cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ATTENUATION EFFECTS IN SPIRAL GALAXIES: MULTIWAVELENGTH PHOTOMETRY AND DISK RADIATIVE TRANSFER MODELS

?????We present a quantitative investigation of the optical depth through spiral disks using BVRIJHK colors of 15 highly inclined Sab?Sc spirals and new models for radiative transfer in stellar disks. The models include exponential stellar and dust disks, exponential stellar bulge components, multiple scattering, and both homogeneous and clumpy dust distributions. Preliminary comparisons of the observed optical and near-infrared (NIR) color gradients across galaxy dust lanes with predictions from radiative transfer models with slab and spherical shapes underscore the need for these realistic exponential disk geometries. When compared with the extent of reddening predicted by the disk models, the maximum optical and NIR color excesses in galaxy dust lanes imply central face-on optical depths of 0.5?2.0 in the V band. For these highly inclined systems, we find this inferred optical depth to be largely insensitive to the difference between clumpy and homogeneous dust distributions. Comparisons of galaxy color gradients to models with high central optical depths contradict the often-stated claim that spiral disks are opaque out to D25. Our derived optical depths show that the predicted radial color changes caused by attenuation in face-on galaxies are much smaller than the observed color gradients in such systems, which suggests that the observed changes are the result of variations in stellar content. The face-on optical depths also imply that, when viewed edge-on, galaxy dust lanes have optical depths greater than 1.0 even in the K band and, thus, the NIR mass-to-light ratio changes across dust features.
Accurate MTF measurement in digital radiography using noise response

Purpose: The authors describe a new technique to determine the system presampled modulation transfer function (MTF) in digital radiography using only the detector noise response. Methods: A cascaded-linear systems analysis was used to develop an exact relationship between the two-dimensional noise power spectrum (NPS) and the presampled MTF for a generalized detector system. This relationship was then utilized to determine the two-dimensional presampled MTF. For simplicity, aliasing of the correlated noise component of the NPS was assumed to be negligible. Accuracy of this method was investigated using simulated images from a simple detector model in which the “true” MTF was known exactly. Measurements were also performed on three detector technologies (an x-ray image intensifier, an indirect flat panel detector, and a solid state x-ray image intensifier), and the results were compared using the standard edge-response method. Flat-field and edge images were acquired and analyzed according to guidelines set forth by the International Electrotechnical Commission, using the RQA 5 spectrum. Results: The presampled MTF determined using the noise-response method for the simulated detector system was in close agreement with the true MTF with an averaged percent difference of 0.3% and a maximum difference of 1.1% observed at the Nyquist frequency (fN). The edge-response method of the simulated detector system also showed very good agreement at lower spatial frequencies (less than 0.5 fN) with an averaged percent difference of 1.6% but showed significant discrepancies at higher spatial frequencies (greater than 0.5 fN) with an averaged percent difference of 17%. Discrepancies were in part a result of noise in the edge image and phasing errors. For all three detector systems, the MTFs obtained using the two methods were found to be in good agreement at spatial frequencies less than 0.5 fN with an averaged percent difference of 3.4%. Above 0.5 fN, differences increased to an average of 20%. Deviations of the experimental results largely followed the trend seen in the simulation results, suggesting that differences between the two methods could be explained as resulting from the inherent inaccuracies of the edge-response measurement technique used in this study. Aliasing of the correlated noise component was shown to have a minimal effect on the measured MTF for the three detectors studied. Systems with significant aliasing of the correlated noise component (e.g., a-Se based detectors) would likely require a more sophisticated fitting scheme to provide accurate results. Conclusions: Results indicate that the noise-response method, a simple technique, can be used to accurately measure the MTF of digital x-ray detectors, while alleviating the problems and inaccuracies associated with use of precision test objects, such as a slit or an edge.
Generation of sea-level curves from depositional pattern as seen through seismic attributes-seismic geomorphology analysis of an MTC-rich shallow sediment column, northern Gulf of Mexico

Detailed interpretation of seismic attributes along horizon slices or stratal slices reveals changes in depositional pattern and seismic geomorphology within a sediment column that are controlled by eustatic and local changes in sea level. In this study, we analyze seismic geomorphologic features of a shallow sedimentary column within a salt minibasin in the northern Gulf of Mexico, and attempt to predict the relative sea-level curves. We then calibrate these predictions against biostratigraphic markers and compare with existing eustatic cycles and events. Systematic analysis of amplitude and attribute data within a seismic geomorphologic framework reveals high-resolution sequence stratigraphic patterns that might otherwise be overlooked.
Model change and reliability in scientific inference

One persistent challenge in scientific practice is that the structure of the world can be unstable: changes in the broader context can alter which model of a phenomenon is preferred, all without any overt signal. Scientific discovery becomes much harder when we have a moving target, and the resulting incorrect understandings of relationships in the world can have significant real-world and practical consequences. In this paper, we argue that it is common (in certain sciences) to have changes of context that lead to changes in the relationships under study, but that standard normative accounts of scientific inquiry have assumed away this problem. At the same time, we show that inference and discovery methods can “protect” themselves in various ways against this possibility by using methods with the novel methodological virtue of “diligence.” Unfortunately, this desirable virtue provably is incompatible with other desirable methodological virtues that are central to reliable inquiry. No scientific method can provide every virtue that we might want.
Conversion of Active Promoter-RNA Polymerase Complexes into Inactive Promoter Bound Complexes in E. coli by the Transcription Effector, ppGpp

Summary Guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp) is a signal of nutritional stress that regulates transcription. An RNA polymerase rudder mutant rpoC (Δ 312–315) is found to suppress ppGpp deficiency phenotypes by restoring both negative and positive activities of promoter fusions in vivo, as if ppGpp were present. Measurements of defects in transcription of the P argT tRNA promoter with mutant RNA polymerase reveal that the mutant enzyme quantitatively mimics the presence of added ppGpp. DNaseI footprints and mobility shifts under RNA polymerization conditions reveal that the promoter-specific transcription defect of the mutant enzyme can be ascribed to the presence of inactive dead-end promoter complexes with features similar to those of a stable closed complex. We propose that formation of such inactive complexes represents an alternative explanation of "stringent RNA polymerase" mutant behavior to those currently published, and it represents a newly discovered mode of action of ppGpp.
Nanoelectronics: negative capacitance to the rescue?

Can ferroelectric materials help transistors overcome the 'Boltzmann tyranny' that limits the performances of conventional semiconductor devices?
Implicit LES for supersonic microramp vortex generator: new discoveries and new mechanisms

This paper serves as a summary of our recent work on LES for supersonic MVG. An implicitly implemented large eddy simulation (ILES) by using the fifth-order WENO scheme is applied to study the flow around the microramp vortex generator (MVG) at Mach 2.5 and Reθ = 1440. A number of new discoveries on the flow around supersonic MVG have been made including spiral points, surface separation topology, source of the momentum deficit, inflection surface, Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, vortex ring generation, ring-shock interaction, 3D recompression shock structure, and influence of MVG decline angles. Most of the new discoveries, which were made in 2009, were confirmed by experiment conducted by the UTA experimental team in 2010. A new 5-pair-vortex-tube model near the MVG is given based on the ILES observation. The vortex ring-shock interaction is found as the new mechanism of the reduction of the separation zone induced by the shock-boundary layer interaction.
Comment on “Global Resilience of Tropical Forest and Savanna to Critical Transitions”

Hirota et al. (Reports, 14 October 2011, p. 232) used spatial data to show that grasslands, savannas, and forests represent opposing stable states. Reanalyzing their data and drawing from temporal studies, we argue that spatial analyses underestimate the bistability of grasslands and savannas due to limitations of substituting space for time. We propose that temporal and spatial data are needed to predict critical transitions between grasslands and savannas.
It's not all about "Green": energy use in low-income communities

Personal energy consumption, specifically home energy consumption such as heating, cooling, and electricity, has been an important environmental and economic topic for decades. Despite the attention paid to this area, few researchers have specifically explored these issues within a community that makes up approximately 30% of U.S. households -- those below the federal poverty line. We present a study of 26 low-income households in two very different locations -- a small town in the Southern U.S. and a northerly metropolitan area. Through a photo-elicitation study and directed interviews, we explore the relationship between energy saving behaviors, external factors, and users' intrinsic values and beliefs. Most of our participants are committed to saving energy for non-financial reasons, even when not responsible for paying bills. Challenges to saving energy include safety and lack of control over the environment. We discuss how Ubicomp technologies for saving energy can address some of these challenges.
An edgewise look at basal epithelial cells: Three-dimensional views of the rat prostate, mammary gland and salivary gland

Wholemount immunocytochemical staining was used to visualize basal and luminal epithelial-cell-specific cytokeratin and smooth muscle α-actin expression in the developing and adult rat prostate, in the pregnant rat mammary gland and adult rat salivary gland. The stained samples were examined using an Edge R400 3D microscope. Images were collected in both single-image and stereo-pair formats. Prostatic basal epithelial cells were found to have a cell body covering an area of 52–62 μm2. The mean footprint size of basal cells was not significantly different between prostatic lobes. Basal epithelial cells were most dense in the anterior and most sparse in the ventral prostatic lobes. Basal epithelial cells had a large body with many processes, which spread around the duct and projected between luminal cells towards the lumen. These processes closely approached their counterparts from adjacent basal cells. In the developing prostate the differentiation of the basal cells from undifferentiated epithelial cords was observed at the region of ductal widening associated with canalization. Following castration prostatic basal epithelial cells became more closely packed, though the size of individual cells was not significantly changed. There was a two-to four-fold increase in basal cell density by 7 days after surgery. Most prostatic luminal cells were found to have hexagonal bases though some were pentagonal in shape. Luminal cells had a mean basal area of 50 μm2. In the prostate immunocytochemical staining against smooth muscle α-actin revealed discrete bands of muscle surrounding individual prostatic ducts. In the mammary and salivary glands the epithelium was organized into an alveolar arrangement. In the salivary gland a single basal epithelial cell covered the top of each alveolus with processes arranged down the side of the structure. In the mammary gland several basal cells were draped over each alveolus. The mammary and salivary gland basal cells expressed smooth muscle α-actin, indicating their myoepithelial phenotype. The organization of the mammary and salivary gland basal cells placed them in an ideal position to squeeze the alveolar structures.
Simulating Flash Flood Events: Importance of the Subgrid Representation of Convection

Abstract The Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model is used to simulate six flash flood events that occurred in the central and eastern United States. Results suggest that standard model simulations of 24-h accumulated precipitation provide little indication of the potential for flash flood–producing rainfall for most events. Often the model generates convective outflow boundaries that rapidly move away from their source region and initiate new convection well removed from the original convective activity. This self-sustaining propagation mechanism prevents long-lived heavy rainfall over a particular region. Three modifications to the Kain–Fritsch convective parameterization scheme, each designed to test model sensitivity to the convective scheme formulation, are discussed. The modifications include maximizing the convective scheme precipitation efficiency and altering the scheme’s treatment of convective downdrafts. Model results using the three modifications of the convective scheme each sho...
FPGA design of a multicore neuromorphic processing system

The Interest in specialized neuromorphic computing architectures has been increasing recently, and several applications have been shown to be capable of being accelerated on such a platform. This paper describes the implementation of a multicore digital neuromorphic processing system on an Altera Quartus II FPGA. Static routing was used to allow communication between the cores on the FPGA. Two applications were mapped to the system: image edge detection and ECG. Compared to an Intel processor implementation of these applications, the FPGA based neural implementations provided about 3× and 127× speedup for the edge detection and ECG applications. Given that both applications were implemented with the same base Verilog code, with only a change in the synaptic weights and number of neurons utilized, the system has the capability to accelerate a broad range of applications.
Aporia, attentiveness, and the politics of social welfare

Much of the discussion about welfare practice in the US assumes a conceptual opposition between democracy and social welfare, with democracy associated with autonomy, and welfare associated with paternalism. This essay examines the limits of this understanding of the problem through an alternative conceptualization, what I call the ‘aporia of social rights’. In the context of political inequality, citizens must hear and respond to those needs and claims that are not understood. Otherwise, the political process re‐creates the very exclusions it is meant to overcome. This aporia names the very condition of welfare politics, both in the sense that it is the starting point for welfare politics, and a description of what must be involved in this practice. This conceptualization has the effect of avoiding two fundamental problems: treating people as abstractions or stereotypes, and the problem in which democratic processes become empty formalities.
Acoustically Assisted Magnetic Recording: A New Paradigm in Magnetic Data Storage

A new paradigm in energy-assisted magnetic recording, acoustically assisted magnetic recording (AAMR), is investigated. In this approach, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) is applied to a magnetostrictive recording medium to temporarily lower its coercivity below the write field. Akin to other energy-assisted recording technologies, AAMR provides a strategy to enable writing on high-coercivity media required for thermal stability in high-density disk drives. Using a contact recording tester, it is demonstrated that the write current needed to record data on a galfenol film is reduced in the presence of SAWs. Further, it is shown that standing and focused acoustic waves can, respectively, be used to lower the coercivity in selected regions on the medium.
Effect of paclobutrazol on cell wall polysaccharide composition of the apple tree

Abstract The effect of paclobutrazol, a gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor, on cell wall carbohydrate composition of apple shoots was determined. Inhibition of apple shoot extension corresponded to a change in wall composition. Paclobutrazol did not inhibit shoot growth during the first year (1983) after the treatment. There was also no significant difference in cell wall carbohydrate composition between control and paclobutrazol treated shoots. In the second year (1984), however, paclobutrazol altered the composition of cell wall polysaccharides and inhibited shoot extension. Paclobutrazol treatment increased rhamnose, arabinose and galacturonic acid but decreased cellulose. The ratio of xylem to phloem was also reduced by paclobutrazol treatment.
A Bottom‐Up Approach to Build 3D Architectures from Nanosheets for Superior Lithium Storage

Two-dimensional (2D) atomic layers such as graphene, and metal chalcogenides have recently attracted tremendous attention due to their unique properties and potential applications. Unfortunately, in most cases, the free-standing nanosheets easily re-stack due to their van der Waals forces, and lose the advantages of their separated atomic layer state. Here, a bottom-up approach is developed to build three-dimensional (3D) architectures by 2D nanosheets such as MoS2 and graphene oxide nanosheets as building blocks, the thin nature of which can be well retained. After simply chemical reduction, the resulting 3D MoS2-graphene architectures possess high surface area, porous structure, thin walls and high electrical conductivity. Such unique features are favorable for the rapid diffusions of both lithium ions and electrons during lithium storage. As a consequence, MoS2-graphene electrodes exhibit high reversible capacity of ≈1200 mAh g−1, with very good cycling performance. Moreover, such a simple and low-cost assembly protocol can provide a new pathway for the large-scale production of various functional 3D architectures for energy storage and conversions.
Analyzing the risk of recurrence after mastectomy for DCIS: a new use for the USC/Van Nuys Prognostic Index.

Patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who are treated with mastectomy seldom recur locally or with metastatic disease. When patients with DCIS recur with invasive cancer, they are upstaged and their lives are threatened. We questioned whether histopathologic data could be used to predict these infrequent events. We reviewed a prospective database of 1,472 patients with pure DCIS. All patients were scored from 4 to 12 using the USC Van Nuys Prognostic Index, an algorithm based on DCIS size, nuclear grade, necrosis, margin width, and patient age. Probabilities of recurrence and death were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. A total of 496 patients with pure DCIS were treated with mastectomy. None received any form of postmastectomy adjuvant treatment. Average follow-up was 83 months. Eleven patients developed recurrences, all of whom scored 10–12 using the USC/VNPI. No patient who scored 4–9 recurred. All 11 patients who recurred had multifocal disease and comedo-type necrosis. The probability of disease recurrence after mastectomy for patients scoring 10–12 was 9.6% at 12 years, compared with 0% for those scoring 4–9. There was no difference in overall survival. There were no recurrences among mastectomy patients who scored 4–9 using the USC/VNPI. Patients scoring 10–12 were significantly more likely to develop recurrence after mastectomy. At risk were young patients with large, high-grade, and multifocal or multicentric tumors. For every 100 patients with USC/VNPI scores of 10–12, 10 patients will recur by 12 years and 2–3 will develop metastatic disease.
The Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov theory of high-spin states

Abstract The HFB — cranking (HFBC) descriptions of backbending, Coriolis antipairing, pair realignment and gapless superconductivity are reviewed. The validity of the HFBC theory in the backbending region is considered by discussing (a) the significance of angular momentum fluctuations in cranked intrinsic states, (b) the HFB spectra for exactly soluble particle-plus-cotor models, and (c) the possibility that HFBC wave functions contain spurious linear combinations.
Impact of body mass index on clinical and cost outcomes after radical cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) on the cost and clinical variables after radical cystectomy (RC), as studies show that obesity might adversely affect the outcomes after RC. PATIENTS AND METHODS The charts of patients who had RC from January 2004 to March 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. Complete cost and clinical information was available for 99 patients; the patient and tumour characteristics and peri-operative outcomes were recorded. Detailed cost information (room and board, laboratory, pharmacy, radiology, operating room, surgical supply, anaesthesia, and recovery room) was obtained from hospital billing. Patients were stratified and compared in three groups of BMI, i.e. normal weight (<25), overweight (25–<30) and obese (≥30). RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 66 years; 27% were normal weight, 38% were overweight and 34% were obese. Of obese patients, 24% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score of 0, vs none and 2.6% in the normal and overweight groups, respectively (P = 0.001). Those of normal weight had the highest overall and major complication rates (P = 0.57 and 0.28, respectively). Obese patients had insignificantly higher transfusion rates (P = 0.28). The direct cost was higher in normal weight ($14 314) than overweight ($13 808) and obese ($13 666) patients (P = 0.47). Higher room and board cost in normal-weight patients was the only significant cost difference (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION BMI was not associated with increased costs of cystectomy. The absence of differences in cost-related and clinical outcomes might be attributable to variable comorbidity among groups and the experience of a high-volume surgeon and staff at a tertiary-care referral centre that routinely cares for obese patients.
Suicidal children grow up: Suicidal behavior and psychiatric disorders among relatives.

OBJECTIVE: This paper reports comprehensive data on psychiatric symptoms and disorders and medical problems of first- and second-degree biological relatives of prepubertal children who have contemplated or attempted suicide. METHOD: Standard family study and family history interview techniques were used to obtain information about psychopathology and medical illness in 488 first- and 1,062 second-degree relatives of 25 child psychiatric inpatients who reported suicide attempts, 28 child psychiatric inpatients who contemplated suicide, 16 nonsuicidal child inpatients, and 54 normal children. RESULTS: Suicidal behavior in children was associated with suicidal behavior in their families, although no first-degree relatives committed suicide. More first-degree relatives of child suicide attempters, compared to first-degree relatives of normal children, had antisocial personality disorder, assaultive behavior, and substance abuse. Mood disorders in first-degree relatives were not associated with child suicidal behavior. No significant associations were identified for psychopathology of second-degree relatives and child suicidal behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the importance of evaluating familial psychopathology during assessments of suicidal children. Self-directed and externally directed violence, antisocial personality disorder, and substance abuse of relatives of suicidal children should be studied to elucidate the etiology of youth suicidal behavior. Language: en
Selenium and sulfur bonding on Ni(111); angular resolved photoemission

Abstract The bonding mechanism of selenium and sulfur on Ni(111) has been investigated by observing the variation of the normal component of the photocurrent as the angle of incidence of the light is varied. The application of simple arguments leads to the assignment of symmetries to the orbitals observed in the photoemission spectra. An interpretation in terms of a Ni 3 cluster model is made and consequences of this model are discussed.
Food and Water Intake Following Injection of Glucose into the Lateral Ventricle of the Brain of Broiler Type Chicks

The effects of glucose and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) on food intake and water consumption were investigated in broiler chicks. Artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) containing either glucose or the glucose antimetabolite 2-DG was injected into the lateral brain ventricles of fasted and satiated chicks. The satiated chicks received 10 microliters of CSF containing either 5 or 10% 2-DG, whereas those fasted for 24 hr received CSF with 10, 20, or 30% glucose (dextrose) in 10 microliters volumes. Chicks were maintained in a thermoneutral environment with continuous lighting. Intraventricular injections of 5 or 10% 2-DG had no significant effect on food intake or water consumption in the fully-fed chicks. In the 24-hr fasted chicks, 10% glucose had no effect on food or water intake. The decrease in food intake observed following the injection of 20 and 30% glucose appeared to be an osmotic effect. Based on results obtained, it was suggested that selection for increased growth rate, such as in broilers, may have resulted in a decrease in glucoreceptor sensitivity. Such a decrease in sensitivity could lead to an increased food intake as occurs in broilers.
The demonstration of tryptamine in regional perfusates of the dog brain

Several regions of the pentobarbital-anesthetized dog brain of less than 1 mm3 in volume were perfused using a modified Gaddum push-pull cannula. Tryptamine was recovered from perfusates of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, caudate, thalamus and hypothalamus and was released at a rate of about 0.1 ng/min. The mean blood concentration of tryptamine was approximately 7 ng/ml. Isocarboxazid pretreatment did not increase the amount of tryptamine in the perfusate.
Variations in pH Sensitivity, Acid Stability, and Fusogenicity of Three Influenza Virus H3 Subtypes

Influenza A virus strains adapt to achieve successful entry into host species. Entry is mediated by the viral membrane protein hemagglutinin (HA), which triggers membrane fusion and genome release under acidic conditions in the endosome. In addition to changes in the receptor binding domain, the acid stability of HA has been linked to the successful transmission of virus between avian and human hosts. However, to fully understand the connection between changes in HA and host tropism, additional factors relevant to HA structure-function and membrane fusion are also likely to be important. Using single-particle-tracking (SPT) techniques, individual membrane fusion events can be observed under specific conditions, which provide detailed information regarding HA pH sensitivity and acid stability and the rate and extent of membrane fusion. This provides a comparative way to characterize and distinguish influenza virus fusion properties among virus strains. We used SPT to quantify the fusion properties of three H3 influenza strains: A/Aichi/68/H3N2 (X:31), A/Udorn/72/H3N2 (Udorn), and A/Brisbane/07/H3N2 (Brisbane). The rate of fusion for the most clinically relevant strain, Brisbane, is generally insensitive to decreasing pH, while the fusion of the egg-adapted strains Udorn and X:31 is strongly dependent on pH (and is faster) as the pH decreases. All strains exhibit similar acid stability (the length of time that they remain fusogenic in an acidic environment) at higher pHs, but the egg-adapted strains become less acid stable at lower pHs. Thus, it appears that the laboratory-adapted H3 strains tested may have evolved to compensate for the faster HA deactivation at low pH, with a commensurate increase in the rate of fusion and number of proteins facilitating fusion, relative to the Brisbane strain. IMPORTANCE The ability of influenza virus to release its genome under different acidic conditions has recently been linked to the transmission of influenza virus between different species. However, it is yet to be determined how acid-induced membrane fusion varies with virus strain and influences tropism. The results presented here are the results of an intra-H3-subtype study of acid stability and fusion kinetics. Using a single-particle-tracking (SPT) technique, we show here that the highest pH that initiates fusion is not necessarily the pH at which the kinetics of fusion is fastest and most abundant for a given strain. Strains exhibit different fusion behaviors, as evidenced by their unique kinetic trends; pH sensitivities, as evidenced by the differences when the first fusion events commence; and HA stabilities, as evidenced by the length of time that virions can persist in an acidic environment and still be fusion competent.
Bioprospecting, Benefit Sharing, and Biotechnological Capacity Building

Abstract Substantial attention has been given to the obligations of developed countries to share benefits and transfer technology in exchange for access to biodiversity. There has been comparatively little discussion of measures that developing countries can take to attract and fully benefit from bioprospecting endeavors. Efforts in Costa Rica and South Africa to promote value-added bioprospecting and national programs in Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Cuba to develop biotechnological capabilities are analyzed for insights into the components of successful strategies for sustainable development of biochemical resources. Potential synergies between national programs to promote biotechnology and value-added bioprospecting are also discussed.
What drives outcomes for emotional and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents

The outcomes of child and adolescent disorders are multiply determined, and the range of factors influencing them requires full attention as the benefits of mental health services are assessed.
Client Violence toward Social Workers: The Role of Management in Community Mental Health Programs

With the shift in mental health treatment from psychiatric hospitals to community agencies, mental health workers provide outreach interventions to clientele with increasingly acute psychiatric disorders in their neighborhoods and residences. This article examines job-related, client-perpetrated threats or physical violence against social workers in general, and community outreach mental health professionals in particular. The article highlights the critical role of supervisors and administrators in community mental health programs in developing proactive prevention and postincident response policies and procedures that create an organizational climate of safety awareness, training, and psychological support to traumatized worker-victims. Recommendations for macro-level intervention are proposed, and implications for social work education and the profession are addressed.
Relative specificities in binding of Watson - Crick base pairs by third strand residues in a DNA pyrimidine triplex motif

Abstract The specificity of binding of Watson-Crick base pairs by third strand nucleic acid residues via triple helix formation was investigated in a DNA pyrimidine triplex motif by thermal melting experiments. The host duplex was of the type A10-X-A10: T10-Y-T10, and the third strand T10-Z-T10, giving rise to 16 possible triplexes with Z:XY inserts, 4 duplexes with the Watson-Crick base pairs (XY) and 12 duplexes with mismatch pairs (XZ), all of whose stabilities were compared. Two Z:XY combinations confirm the primary binding of AT and GC target pairs in homopurine.homopyrimidine sequences by T and C residues, respectively. All other Z:XY combinations in the T:AT environment result in triplex destabilization. While some related observations have been reported, the present experiments differ importantly in that they were performed in a T:AT nearest neighbor environment and at physiological ionic strength and pH, all of which were previously untested. The conclusions now drawn also differ substantially from those in previous studies. Thus, by evaluating the depression in Tm due to base triplet mismatches strictly in terms of third strand residue affinity and specificity for the target base pair, it is shown that none of the triplet combinations that destabilize qualify for inclusion in the third strand binding code for the pyrimidine triplex motif. Hence, none of the mismatch triplets afford a general way of circumventing the requirement for homopurine.homopyrimidine targets when third strands are predominated by pyrimidines, as others have suggested. At the same time, the applicability of third strand binding is emphasized by the finding that triplexes are equally or much more sensitive to base triplet mismatches than are Watson-Crick duplexes to base pair mismatches.
Characterizing pregnant drug-dependent women in treatment and their children

Alcohol and other drug use during pregnancy represents a major public health concern. This article characterizes a sample of 240 pregnant opioid- or cocaine-dependent women enrolled in the initial residential component of a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program for pregnant women. Data were collected using the Addiction Severity Index, Psychosocial History Form, and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R. Patients' substance use history, psychiatric comorbidity, social support network, employability, current and previous pregnancies, child custody arrangements, and the father of the current pregnancy, are described to assist providers in tailoring treatment to the specific needs of this population.
Power Spectra and Positive Functions

Let x(t) represent a continuous-time stochastic process. For any fixed time instant t, the process x(t) defines a random variable and let µ(t) represent its mean value. Thus, $$\mu (t) = E[x(t)] = \int_{ - \infty }^\infty {xf(x,t)dx}$$ (2.1) where f(x,t) represents the probability density function (p.d.f.) of the random variable X = x(t). The correlation between the random variables associated with any two time instants t1 and t2 is defined as the autocorrelation function R(t1, t2) of the stochastic process x(t). Hence $$R({t_1},{t_2}) = E[x({t_1}){x^*}({t_2})] = \int_{ - \infty }^\infty {\int_{ - \infty }^\infty {{x_1}x_2^*f({x_1},{x_2};{t_1},{t_2})d{x_1}d{x_2} = {R^*}({t_2},{t_1})} }$$ (2.2) .
P-Glycoprotein Is a Major Determinant of Norbuprenorphine Brain Exposure and Antinociception

Norbuprenorphine is a major metabolite of buprenorphine and potent agonist of μ, δ, and κ opioid receptors. Compared with buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine causes minimal antinociception but greater respiratory depression. It is unknown whether the limited antinociception is caused by low efficacy or limited brain exposure. Norbuprenorphine is an in vitro substrate of the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (Mdr1), but the role of P-glycoprotein in norbuprenorphine transport in vivo is unknown. This investigation tested the hypothesis that limited norbuprenorphine antinociception results from P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux and limited brain access. Human P-glycoprotein-mediated transport in vitro of buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine, and their respective glucuronide conjugates was assessed by using transfected cells. P-glycoprotein-mediated norbuprenorphine transport and consequences in vivo were assessed by using mdr1a(+/+) and mdr1a(−/−) mice. Antinociception was determined by hot-water tail-flick assay, and respiratory effects were determined by unrestrained whole-body plethysmography. Brain and plasma norbuprenorphine and norbuprenorphine-3-glucuronide were quantified by mass spectrometry. In vitro, the net P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux ratio for norbuprenorphine was nine, indicating significant efflux. In contrast, the efflux ratio for buprenorphine and the two glucuronide conjugates was unity, indicating absent transport. The norbuprenorphine brain/plasma concentration ratio was significantly greater in mdr1a(−/−) than mdr1a(+/+) mice. The magnitude and duration of norbuprenorphine antinociception were significantly increased in mdr1a(−/−) compared with mdr1a(+/+) mice, whereas the reduction in respiratory rate was similar. Results show that norbuprenorphine is an in vitro and in vivo substrate of P-glycoprotein. P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux influences brain access and antinociceptive, but not the respiratory, effects of norbuprenorphine.
Influence of leaf herbivory, root herbivory, and pollination on plant performance in Cucurbita moschata

1. Plants experience herbivory on many different tissues that can affect reproduction directly by damaging tissues and decreasing resource availability, or indirectly via interactions with other species such as pollinators. 2. This study investigated the combined effects of leaf herbivory, root herbivory, and pollination on subsequent damage, pollinator preference, and plant performance in a field experiment using butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata). Leaf and root herbivory were manipulated using adult and larval striped cucumber beetles (Acalymma vittatum F.), a cucurbit specialist. 3. Leaf herbivory reduced subsequent pistillate floral damage and powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea) infection. In spite of these induced defences, the overall effect of leaf herbivory on plant reproduction was negative. Leaf herbivory reduced staminate flower production, fruit number, and seed weight. In contrast, root herbivory had a minimal impact on plant reproduction. 4. Neither leaf nor root herbivory altered pollinator visitation or floral traits, suggesting that reductions in plant performance from herbivory were as a result of direct rather than indirect effects. In addition, no measured aspect of reproduction was pollen limited. 5. Our study reveals that although leaf herbivory by the striped cucumber beetle can protect against subsequent damage, this protection was not enough to prevent the negative impacts on plant performance.
DISENTANGLING THE COLLEGE WAGE PREMIUM: ESTIMATING A MODEL WITH ENDOGENOUS EDUCATION CHOICES*

This article proposes and empirically implements a structural model of education choices and wage determination to quantitatively evaluate the contributions of productivity enhancement and ability signaling in the college wage premium. The model is estimated under various distributional parameterizations using 1990 U.S. Census 5% Public Use Micro Sample. Under these parameterizations, I find that college education enhances attendees’ productivity by about 40%, and productivity enhancement accounts for close to two-thirds of the college wage premium.
Effect of Dietary Protein on Amino Acids and Microbial Protein of Duodenal Digesta

Three duodenal reentrant cannulated Holstein cows were fed each of seven randomly assigned rations. Rations were: brome hay, brome hay plus concentrate mix, and brome hay plus concentrate with one of five sources of supplemental protein. Protein sources were urea, linseed meal, soybean meal, brewer's dried grain, and feather meal. Cows were adapted to each treatment ration for 14 days prior to sampling for 3 days. The quantity of total essential and nonessential amino acids in the digesta differed for all rations from most to least: urea, feather meal, brewer's dried grain, linseed meal, soybean meal, without supplemental protein, hay. Regardless of source of supplemental protein fed, concentration of total essential amino acids increased and total nonessential amino acids decreased in the digesta compared to their dietary concentration. Threonine, isoleucine, lysine, and tyrosine concentrations increased whereas glutamic acid, proline, and cystine decreased in the digesta compared to their dietary compositions. Daily dry matter and microbial nitrogen passage through the duodenum was greatest for cows fed supplemental urea. With exception of the urea treatment, duodenal passage rates of fluid, dry matter, nitrogen, and amino acids increased as nitrogen solubility of the ration decreased.
Thickness Trends and Structure of Berea Sandstone (Mississippian) in Washington County, Ohio: ABSTRACT

The Berea Sandstone has been a drilling target for hydrocarbon production in Ohio for over 100 yr. Although extensively produced, the Berea still rewards the driller with new commercial production. Due to its shallow depth and low cost of completion, the Berea has undergone a renaissance in interest in recent years. This paper presents the results of a study of more than 3,500 geophysical and driller's logs in Washington County in southeastern Ohio. Structure contours show major trends, such as the Burning Springs anticline and the Cambridge arch, trending almost north-south. In the western third of the county, structural trends change, however, to a more complex, less continuous pattern with a predominant northeast-southwest trend. Isopach trends delineate a system of ch nnel sands trending roughly east-west with sandstone thicknesses ranging from 0 to greater than 25 ft (8 m). Both structures and thalwegs are relatively narrow and thickness changes rapidly, both parallel to and normal to the thalweg. Although no new interpretations of Berea structure End_Page 244------------------------------ or depositional environment is intended, this study graphically shows that even in a mature province, low-cost, closely spaced data can indicate new minor structures and delineate new areas for profitable and productive testing with the drill. End_of_Article - Last_Page 245------------
Quantum state transfer in a quantum network: A quantum-optical implementation

We propose a scheme to utilize photons for ideal quantum transmission between atoms located at spatially separated nodes of a quantum network. We also propose a method to correct errors during transmission.
How To Be a Peer Reviewer: A Guide for Recent and Soon-to-be PhDs

Peer review is central to political science. In this article we collect the ideas of journal editors in political science and several recent PhDs, who met as a panel at the 2011 American Political Science Association Annual Meeting to discuss the principles of the review process. This includes why reviewing is important to the development of one's own scholarship but also offers some nuts and bolts on reviewing.
Plasma corticosteroid response to stress in four species of wild mice.

The temporal pattern of stressinduced elevation of plasma 11-hydroxycorticosteroid concentrations was studied in 4 species of wild mice. There were highly significant differences among Mus musculus, Peromyscus boylii, Peromyscus californicus and Perognathus baileyi. The first 3 species attained plasma corticosterone concentrations markedly greater than those seen in laboratory rodents. Perognathus baileyi mice did not demonstrate an elevation of 11-hydroxycorticosteroids following exposure to a variety of stressors. Corticosterone was the principal corticosteroid found in the circulating plasma of Mus musculus, P. boylii and P. californicus; significant concentrations of corticosterone, cortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone and 17α-hydroxy-lldeoxycorticosterone were found in Perognathus. Significant differences in adrenal weight/body weight ratios were also found among the 4 species (Endocrinology 84: 676, 1969)
The measure of a physician, the measure of our practices: what we measure reflects what we believe.

Physicians cannot charge forward with measures, incentives, penalties, and public reporting without first understanding how to allow for the appropriate variation of care as determined by patient beliefs, preferences, and comorbidities.
Enhanced delta-based layered decoding of WiMAX QC-LDPC codes

Rovini, et al., have proposed a delta-based layered decoding algorithm to mitigate the latency constraint imposed by the layered decoding algorithm on QC-LDPC codes whose adjacent block rows overlap. We apply their algorithm and the low-complexity offset-based Min-Sum check equation to the decoding of the codes specified in WiMAX. The performance is simulated for two representative hardware pipeline depths, showing a maximal 0.13-dB performance loss, with respect to the ideal latency-free layered decoding algorithm, for a block error rate of 10-2 in 15 iterations and a pipeline depth of eight. We further develop a systematic procedure to arrange the processing order of the block rows and block columns of a given QC parity check matrix, reducing the aforementioned performance loss to 0.03 dB at no extra hardware cost. The procedure can be applied to any QC-LDPC codes for any given pipeline depths.
Variation in the Potassium Needs of Chickens Selected Genetically for Variation in Blood Uric Acid Concentrations

Two strains of sex-linked dwarf chickens that have been selected genetically for divergence in plasma uric acid concentrations were found to differ in their requirements for potassium. The rates of growth of chicks from both strains were similar when nutritionally adequate levels of potassium were provided. However, the growth of chicks having normal plasma uric acid concentrations was significantly poorer than that of hyperuricemic chicks when the chicks received potassium-deficient diets, and the retention of dietary potassium was less in the former group. There were no consistent strain differences in response to sodium deficiency. Because the two strains previously were found to differ in the renal tubular transport of uric acid, the strain difference in potassium requirement may reflect an association of potassium with uric acid excretion.
Ionizing radiation activates Erb-B receptor dependent Akt and p70 S6 kinase signaling in carcinoma cells

In this study we have investigated the effects of low dose ionizing radiation (2 Gy) on p70 S6 kinase and Akt signaling with respect to Erb-B receptors in both the A431 squamous and the MDA-MB-231 mammary carcinoma cell lines. Ionizing radiation caused a 2-3-fold increase in p70 S6 kinase activity that was blocked pharmacologically using an EGFR inhibitor (AG1478) alone, or in combination with an Erb-B2 inhibitor (AG825). These results suggested that both EGFR and Erb-B2 receptors could initiate radiation-induced activation of p70 S6K. EGFR dependent Erb-B3 signaling also contributed to p70 S6 kinase activity through recruitment and activation of PI3K, which has been shown to regulate p70 S6 kinase activity. Furthermore, inhibition of the EGFR blocked IR stimulated increases in protein translation, a biologic consequence of p70 S6 kinase activation. We also report that ionizing radiation stimulated Akt activity that was partially independent of PI3K activity, but dependent on Erb-B2 function. Erb-B2 inhibition also correlated with enhanced apoptosis following IR exposure, suggesting an important role for Erb-B2 in cell survival. Together this work demonstrates that the Erb-B receptor tyrosine kinase network stimulates cytoprotective p70 S6 kinase and Akt activity in response to clinically relevant doses of ionizing radiation.