cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reply to Sabanés Bové and Held's "comment on Cai and Betensky (2003), on the poisson approximation for hazard regression".

The main focus of Cai and Betensky (2003) was for the analysis of interval censored data under the Cox model. They proposed to weakly parameterize the baseline hazard using a piecewise linear spline and maximize the likelihood function with a PQL approximation. Theoretical and numerical results demonstrated the validity of the proposed point and interval estimators for the general case. For the special case with right censored data, Cai and Betensky (2003) suggested the use of Poisson mixed model to approximate the likelihood for computational ease. However, as pointed out by Bove and Held (2013), the Poisson approximation given in Cai and Betensky (2003) was incorrect. Bove and Held (2013) suggested to create pseudo observations yij = I(i = j)δi and fit a Poisson mixed model to {yij : i = 1, …, n, j = 1, …, i}. This approach will indeed lead to a valid approximation for the point estimator. On the other hand, since their new proposal involves a pseudo data with n(n + 1)/2 observations, there might be some computational burden in fitting such a Poisson mixed model even with moderate sample sizes such as n = 500. Furthermore, one may not directly obtain correct standard error estimates from the fitting since the yij’s are not independent observations. An alternative strategy to obtain the maximizer of l(θ;σb)=δT(X−Tθ−+ZTβ)−∑i=1nΛi(ti)−12σb2bTb−K2σb2 is to consider an iterative procedure based on ∑i=1nΛi(ti)≈∑i=1n∑j=1iqijλ0(Tj)exp(ZiTβ)=∑i=1n∑j=1iexp{η0(Tj)}qijexp(ZiTβ) (1) using the same notation as Bove and Held, where θ− = (α0, α1, bT)T and X− = [1, Ti, (Ti − κ)+]i=1,…,n. Specifically, obtain an initial estimate of β, β(0), say as the standard maximum partial likelihood estimator. Then one may iterate via the following steps starting from m = 1: Let qij(m*)=qijexp(ZiTβ^(m−1)) and q¯(m*)=[∑i=jnqij(m*)]j=1,…,n. Maximize lp(m*)(θ−;σb)≈δTX−Tθ−−1Texp{X−Tθ−+log(q¯(m*))}−12σb2bTb−K2σb2 with respect to {θ−, σb} to obtain {θ^−(m),σ^b(m)} and the corresponding η^0(m)(Tj). Let qij(m†)=qijexp{η^0(m)(Tj)} and q¯(m†)=[∑j=1iqij(m†)]i=1,…,n. Maximize lp(m†)(β)≈δTZTβ−1Texp{ZTβ+log(q¯(m†))} with respect to β to obtain β(m). Let m = m + 1 and go back to Step (1) until convergence. The maximizations can be achieved by fitting a Poisson mixed model with offset in Step (1) and a standard Poisson model with offset in Step (2).
Searching for a New Way to Reach Patrons: A Search Engine Optimization Pilot Project at Binghamton University Libraries

ABSTRACT Search engine use is one of the most popular online activities. According to a recent OCLC report, nearly all students start their electronic research using a search engine instead of the library Web site. Instead of viewing search engines as competition, however, librarians at Binghamton University Libraries decided to employ search engine optimization strategies to make their Web site more visible on the search engine result pages. Although search engine optimization is used frequently by commercial Web sites, few libraries have attempted to optimize their own sites. This article describes Binghamton University's experiences in developing and implementing an optimization pilot project. The research presented in this article has importance for libraries who may be considering an optimization project for their own sites.
The Oldest Brachyura (Decapoda: Homolodromioidea: Glaessneropsoidea) Known to Date (Jurassic)

Abstract The oldest confirmed brachyurans, referable to the Homolodromioidea and Glaessneropsoidea, are Early to Middle Jurassic in age. Geographically, all of the occurrences are in Europe, with one exception, in Tanzania.
Virtual-Intelligence Applications in Petroleum Engineering: Part 3—Fuzzy Logic

The focus of this article is fuzzy logic. The article provides overview of the subject and its potential application in solving petroleum-engineering-related problems. As the previous articles, the most successful applications of intelligent systems, especially when solving engineering problems, have been achieved by use of different intelligent tools in concert and as a hybrid system. This article reviews the application of fuzzy logic for restimulation-candidate selection in a tight-gas formation in the Rocky Mountains. We chose this particular application because it uses fuzzy logic in a hybrid manner integrated with neural networks and genetic algorithms.
LECTIN RECEPTORS ON ROD AND CONE MEMBRANES

— The oligosaccharides of rod and cone membranes were investigated with the aid of fluorescence and 125I-labeled lectins. Additionally, the ability of lectins to cause agglutination in rod outer segment (ROS) suspensions was used as an index for the presence of the corresponding lectin receptors. The specificities of lectin-ligand interactions were determined from studies of inhibition by various haptene sugars. The membranes of both rods and cones have receptors for Con A, PNA, RCA-120, RCA-60, SBA and WGA. The affinity of PNA for accessory cones is much higher than for the principal cones. There do not appear to be receptors for UeA and LTA on rods or cones. Additionally, receptors for HPA and DBA were identified on ROS. These results suggest the existence of the following sugar residues: The binding of Con A and WGA to ROS membrane proteins electrophoresed on SDS-polyacrylamide gels was also investigated. In addition to rhodopsin, these lectins also bind to the 291000-dalton protein, indicating that it is a glycoprotein containing mannose and GlcNAc.
Charge Storage in Decyl- and 3,6,9-Trioxadecyl-Substituted Poly(dithieno[3,2-b:2,3-d]pyrrole) Electrodes

Poly(dithieno[3,2-b:2,3-d]pyrrole)s, or poly(DTP)s, are potentially promising electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage (EES) because of their ability to reversibly store charge and achieve relatively high doping levels. Here, we explore charge storage in two different side-chain-substituted poly(DTP)s. Substitution at the nitrogen with alkyl and alkyl ether chains is used to demonstrate the ability to tune electrochemical response through favorable interactions with the electrolyte. PolyDTP electrodes are electropolymerized and analyzed using various electrochemical techniques, spectroscopic measurements including UV–vis and Raman, and electron microscopy. Specific capacities for the poly(DTP)s range between approximately 35 and 70 mAh/g for discharge rates of 1–75 C, corresponding to considerably high doping levels of 0.5–0.9 electrons per repeat unit. After 1000 cycles, the alkyl-substituted polymer retains 75% of its initial capacity while the alkyl ether-substituted polymer only retains ...
Stress Analyses and Parametric Study on Full-Scale Fatigue Tests of Rib-to-Deck Welded Joints in Steel Orthotropic Decks

Fatigue tests of full-scale orthotropic steel decks were recently conducted to evaluate the fatigue performance of rib-to-deck partial-joint-penetration (PJP) groove welded joints. The test results indicated that rib-to-deck joints are more prone to fatigue cracks in the deck plate than in the rib wall. A shallower weld penetration (for example, an 80% PJP) also appeared to have a slightly higher fatigue resistance than a deeper one (for example, a 100% weld penetration). These PJP welds were also more vulnerable to cracking initiated from the weld toe than from the weld root. Finite-element analyses of the test specimens, using the effective notch stress method, were performed to supplement the laboratory testing and provide additional information on the behavior of these welded joints. The analysis results showed a good correlation with the observed crack patterns. A parametric study also showed that the fatigue resistance of the PJP joint can be significantly influenced by the transverse loading location, deck plate thickness, and the weld penetration ratio. Increasing the deck plate thickness was effective in reducing the stresses, while the rib wall thickness had a little effect. A shallower weld penetration at the PJP joint appeared to have a positive effect in enhancing the fatigue resistance.
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity and Ototoxicity: New Paradigms for Translational Genomics

In view of advances in early detection and treatment, the 5-year relative survival rate for all cancer patients combined is now approximately 66%. As a result, there are more than 13.7 million cancer survivors in the United States, with this number increasing by 2% annually. For many patients, improvements in survival have been countered by therapy-associated adverse effects that may seriously impair long-term functional status, workplace productivity, and quality of life. Approximately 20% to 40% of cancer patients given neurotoxic chemotherapy develop chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN), which represents one of the most common and potentially permanent nonhematologic side effects of chemotherapy. Permanent bilateral hearing loss and/or tinnitus can result from several ototoxic therapies, including cisplatin- or carboplatin-based chemotherapy. CIPN and ototoxicity represent important challenges because of the lack of means for effective prevention, mitigation, or a priori identification of high-risk patients, and few studies have applied modern genomic approaches to understand underlying mechanisms/pathways. Translational genomics, including cell-based models, now offer opportunities to make inroads for the first time to develop preventive and interventional strategies for CIPN, ototoxicity, and other treatment-related complications. This commentary provides current perspective on a successful research strategy, with a focus on cisplatin, developed by an experienced, transdisciplinary group of researchers and clinicians, representing pharmacogenomics, statistical genetics, neurology, hearing science, medical oncology, epidemiology, and cancer survivorship. Principles outlined herein are applicable to the construction of research programs in translational genomics with strong clinical relevance and highlight unprecedented opportunities to understand, prevent, and treat long-term treatment-related morbidities.
Children's Internalization of Rules of Conduct: Role of Parenting in Alcoholic Families

This study examined the association between fathers' alcoholism and children's internalization of rules of conduct at 2 to 3 years of age. The sample consisted of 220 families (102 without alcoholism, 118 with alcoholism). Results indicated that there was no direct association between fathers' alcoholism and children's internalization measured with a behavioral paradigm at age 3 years. However, the indirect association between fathers' alcoholism and children's behavioral internalization was significant through fathers' sensitivity during play interactions at age 2 years. Children of fathers with alcoholism were rated by their mothers as having lower internalized conduct over the 2- to 3-year period. This direct association was not mediated by parental sensitivity.
Clinical Policy: Indications for Reperfusion Therapy in Emergency Department Patients with Suspected Acute Myocardial Infarction

From the American College of Emergency Physicians Clinical Policies Subcommittee (Writing Committee) on Reperfusion Therapy in Emergency Department Patients with Suspected Acute Myocardial Infarction: Francis M. Fesmire, MD (Subcommittee Chair) William J. Brady, MD Sigrid Hahn, MD Wyatt W. Decker, MD Deborah B. Diercks, MD Chris A. Ghaemmaghami, MD Devorah Nazarian, MD Andy S. Jagoda, MD (Clinical Policies Committee Chair)
Dietary intake of whole grains.

Objective: The objective of this study was to provide national estimates of whole-grain intake in the United States, identify major dietary sources of whole grains and compare food and nutrient intakes of whole-grain consumers and nonconsumers. Methods: Data were collected from 9,323 individuals age 20 years and older in USDA’s 1994 ‐96 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals through in-person interviews on two non-consecutive days using a multiple-pass 24-hour recall method. Foods reported by respondents were quantified in servings as defined by the Food Guide Pyramid using a new database developed by the USDA. Whole-grain and nonwhole-grain servings were determined based on the proportion, by weight, of the grain ingredients in each food that were whole grain and nonwhole grain. Sampling weights were applied to provide national probability estimates adjusted for differential rates of selection and nonresponse. Then, t tests were used to assess statistically significant differences in intakes of nutrients and food groups by whole-grain consumers and nonconsumers. Results: According to the 1994 ‐96 survey, U.S. adults consumed an average of 6.7 servings of grain products per day; 1.0 serving was whole grain. Thirty-six percent averaged less than one whole-grain serving per day based on two days of intake data, and only eight percent met the recommendation to eat at least three servings per day. Yeast breads and breakfast cereals each provided almost one-third of the whole-grain servings, grain-based snacks provided about one-fifth, and less than one-tenth came from quick breads, pasta, rice, cakes, cookies, pies, pastries and miscellaneous grains. Whole-grain consumers had significantly better nutrient profiles than nonconsumers, including higher intakes of vitamins and minerals as percentages of 1989 Recommended Dietary Allowances and as nutrients per 1000 kilocalories, and lower intakes of total fat, saturated fat and added sugars as percentages of food energy. Consumers were significantly more likely than nonconsumers to meet Pyramid recommendations for the grain, fruit and dairy food groups. Conclusion: Consumption of whole-grain foods by U.S. adults falls well below the recommended level. A large proportion of the population could benefit from eating more whole grain, and efforts are needed to encourage consumption.
A Visualization Decision Support Tool for Multivariate SPC Diagnosis Using Marginal CUSUM Glyphs

A proposed visualization tool consisting of a two-sided CUSUM and star glyphs is capable of determining when and which variables contribute to out-of-control signals. Combined with traditional multivariate control charts, the proposed method provides ad..
Analysis and Application of a Coupled Thermoviscoplasticity Theory

A power-form internal state variable constitutive equation is proposed. Simulation results of cyclic loading of 1070 steel at different temperatures and strain rates are presented. The developed coupled equations are used to investigate the thermochemical problem of cyclic loading of a constrained-ended cylinder
Mammalian Alkaloids: Conversions of Tetrahydroisoquinoline-1-carboxylic Acids Derived from Dopamine*.

Racemic and optically active mammalian 6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-1-carboxylic acids derived from dopamine, and quinonemethides obtained from them by oxidative decarboxylation at physiological pH 7-9, are methylated by S-adenosyl-L-methionine in the presence of catechol-O-methyl-transferase in vitro exclusively at the OH-group at C-7. It can, therefore, be stated that these acids are unlikely intermediates in the biosynthesis of isoquinolines en route to morphine
Asymmetric rotator model of odd-mass nuclei

The asymmetric rotator model of Davydov and Filippov has been extended to odd- mass nuclei by coupling a single nucleon to an inert core of well stabilized asymmetric equilibrium shape. Rotational energies are calculated for states with spin I through numerical diagonalization of (I+½)× (I+½) rotational matrices which depend in a complicated way on the state of the odd nucleon. The state of the odd nucleon is described by single particle wave functions such as those calculated by Newton, generalizations for the asymmetric case of the wave functions computed by Nilsson for axially symmetric nuclei. The rotational energy spectrum for a given particle excitation is in general very rich in number of levels and may consist of a complicated sequence of spin values. In many cases, however, partic- ularly for small asymmetries, the rotational spectra may consist of several well separated or overlapping sequences of spin states which resemble the rotational bands of axially symmetric nuclei, especially insofar as K (which gives the projection of I on the body-fixed z-axis) may be approximately a good quantum number for each sequence. In an initial survey of odd-mass nuclei around A = 190, no clear-cut evidence has been found for the existence of nuclei with a well defined asymmetric equilibrium shape. Calcula- tions for Ir m and Re :ss indicate only that it may be very difficult to distinguish between a symmetric and an asymmetric rotator model when the asymmetry is small. Calculations for Pt 19s show that, although the observed level scheme can be reproduced by asymmetric rotator theory, the observed electromagnetic transition probabilities are not in agreement with the predictions of the simple asymmetric rotator model.
New Analysis of the Adaptive Array Performance in the Presence of Multiple Interfering Sources

Adaptive array weight adjustment algorithms are described by time varying stochastic differential equations. A new method employing a two-variable perturbation analysis is used to investigate the effects of the weight fluctuations on the Applebaum algorithm performance in the presence of multiple jammers. An explicit solution of the directivity pattern in the direction of the jammers for the two-jammer problem is derived. An improved formula for the output signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR) is obtained. It is shown as expected that the greater the number of signals at the array input the greater the degradation in the directivity pattern in the direction of the interfering signals and the greater the degradation in the output SINR. In addition, we show that the performance degrades uncontrollably when the number of independent jammers approaches the number of array elements. A comparison is made of the new results and those obtained using standard approximations. Substantial differences are caused by first-order terms in the perturbation.
Stem cells. A new year and a new era.

Manipulating cells from adult human tissue, scientists have generated cells with the same developmental potential as embryonic stem cells. The research opportunities these exciting observations offer are limitless.
A Neuro-Fuzzy System for Tool Condition Monitoring in Metal Cutting

A neuro-fuzzy system is used to predict the condition of the tool in a milling process. Specifically the relationship between the sensor readings and tool wear state is first captured via a neural network and is subsequently reflected in linguistic form in terms of a fuzzy logic based diagnostic algorithm. In this approach, the neural network serves as an interpolative mechanism for the generation of data that is consistent with the behavior of the process, whereas fuzzy logic provides a transparent view of the relationship between the measured variables and the tool wear state. The methodology used in this paper incorporates an error-based, density-driven adaptation scheme in conjunction with a neural network based reference model to adapt the fuzzy membership functions associated with the tool condition monitoring algorithm to ensure that the rule set reflects the true nature of the inter-relationship between the sensor readings and the tool condition. Experimental results show that the proposed fuzzy mechanism correctly predicts the condition of the tool in 97 percent of the cases where it is applied.
Evaluating HSPF in an arid, urbanized watershed

: The Hydrologic Simulation Program-FORTRAN (HSPF) is a powerful time variable hydrologic model that has rarely been applied in arid environments. Here, the performance of HSPF in southern California was assessed, testing its ability to predict annual volume, daily average flow, and hourly flow. The model was parameterized with eight land use categories and physical watershed characteristics. It was calibrated using rainfall and measured flow over a five-year period in a predominantly undeveloped watershed and it was validated using a subsequent 4-year period. The process was repeated in a separate, predominantly urbanized watershed over the same time span. Annual volume predictions correlated well with measured flow in both the undeveloped and developed watersheds. Daily flow predictions correlated well with measured flow following rain events, but predictions were poor during extended dry weather periods in the developed watershed. This modeling difficulty during dry-weather periods reflects the large influence of, and the poor accounting in the model for, artificially introduced water from human activities, such as landscape overwatering, that can be important sources of water in urbanized arid environments. Hourly flow predictions mistimed peak flows, reflecting spatial and temporal heterogeneity of rainfall within the watershed. Model correlation increased considerably when predictions were averaged over longer time periods, reaching an asymptote after an 11-hour averaging window.
Structure, bonding and lattice dynamics of tri- and tetraphenyltin derivatives as studied by Mössbauer and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy

Abstract The structure and bonding properties of a number of closely related tetraphenyltin- and triphenyltin chloride compounds have been studied by the 119Sn Mossbauer effect and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The comparison of liquid and solid state 13C and 119Sn NMR spectra and of glassy solution matrix and neat solid state Mossbauer spectra provides information about the extent of intermolecular association effects in these compounds. The results indicate that all materials with the exception of (p-CF3Ph)3SnCl are adequately described as monomeric solids with tetrahedral geometry around the metal atom. For the latter compound spectroscopic evidence for the presence of a five-coordinated tin species is presented.
Available Biotin Content of Barley

Abstract MOST ingredients used in poultry feeds are considered to contain enough biotin so that biotin supplementation of most practical rations is not needed. The National Research Council's Publication 585 (1958) gives the biotin content of barley as 0.08 milligrams per pound or 0.18 micrograms per gram. This would mean that a ration containing 50% or more of barley should contain adequate biotin to meet the chick's requirement of 0.04 milligrams per pound (National Research Council, 1954). In some of the experiments conducted at this station to study the value of certain enzyme preparations in rations with a new variety of hulless barley, a semi-purified type of diet was fed which contained 75% hulless barley and no added crystalline biotin. Chicks fed this diet developed typical biotin deficiency symptoms, similar to those described by Hegsted et al. (1940), within three weeks. The symptoms did not appear when 100 micrograms of biotin …
Mother‐blaming, relationship psychopathology, and infant mental health: A commentary on Ward, Lee, & Lipper (2000)

In this issue, Ward and colleagues (Ward, Lee, & Lipper, 2000) report that infants diagnosed with failure-to-thrive were less likely to be securely attached to their mothers than infants growing normally. Further, they also report that mothers of infants failing to thrive were significantly more likely than mothers of infants growing normally to be classified as Unresolved (with respect to loss or trauma) based on their discourse patterns in the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI; George, Kaplan, M Korner, 1961, 1968), it is a persistent one. We believe that when a distinguished research group is hesitant about reporting their findings for fear of being perceived as mother-blaming, a reconsideration from the clinical perspective may be indicated. Mothers, of course, are not the only ones who get blamed—infants or other caregivers may be blamed for a particular problem or behavior. Nevertheless, mothers generally do get the lion’s share of blame. Mothers are blamed in part because of their involvement—they are the ones who are for the most part “in the trenches,” caring for their infants. In fact, Jordan (1997) has pointed out that as a field, infant mental health has minimized gender politics. She has underscored a central irony: in our efforts to avoid mother-blaming by substituting the more neutral terms, “parent” or “caregiver” for “mother,” we do mothers an injustice. Paradoxically, she argues, these neutral terms serve to displace mothers from positions of power,
A phase II, randomized, controlled trial of acupuncture for reduction of Postcolectomy Ileus.

Purpose Postoperative ileus (POI) prolongs hospital stay and increases risk of postoperative complications. We conducted a randomized, sham-controlled trial to evaluate whether acupuncture reduces POI more effectively than sham acupuncture.
The efficiency of damage production in silicon carbide

Abstract Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to study the statistics of damage production in 3C–SiC due to C, Si and Au primary knock-on atoms (PKAs) over energies from 0.25 to 50 keV. In order to account for the different displacement energies on the Si and C sublattices and accurately assess the damage efficiency, a modified version of the SRIM (stopping and range of ions in matter) code, with the electronic stopping turned off to duplicate the MD conditions, was used to calculate the statistics of damage production for the same PKAs over the energy range from 0.1 to 400 keV under the binary collision approximation using threshold displacement energies of 20 and 35 eV for C and Si, respectively. Using the modified SRIM predictions as a reference, the efficiencies of total damage production are determined for C, Si and Au PKAs as functions of energy. The efficiency for production of C displacements is similar for all PKAs; however, C PKAs have a much lower efficiency for producing stable Si displacements than Si and Au PKAs, which leads to a much higher ratio of C to Si displacements for C PKAs. These results are consistent with the experimental damage production behavior observed in SiC irradiated with C, Si and Au ions at 150 K.
Optimal mean squared error analysis of the harmonic gradient estimators

This paper presents a mean squared error analysis of the harmonic gradient estimators for steady-state discrete-event simulation outputs. Optimal mean squared errors for the harmonic gradient estimators are shown to converge to zero as the simulation run length approaches infinity at the same rate as the optimal mean squared errors for the symmetric (two-sided) finite-difference gradient estimator. Implications of this result are discussed.
Potential of using plant proteins and chicken feathers for cotton warp sizing

Two plant proteins, soyprotein and wheat gluten, and chicken feathers used to size cotton substrates provided sizing performance similar to starch and were also easily degraded in activated sludge. Sizing is an essential process to impart protection to warp yarns and increase weaving efficiency. Cotton yarns have traditionally been sized with starch, modified starch derivatives, CMC, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA), or a combination thereof along with quite a few other fiber binding ingredients. Although starch and starch derivatives are extensively used for sizing, there can be several limitations including less-than-satisfactory sizing performance and difficulties in desizing starch based size. Plant proteins such as wheat gluten, soyproteins and poultry feathers are available in large quantities at low cost and have limited industrial applications. However, these proteins are known to have excellent film-forming properties, a primary requirement for a warp size, and have also been used as adhesives. Using proteins as warp sizing agents on cotton yarns potentially could provide acceptable sizing performance and be cost-effective, as well. In this research, soyproteins, wheat gluten, and chicken feathers were studied for exploring their feasibility for sizing, desizing, biodegradability, and ability to replace starch and PVA for sizing cotton yarns. It was found that all three proteins provided similar cohesion to fibers and abrasion resistance compared to starch. Protein sizes had significantly high BOD5/COD ratio compared to PVA, suggesting that the proteins are easily degradable in textile effluent treatment plants.
Project Helgoland and the Mystery of the Lost Presentation

Project Helgoland was an American program to record the seismic waves generated by the detonation of munitions stored by the Germans during WW II at Helgoland, an island in the North Sea about 50 miles northwest of Bremerhaven. About 4,000 tons of explosives were detonated on 18 April 1947. Project Helgoland appears to have been coordinated by the Eastern Section of the Seismological Society of America (ES-SSA) with assistance from the U.S. Naval Bureau of Aeronautics, Office of Naval Research, and the Naval Ordnance Laboratory (NOL).* On the other hand, the ordnance detonation was a British Naval operation to destroy the German fortifications at Helgoland with the stored munitions. This operation was described by the late Pat Willmore (1947). The seismicrecording program was coordinated by Willmore (1949) under the auspices of the Royal Society of London and the Ministry of Supply. Forty-seven stations that observed the detonation included 10...
Single auditory nerve fiber and action potential latencies in normal and noise-treated chinchillas

Abstract Latency-intensity functions for the auditory nerve action potential (AP) and single auditory nerve fibers were measured in a group of normal and a group of noise-treated chinchillas using click stimuli. The noise-treated group was exposed for 5 days to an octave band of noise centered at 0.5 kHz and having an SPL of 95 dB. The AP visual detection level (VDL) and the single neuron thresholds were approximately 40–50 dB higher in the noise-treated group than in normals. At the VDL, the latency for AP was shorter in the noise-treated group than in the normal group; however, for the same intensity the latency was the same for both groups. Similar results were obtained from single fibers of similar characteristics frequency (CF). At threshold, the fiber latencies were shorter for the noise-treated group than for normal animals, but at the same intensity, the latencies for the two groups were similar. The results indicate that AP and single fiber latencies are a function of absolute intensity rather than intensity relative to a ‘neural threshold’. A comparison of poststimulus time (PST) histograms made at the same intensity revealed fewer peaks in the units from noise-treated animals than in normal units; however, the width of the peaks and the time between peaks appeared normal.
Merits and challenges of the integrated records services in the public service – a case of Botswana

The introduction of trained and experienced records personnel in the Botswana public service marked the beginning of effective management of records. Prior to this change, arbitrarily nominated administration staff using inconsistent methods and practices managed government records, and that affected the delivery of government business. Botswana integrated the public service records and archives functions in 1992 that brought to being Botswana National Archives and Records Services (BNARS). This was a fusion of what was originally Botswana National Archives with Government Records services in Ministries and Departments. This article starts by discussing the restructuring process that took place in BNARS. The exercise was meant to achieve two objectives, mainly: • To increase effectiveness of Government Ministries and Departments in order to provide better services to the public and bring about more effective and faster socio-economic development • To optimise utilisation of the available manpower, financial material and other resources allocated to the public (Permanent Secretary to the President. 1992:1). Subsequent to this, the article then assesses both the merits and the challenges that arose from the records restructuring. The assessment is made at the archival and the administrative levels with a view to determining the impact on both. The ultimate question is whether the entire exercise was a good thing or not. Botswana as a nation has developed a twenty (20) year long vision that elapses in 2016, with one of its major pillars phrased as building ‘an educated, informed nation', a guarantee that full access to information will be achieved. On this score a determination has to be made to decide whether BNARS restructuring will add any value to this or not. Keywords : Botswana National Archives and Records Services, Integrated Records Services, public service, records management ESARBICA Journal Vol. 24 2005: 116-130
The value of neuroradiology in infantile spasms

The results of neuroradiologic studies of 71 children with infantile spasms treated with ACTH were correlated with the developmental outcome at follow-up (mean 62 months, range 14 to 207 months). Fifty-two (73%) patients had an abnormal NRS on initial evaluation; 49% had cerebral atrophy, 18% had congenital anomalies, and 6% had hydrocephalus. Twenty patients were normal on initial clinical evaluation. At follow-up only the eight (40%) with normal NRS were normal. Twelve (60%) who had unexpected abnormalities on NRS were retarded at follow-up. CAT scanning is necessary to predict the developmental outcome in developmentally normal children with infantile spasm. Eight of nine patients with normal NRS in the early treatment group were developmentally normal at presentation and follow-up. Ten patients who were developmentally normal before spasms began, and had normal NRS but were in the late treatment group, were retarded at initial evaluation and follow-up. This finding suggests that early treatment of children who have a normal NRS and normal development at onset of spasm prevents mental retardation.
Arsenic Speciation, Seasonal Transformations, and Co-distribution with Iron in a Mine Waste-Influenced Palustrine Emergent Wetland

Arsenic is commonly associated with mined ores and thus may be detrimental to naturally occurring wetlands that reside in mine waste-impacted regions. Understanding the relationship between Fe and As in both the aqueous and solid phase is critical for assessing the risk As imposes on these sensitive ecosystems. Therefore, in this investigation, Fe (perceived to be a dominant factor in the cycling of As) and As were monitored seasonally in a mine waste-influenced wetland. Iron and As concentrations in the pore waters at the site were highly variable but were at the highest levels during the spring and summer months. Using X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, we confirmed that arsenite, arsenic sulfides, and arsenate species were present in the soil-solids, all of which varied seasonally within the site. Additionally, the reactivity of Fe and As solid phases, as measured by selective sequential extractions, changed seasonally. Iron and As are positively correlated in the sodium acetate...
Three-dimensional defect reconstruction from eddy-current NDE signals using a genetic local search algorithm

This paper introduces a model-based approach to reconstruct three-dimensional defect profiles from eddy-current nondestructive evaluation signals. The method casts the defect characterization problem as an exercise in maximization of an appropriate cost function. The method uses an edge-based finite-element forward model to simulate the underlying physical process and a genetic search algorithm to solve the optimization (maximization) problem. The paper presents techniques to reduce the computation cost for evaluating the cost function as well as local search methods to speed the genetic search process. Test results confirm the validity of the approach.
Is a healthy ecosystem one that is rich in parasites

Historically, the role of parasites in ecosystem functioning has been considered trivial because a cursory examination reveals that their relative biomass is low compared with that of other trophic groups. However there is increasing evidence that parasite-mediated effects could be significant: they shape host population dynamics, alter interspecific competition, influence energy flow and appear to be important drivers of biodiversity. Indeed they influence a range of ecosystem functions and have a major effect on the structure of some food webs. Here, we consider the bottom-up and top-down processes of how parasitism influences ecosystem functioning and show that there is evidence that parasites are important for biodiversity and production; thus, we consider a healthy system to be one that is rich in parasite species.
Dynamical modeling of uncertain interaction-based genomic networks

Most dynamical models for genomic networks are built upon two current methodologies, one process-based and the other based on Boolean-type networks. Both are problematic when it comes to experimental design purposes in the laboratory. The first approach requires a comprehensive knowledge of the parameters involved in all biological processes a priori, whereas the results from the second method may not have a biological correspondence and thus cannot be tested in the laboratory. Moreover, the current methods cannot readily utilize existing curated knowledge databases and do not consider uncertainty in the knowledge. Therefore, a new methodology is needed that can generate a dynamical model based on available biological data, assuming uncertainty, while the results from experimental design can be examined in the laboratory. We propose a new methodology for dynamical modeling of genomic networks that can utilize the interaction knowledge provided in public databases. The model assigns discrete states for physical entities, sets priorities among interactions based on information provided in the database, and updates each interaction based on associated node states. Whenever uncertainty in dynamics arises, it explores all possible outcomes. By using the proposed model, biologists can study regulation networks that are too complex for manual analysis. The proposed approach can be effectively used for constructing dynamical models of interaction-based genomic networks without requiring a complete knowledge of all parameters affecting the network dynamics, and thus based on a small set of available data.
The Cambridge Handbook of Expertise and Expert Performance: An Introduction to The Cambridge Handbook of Expertise and Expert Performance : Its Development, Organization, and Content

A significant milestone is reached when a field of scientific research matures to a point warranting publication of its first handbook. A substantial body of empirical findings, distinctive theoretical concepts and frameworks, and a set of new or adapted methods justify a unifying volume. The growth of this field is evident from the publication of a series of edited books on diverse sets of skills and expertise from many domains during the last several decades (Anderson, 1981; Bloom, 1985a; Chase, 1973; Chi, Glaser, & Farr, 1988; Ericsson, 1996a; Ericsson & Smith, 1991a; Feltovich, Ford, & Hoffman, 1997; Hoffman, 1992; Starkes & Allard, 1993; Starkes & Ericsson, 2003). And as in many other fields, the name of a branch of scientific study, in our case expertise and expert performance, often communicates the domain of studied phenomena. Expert, Expertise, and Expert Performance: Dictionary Definitions Encyclopedias describe an Expert as “one who is very skillful and well-informed in some special field” ( Webster's New World Dictionary , 1968, p. 168), or “someone widely recognized as a reliable source of knowledge, technique, or skill whose judgment is accorded authority and status by the public or his or her peers. Experts have prolonged or intense experience through practice and education in a particular field” (Wikipedia, 2005). Expertise then refers to the characteristics, skills, and knowledge that distinguish experts from novices and less experienced people.
All-optical encryption for optical network with interleaved waveband switching modulation

We demonstrate an all-optical encryption scheme with interleaved waveband-switching modulation using a 35-cm bismuth-oxide nonlinear fiber. The encrypted data adopt a constant intensity for both bit0 and bit1 such that no data signature is observed.
Effects of data sampling on graphical depictions of learning

Continuous and discontinuous data-collection methods were compared in the context of discrete-trial programming. Archival data sets were analyzed using trial sampling (1st 5 trials, 1st 3 trials, and 1st trial only) and session sampling (every other session, every 3rd session, and every 5th session). Results showed that trial sampling systematically underestimated the number of sessions and days to mastery and overestimated the number of sessions and days to the 1st independent response. Session sampling systematically overestimated both sessions and days to mastery and sessions and days to the 1st independent response. A time-savings analysis was included to evaluate empirically how much time would be saved by using each sampling method. Results suggested that data sampling would produce relatively minimal time savings.
microRNA changes in liver tissue associated with fibrosis progression in patients with hepatitis C

Background & Aims Accumulating evidence indicates that microRNAs play a role in a number of disease processes including the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis in hepatitis C infection. Our goal is to add to the accruing information regarding microRNA deregulation in liver fibrosis to increase our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of pathology and progression. Methods We used next generation sequencing to profile all detectable microRNAs in liver tissue and serum from patients with hepatitis C, stages F1–F4 of fibrosis. Results We found altered expression of several microRNAs, in particular, miR-182, miR199a-5p, miR-200a-5p and miR-183 were found to be significantly upregulated in tissue from liver biopsies of hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis, stage F3 and F4, when compared with liver biopsies from patients with early fibrosis, stages F1 and F2. We also found miR-148-5p, miR-1260b, miR-122-3p and miR-378i among the microRNAs most significantly down-regulated from early to advanced fibrosis of the liver. We also sequenced the serum microRNAs; however, we were not able to detect significant changes in circulating microRNAs associated with fibrosis stage after adjusting for multiple tests. Conclusions Adding measurements of tissue microRNAs acquired during routine biopsies will continue to increase our knowledge of underlying mechanisms of fibrosis. Our goal is that these data, in combination with studies from other researchers and future long-term studies, could be used to enhance the staging accuracy of liver biopsies and expand the surveillance of patients at increased risk for cancer and progression to advanced fibrosis.
Co-involvement of Mitochondria and Endoplasmic Reticulum in Regulation of Apoptosis: Changes in Cytochrome c, Bcl-2 and Bax in the Hippocampus of Aluminum-treated Rabbits

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, are characterized by a progressive and selective loss of neurons. Apoptosis under mitochondrial control has been implicated in this neuronal death process, involving the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm and initiation of the apoptosis cascade. However, a growing body of evidence suggests an active role for the endoplasmic reticulum in regulating apoptosis, either independent of mitochondrial, or in concert with mitochondrial-initiated pathways. Members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins have been shown to either inhibit apoptosis, as is the case with Bcl-2, or to promote it, in the case of Bax. Investigations in our laboratory have focused on neuronal injury resulting from the intracisternal administration of aluminum maltolate to New Zealand white rabbits, an animal system relevant to a study of human disease in that it reflects many of the histological and biochemical changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. Here we report that treatment of young adult rabbits with aluminum maltolate induces both cytochrome c translocation into brain cytosol, and caspase-3 activation. Furthermore, as assessed by Western blot analysis, these effects are accompanied by a decrease in Bcl-2 and an increase in Bax reactivity in the endoplasmic reticulum.
Tricyclic Antidepressants for Chronic Vomiting in Diabetic Patients

Chronic vomiting in diabetic patients often is unresponsive to prokinetic agents and poorly explained by delayed gastric emptying or neuropathy. This retrospective study examines clinical response to tricyclic antidepressants, a treatment of reported benefit in nondiabetic patients with unexplained vomiting syndromes. Outcomes were studied in 24 diabetic outpatients who had been treated with tricyclic antidepressants specifically for nausea and vomiting after an unsatisfactory response to prokinetic therapy. Symptom patterns and treatment response were determined from chart review and telephone interview. Ten patients (42%) had recurrent, stereotypical vomiting episodes with symptom-free intervals suggesting cyclic vomiting syndrome; 14 (58%) had persistent symptoms. By chart review, at least moderate symptom response to tricyclic antidepressant treatment (median dosage, 50 mg/day) occurred in 88% of subjects, with complete or nearly complete resolution of symptoms in one-third. At follow-up interview, 77% self-reported at least moderate symptom improvement during therapy and 68% rated tricyclic antidepressants the most effective treatment received. Duration of diabetes, presence of neuropathy, and psychiatric status were not predictive of treatment outcome in multivariate analysis, but a cyclical symptom pattern attenuated antidepressant response (P< 0.05). In this retrospective review, the majority of diabetic patients with chronic vomiting and incomplete response to prokinetic therapy benefited from tricyclic antidepressants in low-dose, open-label regimens and rated them the most effective treatment received. This therapeutic option should be further studied in diabetic patients considering the morbidity of chronic vomiting in this population.
The 'Age of Consent' Controversy: Age and Gender as Social Practice

This paper examines features of a controversy surrounding a recommendation to change 'age of consent' legislation in N.S.W. The use made of commonsense notions of age and gender relations as sense- making methods in organizing the popular defeat of the proposal is shown, casting participants in the controversy as practitioners of social structures. Competing adult discourses about young people are identified in the materials, and the study of such material is suggested as part of a comprehensive sociology of youth.
Pathways analysis of molecular markers in chronic sinusitis with polyps.

Objective. To perform a comprehensive molecular pathways analysis of genes identified through genome-wide expression profiling and the published literature for chronic sinusitis with polyps.Study D...
Incorporation of Climate Change in Water Availability Modeling

The state of Texas recently implemented a water-availability modeling (WAM) system to support planning and regulatory activities. River basin hydrology is represented in the WAM system by sequences of historical monthly naturalized streamflows and net reservoir evaporation rates. This paper describes a case study investigation of the potential effects of climate-change on assessments of water-supply capabilities and focuses on whether and how climate change considerations should be incorporated in the WAM system. A modeling approach was adopted to explore the impacts of climate change on hydrologic and institutional water availability for the numerous water users who depend on supplies provided by the 118,000 km2 Brazos River Basin. Analyses of historical naturalized streamflows indicate hidden but significant multiple-year cycles but no long-term trends during the twentieth century. A climate model and watershed hydrology model are used to adjust the WAM system hydrology to reflect anomalous climate duri...