cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Second Number-Estimation Elbow: Are Visual Numbers Greater Than 20 Evaluated Differently?

Numerosity perception has long been understood to be divided between subitizing and estimation. In a series of three experiments (total N = 113), a new number "elbow" point in the estimation of visual number for numerosities of about 20 dots is confirmed. Below 20, mean estimates are linear with a slope of about 1 and power-function exponents for numerosity estimation approximate unity, though estimate variance increases dramatically above about 6 elements. For numerosities above 20, estimates become increasingly compressed, such that power function exponents are much lower (e.g., 0.7) and are lower still when both ranges are estimated within the same experimental procedure. The experiments described here show that the location of the inflection point appears insensitive to the range of numbers estimated and to differences in density.
A 65–70 Year Oscillation in Observed Surface Temperatures

In the past year we have published two papers which: (1) describe the discovery of a 65–70 year oscillation in the observed records of global-mean surface temperature (Schlesinger and Ramankutty, 1994a), and (2) critically test whether or not this oscillation is the result of climatic noise (Schlesinger and Ramankutty, 1994b). Here we summarize the approach and findings of these papers.
Life cycle environmental impacts of non-cellulosic fermentable carbohydrates for the production of biofuels and chemicals

Fermentable carbohydrates (FC) are raw materials from agriculture common in the production of bio-based products like biofuels and renewable chemicals. The production of these raw materials contribute significantly to the total environmental life cycle impacts of these bio-based products. No study has yet assessed and compared the non-cellulosic FC sources in the USA. To this aim, the environmental life cycle assessment method was used to compare FC derived from conventional agricultural feedstocks. The study compared four agricultural feedstocks from the USA and one additional feedstock that was used as a reference. The feedstocks from the USA were energycane (a.k.a energy cane), sweet sorghum, maize (a.k.a., corn), and sugar beet. This study used Brazilian sugarcane (BSC) as a reference of low environmental impacts. The environmental impacts assessed were greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fossil fuel use, and eutrophication potential. The environmental assessment included a Monte Carlo simulation to assess the uncertainty of the results. A sensitivity analysis was also executed by using the method of changing one variable at a time to identify the most influential input variables. The assessment showed that FC from energycane has low overall environmental impacts relative to the other US feedstocks evaluated and it resulted in environmental effects similar to those of the BSC. This life cycle assessment shows that US sugar beet has a different impact profile compared to the other feedstocks evaluated; having low eutrophication impact and high in both GHG emissions and fossil fuel use impacts. FC from sweet sorghum has low GHG emissions and fossil fuel use relative to maize (also known as corn) and sugar beet; however, the uncertainty associated with these impacts is greater than that of energycane, sugarcane, and maize. The assessment shows there are fermentable carbohydrates sources in the USA with lower environmental impacts than the maize feedstock, currently dominant in the USA, and the impacts of the best performing of these are comparable to BSC.
Butadiene hydroformylation to adipaldehyde with Rh-based catalysts: Insights into ligand effects

Abstract Rh-catalyzed hydroformylation of butadiene to adipaldehyde is a promising alternative route for producing valuable C6 compounds such as adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine. Fundamental insights into reaction pathways, aimed at enhancing adipaldehyde yield, were obtained from temporal concentration profiles and in situ ReactIR studies of butadiene hydroformylation on Rh complexes at 80 °C and 14 bar syngas (molar CO/H2 = 1) pressure in a batch reactor. Specifically, the effects of operating conditions and eight commercially available ligands on activity and selectivity were systematically investigated. It was found that the adipaldehyde selectivity is independent of the ligand/Rh ratio, rhodium concentration, butadiene concentration and syngas pressure, but significantly dependent on the type of ligand used. For example, while the DIOP ligand provided an adipaldehyde yield of ∼40% with butadiene as a substrate, the 6-DPPon ligand gave a maximum adipaldehyde yield of ∼93% with 4-pentenal as substrate. Furthermore, the adipaldehyde selectivity correlates well with the natural bite angle of the various ligands. ReactIR studies suggest that the preferential formation of the stable rhodium η3-crotyl complex with the various Rh complexes may be the main reason for the low adipaldehyde selectivity.
Contrast analysis in two-beam laser interference lithography

Interference lithography enables large area, sub-µm, periodic patterning without photomasks or projection lithography tools. We show that optical contrast, which is the fundamental design variable of interference lithography, enforces coupled constraints on source coherence, beam pointing stability, field size, polarization state, and the intensity balance between beams. The analysis enables selection and alignment tolerance of components to meet a specific design requirement. In particular, the analysis reveals that grating beam splitters are significantly less sensitive to beam pointing and polarization misalignment than plate beam splitters.
Incorporating IPE and simulation experiences into graduate speech-language pathology training

Ineffective interprofessional collaboration between healthcare workers can negatively impact patient care. At a time when people are living longer with chronic health conditions, it is becoming inc...
Hypoglycemia Communication in Primary Care Visits for Patients with Diabetes.

Hypoglycemia is a common and serious adverse effect of diabetes treatment, especially for patients using insulin or insulin secretagogues. Guidelines recommend that these patients be assessed for interval hypoglycemic events at each clinical encounter and be provided anticipatory guidance for hypoglycemia prevention. To determine the frequency and content of hypoglycemia communication in primary care visits. Qualitative study We examined 83 primary care visits from one urban health practice representing 8 clinicians and 33 patients using insulin or insulin secretagogues. Using a directed content analysis approach, we analyzed audio-recorded primary care visits collected as part of the Achieving Blood Pressure Control Together study, a randomized trial of behavioral interventions for hypertension. The coding framework included communication about interval hypoglycemia, defined as discussion of hypoglycemic events or symptoms; the components of hypoglycemia anticipatory guidance in diabetes guidelines; and hypoglycemia unawareness. Hypoglycemia documentation in visit notes was compared to visit transcripts. Communication about interval hypoglycemia occurred in 24% of visits, and hypoglycemic events were reported in 16%. Despite patients voicing fear of hypoglycemia, clinicians rarely assessed hypoglycemia frequency, severity, or its impact on quality of life. Hypoglycemia anticipatory guidance was provided in 21% of visits which focused on diet and behavior change; clinicians rarely counseled on hypoglycemia treatment or avoidance of driving. Limited discussions of hypoglycemia unawareness occurred in 8% of visits. Documentation in visit notes had low sensitivity but high specificity for ascertaining interval hypoglycemia communication or hypoglycemic events, compared to visit transcripts. In this high hypoglycemia risk population, communication about interval hypoglycemia and counseling for hypoglycemia prevention occurred in a minority of visits. There is a need to support clinicians to more regularly assess their patients’ hypoglycemia burden and enhance counseling practices in order to optimize hypoglycemia prevention in primary care.
Barotrauma Linked to Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection in Younger Patients: A Case Series

Patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on invasive mechanical ventilation were found to have high rates of barotrauma. Herein, we present five patients admitted to the intensive care unit between March and April 2020, who developed barotrauma as a complication of COVID-19 pneumonia. This series includes four males and one female with a mean age of 54 years, most without significant chronic comorbidities or former tobacco use. All were intubated for hypoxic respiratory failure due to the COVID-19 infection. The diagnosis of barotrauma was confirmed via radiography showing the presence of pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, or subcutaneous emphysema on radiographic imaging. At the time, they were evaluated for convalescent plasma infusion, remdesivir, and interleukin-6 inhibitor. Each of the five patient's hospital courses were documented. The average number of days between intubation and subsequent barotrauma was 6.8 days with the mean length of hospital stay being 49 days. Three of the five patients passed away due to complications related to COVID-19. Due to the unknown nature of the virus, our findings add to the growing evidence that those infected, even without significant comorbidities, are at high risk for pulmonary complications and in-hospital mortality.
Investor Protection in an Age of Entrepreneurship

As entrepreneurial companies have created trillions of dollars of shareholder wealth, the investor protection policy of the securities laws has come under pressure. The SEC has struggled to explain why public investors can take on some risks but not others. This Article develops an investor protection framework based on the Knightian distinction between risk and uncertainty that better articulates the challenges of this entrepreneurial age. Securities regulation has traditionally permitted all investors to purchase public securities with measurable risks and restricted them from investing in private securities that are shrouded in immeasurable uncertainty. As private markets have become more sophisticated at valuing companies, it has become more difficult to maintain this traditional divide. Investors believe that the valuations of private companies have become more certain. As a result, private companies are going public through Special Purpose Acquisition Companies and direct listings without the use of an underwriter that typically assures investors that a company has a reasonable basis for its valuation. This article argues that the SEC should be more cautious in permitting companies to access public markets without measures that protect investors from Knightian uncertainty.
The Art of Modulating, Preludizing, and Fantasizing: Schenker’s Thoughts about Keys and Key Change Reconsidered

Although Heinrich Schenker certainly changed his mind about many topics, he never waivered in his belief that 1) current ways to explain modulation were fundamentally flawed; and 2) that modulation is best learned by improvising preludes and fantasies. To explain these points, Part I reconsiders Schenker’s critique of Max Reger’s Beitrage zur Modulationslehre (1903) and Salomon Jadassohn’s Die Kunst zu Modulieren und zu Praludieren (1890) and describes three types of modulation endorsed by Schenker in his Harmonielehre (1906): 1) [diatonic] reinterpretation; 2) chromaticism; and 3) enharmonicism. Part II then shows how Schenker not only dispensed with the traditional concepts of relative, close, and distant keys, but he eventually proposed that modulations arise at the foreground for contrapuntal, even motivic reasons. Finally, Part III uses Schenker’s claims about modulating and preludizing to analyze Beethoven’s “Two Preludes” in C major, Op. 39, both of which modulate “through all twelve major keys.”
Situated conversational agents

A Situated Conversational Agent (SCA) is an agent that engages in dialog about the context within which it is embedded. Situated dialog is characterized by its deep connection to the embedding context, and the precise cross-timing of linguistic and non-linguistic actions. This paper describes initial research into the construction of an SCA that engages in dialog about collaborative physical tasks, in which agents engage in dialog with the joint goal of manipulating the physical context in some manner. Constructing an SCA that can interact naturally in such tasks requires an agent with the ability to interleave planning, action, and observation while operating in a partially observable environment. Consequently, I propose to model an SCA as a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP).
Sulfonylureas Inhibit Cytokine-Induced Eosinophil Survival and Activation

Eosinophils play a key role in the pathogenesis of asthma and other allergic inflammatory diseases. We have previously shown that treatment of eosinophils with lidocaine preferentially inhibits IL-5-induced survival. This inhibition cannot be overcome by increasing concentrations of IL-5 and is not due to the blocking of Na+ channels by lidocaine. Here we report that one class of K+ channel blockers, the sulfonylureas, inhibits eosinophil survival in a manner similar to lidocaine. The sulfonylurea glyburide inhibits eosinophil survival even at high concentrations of IL-5. In contrast, increasing concentrations of IL-3 or granulocyte-macrophage CSF overcome glyburide inhibition. Glyburide also blocks cytokine-induced eosinophil superoxide production. Similar results were seen with the sulfonylureas tolbutamide and glipizide. Interestingly, the effects of glyburide are not antagonized by the ATP-sensitive K+ channel openers cromakalim, pinacidil, or diazoxide. Although Scatchard analysis of [3H]glyburide binding to eosinophil membranes indicated that the high affinity sulfonylurea receptor (SUR1) is not present on eosinophils, human eosinophils do express mRNA homologous to the sulfonylurea receptor family, in keeping with the presence of a sulfonylurea receptor. Finally, coculture of eosinophils with combinations of glyburide, lidocaine, and dexamethasone resulted in synergistic inhibition of cytokine-mediated eosinophil survival and superoxide production. These results have intriguing clinical implications for the treatment of eosinophil-associated diseases.
OPTIMUL: A Hybrid Multiprocessor for Distributed and Shared Memory Multiprocessing with WDM Optical Fiber Interconnections

We present the key features of OPTIMUL (OPTically Interconnected MULtiprocessor) — a multiprocessor architecture that implements a distributed shared memory mechanism using a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) fiber optic bus. OPTIMUL also supports distributed memory style multiprocessing using the same high-speed message passing mechanism that implements the distributed shared memory. Trace-driven simulation results seem to indicate that efficient performance in the shared and distributed memory modes of operation stem from the operational concurrency of the WDM channels and the high data rate and low latency possible from the use of the new fiber optic receivers and transmitters.
Reliable MAC layer multicast in IEEE 802.11 wireless networks

Multicast/broadcast is an important service primitive in networks. The IEEE 802.11 multicast/broadcast protocol is based on the basic access procedure of Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA). This protocol does not provide any media access control (MAC) layer recovery on multicast/broadcast frames. As a result, the reliability of the multicast/broadcast service is reduced due to the increased probability of lost frames resulting from interference or collisions. In this paper, we propose a reliable Batch Mode Multicast MAC protocol, BMMM, which substentially reduces the number of contention phases, thus considerably reduces the time required for a multicast/broadcast. We then propose a Location Aware Multicast MAC protocol, LAMM, that uses station location information to further improve upon BMMM. Extensive analysis and simulation results validate the reliability and efficiency of our multicast MAC protocols.
ADR, The Judiciary, and Justice: Coming to Terms with the Alternatives

[This student note is the closing chapter of the Harvard Law Review Developments in the Law Issue for the year 2000, devoted to developments in civil litigation.] Any discussion of recent developments in civil litigation must address the virtual revolution that has taken place regarding alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Attorneys have witnessed a steady growth in their clients' recourse to ADR in place of lawsuits, and ADR is increasingly incorporated into the litigation process by the judiciary itself--in the form of court-annexed arbitration, mediation, summary jury trials, early neutral evaluation, and judicial settlement conferences. "Alternative" models of dispute resolution have inarguably penetrated the mainstream; the relevant question now is how they will change it. The judicial embrace of ADR presents opportunities and concerns that distinguish court-annexed programs from the broader trend of contractual ADR. Its versatile mechanisms have much to offer overloaded courts, but as ADR gains ground in the judiciary, it becomes urgent to better isolate the values of each from the other. Policymakers must carefully design judicial ADR programs to preserve the access to public adjudication that has rendered the judiciary so invaluable an institution, and they must incorporate into judicial ADR the procedural norms necessary to satisfy fundamental fairness without sacrificing the flexibility that gives ADR its force. This Part explores developments in ADR generally, with prescriptive attention to the unfolding progress of the judicial use of ADR. Section A reviews the history of the modern ADR movement, section B surveys significant developments in statutory and case law, and section C outlines the need for further procedural elaboration in court-annexed ADR.
A method for computing infiltration and redistribution in a discretized moisture content domain

[1] A new one-dimensional infiltration and redistribution method is proposed as an alternative to the Richards equation (RE) for coupled surface and subsurface models. The proposed method discretizes soil water content into hypothetical hydraulically interacting bins. The entry and propagation of displacement fronts in each bin are simulated by means of explicit infiltration and drainage approximations based on capillary and gravitational driving forces. Wetting front advances within bins create water deficits that are satisfied by capillary-driven interbin flow. The method inherently provides numerical stability by precluding the need to directly estimate nonlinear gradients through numerical schemes. Comparisons of the performance of this method against RE solutions for theoretical, laboratory, and field data in both well-drained and high water table conditions are presented. The new method produces infiltration flux estimates with errors less than 10% compared to a widely used RE solution in tests on multiple soil textures with and without high water table conditions while providing unconditionally guaranteed conservation of mass.
Structural leverage and fictitious play in sequential auctions

We model sequential, sealed-bid auctions as a sequential game with imperfect and incomplete information. We develop an agent that, through fictitious play, constructs a policy for the auctions that takes advantage of information learned in the early stages of the game, and is flexible with respect to assumptions about the other bidders' valuations. Because the straightforward expansion of the incomplete information game is intractable, we develop more concise representations that take advantage of the sequential auctions' natural structure. We examine the performance of our agent versus agents that play perfectly, agents that also create policies using Monte-Carlo, and agents that play myopically. The technique performs quite well in these empirical studies, though the tractable problem size is still quite small.
Improved delivery through biological membranes IX: Kinetics and mechanism of hydrolysis of methylsulfinylmethyl 2-acetoxybenzoate and related aspirin prodrugs

The complex kinetics and mechanism of the hydrolysis of the methylthiomethyl, methylsulfinylmethyl, and methylsulfonylmethyl 2-acetoxybenzoates, novel aspirin prodrugs, were studied. The pH profiles for the related salicylates and benzoates also were determined. Based on the activation parameters, isotope effects, and other data, it was established that the methylthiomethyl esters hydrolyze via a unimolecular alkyl-oxygen cleavage. The methylsulfinylmethyl and methylsulfonylmethyl 2-acetoxybenzoates undergo neutral hydrolysis of esters at pH > 4 to form aspirin, while water acts as a general base; but at lower pH, a different mechanism takes place and the o-acetyl group cleaves first, releasing the corresponding salicylates.
Phylogenetic survey of the neuraminidase sensitivity of reptilian gonadotropin.

Treatment of pituitaries with neuraminidase was used to evaluate the role of sialic acid in the expression of gonadotropic activities in the three orders of Reptilia. Reduced potencies of neuraminidase-treated glands in the Anolis lizard bioassay indicated that this carbohydrate constituent is an important component of the gonadotropin of snakes and lizards (Order Squamata). Among the turtles (Order Chelonia), the pituitaries of species in the Suborder Pleurodira and in two of the “primitive” superfamilies of Suborder Cryptodira were highly sensitive to neuraminidase. However, none of the several families belonging to the Superfamily Testudinoidea was affected by neuraminidase. Also, gonadotropic activity in alligators (Order Crocodilia) was unaltered by neuraminidase. The necessity of sialic acid for full biological activity is probably a primitive trait of the reptilian gonadotropin, but it has been lost at least twice, in one lineage of turtles and some Crocodilia.
Upper tibia osteotomy: long term results — realignment analysis using OASIS computer software

Background The normal values for axial alignment and joint line obliquity of the knee that indicate a successful valgus upper tibial osteotomy have not been established and reported in the literature.
Dinuclear and polynuclear lanthanide coordination complexes containing polyazine ligands: Synthesis and luminescent properties

Abstract The role of homodinuclear and heterodinuclear lanthanide complexes as building blocks for polymeric materials is a significant field of study in recent years. Accessing the desired luminescent properties of lanthanides in the most efficient and practical way is an important part of designing such complex structures. This review describes the background of the photophysical properties of a select number of lanthanide ions. The synthesis and photophysical properties of dinuclear lanthanides have been split into two sections: (i) heterdinuclear d–f complexes and (ii) homodinuclear lanthanides bridged by polyazine ligands. A section on polymeric lanthanide arrays is also included highlighting d–f polymeric structures and a section on homodinuclear polymeric arrays formed from polyazine bridging ligands.
Biomechanics of balance in the hand

The mechanical balance of a hand has nothing to do with having equally strong muscles on opposite sides of each joint. It has to do with the balance of torque at a sequence of joints while the hand is exerting force on external objects that need to be controlled by the hand. The balance may be calculated or seem to be satisfactory when, for example, the tension in finger flexors is sufficient to hold the fingers flexed around an object that is being moved against external force. During such activity balance is not achieved until other muscles such as wrist extensors exert enough tension to hold the wrist stable against the flexion torque generated at the wrist by the same finger flexors. Any attempt to restore muscle balance in the hand must take into account the way in which the body responds by itself to loss of balance after injury or paralysis. It does this by changing the number of sarcomeres in each muscle fiber as well as by trick movements used to circumvent paralysis or other failure of normal balance.
The effects of X-rays on p-n junction leakage currents

The effects of X-ray exposure on two types of p-n junction leakage current are presented. X-rays generate surface states at the oxide-silicon interface and lower the junction electric field at the surface. As a result, the usual field-insensitive generation-recombination current (type 1) increases and the field-sensitive leakage current (type 2) decreases. The type 1 current increases linearly with the incident energy density. From the increment of the type 1 leakage, the surface recombination velocity increases by 1*10/sup 3/ cm/s for every 120 mJ/cm/sup 2/ of incident X-ray exposure. Some surface states are responsible for the reduction of the surface electric field and thus the surface component of the type 2 current. The results resemble that of the late stage of hot-carrier stress. The surface states affecting these two types of leakage have different annealing properties. The ones that increase the type 1 current can be annealed out with a short heat cycle, while the ones that lower the type 2 current require a very long heat cycle to remove. >
Nonclinical hair pulling: Phenomenology and related psychopathology

Abstract Two hundred eighty-eight college students were assessed to examine the epidemiology, phenomenology, and associated psychopathology of hair pulling in a nonclinical population. With regard to the latter, the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms was of particular interest given hypotheses regarding diagnostic overlap between trichotillomania (TM) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Forty-four individuals (15.3%) reported that they engaged in hair pulling, with 20.4% indicating that the behavior occured at least once per day. As is the case with TM, the behavior occured more frequently in women. In addition, the most frequent hair-pulling sites and precipitating situations were similar to those reported previously by clinic TM patients. The presence of hair pulling was associated with severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms primarily in women, although in the total sample hair pulling was related to higher levels of interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, and neuroticism. It is hypothesized that overlap between symptoms of TM and OCD may not be unique, but in fact may be a function of a generalized state of anxiety that accompanies both disorders. Directions for future research should include comparison of psychopathology in clinical and nonclinical groups, with a critical assessment of the relationship between hair pulling and symptoms of the anxiety disorders.
Comment on ''Experimental Evidence for Dynamical Decay of Finite Nuclear Matter''

A Comment on the Letter by Yanez, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 82, 3585 (1999). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
Rehabilitation therapists' recognition of cognitive and mood disorders in geriatric patients.

Abstract Ruchinskas R. Rehabilitation therapists' recognition of cognitive and mood disorders in geriatric patients. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:609-12. Objective: To determine if physical and occupational therapists can recognize 2 known predictors of rehabilitation outcome, cognition and mood, in their geriatric patients. Design: Survey. Setting: Urban academic medical center rehabilitation unit. Participants: One hundred two consecutive geriatric admissions rated by 20 physical and 8 occupational therapists for the presence of cognitive or affective disorders. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, and therapists' ratings. Results: Both disciplines had low rates of accurate detection of both cognitive abnormalities and symptoms of depression. Patients scoring in the intact range of either domain were more likely to be correctly identified by the therapists than were patients whose results were possibly or probably impaired. Conclusion: Rehabilitation therapists had difficulty recognizing patients with cognitive and affective disorders. I recommend including a mental health professional on the treatment team, staff inservicing, and/or the use of standardized measures of mood and mental status to increase recognition of these syndromes in geriatric rehabilitation patients. © 2002 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Electrical engineers' perceptions of communication training and their recommendations for curricular change: results of a national survey

In a national random sample of electrical engineers, respondents answered questions relating to the adequacy of communication preparation at their undergraduate institutions, and they provided recommendations for curricular change to better prepare students for common communication tasks in the work place. The results of this survey are compared to observations made by engineers during in depth interviews (see ibid., March 1995). In both studies, engineers report that communication is a central activity that consumes fully half of the working day. Based on both the survey and interview data, the authors recommend adjusting curricula to include the practice of cooperative problem-solving, to make evaluation of communication competence a component of grades, and to require students to take both a technical writing and public presentation course.
C-3 Acetoxylation of N-acyl-2,3-dihydro-4-pyridones

Abstract Stereoselective acetoxylation at the C-3 position of N-acyl-2-alkyl-2,3-dihydro-4-pyridones was effected with Pb(OAc) 4 in refluxing toluene.
Nomenclature for hydrocarbon-inducible cytochrome P450 in fish

Abstract A growing number of studies concerning organic chemical pollutant induction of cytochrome P450 mixed function oxidases in fish stimulate a need for common terminology. Similar names for proteins might be based on similarities in function, in regulation, and in their structure. Under the current guidelines for P450 proteins, classification is based on measured or inferred amino acid sequence. At present, a single teleost hydrocarbon-inducible P450 (rainbow trout) can conclusively be termed 1A1: a second (scup P450E) can be so termed on the basis of partial sequence. The lack of primary sequence information makes it difficult to assign a specific identity to hydrocarbon inducible P450s in other fish. Nevertheless, the sum of information on catalytic activities, introduction and immunological cross-reactivities provides a weight of evidence sufficient to assume (but not prove) gene family (I) and subfamily (A) identities for hydrocarbon-inducible proteins in many species. Reference to these proteins as P4501 or IA (or CYPI or IA) in fish species where sequence data are lacking is suggested as more appropriate than reference to them as P450IAI (or CYPIAI). Additional primary sequence data are required to further define orthologous relationships among P450IA genes in fish, and to determine whether IAI is a correct designation for a hydrocarbon-inducible P450 in many species.
Interpersonal Dependency among Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse in Therapy

ABSTRACT This study investigated dependency in survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The Interpersonal Dependency Inventory (IDI) was administered at intake to 24 men and 85 women seen in therapy at a university-based community mental health clinic. In contrast to findings from earlier studies, no significant gender differences were obtained for IDI whole-scale or subscale scores. Analyses comparing CSA IDI scores with the IDI scores of previously studied groups indicated that among women, CSA survivors obtained higher dependency scores than non-CSA psychiatric patients, community adults, and college students. Findings for men were less consistent. Follow-up analyses revealed that commonly investigated CSA characteristics were unrelated to survivors' dependency scores. Implications of these findings for future research and clinical practice are explored.
Leptin Signaling and Obesity Cardiovascular Consequences

Leptin, among the best known hormone markers for obesity, exerts pleiotropic actions on multiple organ systems. In this review, we summarize major leptin signaling pathways, namely Janus-activated kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription and mitogen-activated protein kinase, including possible mechanisms of leptin resistance in obesity. The effects of leptin on the cardiovascular system are discussed in detail, including its contributions to hypertension, atherosclerosis, depressed myocardial contractile function, fatty acid metabolism, hypertrophic remodeling, and reduction of ischemic/reperfusion injury. The overall goal is to summarize current understanding of how altered leptin signaling in obesity contributes to obesity-related cardiovascular disease.
Detection of respiration in central venous pressure using state machine

Reliable information from patient monitors enhances treatment for critically ill patients. Redundant sources for information would aid identification of faulty sensors and leads, and improve presentation of physiological data. Respiratory information can be obtained from several sources, including airway pressure and central venous pressure (CVP). CVP signals have been analyzed using frequency information to isolate the respiration related part of the signal or to obtain statistics about respiration. This study uses a state machine algorithm to detect the timing of each cycle of respiration. A state machine has advantages of enforcing a predictable cycle of expiration and inspiration. The detection of respiratory cycles can be done in real-time, allowing identification of irregular periods between inspirations and prolonged periods with no inspiration, for which an alert may be issued. The algorithm was tested on data obtain from the PhysioNet database of recordings from intensive care patients. The airway pressure signal was used to determine the “true values” of the timing of each respiratory cycle for checking the accuracy of the algorithm analyzing the CVP signal. Parameters of the algorithm were found that would result in a true positive value of above 98% for detection of each cycle of respiration from analysis of the CVP signal, compared to analysis of the RESP signal.
The short- and long-term effects of Seprafilm on peripheral nerves: a histological and functional study.

Extraneural scar reduction is an important goal in peripheral nerve microsurgery. The use of biosynthetic materials, such as Seprafilm ® , reduces postoperative adhesions in abdominopelvic gynecologic and orthopedic surgery. The study evaluates the safety of Seprafilm ® in proximity to nerve tissue in a noninjury (phase 1) and injury (phase 2) model. Phase 1 groups were: (1) sciatic nerve exposure and neurolysis (n = 15), (2) Seprafilm ® placement superficial to the nerve (n = 15), and (3) circumferentially wrapping Seprafilm ® around the nerve (n = 15). Outcome measures at 45 and 90 days included wound inspection, histomorphometry, and stereological analysis of vascularity. Phase II groups were: (1) sciatic nerve cut and repair alone (n = 15) or (2) nerve wrapped with Seprafilm ® (n = 15). Nerves were evaluated at 18, 32, and 42 days postoperatively, and animals underwent biweekly functional walking tracks. In phase I, no significant differences were detected between groups. In phase II, fewer perineural scar bands were seen with Seprafilm ® . Histomorphometric differences favoring Seprafilm ® at 18 days and favoring control at 42 days were noted ( P < 0.05), though no differences in functional outcomes were detected. Qualitatively less perineural scar tissue was seen when using Seprafilm ® . No functional or histological deleterious effects were noted from placing Seprafilm ® on intact nerves or cut and repaired nerves.
Public Library Adult Learning Center Renewal

The authors explore a module that involves administrative collaboration among public and academic libraries in Oklahoma. Specifically, the paper looks at public libraries and their potential as educational and career centers. The concept of these centers, if carried to fruition, will change the image of public libraries from recreational and referral centers to centers for the delivery of higher education.
Integrating Language, Literacy, and Academic Development: Alternatives to Traditional English as a Second Language and Remedial English for Language Minority Students in Community Colleges.

This article argues for the importance of integrating a focus on language, literacy, and academic development for United States-educated language minority (US-LM) students, sometimes called Generation 1.5. It describes four initiatives at community colleges in California that aim to do so. US-LM students have completed some K–12 schooling in the United States, but their English is considered by community college faculty, staff, or assessment measures to be inadequate for college-level instruction. Although enacting effective language and literacy support for Generation 1.5 has centered on debates about whether these students belong in English as a Second Language (ESL) or remedial English courses, how they can best be identified and tested, or whether they should be taught in separate classes, we argue that more fundamental shifts are needed. Instead of conceiving of students’ language and literacy development solely in terms of progress through ESL or remedial English sequences, educators designing suppo...
Der Erzähler als ‘Popmoderner Flaneur’ in Christian Krachts Roman Faserland

Faserland (1995) exemplifies a new phenomenon in contemporary German literature. It cleared the way for a younger generation of writers and their description of the formerly marginalised experiences of everyday life, whose narratives focus is on the communication between narrator and reader. Hitherto, discussion of this novel has largely concentrated on its connection with ‘pop literature’, whilst its literary qualities and conceivable links with (post)modern literature have been ignored. Walter Benjamin's typology of the flâneur is used to illuminate the novel's aesthetic strengths, its narrative voice and textual structure. In taking into account historical developments, the interpretation characterizes the narrator as a ‘popmodern flâneur’, whose gaze no longer falls upon the metropolis but upon a frayed microcosm of German society. It suggests that the narrative report is a fictitious and imagined journey, which reveals itself as the narrator's failed attempt to ascertain a concept of subjectivity. In a world that presents itself as a Vanity Fair, the narrator's language, which retreats to the empty style of a world of commodities, fails. The poetic project of mastering experiences through narrative is equally unsuccessful.
High performance metal hydride based thermal energy storage systems for concentrating solar power applications

Abstract Thermal energy storage systems based on metal hydride pairs using high efficiency materials are evaluated. The low temperature metal hydrides NaAlH4 and Na3AlH6 were cycled to determine stability of hydrogen capacity over extended cycling. Addition of aluminum and expanded natural graphite were found to enhance the cycling stability of NaAlH4. Potential high temperature metal hydrides were investigated based on NaMg materials. A techno-economic analysis was performed to evaluate the performance a thermal energy storage system based on two metal hydride pairs: NaMgH3:NaAlH4 and NaMgH2F:Na3AlH6. The resulting analysis suggests that the two systems have the potential to reach low cost and high efficiency performance targets.
Three-dimensional fibrous scaffolds with microstructures and nanotextures for tissue engineering

Much effort has been dedicated to developing scaffolds that can mimic native microenvironments to promote tissue regeneration. A natural tissue scaffold provides not only a three-dimensional (3-D) structural support but also nanotextured surfaces comprising of a fibrous network for cell adhesion and signaling. In addition to its function as a structural template, the scaffold also increases cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, which in turn directs cell proliferation and differentiation. Microfabrication techniques can create 3-D scaffolds with microporous structures, which are important to cell infiltration and nutrients transport. Nanofabrication techniques can be used to create surfaces with desirable chemistry and nanotopography, which has led to remarkable findings on how surfaces, through their nanoscale features, affect cellular behaviors. Tissue regeneration requires 3-D scaffolds with both microporous structures and nanotextured surfaces. However, scaffolds created by microfabrication usually lack a nanotextured surface, while nanotextured scaffolds generated from nanofabrication lack a 3-D microenvironment. Recent research in tissue engineering has paid great attention to combining these two scaffold features and developing novel methods for their fabrication. In this review paper, we first give a brief introduction on the influence of 3-D microstructures and nanotopographies on cellular functions, including cell adhesion, proliferation, morphogenesis and differentiation. Recent development of fabrication methods to produce 3-D fibrous scaffolds with microporous structures and nanotextures is then discussed with some examples of their applications.
Multidisciplinary management of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma following liver transplantation.

Introduction Tumor recurrence remains a main limitation to the long-term survival of patients following liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While the majority of patients recur in the first two years after transplantation, late recurrence is not infrequent.
STOCK DIVIDENDS AS SIGNALS

This study analyzes stock dividends as signals from managers. It is argued that in the presence of information asymmetries between managers and investors, stock dividends provide a relatively inexpensive and unambiguous signalling device. Based on an examination of the daily returns around 317 stock dividend announcements, it is concluded that these announcements are interpreted by investors as signals from managers. Further analysis also indicates that stock dividend size is positively related to announcement day returns.
Skeletal muscle regeneration in young rats.

The source of myotube nuclei in regeneration of skeletal muscle in young rats was studied by comparing frequencies of labeled nuclei in two experiments. In a single injury experiment, multiple injections of thymidine-H3 were given during a three day period, skeletal muscle was injured 12 days later and the rats were killed four days after injury. There were almost no labeled myotube nuclei in this experiment. In a double injury experiment, thymidine-H3 was injected two days after injury, the muscle was reinjured 12 days later, and the rats were killed four days after the second injury. Half of the myotube nuclei were radioactive and most of the centrally placed nuclei in maturing muscle fibers from the initial injury were radioactive. Since nuclei at the periphery of muscle fibers, including satellite cell nuclei, would have been labeled in both experiments, whereas myonuclei were extensively labeled only in the double injury experiment, it was concluded that the myotube nuclei were derived mainly from myonuclei.
Chk1 is haploinsufficient for multiple functions critical to tumor suppression

The haploinsufficient tumor suppressor Chk1 is essential for embryonic cells, but the consequences of Chk1 loss in adult tissues are unknown. Using conditional Chk1 mice, we find that proliferating mammary cells lacking Chk1 undergo apoptosis leading to developmental defects. Conditional Chk1 heterozygosity increased the number of S phase cells and caused spontaneous DNA damage. Chk1+/- epithelia also exhibit a miscoordinated cell cycle in which S phase cells display an early mitotic phenotype. These cells maintain high levels of Cdc25A, which can promote inappropriate cell cycle transitions. Thus, Chk1 heterozygosity results in three distinct haploinsufficient phenotypes that can contribute to tumorigenesis: inappropriate S phase entry, accumulation of DNA damage during replication, and failure to restrain mitotic entry.
Responding to risk: Awareness and action after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks

Abstract Adoption of preparedness measures among the US public remains low after the expansion of the all-hazards approach to personal preparedness campaigns following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11). This study sought to understand factors influencing preparedness behavior, particularly how demographics might influence preparedness behavior and whether preparedness actions are related to preparedness attitudes and related behaviors that may prime individuals to take these actions. Using data from the 2008 General Social Survey ( n = 1338), we tested a conceptual path model of preparedness that includes demographic variables and three latent variables as mediators of the effects of demographics on preparedness: Cognitive Preparedness; Peer Group Behavior Awareness, and Perceived Effectiveness. The model explains 65% of the variance in preparedness behavior. It suggests that the effects of demographic factors on preparedness actually reflect indirect relationships mediated by predisposing attitudes, behaviors and experiences, specifically, Cognitive Preparedness, Peer Group Behavior Awareness, and Perceived Effectiveness that predispose individuals toward taking preparedness actions. Because these social and cognitive factors reflect behaviors that, unlike fixed demographics, can be shaped by public education programs, efforts to increase public preparedness should focus on improving public awareness, social networks, and more persuasive messaging as keys to increasing preparedness behavior among the US public.
Universal Versus Targeted Blood Cholesterol Screening Among Youth: The CARDIAC Project

OBJECTIVES: The goal was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of family history in identifying children with severe or genetic hyperlipidemias in a rural, predominantly white population. METHODS: A total of 20266 fifth-grade children in West Virginia, from the Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian Communities (CARDIAC) Project, who completed a family history and fasting lipid profile were used in analyses. The relationship between hyperlipidemia and family history was determined, and the use of family history to predict the need for pharmacologic treatment among children with dyslipidemia was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 71.4% of children met the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines for cholesterol screening on the basis of positive family history. Of those, 1204 (8.3%) were considered to have dyslipidemia (low-density lipoprotein ≥130 mg/dL), and 1.2% of these children with dyslipidemia warranted possible pharmacologic treatment (low-density lipoprotein ≥160 mg/dL). Of the 28.6% who did not have a positive family history (did not meet NCEP guidelines), 548 (9.5%) had dyslipidemia, 1.7% of whom warranted pharmacologic treatment. Sensitivity and specificity data demonstrated that family history does not provide a strong indication as to whether pharmacologic treatment may be warranted. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that the use of family history to determine the need for cholesterol screening in children would have (1) missed many with moderate dyslipidemia and (2) failed to detect a substantial number with likely genetic dyslipidemias that would require pharmacologic treatment. The use of universal cholesterol screening would identify all children with severe dyslipidemia, allowing for proper intervention and follow-up and leading to the prevention of future atherosclerotic disease.