included. Two neuroradiologists interpreted both images of CE-T1W imaging and subtracted DIR, and interpretation of the images was classified into a score of 1–5 (from 5, definitely superior contrast of lesions on DIR subtraction compared to conventional CE-T1W imaging, to 1, definitely superior contrast of lesions on CE-T1W imaging. The interrater agreement (κ coefficient) was measured. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-noise-ratio (CNR) of the lesion were compared. Results: A significant difference (P < 0.001) in scoring was seen between conventional CE-T1W imaging (2.1 ± 1.5 with one reviewer and 2.4 ± 1.5 with the other) and DIR subtraction (4.4 ± 1.0 with one reviewer and 4.7 ± 0.8 with the other). SNR from conventional CE-T1W imaging (24.8 ± 14.7) was significantly superior to that from DIR subtraction (4.0 ± 1.0; P < 0.001). CNR in DIR subtraction (326.4 ± 250.0) was significantly superior to that in conventional CE-T1W imaging (0.8 ± 5.5; P < 0.001). For interrater agreement in the evaluation of contrast enhancement of the lesions, κ coefficients were 0.84 for conventional CE-T1W imaging and 0.72 for DIR subtraction. Conclusion: Subtracted DIR image enables more obvious contrast enhancement of the MS lesions compared with conventional CE-T1W imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]