cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bath transfers in older adult congregate housing residents: assessing the person-environment interaction.

OBJECTIVES: To examine environmental feature utilization (EFU) and the types and prevalence of performance difficulties during a videotaped bath transfer and to determine the personal characteristics associated with total EFU and performance difficulties. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. SETTING: Two congregate housing facilities in southeastern Michigan. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-nine older adults who reported independence in bathing. MEASUREMENTS: Trained video coders recorded EFU (defined as upper extremity contact with features in the environment) and rated performance difficulties (defined as lack of fluid movement or difficulty negotiating the environment). EFU was measured by determining whether features used were safe (i.e., designed for use as a transfer support) or unsafe and by total EFU (i.e., number of environmental features used during the transfer). Personal characteristics included self-reported medical conditions, bath transfer difficulty, functional mobility, lower extremity strength, range of motion functional impairment, and falls efficacy. RESULTS: For participants with a tub-shower, safe EFU was higher than unsafe EFU (85% vs 19%; Po.001). Participants with shower stalls had the same rate of safe and unsafe EFU (71%). In multiple regression analysis, self-reported bath transfer difficulty was associated with total EFU (P 5.01). One-third of the sample had performance difficulties. In multivariate analysis, range of motion functional impairment (odds ratio (OR) 513.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 51.11‐163.53) and lowest quartile in falls efficacy scores (OR 55.81, 95% CI 51.24‐27.41) were associated with performance difficulties. CONCLUSION: Unsafe EFU and performance difficulties were common in independently bathing older adults. Selfreported bath transfer difficulty appears to be a good indicator of high total EFU and may be used as a screening question for clinicians. Important strategies to reduce unsafe EFU and to increase falls efficacy include removing shower sliding glass doors and training older adults in safe transfer techniques. J Am Geriatr Soc 54:1265–1270, 2006.
Diurnal Changes of Phase and Group Velocity of VLF Radio Waves

Very-low-frequency radio-wave diurnal phase changes for frequencies between 10.2 and 26.1 kHz, inclusive, are tabulated and plotted as a function of frequency and path distance. Ninety measurements are listed, of which 25 are new data. By using a daytime theoretical phase velocity for a homogeneous, sharply bounded ionosphere at 70 km which agrees well with experimental data, it is possible to obtain a nighttime first-order-mode phase-velocity curve which does not change with frequency in a manner which is easy to predict. First-order-mode phase velocity curves are used to obtain estimates of first-order-mode group velocity. These calculations suggest that for frequencies less than about 16kHz the nighttime group velocity is greater than the daytime group velocity. Above 16kHz it appears that the nighttime group velocity is less than the daytime group velocity. Calculated average group velocity is in agreement with a recent experimental measurement at 17.8 kHz within the experimental error.
Quality of Life in Mexican‐American Children Following a Weight Management Program

Objective: The objective was to evaluate quality of life (QOL) in at-risk-for-overweight and overweight Mexican-American children after participating in 6 months of intensive weight management or self-help. Research Methods and Procedures: Eighty sixth- and seventh-grade at-risk-for-overweight (BMI ≥85th to <95th percentile) and overweight (BMI ≥95th percentile) Mexican-American children were randomly assigned to either intensive instructor-led intervention (ILI) or self-help (SH). The ILI condition included daily participation for 12 weeks in a school-based program comprised of nutrition education, physical activity, and behavior modification, followed by ongoing monthly maintenance. QOL was assessed at baseline and 6 months via child self-report PedsQL. QOL outcomes were compared across treatment groups, and the impact of change in zBMI on change in QOL was evaluated. Results: Children in the ILI condition not only achieved significantly greater weight loss (zBMI, −0.13 ± 0.14; p < 0.001) but also significantly greater physical QOL improvements than those in the SH condition at 6 months (p < 0.05). Furthermore, physical QOL increases were associated with zBMI reduction (p < 0.05). However, neither psychosocial nor total QOL was significantly impacted by intervention or zBMI change. Discussion: These findings show that even modest decreases in zBMI after weight management result in improved physical QOL in Mexican-American children. These results illustrate the clear need to include evaluation of QOL in the process of identifying effective weight management programs.
A FORTRAN IV program for Rao’s test of uniformity in circular distributions

Circular distributions are often statistically analyzed using a null hypothesis of a uniform distribution and an alternate hypothesis of a unimodal distribution (e .g., the Rayleigh test described by Batschelet, 1972). However, bimodal or multimodal distributions are frequently encountered in behavioral studies (e.g., studies of orientation to polarized light or wave surge, activity rhythm studies), and unimodal tests will often fail to reject the null hypothesis of a uniform distribution even though distinct modes are apparent. Rao proposed a test which is powerful for both unimodal and multimodal alternatives. Examples of this test's application are given by Batschelet (1972) and Rao and Sengupta (1972). Although theoretically simple, Rae's test can be computationally tedious for even medium-sized data sets. Computer Method. All computations are completed and all output is generated by a single subroutine. Containment of all procedures for this test in a subroutine permits its use with other appropriate subroutines in a calling program for rapid and complete analysis of a data set. The computations for Rao's test are described in Rao and Sengupta (1972).
New insights into oncogenic stress

Expression of oncogenes in otherwise normal cells often leads to the activation of anti-oncogenic pathways through a poorly understood process described as 'oncogenic stress'. A new study implicates the Jnk pathway signaling in the activation of p53 in response to both K-Ras and Neu oncogene expression.
Growth characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes as affected by a native microflora in cooked ham under refrigerated and temperature abuse conditions.

Abstract This study examined the growth characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes as affected by a native microflora in cooked ham at refrigerated and abuse temperatures. A five-strain mixture of L. monocytogenes and a native microflora, consisting of Brochothrix spp., isolated from cooked meat were inoculated alone (monocultured) or co-inoculated (co-cultured) onto cooked ham slices. The growth characteristics, lag phase duration (LPD, h), growth rate (GR, log 10 cfu/h), and maximum population density (MPD, log 10 cfu/g), of L. monocytogenes and the native microflora in vacuum-packed ham slices stored at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 °C for up to 5 weeks were determined. At 4–12 °C, the LPDs of co-cultured L. monocytogenes were not significantly different from those of monocultured L. monocytogenes in ham, indicating the LPDs of L. monocytogenes at 4–12 °C were not influenced by the presence of the native microflora. At 4–8 °C, the GRs of co-cultured L. monocytogenes (0.0114–0.0130 log 10 cfu/h) were statistically but marginally lower than those of monocultured L. monocytogenes (0.0132–0.0145 log 10 cfu/h), indicating the GRs of L. monocytogenes at 4–8 °C were reduced by the presence of the native microflora. The GRs of L. monocytogenes were reduced by 8–7% with the presence of the native microflora at 4–8 °C, whereas there was less influence of the native microflora on the GRs of L. monocytogenes at 10 and 12 °C. The MPDs of L. monocytogenes at 4–8 °C were also reduced by the presence of the native microflora. Data from this study provide additional information regarding the growth suppression of L. monocytogenes by the native microflora for assessing the survival and growth of L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meat products.
Comparison of the properties of metabolites of CCNU.

Abstract Properties of the six isomeric N -(2-chloroethyl- N ′-(hydroxycyclohexyl- N -nitrosoureas, which have been identified by other investigators as metabolites of N -(2-chloroethyl- N ′-cyclohexyl- N -nitrosourea (CCNU), have been compared with those of CCNU and 2-[[[(2-chloroethyl)nitrosoamino]-carbonyl]amino]-2-deoxy- D -glucose (chlorozotocin). There are significant differences in the physicochemical, chemical, and biological properties of these metabolites, and the properties of some of them are significantly different from those of CCNU and chlorozotocin. The position of the hydroxy group and the steric configuration of the compound markedly affect the alkylating and carbamoylating activities of the compounds. The metabolites having the higher alkylating activities and the lower carbamoylating activities produce lethal toxicity to mice at lower molar doses but have somewhat better therapeutic indexes. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that the biological effects observed following the administration of CCNU are due to a large extent to the major metabolites with lesser effects contributed by the minor metabolites. Some of the metabolites have slightly better therapeutic indexes against murine leukemia L1210 than CCNU and chlorozotocin, and they are more soluble in water than CCNU but are active against both intraperitoneally implanted and intracerebrally implanted L1210 leukemia. There might be some therapeutic advantage to administering one of the minor metabolites instead of CCNU or chlorozotocin to cancer-bearing animals.
Acousto-optic processors for real-time generation of time-frequency representations.

Acousto-optic processors for calculating different two-dimensional (2-D) time–frequency representations for one-dimensional temporal signals in real time are described. The various 2-D representations discussed in the literature, such as the Wigner distribution and the ambiguity function, are shown to be obtainable through minor variations in an acousto-optic processor consisting of two Bragg cells in a parallel configuration. Also obtained and discussed are two new time–frequency representations that, for amplitude-modulated signals, correspond to mean-frequency-selective correlation and Doppler-frequency-selective convolution. Experimental results are presented to highlight the special features of the different time–frequency representation.
An Anthropologist in Communist Romania, 1973-1988

Secret-police surveillance redirected one scholar's research projects in ways that ultimately yielded a changed understanding of cold war Romania and its past.
Hindlimb stretching alters locomotor function after spinal cord injury in the adult rat.

Background. Stretching is a widely accepted standard-of-care therapy following spinal cord injury (SCI) that has not been systematically studied in animal models. Objective. To investigate the influence of a daily stretch-based physical therapy program on locomotor recovery in adult rats with moderate T9 contusive SCI. Methods. A randomized treatment and control study of stretching in an animal model of acute SCI. Moderate SCIs were delivered with the NYU Impactor. Daily stretching (30 min/day, 5 days/wk for 8 weeks) was provided by a team of animal handlers. Hindlimb function was assessed using the BBB Open Field Locomotor Scale and kinematically. Passive range-of-motion for each joint was determined weekly using a goniometer. Results. Declines in hindlimb function during overground stepping were observed for the first 4 weeks for stretched animals. BBB scores improved weeks 5 to 10 but remained below the control group. Stretched animals had significant deficits in knee passive range of motion starting a...
Complex monitoring and its relation to the classical problem of vigilance

Abstract Classical vigilance research has provided little insight into mechanisms responsible for complex monitoring performance. It has been unsuccessful both in establishing an appropriate data base for such behavior and in generating fruitful hypotheses. An empirical approach is therefore proposed in which variables contributing to task complexity are manipulated at a molar level, and those found to influence monitoring performance are subjected to progressive refinement. Three illustrative experiments are reported using a task designed to permit manipulation of a variety of complexity variables. Low frequency, high density, and irrelevant signals all were found to inhibit detection; in addition, sizable decrements occurred under some combinations of these conditions. Refinement of the density effect suggested that pattern of scanning, probably controlled by the reinforcing properties of detected signals, is of major importance in complex monitoring performance.
A randomized trial of high- vs standard-dose mitoxantrone with cytarabine in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a high-dose mitoxantrone-based induction regimen without consolidation therapy in patients over age 60 with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 54 patients aged 60-83 were randomized to receive mitoxantrone, either 80 mg/m2 on day 2, or 12 mg/m2 on days 1-3 in addition to cytarabine, 3 g/m2 on days 1-5. Significant toxicity included mucositis, diarrhea, transient hyperbilirubinemia and cardiac events. No difference in toxicity was observed between the two dosage regimens. Overall, 27 patients achieved a complete remission (CR), 16/28 CR in the high-dose and 11/25 in the lower-dose group. Induction death occurred in 11 patients, three in the high-dose and eight in the low-dose arm. Actuarial median survival was 6 months for the low-dose and 9 months for the high-dose group, and the respective relapse-free survival is 3 and 5 months. The observed differences in outcome were not statistically significant. patients in both arms of this trial, who received no consolidation, appear to have response and survival rates equivalent to those of standard-dose induction with repetitive consolidation. This approach might offer elderly patients equivalent outcome with fewer days of treatment, presumably enhancing quality of life.
Subpicogram per milliliter determination of the tobacco-specific carcinogen metabolite 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol in human urine using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) has been linked to increased risk for a number of diseases, including lung cancer. The tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is of particular interest due to its potency and its specificity in producing lung tumors in animals. The NNK metabolite 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) in urine is frequently used as a biomarker for exposure. Due to its long half-life (40−45 days), NNAL may provide a long-term, time-averaged measure of exposure. We developed a highly sensitive liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of NNAL in human urine. The method involves liquid−liquid extraction followed by conversion to the hexanoate ester derivative. This derivative facilitates separation from interfering urinary constituents by extraction and chromatography and enhances detection with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The lower limit of quantitation is 0.25 pg/mL for 5-mL urine...
Regulation of plasma lactate concentration in resting human subjects

We evaluated the relative contributions of glucose, insulin, and the rate of glucose disposal to the regulation of the plasma lactate concentration. Rates of glucose disposal were measured in 88 separate studies in whole body and across the forearm at varying plasma insulin (9, 50, 160, and 1,800 μU/mL) concentrations, and at each insulin concentration at four different glucose concentrations (90, 160, 250, and 400 mg/dL) in healthy male subjects. The rate of glucose disposal was positively correlated with the plasma lactate concentration (r = .83, n = 88, P < .0001). When the plasma lactate concentration was adjusted for the rate of glucose disposal, plasma glucose or insulin concentrations did not contribute significantly to the residual variation in plasma lactate. When plasma lactate concentrations were compared at matched rates of glucose disposal, the lactate levels were similar regardless of whether glucose disposal was induced by hyperglycemia or hyperinsulinemia. At the lowest glucose and insulin concentrations, forearm tissues released lactate, but at all other glucose and insulin concentrations, no significant net lactate flux was observed. After subtraction of the rate of forearm glucose disposal from whole-body glucose disposal, the plasma lactate concentration correlated with the remaining, extramuscular, rate of glucose disposal (r = .60, P < .0001). These data suggest that in resting normal subjects the plasma lactate concentration may be determined by the rate of glucose disposal in extramuscular tissues, rather than the ambient glucose or insulin concentration.
Use of Subcarrier Frequency Modulation in Communication Systems

When subcarrier frequency modulation having a frequency range of 1600 to 2000 cycles was used for transoceanic facsimile transmission, pictures were obtained with finer detail and better half-tone quality than those transmitted by previous systems; the speed of transmission could also be increased. An extension of the system to a two-way multiple-channel radio-relay circuit providing teletype service between New York and Philadelphia gave improved stability of operation when variations in signal strength occurred.
Environmental manipulations alter age differences in attribution of incentive salience to reward-paired cues

Cues repeatedly paired with rewards often themselves become imbued with enhanced motivational value, or incentive salience. During Pavlovian conditioned approach procedures, a cue repeatedly preceding reward delivery often elicits conditioned responses at either the reward delivery location ("goal-tracking") or the cue itself ("sign-tracking"). Sign-tracking behavior is thought to reflect the individual differences in attribution of incentive salience to reward-paired cues that may contribute to addiction vulnerability. Adolescent rats typically demonstrate less sign-tracking behavior than adult rats, a surprising finding given that adolescence is hypothesized to be a time of heightened addiction vulnerability. Given evidence that adult sign-tracking behavior can be influenced by environmental conditions, the present study compared the effects of isolate housing and food deprivation on expression of sign-tacking and goal-tracking behavior in adolescent and adult male rats across eight days of a Pavlovian conditioned approach procedure. Pair-housed adults exhibited more sign-tracking behavior than pair-housed adolescents; however, this age difference was not apparent in isolate-housed subjects. Adolescents often appeared more sensitive than adults to both food restriction- and isolate housing-induced changes in behavior, with food restriction promoting an increase in sign-tracking among isolate-housed adolescents and an increase in goal-tracking among pair-housed adolescents. For adults, food restriction resulted in a modest increase in overall expression of both sign- and goal-tracking behavior. To the extent that sign-tracking behavior reflects attribution of incentive salience to reward-paired cues, results from the present study provide evidence that reactivity to rewards during adolescence is strongly related to the nature of the surrounding environment.
Meiosis: Avoiding inappropriate relationships

Meiosis is distinguished from mitosis by the way double-strand breaks are made and by the synapsis and segregation of homologous chromosomes. Recent studies with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have identified some of the key players that link homologous recombination to synaptonemal complex formation.
Synthesis of testosterone by subjects with gonadal dysgenesis and XXY chromosome constitution.

ABSTRACT The goal of the study was to ascertain whether or not the presence of an abnormal karyotype affects steroid synthesis in the testicular tissue of male subjects with gonadal dysgenesis. It has been shown that homogenates of testicular tissue from subjects with Klinefelter's syndrome, having 47 chromosomes with an XXY pattern, are capable of synthesizing androstenedione and testosterone from progesterone or 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone. Also, subjects with Klinefelter's syndrome have testosterone in peripheral plasma. The reasons for their incomplete masculinization remain unknown.
Properties of Laminar Premixed Hydrocarbon/Air Flames at Various Pressures

Outwardly propagating spherical laminar premixed e ames were experimentally and computationally used to e nd the sensitivities of laminar burning velocities to e ame stretch, represented by Markstein numbers, and the fundamental laminar burning velocities of unstretched e ames. Conditions considered included ethane, ethylene, and propane/air e ames at fuel-equivalence ratios of 0.8 ‐1.6, and pressures of 0.5‐4.0 atm at normal temperatures. Predictions were limited to unstretched (plane) e ames using mechanisms based on GRI-Mech, e nding reasonably good agreement between measurements and predictions. An interesting experimental e nding was that Markstein numbers tended to become negative over broader ranges of fuel-equivalence ratios as the pressure increased, suggesting a greater propensity toward unstable combustion because of preferential-diffusion effects at the elevated pressures of interest for most practical applications.
Structure of single-phase superconducting K3C60

RECENT reports1–3 of superconductivity in alkali-metal-doped compounds of the icosahedral C60 (buckminsterfullerene) molecule have attracted great experimental and theoretical interest. Superconductivity was originally discovered in samples prepared from gas–solid reactions1, which made it impossible to determine the composition or structure of the superconducting phase. Holczer et al.4 demonstrated that potassium-doped C60 has only a single stable superconducting phase, K3C60, with a transition temperature of 19.3 K. Improvements have since resulted in the preparation of 100% bulk superconductors3. Because of the absence of impurity phases, we have been able to perform accurate Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffraction data from the superconducting phase. Here we report our results for the crystal structure of K3C60, determining that this superconducting compound has a face-centred cubic structure with a well defined stoichiometry. These results should open the way to rigorous description of the normal and superconducting properties of this compound.
Sustainable Biofuels from Forests: Woody Biomass

The use of woody biomass feedstocks for bioenergy and bioproducts involves multiple sources of material that together create year round supplies. The main sources of woody biomass include residues from wood manufacturing industries, low value trees including logging slash in forests that are currently underutilized and dedicated short-rotation woody crops. Conceptually a ton of woody biomass feedstocks can replace a barrel of oil as the wood is processed (refined) through a biorefinery. As oil is refined only part of the barrel is used for liquid fuel, e.g., gasoline, while much of the carbon in oil is refined into higher value chemical products-carbon in woody biomass can be refined into the same value-added products. [...]
Impact of the invasive shrub Lonicera maackii on stand transpiration and ecosystem hydrology in a wetland forest.

Invasive shrubs can increase ecosystem transpiration and potentially affect hydrology in forested ecosystems. We examined two adjacent sites in a wetland forest in northern Kentucky, USA. One site contained little Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle), while the other contained considerably more. Using Granier (thermal dissipation) and heat balance probes, transpiration was determined for trees, vines and shrubs at the two sites. Tree and vine transpiration in 2009 was usually 1–2 mm day−1, typical of that seen in humid temperate forests. Additional transpiration from L. maackii was roughly proportional to its basal area, and it totaled 1.0% of tree and vine transpiration from the site with less L. maackii cover and 6.0% from the site with considerable cover. This additional transpiration amounts to roughly 10% of stream flow draining the study area. As L. maackii basal areas at these sites are at the lower end of that seen in other invaded forests in the region, regional impacts on transpiration and hydrology may be larger than those reported here. We expect L. maackii to shorten the lives of ephemeral ponds and streams in wetlands and cause adverse impacts on the organisms, such as amphibians, that require these aquatic environments to complete their life cycle.
“Mother I can do it myself!”: The self‐sufficient heroine in popular girls’ fiction

(1979). “Mother I can do it myself!”: The self‐sufficient heroine in popular girls’ fiction. Women's Studies: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 187-203.
VirtualWire: system support for live migrating virtual networks across clouds

Despite significant advances in enabling live virtual machine (VM) migration within a virtualized--cloud--infrastructure, cross-cloud live migration remains an ad hoc, complex process. To create a network environment in which live migration can occur, clouds are beginning to expose virtual networks as a service. Connecting, managing and maintaining membership and routing information for--possibly incompatible--virtual networks as VMs migrate between clouds is non-trivial for both cloud providers and cloud users. This talk presents VirtualWire, a system in which cloud providers offer--instead of a virtual network abstraction--a connect/disconnect primitive that is much easier to manage. VirtualWire offers cloud users a consistent method to create complex logical network topologies in which the virtual network fabric itself is able to be elastically stretched or live migrated within or between clouds. Leveraging nested virtualization, we have implemented and evaluated VirtualWire across third-party clouds, including Amazon EC2, achieving cross-cloud live migration of VMs and network components with as low as 1.4 s of downtime.
Emergency Medical Services Vehicle Redeployment Recommendation Based on Complete System State Analysis (EMS Redeploy)

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) dispatchers are given the stressful task to redeploy EMS vehicles to maintain adequate coverage of a city. Most city dispatchers perform this task by looking at a physical or computer map and forming a decision based on their experience and intuition. This can result in inefficient redeployment of vehicles costing the city wasted resources (e.g. gas, vehicle maintenance) and manpower. The purpose of this research project is to create a tool to assist dispatchers in redeploying vehicles in a quick and efficient manner through algorithm analysis of total system state. An integrated software application was created to quickly provide the dispatcher with a recommendation, and in conjunction with their experience, a final redeployment decision would be made.
Pulse repetition rate increases the minimum threshold and latency of auditory neurons.

Abstract The effect of pulse repetition rate on auditory sensitivity of the big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus , was studied by determining the minimum threshold, response latency and recovery cycle of inferior collicular neurons at different repetition rates under free field stimulation conditions. In general, collicular neurons shortened the response latency and increased the number of impulses monotonically or non-monotonically with stimulus intensity. They recovered at least 50% when the interpulse interval was 10–57 ms. In addition, they increased the minimum threshohold, lengthened the response latency, and reduced the number of impulses discharged to each pulse with increasing repetition rate. The increase in minimum threshold with repetition rate is partly because the neuron can not recover from previous stimulation when the interpulse interval is shortened. This increase reduces a neuron's response sensitivity and thus diminishes its number of impulses to each presented pulse. This increase also reduces the effectiveness of a given stimulus intensity which contributes to the lengthening of the neuron's response latency. Data obtained from single neuron recordings are used to highlight these observations. Implications of present findings regarding the bat's echolocation are also discussed.
Primary Liver Tumors in Pediatric Patients: Proper Imaging Technique for Diagnosis and Staging ☆

Liver tumors in children are rare and comprise a diverse set of both benign and malignant lesions, most of which are not clinically detected until they are large and often difficult to resect. Technological advances in diagnostic imaging have greatly influenced the surgical planning of these lesions and ultimately the clinical outcome. The intent of this article is to present an imaging algorithm for the effective and efficient workup of liver tumors in pediatric patients. This includes the appropriate timing and use of various imaging modalities, such as conventional radiographs, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. This article also addresses the use of sedation, intravenous contrast agents, and the benefits and limitations of specific imaging modalities. An overview of the radiologic and pathologic findings in common liver lesions in pediatric patients, as well as individual case examples demonstrating the use of the proposed workup algorithm, is provided.
Metaphor and Writing: Figurative Thought in the Discourse of Written Communication. Philip Eubanks. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2011. 214 pages, $99.00 (hardcover), ISBN 9780521191029.

How do writers think and talk about writing and written communication? Philip Eubanks provides an answer to this question in his latest book. The question itself is neither trivial nor obvious, as ...
Mechanism of carbon gasification—conformation of etch pits on graphite surface with and without tungsten catalyst

This note reports the findings on the catalytic effects on the C-CO/sub 2/ reaction by tungsten and suggests a general mechanism by which different conformations of pits arise. A brief description is given of the technique of etch-shadowing and experimental conditions, along with methods of introducing tungsten on the graphite surface. Circular pits one layer deep have been seen with the gold-shadowing/transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique, as shown in the presented figures.
Are Gender Identity Disorders Mental Disorders? Recommendations for Revision of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health's Standards of Care

ABSTRACT Gender identity disorders are included as formal diagnoses in both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Classification of Diseases. The fact that gender identity disorders are classified as mental disorders is increasingly being contested, with some critics arguing for removal (drawing a parallel with the removal of homosexuality as a mental disorder from the DSM in 1974) and others for reform. At the heart of the argument are concerns about a mental health diagnosis pathologizing gender variance and perpetuating the attached social stigma. Some critics argue for coding gender identity concerns requiring medical intervention as physical conditions rather than mental disorders; after all, they argue, hormonal and surgical sex reassignment aim to adapt the body to match the patient's gender identity. However, as of yet, gender dysphoria cannot be detected by any physical anomaly justifying a physical rather than a mental health diagnosis. Even though recen...
The topography of the locomotor effects of haloperidol and domperidone.

Abstract The neuroleptics are currently the primary mode of treatment for schizophrenia. Unfortunately, the study of the behavioral effects of these drugs has been hampered by inadequate methodology. Researchers have lacked means sensitive enough to detect the neuroleptic's spontaneous behavioral effects at low doses. Consequently, most previous studies have measured the ability of these drugs to block the effects of various dopamine agonists. In an attempt to remedy this, the present study employed one of the recently developed automated animal activity monitors. This system was used to measure the spontaneous nocturnal behavioral effects of the neuroleptic haloperidol (0.0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 mg/kg) on 12 male Sprague-Dawley rats. The behavioral effects of domperidone (0.0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 mg/kg) were also studied in order to compare the effects of central and peripheral dopamine antagonism. The results showed that haloperidol depressed all aspects of behavior studied — even at the lowest dose — while domperidone depressed only average speed. These results suggest that all of the locomotor variables studied, save average speed, are centrally mediated. Average speed, though influenced by central mechanisms, seems primarily a peripheral function.
Pathological foliations and removable zero exponents

The ergodic theory of uniformly hyperbolic, or “Axiom A”, diffeomorphisms has been studied extensively, beginning with the pioneering work of Anosov, Sinai, Ruelle and Bowen ([An], [Si], [Ru], [Bo]). While uniformly hyperbolic systems enjoy strong mixing properties, they are not dense among C diffeomorphisms [Sm], [AS]. Using the concept of Lyapunov exponents, Pesin introduced a weaker form of hyperbolicity, which he termed nonuniform hyperbolicity. Nonuniformly hyperbolic diffeomorphisms share several mixing properties with uniformly hyperbolic ones. Our construction of the diffeomorphisms in this paper was motivated by the question of whether nonuniform hyperbolicity is dense among a large class of diffeomorphisms. As a curious by-product of our construction, we prove that a pathological feature of central foliations – the complete failure of absolute continuity – can exist in a C-open set of volume-preserving diffeomorphisms. We recall the definition of a nonuniformly hyperbolic diffeomorphism. A real number λ is a Lyapunov exponent of the diffeomorphism g : M → M if there exists a nonzero vector v ∈ TM such that
Design, optimization and performance evaluation of a content distribution overlay for streaming

As an evolution of peer-to-peer (p2p) file-sharing applications, overlay-based networks are also adopted to efficiently distribute content with real-time constraints to a wide user population. In addition, they can be utilized to exploit application level strategies to overcome limitations imposed by the underlying network infrastructure, e.g., the lack of multicast support. In this perspective, the paper introduces an overlay Content Distribution Network (CDN) able to sustain the real-time delivery of data streams. To better use resources, and to face the churn affecting users, the control and optimization of the CDN are performed through a model predictive control scheme. Simulations of two use cases are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed solution. In particular, the stream of multimedia and interactive grid data are considered.
Optimal allocation of distributed generation in distribution system considering time sequence data and low-carbon economy

With the consideration of time sequence characteristics of load and distributed generation (DG), a novel method is presented for optimal sitting and sizing of DG in distribution system. Multiple-objective functions have been formed with the consideration of minimum investment and operational cost of DG, minimum voltage deviation and maximal voltage stability margin. To solve the multiple-objective optimization problem, an Improved Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (INSGA-II) has been proposed. Several experiments have been made on the modified PG&E 69-bus and actual 292-bus test systems. The result and comparisons indicate the proposed method for optimal placement and sizing of DG units is feasible and effective.
Case Mix, Quality and High‐Cost Kidney Transplant Patients

A better understanding of high-cost kidney transplant patients would be useful for informing value-based purchasing strategies by payers. This retrospective cohort study was based on the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR) files from 2003 to 2006. The focus of this analysis was high-cost kidney transplant patients (patients that qualified for Medicare outlier payments and 30-day readmission payments). Using regression techniques, we explored relationships between high-cost kidney transplant patients, center-specific case mix, and center quality. Among 43 393 kidney transplants in Medicare recipients, 35.2% were categorized as high-cost patients. These payments represented 20% of total Medicare payments for kidney transplantation and exceeded $200 million over the study period. Case mix was associated with these payments and was an important factor underlying variation in hospital payments high-cost patients. Hospital quality was also a strong determinant of future Medicare payments for high-cost patients. Compared to high-quality centers, low-quality centers cost Medicare an additional $1185 per kidney transplant. Payments for high-cost patients represent a significant proportion of the total costs of kidney transplant surgical care. Quality improvement may be an important strategy for reducing the costs of kidney transplantation.
PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF INVERTASE FROM DATES (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L., VAR. ZAHDI)

Zahdi dates (Phoenix dactylifera) contain invertase at all development stages; the highest specific activity is present in the late yellow stage. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity, as determined by disc gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing, by a combination of techniques including ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE-cellulose chromatography and gel filtration on Sepharose 4B and Sephadex G-150 columns. A complex of invertase with a high molecular weight pectic substance of the date could not be dissociated by ammonium sulfate or DEAE-cellulose chromatography but the complex was dissociated by gel filtration on a Sepharose 4B column at pH 4.0 and ionic strength of 0.5 M. The enzyme contained 8.2% carbohydrate covalently linked probably via an amide linkage to aspartic acid. Molecular weight determination by exclusion gel chromatography and sedimentation equilibrium gave values of 130,000 and 97,100 ± 1,300, respectively. The enzyme is probably composed of two identical subunits as shown by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Amino acid analyses showed the enzyme to be low in sulfur-containing amino acids. Date invertase is an acid β-fructofuranosidase with a pH optimum between 3–4 and with a Km and kcat for sucrose of 6mM and 49 sec-1, respectively. Activation energies for denaturation of enzyme and conversion of substrate to product were determined to be 48.7 and 17.6 kcal/mole, respectively. Chemical modification indicated that sulfhydryl groups are probably not essential for activity while carboxyl groups may be involved in the active site of the enzyme.
Biodegradation of diphenylamine by selected microbial cultures

Abstract The degradation of diphenylamine (DPA) by pure Pseudomonas (P. cepacia, P. putida, P. resinovorans) and mixed activated sludge cultures in batch shaker flasks and bioreactor systems is described. The experiments were carried out at initial DPA concentrations in the range of 15–60 mg/l. Under the experimental conditions, all cultures were capable of degrading DPA, as a sole carbon source, at comparable rates. Addition of glucose as a co‐substrate was found not to have an effect on the apparent biodegration rates. In the range of initial substrate concentrations attempted in this study, the DPA biodegradation rate was found to follow first‐order kinetics. In bioreactor experiments, the biodegradation rate constant (kl) was determined to be 0.54 d‐1 corresponding to a half‐life (t½) 1.40 days. The effect of these findings on the storage stability of nitrocellulose based propellant formulations are discussed.
Relationships between health literacy and heart failure knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-care adherence.

Abstract Background It has been argued that only 12% of adults have the necessary health literacy to manage their health care effectively, which can lead to difficulties in self-care activities, such as medication adherence. Prior research suggests that health literacy may influence knowledge, self-efficacy and self-care, but this has not been fully examined. Objective To test a model to explain the relationships between health literacy, heart failure knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-care. Methods Prior to receiving clinic-based education, newly referred patients to 3 heart failure clinics completed assessments of health literacy, heart failure knowledge, self-efficacy, self-care, and demographics. Structural equation modeling was completed to examine the strength of the inter-variable relationships. Results Of 81 participants recruited, data from 63 patients were complete. Health literacy was independently associated with knowledge ( P P = 0.016). No other relationships were statistically significant. The model had good fit (comparative fit index = 1.000) and explained 33.6% of the variance in knowledge and 27.6% in self-care. Conclusions Health literacy influences knowledge about heart failure but not self-care adherence. Instead, self-efficacy influenced self-care adherence. Future research should incorporate additional factors that may better model the relationships between health literacy, knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-care.
A comparison of the electrophysiological properties of morphologically identified cells in layers 5B and 6 of the rat neocortex

In vitro studies performed in mammalian brain slices have shown that cortical neurons differ in their intrinsic membrane properties. In the rodent cortex these properties are related to a specific cell morphology and synaptic connectivity in some cells but not in others. Due to their small size, little is known about the intrinsic membrane properties of layer 6 cells, however, and it is not clear whether cell morphology is related to electrophysiological properties in this layer. We used a combination of intracellular recording and dye-filling to study the electrophysiological and morphological characteristics of layer 6 cells of the rat sensorimotor cortex in vitro and compared their properties to those of large layer 5B pyramidal cells. Our sample of 24 filled and anatomically reconstructed cells in layer 6 confirms previous Golgi studies that showed them to be a morphologically diverse group consisting of regularly and irregularly oriented pyramidal cells and spiny nonpyramidal cells. Regular layer 6 pyramidal cells differed with respect to the length of their apical dendrites and extent of their axonal arborizations, while irregularly oriented pyramidal cells consisted of sideways or inverted pyramidal cells of variable size and morphology. Spiny nonpyramidal cells included bi-tufted and multi-polar cell types that differed in size and extent of dendritic trees. Many layer 6 cells showed long horizontal axon collaterals in layer 6, and an oblique or vertical projection to layer 4. Stimulation with intracellular constant current pulses revealed that the morphological diversity was mirrored by a similar electrophysiological diversity. Most layer 6 cells were capable of firing trains of action potentials characterized by an initial doublet or triplet followed by a train of single spikes (phasic-tonic mode). The majority of layer 6 cells could fire in either a tonic (single spikes only) mode with low strength current input and a phasic-tonic pattern with higher current strengths. A minority fired either always phasic-tonic or tonic-only spike trains. The size and sequence of spike afterpotentials during low-rate repetitive firing was highly variable in layer 6 cells suggesting that the relative importance of ionic currents responsible for spike repolarization and afterpotentials varied from cell to cell. Subthreshold responses showed prominent inward rectification, while hyperpolarizing "sag" was present in most cells tested. In comparison, large layer 5B pyramidal cells fired either phasic-tonic only or both phasic-tonic and tonic patterns. A minority of cells were capable of firing repetitive bursts, while the remainder fired repetitive single spikes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Protection algorithm based on spectrum characteristic of transient component

When a fault occurs on a transmission line, fault generated high frequency transient components are a series of natural frequencies in frequency domain. This paper proposes a protection algorithm for EHV (Extra High Voltage) transmission line based on spectrum characteristic of natural frequency. Spectrum correlation coefficient is used to determine whether a fault is internal or external fault. It can reduce trip time and not affected by swing, load current and power system operation mode etc. The scheme performance was proven using PSCAD/EMTDC simulations in 500-kV power system considering critical fault cases.
Spore germination of citrus juice-related fungi at low temperatures*

Germination of Cladosporium cladosporioides conidia, arthrospores of a Geotrichum sp. and conidia of Penicillium citrinum, P. digitatum and P. italicum was observed on orange juice serum agar (OJSA; pH 4) and non-nutrient water agar (WA; pH 4 and 7) incubated at 0, 3, 7 and 10°C. At 0° C, C. cladosporioides conidia germinated significantly faster (P ≤ 0·05) than those of P. italicum or Geotrichum arthrospores. Spores of the other fungi did not germinate at 0° C. All fungal conidia/arthrospores germinated at 10°C. Penicillia conidia germinated readily on OJSA but did not germinate on WA4 or WA7 at any temperature tested thereby suggesting a requirement for external nutrients for germination to occur. C. cladosporioides and Geotrichum spores germinated on both WA4 and WA7. C. cladosporioides conidia germinated more readily than Geotrichum arthrospores at 0 and 3° C on both media. Sensitivity to lower pH was noted for both fungi.
Apolipoprotein E immunoreactivity within neurofibrillary tangles: relationship to tau and PHF in Alzheimer's disease

The present immunohistochemical study determined the relationship between ApoE and the expression of the cytoskeletal protein tau (Tau2) and paired helical filaments (PHF), within the magnocellular neurons of the nucleus basalis of Meynert and layer II stellate neurons of the entorhinal cortex in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although nearly all ApoE immunoreactive perikarya within these two brain regions were PHF immunoreactive, not all PHF and Tau2 containing neurons stained for ApoE in AD. Moreover, more Tau2-immunostained neurons, as compared to PHF, were ApoE immunonegative. This was particularly evident in a population of control subjects which exhibited AD-like pathology intermediate between the AD and normal aged individuals. Thus, neurons within the nucleus basalis of Meynert and entorhinal cortex layer II stellate exhibit evidence of cytoskeletal pathology prior to displaying ApoE. These observations suggest that (1) ApoE plays a secondary role in NFT formation or (2) this protein is accumulated within these neurons in response to reparative process(es) induced by NFT-associated neuronal damage.