cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development, information and social connectivity in Côte d’Ivoire

Understanding human socioeconomic development has proven to be one of the most difficult and persistent problems in science and policy. Traditional policy has often attempted to promote human development through infrastructure and the delivery of services, but the link between these engineered systems and the complexity of human socioeconomic behavior remains poorly understood. Recent research suggests that the key to socioeconomic progress lies in the development of processes whereby new information is created by individuals and organizations and embedded in the structure of social networks at a diverse set of scales, from nations to cities to firms. Here, we formalize these ideas in terms of network theory—namely the spatial network of mobile phone communications in Cote d’Ivoire--to show how incipient socioeconomic connectivity may constitute a general obstacle to development. Inspired by recent progress in the theory of cities as complex systems, we then propose a set of tests for these theories using telecommunications network data and describe how telecommunication services may generally help promote socioeconomic development. PACS numbers: 91-xx, Game theory, economics, social and behavioral sciences, 91D25, Spatial models, 91D30, Social networks.
Participation in Laboratory Research Result in Emotional Distress with One’s Partner: Comparing Violent and Nonviolent Couples

The present study compared impact of participating in laboratory research assessments on couples experiencing partner violence and nonviolent couples. Across two studies, 192 couples participated in a variety of potentially distressing laboratory procedures, including discussing relationship problems, viewing videotapes of their discussions, and completing questionnaires about personal and relationship problems. At the end of each laboratory session, participants rated their emotions about their partners as a result of having participated in the study procedures. Couples, recruited from the community, were placed into one of three groups: experiencing violence (V), nonviolent but maritally distressed (NVD), and nonviolent and nondistressed (NVND). Overall, study participants did not report high levels of negative feelings toward their spouses at the end of lab sessions. Few differences between V and NVD spouses were statistically significant, suggesting that violent spouses are not at greater risk than NVD spouses for negative feelings following study participation, although the finding of greater fear among V partners in one study deserves future attention. Relative to V and NVD couples, happy couples reported more positive and fewer negative feelings; NVD wives were the most likely to report negative emotions, in sessions involving a marital problem discussion. These findings can be used in discussions with Institutional Review Boards about the potential risks of laboratory procedures for violent couples recruited from the community.
A stochastic graph grammar for compositional object representation and recognition

This paper illustrates a hierarchical generative model for representing and recognizing compositional object categories with large intra-category variance. In this model, objects are broken into their constituent parts and the variability of configurations and relationships between these parts are modeled by stochastic attribute graph grammars, which are embedded in an And-Or graph for each compositional object category. It combines the power of a stochastic context free grammar (SCFG) to express the variability of part configurations, and a Markov random field (MRF) to represent the pictorial spatial relationships between these parts. As a generative model, different object instances of a category can be realized as a traversal through the And-Or graph to arrive at a valid configuration (like a valid sentence in language, by analogy). The inference/recognition procedure is intimately tied to the structure of the model and follows a probabilistic formulation consisting of bottom-up detection steps for the parts, which in turn recursively activate the grammar rules for top-down verification and searches for missing parts. We present experiments comparing our results to state of art methods and demonstrate the potential of our proposed framework on compositional objects with cluttered backgrounds using training and testing data from the public Lotus Hill and Caltech datasets.
Nonparametric empirical bayes estimation of certain funtionals

For estimating functionals of the form ∫∫φ(x,y)dF(x) dF(y), nonparametric empirical Bayes estimators are developed which are competitors of the classical U-statistics. Asymptotic optimality of the proposed estimators is proved
Measurement of regional myocardial blood flow in dogs using a catheter semiconductor radiation detector

Simultaneous total left coronary and regional myocardial blood flow were measured by injecting 85Kr into the left coronary artery and recording its clearance using a precordial gamma detector and a catheter tip beta detector (CASRAD) placed directly on selected regions of the myocardium. There were no significant differences between total left coronary (175 ml.100 g−1/min) measured by the precordial gamma detection and regional myocardial blood flow (183 ml.100 g−1/min) determined in the area of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) by the beta detector in five open chest dogs. After ligation of the LAD regional clearance of 85Kr ceased in the area of myocardium distal to the ligation while total coronary blood flow decreased only slightly from 152 to 126 ml.100 g−1/min. Measurement of regional myocardial blood flow by CASRAD may be of value in determining the extent of myocardial ischaemia in experimental animals and assessing the effect of therapeutic interventions.
Physiology of hibernation under the ice by turtles and frogs

Successful overwintering under ice by an air-breathing vertebrate requires either effective aquatic respiration if dissolved O(2) is available or the capacity for prolonged anaerobic metabolism if O(2) supplies are limiting. Frogs can remain aerobic for many weeks when submerged at low temperature, even at water PO(2) as low as 30 mmHg, but are unable to survive even 1 week in anoxic water. Fuel reserves of hibernating frogs limit aerobic submergence, whereas acidosis may limit anoxic submergence. Freshwater turtles can also satisfy all or most of their O(2) needs in well-aerated water at low temperature by aquatic respiration, but certain species, in particular painted and snapping turtles, can also survive for up to 4-5 months without O(2). Key adaptations of the painted turtles, and presumably snapping turtles, include metabolic depression and the exploitation of the shell and other bones to buffer lactic acid. As in frogs, glycogen and glucose are the only fuel sources during anoxia, and stores do not seem to be limiting in the painted turtle. Significant differences in anoxia tolerance exist among chelonian species that can be attributed, at least in part, to the magnitude of metabolic depression, the effectiveness of lactic acid buffering, and the size of glycogen stores.
SU-E-T-145: Scanned Percent Depth Dose Curve Discrepancy for Varian TrueBeam Flattening-Filter-Free Photon Beams Using Very Small Sensitive Volume Ion Chamber

Purpose: To investigate the discrepancy of scanned percent depth dose (PDD) for Varian TrueBeam flattening‐filter‐free (FFF) photon beams when using ion chambers with different sensitive volumes.Methods/Materials: PDD curves were scanned for both Flattening Filtered (FF) and FFF photon beams (6MV and 10MV) by using two common scanning chambers with different sensitive volumes — Exradin A1 (0.053cm3) and PTW23323 (0.1cm3). Both Pion and Ppol of two chambers for FFF beams were measured based on TG‐51 protocol at depth of dmax, 10cm and 20cm. The PDD curves from the two chambers were compared, as along with the Pion and Ppol at different depths. Results: Scanned PDD curves of the same energy FF beams were almost identical between two chambers, but the FFF beams showed non‐trivial differences. The differences increased with depth, and were more pronounced for 10MV beam. PDD of FFF beams scanned with different dose rates showed very little difference.For FF beams, all PDDs agreed well with each other at 10cm depth. For FFF beams, PDD of PTW23323 agreed with Varian specifications, but PDD of Exradin A1 showed significant differences at 10cm depth. The PDDs at 10 cm depth of the PTW23323 agreed with Varian specifications, golden beam data provided by RPC and the published TrueBeam commissioning data.Both chambers can be seen to yield Pion and Ppol that agree within 0.6%. Conclusion: We observed a significant difference in scanned PDD curves for FFF beams obtained when using different sensitive volume ion chambers. The PDD curves scanned with the very small sensitive volume ion chamber showed significant difference from both larger chamber results and golden beam data, beyond 10cm depth. If calibration of the FFF beam output was performed based on PDD scanned with a small sensitive volume ion chamber, the output calibration difference could reach 3%.
THE ENERGETICS OF ELECTRON-TRANSFER REACTIONS OF CHLOROPHYLL AND OTHER COMPOUNDS*

— Quite often the primary photochemical reaction of an excited state molecule is transfer of an electron to or from another molecule in its ground state. Rates of such reactions are closely dependent on differences between ground and excited state redox potentials of the reagents. The solvent also plays an important role in stabilizing ion pairs formed by the electron transfer. This Review discusses experimental data relating rates to electrochemical energy parameters in the context of a scheme which portrays the energy and electron transactions in a unified manner. Three consequences of reaction of a singlet excited state are distinguished: (S1) quenching without detectable products, (S2) exciplex fluorescence, (S3) transient radical ion production, and energetically necessary conditions are derived for each. Similarly, four kinds of reactions involving the triplet state are distinguished, which depend on the relation between the energy of the triplet state and that of the ion pair states: (TI) rapid quenching, (T2) slow quenching, (T3) accelerated intersystem crossing and (T4) generation by reaction between radical ions of like spin. The last may be followed by electrochemiluminescence. Classes of compounds for which data are available include chlorophylls, porphyrins and a few other molecules of biological interest, aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives, heterocyclic systems, carbonyl compounds, dyes, and complexes of Ru and U. A Table compiling median or selected values of ground and excited state electrochemical potentials of chlorophylls, some porphyrins, and a few other compounds is presented.
Novel sigma (σ) receptor agonists produce antidepressant-like effects in mice

Many antidepressant drugs interact with σ receptors and accumulating evidence suggests that these proteins mediate antidepressant-like effects in animals and humans. σ Receptors are localized in brain regions affected in depression, further strengthening the hypothesis that they represent logical drug development targets. In this study, two novel σ receptor agonists (UMB23, UMB82) were evaluated for antidepressant-like activity in mice. First, radioligand binding studies confirmed that the novel compounds had preferential affinity for σ receptors. Second, the forced swim test, a well established animal model for screening potential antidepressant drugs, showed that both compounds dose-dependently reduced immobility time. The σ receptor antagonist BD1047 attenuated the antidepressant-like effects of UMB23 and UMB82. Third, locomotor activity suggested that the effects of UMB23 and UMB82 in the forced swim test were not due to non-specific motor activating effects. Together, the data provide further evidence that σ receptor agonists represent a possible new class of antidepressant medication.
A look at the role of marriage and family therapy skills within the context of animal behavior therapy

Given that veterinary care involves both animal patients and human clients, it becomes necessary to find ways to improve not only one's veterinary medical skills, but also one's interpersonal abilities. Literature that discusses the communication and interpersonal aspects of veterinary medicine is neither widely available nor current; therefore, this article draws parallels from the systemic field of marriage and family therapy (particularly, emotionally focused therapy) to provide updated recommendations to improve the professional relationship between the veterinary behavior team and their human clients. An introduction with background information about the veterinary behavior team and of marriage and family therapists is included. Additionally, the similarities between the 2 fields regarding the mechanisms of the change process (i.e., of creating positive associations), the methodology of obtaining information from clients, the challenges and barriers with human clientele, and the common presenting problems are examined, with examples from both fields provided.
Novel High Rate Lithium Intercalation Cathode Materials

Mesoporous materials based on an aluminum-phosphorous-oxygen framework containing manganese and vanadium have been prepared with a pore spacing of roughly 4 nm. The mesoporous nature of the matrices was observed to degrade with increasing content of manganese or vanadium. The electrochemical performance of these matrices as lithium intercalation cathode materials was evaluated. Although their specific capacity is less than that of the corresponding metal oxides, these materials showed very good reversibility and rate capacity.
Numerical study of the impact of fluid density on the pressure distribution and stimulated volume in the Soultz HDR reservoir

Abstract During the last 5 years the European hot dry rock project (HDR) at Soultz-sous-Forets (France) has made significant progress. Three approx. 5000-m deep wells have been drilled into the crystalline basement and hydraulically stimulated. These operations have provided a great deal of information on the subsurface, especially from the interpretation of the monitored induced microseismic events. To better understand the development and hydraulic behaviour of the fractured reservoir, a numerical model based on a discrete fracture network approach has been written to interpret and predict the pressure distribution in the HDR reservoir. The hydraulic part of this finite volume code is strongly coupled with the mechanical behaviour of the fractures. Recent modelling studies have demonstrated that the density difference between the in situ (native) reservoir fluid (density 1060 kg/m3) and the injected fluid (dense brine or fresh water) might play a significant role in the hydraulic stimulation of the reservoir. The decision was therefore taken to enhance the numerical code, under the assumption of immiscibility of the two fluids. The improved code permits us to evaluate the impact of fluid density differences on the pressure distribution in the reservoir during stimulation or fluid circulation tests. It provides better estimates on both the extension and shape of the stimulated areas, and can be used to define new stimulation strategies. The code has also been successful in predicting changes in fluid flow distributions in the reservoir, especially in fractures intersecting the wells, as well as in estimating trace breakthrough times.
A roadmap for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to chemicals and fuels

Fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass increases process flexibility and allows for integrated processing of C5 and C6 sugars. Recent advances using acidic treatments to deconstruct biomass in combination with organic solvents to create biphasic systems have allowed for increased yields of platform chemicals such as furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, and levulinic acid. Management of the mineral acids used in pretreatment steps remains a challenge, but proper organic solvent selection, such as 2-sec-butylphenol, allows for complete recovery and recycle of mineral acid. Using solvents with high partition coefficients for extraction of products in biphasic unit operations allows the concentrations of products to be increased and improves the efficiency of downstream processing options, such as distillation or further upgrading reactions. Overall, fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass allows for a flexible, integrated processing approach that we hope will advance biorefining operations, allowing commercial biomass processing to become a reality.
The roles of hemagglutinin Phe-95 in receptor binding and pathogenicity of influenza B virus

Diverged ~4000 years ago, influenza B virus has several important differences from influenza A virus, including lower receptor-binding affinity and highly restricted host range. Based on our prior structural studies, we hypothesized that a single-residue difference in the receptor-binding site of hemagglutinin (HA), Phe-95 in influenza B virus versus Tyr-98 in influenza A/H1-H15, is possibly a key determinant for the low receptor-binding affinity. Here we demonstrate that the mutation Phe95→Tyr in influenza B virus HA restores all three hydrogen bonds made by Tyr-98 in influenza A/H1-15 HA and has the potential to enhance receptor binding. However, the full realization of this potential is influenced by the local environment into which the mutation is introduced. The binding and replication of the recombinant viruses correlate well with the receptor-binding capabilities of HA. These results are discussed in relation to the roles of Phe-95 in receptor binding and pathogenicity of influenza B virus.
PULSATILE BLOOD-FLOW IN ARTERIAL GRAFTS

The distensibility of arterial wall is an important factor in the haemodynamics of pulsatile blood-flow. Autogenous-vein grafts have a dynamic response to the arterial pressure pulse (compliance) which approaches that of normal arterial wall, whereas synthetic prostheses are generally incompliant, or become so shortly after implantation. Although synthetic grafts have little effect on steady-state flow, their lack of compliance greatly interferes with pulsatile flow and this may be an important factor in explaining their lack of success as replacements for medium and small sized arteries.
Cell surface receptors for ecotropic murine retroviruses mobile membrane proteins that mediate binding and slow endocytosis of the viral envelope glycoprotein

Abstract The gp70 envelope glycoproteins of ecotropic murine leukemia viruses bind to receptors that occur only on mouse and rat cells and on interspecies hybrid cells that contain mouse chromosome 5. A substantial fraction of the gp70 that was bound specifically by these criteria remained undegraded and accessible to extracellular labeling reagents for many hours. Accordingly, cells with ecotropic receptors could be labeled specifically. As seen by immunofluorescence microscopy, the gp70-receptor complexes were uniformly dispersed on mouse fibroblast plasma membranes. These complexes were mobile, and they aggregated into patches when crosslinked by antibodies at 37°, but not when membrane lipid fluidity was frozen at 0°. Ecotropic receptors still bound gp70 specifically after cells were fixed with 3.7% formaldehyde, but these receptors could not be patched, indicating that they were nondiffusible. Viable cells slowly endocytosed gp70-receptor complexes at 37° (approximate half-life 5–7 hr) and the gp70 was then proteolytically degraded in lysosomes. In the presence of 20 μM chloroquine, a lysosomal inhibitor, undegraded gp70 was seen to slowly accumulate in these intracellular organelles. These results suggest that ecotropic receptors mediate a slow internalization of attached ligand. Long-lived binding of gp70 onto surfaces of uninfected cells may explain important features of viral-induced leukemia, the host immune response, and immunosuppression.
Effect of molecular structure on fluid transport through carbon nanotubes

We perform molecular dynamics simulations to study the transport of geometrically modified water models through channels of carbon nanotube (CNT) membranes. We use two modifications to an existing water model (extended simple point charge SPC/E) as representative surrogates of molecular fluids: (1) bent model (model B) in which the HOH angle is varied while keeping the dipole moment constant by adjusting the OH bond length and (2) modified bent model (model MB) in which the HOH angle changes without any change in OH bond length thereby changing the dipole moment. Interestingly, we find that the fluid transport is a nonmonotonic function of the bond angle for both fluid models. This observed trend is not anticipated based on the fluid density as a function of the bond angle inside and outside of the nanotube channel. However, the average residence time of transmitted molecules through the channel provides an approximately inverse linear correlation with the observed flux, independent of the fluid model. Ba...
Rapid metabolic inactivation is the basis for cross-resistance to chlorsulfuron in diclofop-methyl-resistant rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) biotype

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine the mechanism of cross-resistance to chlorsulfuron (2-chloro- N -[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]benzenesulfornamide) in diclofop-methyl (methyl (±)-2-[4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy]propanoic acid)-resistant rigid ryegrass ( Lolium rigidum Gaudin). In excised shoots and roots, [ 14 C]chlorsulfuron was metabolized with a half-life of 1 and 3 hr, respectively, in the resistant biotype ( SR4 84 ) versus 4 and 13 hr respectively, in the susceptible biotype (SRS2). Based on coelution with standards in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and treatment with β-glucosidase followed by HPLC, the major chlorsulfuron metabolite in shoots and roots of both biotypes was identified as the herbicidally-inactive glucose conjugate of hydroxy-chlorsulfuron. Acetolactate synthase (ALS, the target enzyme of chlorsulfuron) isolated from both biotypes was inhibited to the same degree by chlorsulfuron. The glucose conjugate of hydroxy-chlorsulfuron was inactive at the enzyme level, as it required ≥36-fold higher concentrations compared to chlorsulfuron to inhibit the ALS from both biotypes. When [ 14 C]chlorsulfuron was applied to the leaf surface, approximately 50% was absorbed within 48 hr by both biotypes. Of the radioactivity absorbed, less than 10% was translocated out of the treated leaf in either biotype. Based on these results, chlorsulfuron resistance in SR4 84 is due to enhanced metabolic inactivation of the herbicide, specifically to the glucose conjugate, compared to the sensitive biotype. Resistance is not due to reduced sensitivity of ALS or increased uptake or translocation in SR4 84 .
Intrarenal localization of angiotensin II type 1 receptor mRNA in the rat

Intrarenal localization of angiotensin II type 1 receptor mRNA in the rat. We examined intrarenal localization of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) mRNA in kidneys of normal adult male Munich Wistar rats using the methods of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization. For RT-PCR, we used a rat AT1 subtype A (AT1A)-specific oligonucleotide primer pair. To semiquantitatively assess the expression level of AT1 mRNA among several regions of kidney, AT1 cDNA was coamplified with β-actin cDNA. When compared to the level in the adrenal gland (expressed as 100%), the level of AT1 mRNA was markedly higher in glomeruli (273 ± 69%), followed in intensity by the renal papilla (151 ± 57%), renal cortex (139 ± 19%), and renal medulla (114 ± 35%). In situ hybridization studies, using a 479 bp nucleotide fragment from AT1A-coding exon as a probe, also revealed a glomerular preponderant pattern of AT1 mRNA localization. Thus, within the glomerulus, AT1 mRNA localized in mesangial areas, predominantly at the vascular pole. In the vascular components of the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA), namely the terminal portion of the afferent arteriole (that is, immunohistochemically renin-positive site) and extraglomerular mesangial cells, the latter showed AT1 mRNA localization in the non-manipulated kidney, while AT1 mRNA was undetectable in the arteriole outside the JGA. The kidneys of rats treated with an angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) showed extension of the AT1 mRNA localization on the afferent arteriole toward the interlobular artery. We speculate that the observed pattern of AT1 mRNA localizing in the glomerular vascular pole and JGA may account for the unique physiological and pathophysiological actions of angiotensin II (Ang II), that is: (1) the renal hemodynamic effect of Ang II involves simultaneous increases in afferent and efferent arteriolar resistances and a reduction in ultrafiltration coefficient; (2) experimental glomerular sclerosis, sensitive to pharmacological inhibition of angiotensin II, is commonly prominent at the vascular pole; and (3) a negative feedback relationship exists between angiotensin II and renin, presumably via the AT1 on the JGA.
Toward a science of design for software-intensive systems

This research is intended as an initial step toward the development of a rigorous science of design for software-intensive systems. Our work, based on existing research, has provided new definitions for design, science of design, and software-intensive systems. By identifying design issues currently affecting the field, we will show why software-intensive systems require a science of design. We have also provided some functional requirements for a science of design, what it must address, and how it might do so. We anticipate that these definitions and ideas will be embraced within the research community, and be utilized as a foundation for continued investigation. This work is a starting point for future research toward a science of design with extensive references and ideas for further research.
Geometric analysis of minimum-time trajectories for a two-level quantum system

We consider the problem of controlling in minimum time a two-level quantum system which can be subject to a drift. The control is assumed to be bounded in magnitude and to affect two or three independent generators of the dynamics. We describe the time optimal trajectories in SU(2), the Lie group of possible evolutions for the system, by means of a particularly simple parametrization of the group. A key ingredient of our analysis is the introduction of the optimal front line. This tool allows us to fully characterize the time evolution of the reachable sets and to derive the worst-case operators and the corresponding times. The analysis is performed in any regime---controlled dynamics stronger than, of the same magnitude as, or weaker than the drift term---and gives a method to synthesize quantum logic operations on a two-level system in minimum time.
Thin-filament-linked regulation in molluscan muscles.

Enzymatic and electrophoretic studies were carried out on a variety of molluscan thin filaments. The ATPase activities of mixtures of molluscan thin filaments and vertebrate myosin were found to be Ca2+ dependent, suggesting the presence of thin-filament-linked regulation. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of thin filaments from several molluses showed band patterns typical of Ca2+-regulated thin filaments; other preparations showed bands which may result from proteolysis of troponin components.
Practice effects on the less-affected upper extremity after stroke

Abstract Objective: To test the hypotheses that (1) adults who have had a stroke, using the less affected upper extremity (UE), improve performance of an aiming task with practice, and (2) compared with control subjects, stroke patients show less improvement in a complex condition. Design: Movement time (MT) and kinematic data were collected over practice. Comparisons were made between the less-affected UE of stroke patients and the same hand of controls. Setting: A human performance laboratory. Participants: A matched sample of right-handed adults, 10 with unilateral stroke and 10 nondisabled controls. Intervention: Practice of an aiming task in an easy and complex condition as defined by target width and distance between two targets. Main Outcome Measures: MT, peak velocity, and temporal phases of the trajectory. Results: Adults who had experienced a stroke had persistently longer MTs than control subjects; however, all participants achieved faster MTs with practice in both conditions. The absolute amount of time in each temporal phase decreased without a change in the relative times. Peak velocity increased only in the easy condition. Conclusions: Adults with stroke damage can improve motor performance of the less-affected UE with practice. Further study is needed to see if practice effects are permanent and generalizable.
Leader reputation and accountability in organizations: Implications for dysfunctional leader behavior.

Abstract We argue that leader accountability is more of an informal, sociopolitical process, than it is a formal one, and a central component of this informal accountability is leader reputation. We propose that leaders' reputations (which includes human and social capital, political skill and style, etc.) influence how much stakeholders trust them. This, in turn, affects the extent to which formal accountability mechanisms are imposed upon leaders. In this paper, we concentrate on the potential for dysfunctional leader behavior. However, how stakeholders interpret actual leader behavior, whether functional or dysfunctional, is moderated by the motives or intentions that those stakeholders attribute to the behavior. The result is a perception of leader performance and effectiveness that redefines or reinforces leader reputation, and also serves to modify or reinforce leader style. Therefore, a sociopolitical perspective of accountability and reputation asserts that the risk of a diminished reputation is a form of accountability that is effective to the extent that attributions of leader intentions are accurate. Implications for this conceptualization are discussed, as are directions for future research.
Comments on Coulter and Smith: The Issue of Authorial Surplus in Narrative Research:

Advocates of narrative research often contend that it is superior to nonnarrative research, both qualitative and quantitative, because they believe it is better able to represent multiple perspectives and foster multiple interpretations. The author of this comment article on Coulter and Smith (2009) draws on literary theory and an analysis of the cultural expectations of narratives to argue that, although narratives have the capacity to represent multiple perspectives, many do not. As a consequence, he urges narrative researchers to work to reveal the constructedness of their stories so that readers have the information they need to question the researchers’ perspectives and construct their own.
Health and rehabilitation manpower strategy: New careers and the role of the indigenous paraprofessional

Abstract Changes in national policy concerning the crisis in health and rehabilitation manpower are examined in terms of innovative strategies designed to increase the number of supportive personnel and provide jobs for the poor. One innovative strategem is the new careers model in which the disadvantaged are recruited and trained to become indigenous paraprofessionals. Discussion focuses on the major characteristics of this working model and a delineation of the “indigenous” paraprofessional's salient role functions (bridging, client advocacy, helper therapy and change agent). Factors that appear to place constraints on the development of a viable model in highly organized systems and the potential utility of this approach in less complex bureaucratic settings are explored.
The Need For Repeated Measurement Designs In Organizational Research

In educational and psychological research, the Before-After experiment has been the classical design. The purpose of this paper is to discuss two major limitations of the design for organizational ...
A New Decay Series for Organic Crop Production

For organic farmers who use manure or compost to maintain soil fertility, a pressing question is how much should be applied. Although many factors influence this decision, an important consideration is that manure and compost continue to fertilize for many years after their application. In conventional agriculture, the carry-over effects of manure have traditionally been quantified in terms of N fertilizer equivalents, that is, through a decay series. Nitrogen decay series may also be used by organic farmers trying to meet N fertilizer recommendations with manure and/or compost. However, this creates an unsustainable paradigm for organic fertility management because N fertilizer equivalency experiments cannot be conducted on organically certified land. We propose a new type of decay series compatible with organic regulations in which the carry-over effects of manure/compost are measured, not against N fertilizer, but against new applications of the amendment. The result is a decay series in manure/compost equivalents, which, although conceptually straightforward, is not as readily estimated as a N decay series. The methodological challenges of this approach were explored using data from a continuous corn (Zea mays L.) system fertilized with manure slurry. Regression analysis revealed that 1 unit of manure slurry had the same effect on yield as 0.21, 0.16, and 0.13 units of new slurry after 1, 2, and 3 yr, respectively. By quantifying the nutritive and non-nutritive carry-over effects of manure/compost, this new decay series has the potential to fully credit organic matter in fertility planning.
Event-related potential index of age-related differences in memory processes in adults with Down syndrome

A major goal of aging research is to identify early markers of age-related cognitive decline. Persons with Down syndrome (DS) experience accelerated aging and high risks for dementia, making them a valuable albeit understudied model for testing such markers. This study examined event-related potential (ERP) indices of visual memory in younger (19–25 years) and older (35–40 years) adults with DS using a passive viewing paradigm that did not require memorization or behavioral responses. ERPs were recorded in response to unfamiliar urban and nature scenes, with some images presented once and others repeated multiple times. Within 600 to 900 milliseconds after stimulus onset, repeated stimuli elicited more positive amplitudes in younger participants, indicating stimilus recognition. ERPs of older adults did not show such increases, suggesting reduced memory functioning. ERP indices were unrelated to participants' intellectual functioning, but did correlate with age and caregiver-reported lethargy/withdrawal behaviors. Passive ERP measures of memory processes are sensitive to early stages of cognitive decline in DS and are promising markers of cognitive risk for future aging studies.
Is the cytologic diagnosis of esophageal glandular dysplasia feasible

Barrett's esophagus is a premalignant condition in which the normal stratified squamous epithelium of the esophagus is replaced by metaplastic glandular epithelium. Patients with Barrett's esophagus are at increased risk for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Because dysplasia precedes the development of frank adenocarcinoma, the cytologic detection of esophageal glandular dysplasia represents a potentially inexpensive and efficient means of monitoring disease progression to adenocarcinoma and identifying high-risk patients. This article discusses the current status of exfoliative cytology as a screening test for glandular dysplasia of the esophagus.
Immune response genes in inbred rats. II. Segregation studies of the GT and GA genes and their linkage to the major histocompatibility locus

Genetic analysis of the high responder-non-(or low) responder differences between WF and ACI rats to the synthetic copolymers GT and GA established singleIr-genes for both antigens and dominance for high responder status.Ir-GT andIr-GA are linked to the major histocompatibility locus. It could be demonstrated that only T cells carrying the high responderIr-GT gene undergo in vitro blast transformation to GT. The advantages of the rat systems for further studies of the regulatory role ofIr-genes on the cellular level are discussed.
Endogenous oncogenic K-rasG12D stimulates proliferation and widespread neoplastic and developmental defects

Activating mutations in the ras oncogene are not considered sufficient to induce abnormal cellular proliferation in the absence of cooperating oncogenes. We demonstrate that the conditional expression of an endogenous K-ras(G12D) allele in murine embryonic fibroblasts causes enhanced proliferation and partial transformation in the absence of further genetic abnormalities. Interestingly, K-ras(G12D)-expressing fibroblasts demonstrate attenuation and altered regulation of canonical Ras effector signaling pathways. Widespread expression of endogenous K-ras(G12D) is not tolerated during embryonic development, and directed expression in the lung and GI tract induces preneoplastic epithelial hyperplasias. Our results suggest that endogenous oncogenic ras is sufficient to initiate transformation by stimulating proliferation, while further genetic lesions may be necessary for progression to frank malignancy.
Heliomethonium dication, CH4He2+

Abstract Ab initio calculations at the MP2/6-31G** and MP2/6-311+G(2d,p) levels show that heliomethonium dication, CH4He2+ 1 [Chemistry in Superacids, Part 43; for Part 42 see G.A. Olah, T. Heiner, G. Rasul, G.K.S. Prakash, J. Org. Chem. 63 (1998) 7993] is a stable minimum on its potential energy surface. Structure 1, isoelectronic with CH 5 + , has Cs symmetry with a two-electron three-center bond (2e-3c) binding the carbon and two hydrogen atoms. The dissociation of CH4He2+ into CH3He+ and H+ and CH 3 + and HeH+ were calculated to be exothermic by 96.6 and 138.5 kcal/mol, respectively. The deprotonation process, however, has a considerable kinetic barrier of 21.3 kcal/mol. The reaction of CH42+ and He might be a suitable way to generate 1 in the gas phase.
Social Acceptability’s Role in an Expanded Rational Expectations Model of Intention to Consume an Innovative Meat Product in a Restaurant Setting

American consumers expect variety in their food choices and dining experiences. Marketers and producers are using innovation to keep pace with consumers’ desires for new and unusual food items. Exo...
A flaw in gerontological assessment: the weak relationship of elderly superficial life satisfaction to deep psychological well-being.

This study assessed the degree of relationship between superficial and deep psychological adjustment among elderly individuals. Eighty-six middle-class, Anglo persons averaging seventy-six years of...
Observation of Interference Between Two Bose Condensates

Interference between two freely expanding Bose-Einstein condensates has been observed. Two condensates separated by ∼40 micrometers were created by evaporatively cooling sodium atoms in a double-well potential formed by magnetic and optical forces. High-contrast matter-wave interference fringes with a period of ∼15 micrometers were observed after switching off the potential and letting the condensates expand for 40 milliseconds and overlap. This demonstrates that Bose condensed atoms are “laser-like”; that is, they are coherent and show long-range correlations. These results have direct implications for the atom laser and the Josephson effect for atoms.
Human Neural Precursor Cells Promote Neurologic Recovery in a Viral Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Using a viral model of the demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis (MS), we show that intraspinal transplantation of human embryonic stem cell-derived neural precursor cells (hNPCs) results in sustained clinical recovery, although hNPCs were not detectable beyond day 8 posttransplantation. Improved motor skills were associated with a reduction in neuroinflammation, decreased demyelination, and enhanced remyelination. Evidence indicates that the reduced neuroinflammation is correlated with an increased number of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) within the spinal cords. Coculture of hNPCs with activated T cells resulted in reduced T cell proliferation and increased Treg numbers. The hNPCs acted, in part, through secretion of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2. These findings indicate that the transient presence of hNPCs transplanted in an animal model of MS has powerful immunomodulatory effects and mediates recovery. Further investigation of the restorative effects of hNPC transplantation may aid in the development of clinically relevant MS treatments.
Site-specific variations in RNA folding thermodynamics visualized by 2-aminopurine fluorescence.

The fluorescent base analogue 2-aminopurine (2-AP) is commonly used to study specific conformational and protein binding events involving nucleic acids. Here, combinations of steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy of 2-AP were employed to monitor conformational transitions within a model hairpin RNA from diverse structural perspectives. RNA substrates adopting stable, unambiguous secondary structures were labeled with 2-AP at an unpaired base, within the loop, or inside the base-paired stem. Steady-state fluorescence was monitored as the RNA hairpins made the transitions between folded and unfolded conformations using thermal denaturation, urea titration, and cation-mediated folding. Unstructured control RNA substrates permitted the effects of higher-order RNA structures on 2-AP fluorescence to be distinguished from stimulus-dependent changes in intrinsic 2-AP photophysics and/or interactions with adjacent residues. Thermodynamic parameters describing local conformational changes were th...
Orbital Invasion by an Intracranial Chordoma

A 26-year-old woman experienced bilateral hearing loss, progressive nasal obstruction, and rhinorrhea. Examination disclosed a retropharyngeal mass. A needle biopsy specimen of the mass showed that it was a chordoma. The patient underwent surgery to remove the mass and received a postoperative course of radioactive cobalt. She did well for 18 months, at which time proptosis gradually developed in her right eye. Although the optic nerve heads and visual fields appeared normal, roentgenograms showed a large lesion involving the anterior and middle cranial fossae and destruction of the right posterior ethmoid sinus and right superior orbital fissure. Shortly after completing a course of methotrexate therapy (total dose, 89 mg), the patient experienced sudden pain and visual loss in her right eye. Surgical decompression of the orbit failed to restore light perception. The following year, her left eye became involved. A transfrontal craniotomy and extradural orbital decompression provided only temporary improvement. Four months later, left lateral rectus muscle palsy developed and her visual acuity decreased to 6/60 (20/200). Radiation therapy (400 rads per week; total dose, 3,200 rads) and treatment with methotrexate, vincristine sulfate, and prednisone did not improve her condition. At the time of her death, six years after the first symptom appeared, the patient was blind in both eyes, almost completely deaf, and suffered from severe dysphagia.
Analysis of rubber‐like materials using meshless local Petrov–Galerkin (MLPG) method

Large deformations of rubber-like materials are analyzed by the meshless local Petrov–Galerkin (MLPG) method. The method does not require shadow elements or a background mesh and therefore avoids mesh distortion difficulties in large deformation problems. Basis functions for approximating the trial solution and test functions are generated by the moving least-squares (MLS) method. A local mixed total Lagrangian weak formulation of non-linear elastic problems is presented. The deformation gradient is split into deviatoric and dilatational parts. The strain energy density is expressed as the sum of two functions: one is a function of deviatoric strains and the other is a function of dilatational strains. The incompressibility or near incompressibility constraint is accounted for by introducing the pressure field and penalizing the part of the strain energy density depending upon the dilatational strains. Unlike in the mixed finite element formulation, in the MLPG method there is no need for different sets of basis functions for displacement and pressure fields. Results computed with the MLPG method for a few sample problems are found to compare very well with the corresponding analytical solutions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sleep-associated decrease in luteinizing hormone pulse frequency during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle: evidence for an opioidergic mechanism.

To investigate the possible role of an opioidergic mechanism(s) in the sleep-associated decrease in LH pulse frequency during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, 10 normal cycling women were studied on days 3 and 4 of their cycles before and after the administration of a specific opiate receptor antagonist, naloxone. Sequential 24-h infusions of naloxone (10-mg iv bolus dose followed by an infusion of 30 micrograms/kg . h) or NaCl were administered randomly. Pulsatile LH activity was assessed for 48 h. Sleep was confirmed by electroencephalogram monitoring during the night hours (2300-0700 h). Significant sleep-associated decreases in LH pulse frequency (P less than 0.01) and mean serum LH levels (P less than 0.01) were found during the NaCl control studies. While naloxone infusion had no effect on LH pulse frequency during the waking hours, it prevented the sleep-associated decrease in pulse frequency and, in fact, significantly (P less than 0.001) increased the LH pulse frequency during the sleeping hours. These observations provide evidence that a diurnal variation of naloxone sensitivity exists in early follicular phase women and that the decrease in LH pulse frequency normally found during sleep is based at least in part on increased opioidergic inhibition.
Low-dose ketamine as a potential adjuvant therapy for painful vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell disease

The hallmark of sickle cell disease (SCD) is the acute painful vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). Among SCD patients, vaso-occlusive pain episodes vary in frequency and severity. Some patients rarely have painful crises, while others are admitted to the hospital multiple times in a year for parenteral analgesics. Opioids are the mainstay of therapy for SCD-related pain. However, a subset of patients report continued pain despite escalating doses of opioids. Tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) have been considered as possible explanations for this phenomenon. The activation of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor has been implicated in both tolerance and OIH. As a NMDA receptor agonist, ketamine has been shown to modulate opioid tolerance and OIH in animal models and clinical settings. Low-dose ketamine, by virtue of its NMDA receptor agonist activity, could be a useful adjuvant to opioid therapy in patients with refractory SCD-related pain. Based on limited studies of adjuvant ketamine use for pain management, low-dose ketamine continuous infusion appears safe. Further clinical investigations are warranted to fully support the use of low-dose ketamine infusion in patients with SCD-related pain.