cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spelling, Phonology, and the Speech-Language Pathologist

Assumptions basic to the whole language philosophy of education are enumerated and exemplified with regard to facilitation of spelling and phonological abilities. It is suggested that development of spelling and phonological knowledge progress through similar stages and are enhanced by whole language experiences. Inasmuch as speech-language pathologists are the school-based professionals who are most knowledgeable regarding phonological development, they are encouraged to: (a) serve as a resource to teachers in the instruction of spelling, (b) be aware of potential problems in spelling development in phonologically delayed children, and (c) utilize whole language strategies that relate speech production to reading and writing within their phonological therapy.
The Intel® Many Integrated Core Architecture

In recent years, an observable trend in High Performance Computing (HPC) architectures has been the inclusion of accelerators, such as GPUs and field programmable arrays (FPGAs), to improve the performance of scientific applications. To rise to this challenge Intel announced the Intel® Many Integrated Core Architecture (Intel® MIC Architecture). In contrast with other accelerated platforms, the Intel MIC Architecture is a general purpose, manycore coprocessor that improves the programmability of such devices by supporting the well-known shared-memory execution model that is the base of most nodes in HPC machines. In this presentation, we will introduce key properties of the Intel MIC Architecture and we will also cover programming models for parallelization and vectorization of applications targeting this architecture.
Naloxone-precipitated changes in biogenic amines and their metabolites in various brain regions of butorphanol-dependent rats.

Influence of a naloxone (an opioid receptor antagonist) challenge (5 mg/kg, IP) on levels of biogenic amines and their metabolites in various brain regions of rats infused continuously with butorphanol (a mu/delta/kappa mixed opioid receptor agonist; 26 nmol/microliter/h) or morphine (a mu-opioid receptor agonist; 26 nmol/microliter/h) was investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED). Naloxone precipitated a withdrawal syndrome and decreased the levels of: dopamine (DA) in the cortex and striatum, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the striatum, homovanilic acid (HVA) in the striatum, limbic, midbrain, and pons/medulla regions in butorphanol-dependent rats. However, the levels of norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the regions studied were not affected by naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. In addition, naloxone increased the HVA/DA ratio in the cortex, while this ratio was reduced in the limbic, midbrain, and pons/medulla. The reduction of 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio was also detected in the limbic area. In the animals rendered dependent on morphine, the results obtained were similar to those of butorphanol-dependent rats except for changes of 5-HIAA levels in some brain regions. These results suggest that an alteration of dopaminergic neuron activity following a reduction of DA and its metabolites in specific brain regions (e.g., striatum, limbic, midbrain, and pons/medulla) play an important role in the expression of the opioid withdrawal syndrome.
The geochemistry of postkinematic mafic dike swarms and subophiolitic metabasites, Pozanti-Karsanti ophiolite, Turkey: Evidence for ridge subduction

Doleritic and gabbroic dike swarms cut the Pozanti-Karsanti ophiolite and basal metamorphic sole but do not extend into the underlying melange or platform carbonates. Dike emplacement therefore postdated formation of the ophiolite and metamorphic sole but predated final obduction onto the Tauride-Anatolide Platform. The dikes are compositionally similar to island-arc basalts and basaltic andesites and were affected by retrograde, static hydrothermal metamorphism over temperatures ranging from ∼900 C to below 450 C. Geochemical modeling of trace elements (including REEs) show that the dikes are possibly fractionated products of multiple, compositionally variable parental magmas. The range of parental magmas is interpreted to represent variably mixed melt increments generated through polybaric fractional or continuous melting within a column of rising mantle material. Melt increments extracted from shallower parts of the melting column at lower pressures are more refractory and apparently pooled less efficiently than melt fractions generated from deeper sources and higher pressures. Amphibolite and greenschist facies metabasalt from the subophiolitic sole represent metamorphosed alkalic basalt and MORB-like basalt, respectively. The Pozanti-Karsanti ophiolite probably constituted part of the fore-arc mantle wedge directly above an intra-oceanic subduction zone, whereas the metamorphic sole represents material progressively transferred and accreted to the base of the ophiolite from the downgoing oceanic plate during subduction. Since late-stage pre-obduction dike swarms transect the metamorphic sole, a probable subduction plane, melt generation must have occurred below the Wadati-Benioff Zone and not in the overlying mantle wedge. A probable source of parental liquids for the dikes may therefore be a subducting Neo-Tethyan spreading center.
Pulmonary Practice Profiles: Results of a Practice Performance Survey

Objectives: Physician productivity, practice expense, resource allocation, facilities, staff, and malpractice are variables in medical practice profitability. The ongoing challenge of collecting reliable and consistent data created an opportunity in 2001 for the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) Practice Administration Network (PAN) to develop a practice-based survey that measured the variables most related to the bottom line. Methods: The PAN designed a comprehensive practice survey in 2001 that has been distributed to > 2,000 ACCP members each year. The specialty-specific survey differed from those offered in the market, as its aim was to capture information about pulmonary, critical care, and sleep practices. The single-answer survey included practice expense categories and those related to accounts receivable management. An on-line survey vendor (www.surveymonkey.com) was selected as the platform based on broad functionality and a flexible architecture. Results: The survey was conducted each June for 5 consecutive years. In 2001, survey respondents represented 68 pulmonary physicians. By 2005, 229 practices responded representing 774 individual physicians. Participants included members of ACCP Leadership, ACCP Committees, and related networks, and past survey participants. The data are presented in graphic format as a percentage of total respondents. Conclusion: The survey offered participants a mechanism to contrast and compare specialty-based trends in practice expense, staffing levels, clinical services, malpractice cost, facilities utilization, and financial management strategies of "better performing" practices. It has served as the groundwork for related Practice Management Committee and Practice Management Department initiatives. The ACCP anticipates future survey collaboration with the Medical Group Management Association.
Pregabalin: An antiepileptic agent useful for neuropathic pain

Purpose. The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, and dosage and administration of pregabalin are reviewed. Summary. Pregabalin is the first drug to receive approved labeling from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia and is the first antiepileptic agent to receive FDA-approved labeling since 1999. Pregabalin is the pharmacologically active S -enantiomer of racemic 3-isobutyl γ-aminobutyric acid. Pregabalin has demonstrated efficacy in the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and as adjunctive therapy for adult patients with partial onset seizures. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Pregabalin is rapidly absorbed and exhibits linear pharmacokinetics after oral administration. The lack of hepatic metabolism and lack of interaction with cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes explain the absence of drug interactions with pregabalin. Several clinical studies have demonstrated pregabalin’s efficacy for each of the FDA-approved indications, with dizziness and somnolence reported as the most common adverse events. Pregabalin has been designated as a Schedule V controlled substance because of its potential for abuse and dependence. The starting dosage for patients with neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy is 50 mg three times daily and may be increased to 300 mg daily within one week based on efficacy and tolerability. The starting dosage for patients with partial-onset seizures is 75 mg twice daily or 50 mg three times daily and may be increased to 600 mg daily based on individual response and tolerability. Conclusion. Pregabalin may be beneficial for the treatment of neuropathic pain or partial-onset seizures in patients who do not respond to conventional treatments or cannot tolerate their adverse effects.
Preterm birth, cerebral palsy and magnesium.

Magnesium sulfate administered to pregnant mothers may reduce the risk of cerebral palsy in very preterm infants.
Tooth loss patterns in older adults with special needs: a Minnesota cohort

This study was conducted to detail tooth loss patterns in older adults with special needs. A total of 491 elderly subjects with special needs were retrospectively selected and followed during 10/1999-12/2006. Medical, dental, cognitive, and functional assessments were abstracted from dental records and used to predict risk of tooth loss. Tooth loss events were recorded for subjects during follow-up. Chi-squared tests were used to study the association between tooth loss and the selected risk factors. Logistic, poisson, and negative binomial regressions were developed to study tooth loss patterns. Overall, 27% of the subjects lost at least one tooth during follow-up. Fourteen subjects had tooth loss events per 100 person-years. Tooth loss pattern did not differ significantly among different special-needs subgroups (i.e. community-dwelling vs. long-term care, physically disabled vs. functionally independent). Special-needs subjects with three or more active dental conditions at arrival had more than twice the risk of losing teeth than those without any existing conditions. After adjusting other factors, the number of carious teeth or retained roots at arrival was a significant predictor of tooth loss for older adults with special needs (P = 0.001). These findings indicate that appropriately managing active caries and associated conditions is important to prevent tooth loss for older adults with special needs.
Analysis of degenerate four-wave mixing spectra of NO in a CH4/N2/O2 flame

/N2/O2 flame to spectral simulations based on a two-level theory for stationary, saturable absorbers by Abrams et al. Temperatures determined from least-squares fits of simulations to experimental spectra in the A2Σ+?X2Π+(0,0) band are compared to temperatures obtained from OH absorption spectroscopy and a radiation-corrected thermocouple. We find that DFWM rotational temperatures derived from Q-branch spectra agree with thermocouple and are independent of pump laser intensity for low to moderate saturation (I≈Isat). However, the temperatures are systematically low and depend on pump intensity if the analysis neglects saturation effects. We demonstrate a method for obtaining an effective pump saturation intensity for use with the two-level model. This approach for analyzing saturated DFWM line intensities differs from previous work in that the use of the theory of Abrams et al. rather than a transition-dipole-moment power law allows treatment of a much wider range of saturation. Based on the observed signal-to-noise ratio an NO detection sensitivity of 25 ppm is projected, limited by a DFWM background interference specific to hydrocarbon flames.
pH effects on light dependence of the stoichiometry of proton influx and efflux to electron transport in spinach chloroplasts

Initial and steady state rates of proton transport at low light intensity have been measured and compared with steady state rates of electron transport in the pH range of 6.0–7.6 in envelope-free spinach chloroplasts. At pH 6–7, the H+/e- values computed using the initial rate of proton transport varied with light intensity, from a value of 2 at low light to almost 5 at high light. In contrast, the H+/e- values computed using the steady state rate of proton transport did not show a dependence on light intensity, having a constant value of 1.7±0.2. Likewise, at pH 7.6, the H+/e- ratio, computed using either the initial or steady state rates of proton transport did not vary with light intensity but was constant at H+/e-=1.7±0.1. Analysis of the light dependence of electron and proton transport allowed determination of (a) the quantam requirements of transport, (b) the rates of transport at light saturation, and (c) H+/e- ratios for initial and steady state proton transport. Extrapolating the initial proton transport to zero light, we found that both H+/photon and H+/e- values were not strongly dependent on pH, approaching a near constant value of 2.0. Using the initial rate of proton transport extrapolated to saturating light intensity we found the H+/e- ratio to be strongly pH-dependent. We suggest that internal pH controls electron transport at high light intensities. The true stoichiometry is reflected only in measurements taken at low light using the initial proton transport data. Our findings and interpretation reconcile some conflicting data in the literature regarding the pH-dependence of the H+/e- ratio and support the concept that internal pH controls noncyclic electron transport.
Crystalline and Solution Phases in N,N,N‘,N‘,N‘ ‘-Pentamethyldiethylenetriamine with LiCF3SO3 and NaCF3SO3

Linear poly(N-methylethylenimine), LPMEI, a methylated derivative of linear poly(ethylenimine), shows potential as a polymer electrolyte host. The interactions of LPMEI with lithium and sodium cations are modeled by solutions of N,N,N‘,N‘,N‘ ‘-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, PMDETA, containing either dissolved LiCF3SO3 (LiTf) or NaCF3SO3 (NaTf). During these studies, crystalline compounds were discovered and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (IR), and Raman spectroscopy. Crystals of the NaTf complex, (PMDETA)NaTf, were of sufficient size to allow a structure determination by X-ray diffraction. The (PMDETA)NaTf crystallizes as two dimers with different symmetries in a monoclinic unit cell in the P21/c space group. A spectroscopic comparison of PMDETA, the crystalline complex PMDETA−LiTf, crystalline (PMDETA)NaTf, and their corresponding salt solutions over a composition range of 1.7:1 to 6.7:1 (PMDETA:MTf molar ratio, M = Li+, Na+) was carried out wi...
Relaxation of rabbit ventricular muscle by Na-Ca exchange and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump. Ryanodine and voltage sensitivity.

We studied relaxation during rapid rewarming of rabbit ventricular muscles that had been activated by rapid cooling. Rewarming from 1 degree to 30 degrees C (in less than 0.5 second) activates mechanisms that contribute to the reduction of intracellular calcium concentration and thus relaxation (e.g., sarcoplasmic reticulum [SR] calcium pump and sarcolemmal Na-Ca exchange and calcium pump). Rapid rewarming in normal Tyrode's solution induces relaxation with a half-time (t1/2) of 217 +/- 14 msec (mean +/- SEM). During cold exposure, changing the superfusate to a sodium-free, calcium-free medium with 2 mM CoCl2 (to eliminate Na-Ca exchange) slightly slows relaxation upon rewarming in the same medium (t1/2 = 279 +/- 44 msec). Addition of 10 mM caffeine (which prevents SR calcium sequestration) to normal Tyrode's solution during cold superfusion slows relaxation somewhat more (t1/2 = 376 +/- 31 msec) than sodium-free, calcium-free solution. However, if both interventions are combined (sodium-free + caffeine) during the cold exposure and rewarming, the relaxation is greatly slowed (t1/2 = 2,580 +/- 810 msec). These results suggest that either the SR calcium pump or, to a lesser extent, sarcolemmal Na-Ca exchange can produce rapid relaxation, but if both systems are blocked, relaxation is very slow. If muscles are equilibrated with 500 nM ryanodine before cooling, relaxation upon rewarming is not greatly slowed (t1/2 = 266 +/- 37 msec) even if sodium-free, calcium-free solution is applied during the cold and rewarming phases (t1/2 = 305 +/- 66 msec). This result suggests that ryanodine does not prevent the SR from accumulating calcium to induce relaxation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The structure of the 4-separations in 4-connected matroids

For a 2-connected matroid M, Cunningham and Edmonds gave a tree decomposition that displays all of its 2-separations. When M is 3-connected, two 3-separations are equivalent if one can be obtained from the other by passing through a sequence of 3-separations each of which is obtained from its predecessor by moving a single element from one side of the 3-separation to the other. Oxley, Semple, and Whittle gave a tree decomposition that displays, up to this equivalence, all non-trivial 3-separations of M. Now let M be 4-connected. In this paper, we define two 4-separations of M to be 2-equivalent if one can be obtained from the other by passing through a sequence of 4-separations each obtained from its predecessor by moving at most two elements from one side of the 4-separation to the other. The main result of the paper proves that M has a tree decomposition that displays, up to 2-equivalence, all non-trivial 4-separations of M.
Observations on the urinary amino acid excretion in man; the influence of age and diet.

Abstract Using the Dowex 50 column chromatographic technique of Moore and Stein, studies have been made of free amino acid excretion in 12 infants and two older children in order to evaluate the influence of age and of diet. Consideration has been given to various stand ards of reference for evaluating amino acid excretion, and it is concluded that it is best expressed in terms of creatinine excretion. In terms of creatinine excretion it was found that premature infants excrete roughly ten times as much free amino acid as do subjects ten or more years old, and that full-term infants excrete roughly three times as much as the older subjects. Our data on 10-year-olds reveal values virtually identical with those reported for adults. The pattern of individual amino acid excretion was found to differ in early life from that seen in older children and adults. A number of amino acids are present in greater amount and several are found only at that time of life. Hydroxyproline has been identified in the urine of premature and newborn infants. An unidentified ninhydrin reactant, designated as peak No. 9 is described which has not been observed in subjects more than 5 months old. The anomalous behavior of taurine is described, being present in large quantities in the neonatal period, virtually disappearing thereafter, and reappearing again in quantity by the tenth year. Certain late effects of prematurity are described. The effects of diet on amino aciduria are considered, the indications being that the amino acid output in the urine is influenced to some extent by the diet. Comparisons were made of free amino aciduria on a diet of whole protein (milk) and on a synthetic diet supplying nitrogen as a mixture of natural amino acids. Certain differences were encountered the significance of which is discussed. The disappearance of peak No. 9 on the amino acid diet was particularly striking. Some preliminary attempts to identify it are reported.
Mr and the pathogenesis of musculoskeletal disease

NMR imaging has become an important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of musculoskeletal disease. However, its ability to evaluate pathogenic mechanisms of disease may eventually have even a greater impact on patient care. NMR imaging has significantly affected our understanding of the clinical significance of meniscal tears and appropriate patient management. It has also extended our understanding of the prevalence and importance of X-ray and arthroscopically occult bone, tendon, and ligament injuries. By knowing the pathogenic mechanisms of disease, we can more reliably diagnose and treat pathology. In particular, many horizontal degenerative tears in older patients may be asymptomatic and are best left in place. Many acute tears may be best treated with immediate meniscal repair. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can reliably differentiate these tear types with noninvasive imaging. The ability of MR to detect bone injuries may lead to aggressive early non-weight-bearing therapy on injured bone, thereby preserving the subchondral bone from collapse and the joint from secondary osteoarthrosis. The ability of MRIs to detect and stage degenerative tendonosis of tendons and ligaments, such as the rotator cuff, may lead to arthroscopic decompression or debridement which provides symptomatic relief and may preserve and protect the intact cuff.
Some Effects of Altitude on Thyroid Function

Experiments have been performed to assess the effects of altitude on thyroid function and thyroxine (T4) metabolism. Sprague—Dawley rats were exposed in a hypobaric chamber to a reduced atmospheric pressure equivalent to an altitude of 18,000 feet, for either 3 or 30 days. Thyroid function was determined by measuring the rate of uptake of iodine (127I) by the gland with a double isotope technique, the concentration of T4 in the gland, and the rate of secretion of 125I from the gland prelabeled with the isotope. Peripheral turnover of T4 was measured in animals equilibrated with 131I—T4 by administration of a daily dose of known specific activity; thyroidal accumulation of 131I was prevented with KC104. The results indicate that the activity of the thyroid gland was greatly decreased in both groups of exposed rats; decreases in the rate of uptake of iodine by the gland, the concentration of T4 in the gland and the rate of secretion of iodine by the gland were observed. The rate of deiodination was greatly ...
A computational algorithm for sequential estimation

Modular component computational algorithm for sequential least squares estimation /filtering/ with process noise for straightforward computer code conversion
Cognitive mapping from 3-D laser scans for use by humans and robots for localization and navigation

In order to localize and navigate through an environment a mobile robot must have some idea of the layout of the environment. One useful method for storing relative information about an environment is through a process known as cognitive mapping. This paper outlines a method for collecting 3-D information from an environment, identifying landmarks, generating a cognitive map, and presenting the cognitive map to a human user for labeling. Once a cognitive map is generated the robot is able to localize and navigate within an environment. Once landmarks in the cognitive map are labeled, the robot is able to organize the cognitive map and present it to a human user who can use the map for their own navigation and localization.
Predator-prey relationships in the southeastern Ozarks–A.D. 1300

Archeological findings provide the basis for analyzing the exploitation of deer by Powers Phase Indian hunters in the southeastern Ozarks circaA.D. 1300. Predatory patterns of wolves have been documented. It is hypothesized that men and wolves were complementary, noncompetitive predators and that their predation functioned to keep the deer population within the carrying capacity of the southeastern Ozarks. A model is developed to illustrate the predator-prey relationships in the area.
Radial MRI techniques for obtaining motion-insensitive high-resolution images with variable contrast

The advantages of multi-shot radial fast spin-echo (RAD-FSE) MRI methods over conventional Fourier transformed (FT) MRI methods for obtaining high-resolution images with minimal motion- and flow-induced artifact are presented. The utility of post-processing methods used to obtain images with different T2-weighted contrast as well as T2 maps from a single radial set is also described. Applications are shown for three areas of clinical relevance, where motion precludes the use of conventional FT MRI methods to obtain high-resolution images. Results are shown for Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI), and are compared to standard single-shot echo planar imaging (SSEPI). Results from cardiac imaging are presented and compared to conventional 2DFT-FSE methods. Results from RAD-FSE in abdominal imaging are also compared to single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE) and conventional 2DFT-FSE methods. The advantages of generating multiple T2-weighted images as well as T2 maps from a single radial set are demonstrated for body imaging.
A note on yearling horse ingestive and agonistic behaviours in three concentrate feeding systems

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare behaviours of yearling horses fed concentrates under each of three management systems. Over two consecutive years, 16 yearling horses ( n =8/year; 4 fillies, 4 geldings, full siblings between years) were observed over a 60-day trial period/year at 15:30h each day. The experimental design consisted of three factors (sex, feeder type, and year); repeated measures on feeder type: tire feeders (control system), individual tub feeders, and manger feeders. Frequency of agonistic interaction was affected by feeder type and sex. Fillies performed more than three times the total number of agonistic behaviours per feeding session as geldings. In both years, horses spent the most time eating and had the fewest agonistic interactions when fed in tire feeders.
Unmet Health and Mental Health Need Among Adolescents: The Roles of Sexual Minority Status and Child–Parent Connectedness

Using a representative national sample from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) survey (N = 18,924), this article explores sexual minority status (SMS) and child-parent connectedness in relation to the unmet needs for health or mental health care among adolescents. Through the use of logistic regression models, data were analyzed to determine whether SMS and child-parent connectedness predict unmet health and mental health need. In addition, models tested whether child-parent connectedness, sex or gender, and race or ethnicity interact with SMS to predict unmet need. Results show that both SMS and child-parent connectedness predict unmet health and mental health need. Being a sexual minority youth (SMY) significantly increases the odds of having an unmet need for health or mental health care; female SMY have the highest odds of an unmet mental health need. Child-parent connectedness is a predictor of unmet need regardless of SMS. Youth with lower levels of child-parent connectedness have significantly higher odds of an unmet health or mental health need. Findings call for service providers to address the unmet needs of SMY both in terms of outreach to youth and parents and to communicate the importance of the parental role in helping teens access care.
Variance in American kinship: implications for cultural analysis

The question of variance in American kinship provides a rich basis for a discussion of several critical conceptual, theoretical, and methodological Issues embedded in the cultural analysis of kinship or any other cultural domain. The paper begins with an examination of the extent to which David Schneider's cultural account of American kinship represents and explicates the symbolic system of second-generation Japanese-Americans. This leads to the major theoretical problem: the way in which we formulate heuristic levels of analysis and construe their interrelationships. An explication of the theoretical consequences of Schneider's scheme of the behavioral, normative, and cultural systems and his articulation of the “pure” and “conglomerate” levels of the cultural system compels us to reassess the goals of cultural analysis and suggests the kind of theory of meaning and action that will prove most instructive in such an endeavor.
Eukaryotic transcriptional control

Some 30 years ago, following the elucidation of transcriptional control in prokaryotes, attention turned to the corresponding problem in eukaryotes: how are so many genes transcribed in a cell-type-specific, developmentally regulated manner? The answer has been found in two modes of regulation, one involving chromatin and the other the chief transcribing enzyme, RNA polymerase II. Although basic features of the prokaryotic mechanism have been preserved, the demands of eukaryotic transcription control are met by a huge increase in complexity and by the addition of new layers to the transcription apparatus. Discovering the components of this apparatus has been a major theme of research over the past three decades; unravelling the mechanisms is a challenge for the future.
Jovian electron transport to the polar heliosphere: An analogy to magnetospheric recirculation

The theory of magnetospheric recirculation for cyclic electron energization and transport may apply in part to heliospheric transport of jovian electrons if enhanced cross‐IMF propagation occurs at heliospheric altitudes near and below the solar wind transition region. Low altitude, ecliptic‐to‐polar transport would short‐circuit conventional interplanetary diffusion, facilitate rapid access to the polar heliosphere with minimal adiabatic energy losses, and provide a seed population for acceleration to 102−3 MeV energies at the solar wind termination shock and in the heliomagnetotail.
Quantity, Quality, and Satisfaction With Mentoring: What Matters Most?

According to Kram’s mentor role theory, satisfaction with mentoring and mentorship quality are key indicators of effective and successful mentoring. We contribute to mentoring research by demonstrating the relative importance of mentorship quantity, mentorship quality, and satisfaction with mentoring to the prediction of job satisfaction, affective commitment, and turnover intentions. Survey data from 472 faculty members revealed the importance of that satisfaction with mentoring in that it mediated the effect of mentorship quality on job satisfaction and turnover intentions, and it explained variance in three job attitudes above and beyond mentorship quantity and quality. Implications for organizational mentoring are discussed.
Mitochondrial dysfunction in epilepsy.

Epilepsy is the most common neurologic disorder worldwide and is characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. The mitochondrial (mt) respiratory chain is the final common pathway for cellular energy production through the process of oxidative phosphorylation. As neurons are terminally differentiated cells that lack significant regenerative capacity and have a high energy demand, they are more vulnerable to mt dysfunction. Therefore, epileptic seizures have been well described in several diseases such as mt encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes and myoclonic epilepsy and ragged red fibers, which are caused by gene mutations in mtDNA, among others. Mutations in nuclear DNA regulating mt function are also being described (eg, POLG gene mutation). The role of mitochondria (mt) in acquired epilepsies, which account for about 60% of all epilepsies, is equally important but less well understood. Oxidative stress is one of the possible mechanisms in the pathogenesis of epilepsy resulting from mt dysfunction gradually disrupting the intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis, which modulates neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, making neurons more vulnerable to additional stress, and leading to energy failure and neuronal loss in epilepsy. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) also affect mt function in several ways. There must be caution when treating epilepsy in patients with known mt disorders as some AEDs are toxic to the mt. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the effect of mt disorders on epilepsy, of epileptic seizures on mt, and of AEDs on mt function and the implications of all these interactions for the management of epilepsy in patients with or without mt disease.
A selective-broadcast passive star coupler for self-routing dense wavelength division multiplexed optical networks

The authors describe a technique for design and implementation of a selective-broadcast passive optical star coupler, that uses a space-varying refractive-index slab. A network traffic routing matrix can be incorporated in the design fabric of this bandwidth-selective coupler. The matrix may resemble any desired physical cross connection for routing user traffic. As an example, the authors show how a perfect shuffle network connectivity can be built into the fabric of a passive star coupler. A wave-mixing method is proposed to configure such a coupler. With this implementation, the authors have realized the physical connectivity appropriate for any desired routing matrix in dense wavelength division multiplexed optical star network applications. >
Role of amiodarone or implantable cardioverter/defibrillator in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure

Background Heart failure complicated by atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with excessive mortality and morbidity. The aim of the study was to determine the role of amiodarone or implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) in patients with AF and heart failure. Methods Patients were determined to be in sinus rhythm (SR) or AF on the baseline electrocardiogram. Mortality, ICD discharge, or change in rhythm was assessed. Results Of the 2521 patients at baseline, 2328 were in SR and 173 were in AF. Overall, after adjusting for differences in baseline variables, there was no difference in mortality between patients with SR and patients with AF ( P = .98), nor within assigned groups: placebo (P) ( P = .82), amiodarone (A) ( P = .68), and ICD ( P = .40). For patients with SR, ICD decreased mortality (P vs ICD, P = .004; A vs ICD, P = .004; P vs A, P = .75). For patients with AF, there were no differences in mortality among groups (P vs ICD, P = .99; A vs ICD, P = .88; P vs A, P = .88). Of patients with SR at baseline, 11% (264) developed AF by any electrocardiogram during follow-up (P 12%, A 8%, ICD 15%; A vs P, P = .019; A vs ICD, P = .001; P vs ICD, P = .044). Of patients with AF, 70% (121) developed SR during follow-up (P 66%, A 67%, ICD 75%, all P = not significant against each other). Any ICD shock was seen in 52% (34) of patients with AF vs 30% (222) of patients with SR ( P = .001). Inappropriate shocks were seen in 37% (24) of patients with AF vs 14% (107) of patients with SR ( P = .001). Appropriate shocks were more often seen in AF vs SR ( P = .03). Conclusion After adjustments for baseline differences, patients with AF and patients with SR have similar overall mortality rates. Compared to P or A, ICD improves survival in patients with SR, but may not in patients with AF. Amiodarone is effective in reducing new AF, but not in converting AF to SR. Implantable cardioverter/defibrillator, inappropriate, and appropriate shocks were more often seen in AF than in SR.
A Comparative Study of Theophylline Preparations: Digestive Absorption*

Six theophylline preparations have been tested for their absorption from the gastrointestinal tracts of animals as reflected by blood theophylline levels. These values were obtained first from the stomach, and then from the remainder of the gastrointestinal tract. The results showed satisfactory absorption with all medications, and the wide variation inherent in oral preparations. No real superiority was evident in the six preparations when the available theophylline was the same in each drug.
A service scheduler in a trustworthy system

The aim of the research is to investigate techniques that support efficient service scheduling algorithms in a service-oriented fault-tolerant real-time distributed system. Techniques we developed include deadline-based real-time scheduling, priority-based scheduling, and redundant resource allocation for fault-tolerance. The system model and scheduling algorithms are designed, and a prototype is implemented to facilitate the investigation and experimentation.
Flavonoids Protect Against Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Induction by Benzo[a]pyrene

Dietary changes are an attractive means of protecting against environmental chemical exposure. Exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease events. It has recently been shown that B[a]P can increase intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in endothelial cells, a possible means of promoting cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the ability of flavonoids to protect against B[a]P-induced ICAM-1. It was shown that only flavonoids that contain a 4′ B-ring hydroxyl substitution and a 2–3 C-ring double bond were protective. These data suggest that selected bioactive compounds can decrease proinflammatory properties of environmental chemicals such as B[a]P.
Using numerical methods to find the least favorable configuration when comparing k test treatments with both positive and negative controls

Traditionally, comparisons to control problems dealt with comparing k test treatments to either a positive control or a negative control. However, in certain situations, it is necessary to include both types of control in the study. When comparing k test treatments to both positive and negative controls, the null hypothesis is composite and finding the least favorable configuration (LFC) under the null analytically is difficult. We propose a numerical solution for this problem. Using our method, we show that the LFC under the null is when half of the test treatment means are equal to the mean of the negative control and the other half of the test treatment means are equal to the mean of the positive control. We calculate critical points at the LFC for k=2–6. This work was motivated by real life problems that we discuss and illustrate with an example.
Feature extraction and classification using a hierarchical neural network topology

Summary form only given as follows. The current trend in pattern recognition of objects of interest in an image is to use templating techniques via matched filters. The authors explore the use of a hierarchical neural network utilizing Gabor functions for feature extraction and feedforward networks for classification. The proposed combination of Gabor functions and feedforward neural networks in a hierarchical system is shown to be a viable concept for pattern recognition. >
Susceptibility of Blissus insularis (Heteroptera: Hemiptera: Blissidae) Populations in Florida to Bifenthrin and Permethrin

The southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis Barber, is a serious insect pest of St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum [Walt.] Kuntze). Control for B. insularis is mainly achieved through insecticides. This pest has developed resistance to several insecticide classes because of near-constant exposure. The goals of this study were to sample select B. insularis populations in Florida to describe their susceptibility to bifenthrin, document new locations of bifenthrin resistance, and evaluate another pyrethroid, permethrin. Lethal concentration ratios (at the LC50) from B. insularis populations collected in 2006 and 2008 showed a 45-4,099-fold resistance to bifenthrin in Citrus, Escambia, Flagler, Hillsborough, Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Volusia counties. One population in Orange County demonstrated a 212-fold resistance to permethrin. There was a positive relationship between the number of insecticide applications made in 2006 and increasing insecticide resistance. This study documents the first case of insecticide resistance in the Florida Panhandle and the first report of B. insularis resistance to permethrin. Observations made during this study and possible causes for the development of insecticide resistance in B. insularis in Florida are discussed.
A Reinterpretation of the ESR Spectrum Attributed to a Non‐degenerate State of the Benzene Radical Anion

Kohnlein, Boddeker, and Schindewolf[lJ recently reported a fifteen-line ESR spectrum which they attributed to the benzene anion confined in the symmetrical (Ezu) state[21 of the degenerate ground state of the benzene anion. They reported a large triplet (1:2:1) hyperfine splitting of 6.5 G and a smaller quintet (1:4:6:4:1) splitting of 1.7 G. Indeed these hyperfine splittings are close to those expected for a benzene anion confined to the symmetrical state. On reinvestigation of this system (C6H6in THF/DME[ll), we find that each line of the original fifteen-line spectrum splits into at least twelve components; this finding clearly demonstrates that the spectrum does not arise from any form of the benzene radical anion. The ESR spectra were recorded on a modified Varian V 4502 spectrometer; a sample of N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine in methanol was used for field calibration [31 . The solvent (Mallenckradt Chromatographic spectro grade) was purified by distillation from CaH2 and subsequent vacuum distillation from LiAlH4 into a solvent vessel containing sodium and an involatile aromatic hydrocarbon such as perylene; the benzene (Coleman, Matheson and Bell "spectrograde") was used as received. At -60 "C a "normal" 7-line benzene anion spectrum 141 was obtained. As the temperature was raised, the spectrum broadened and all but disappeared at 0 OC. At 20 O C a triplet structure began to appear which then resolved into three quintets. However, on reducing the microwave power below 1 milliwatt and using a very low modulation amplitude, each of the fifteen lines resolved into a t least twelve components. We have been able to analyze this substructure as arising from a doublet (one proton), a triplet (2 protons), and a quintet (4 protons).
Perturbation theory of a many-fermion system: (I). Single-particle energies and the factorization problem

Abstract Methods are developed in the time-dependent perturbation theory of a ground state, many-fermion system for the study of the self-energy and factorization problems. The diagrammatic, time-dependent perturbation series is rearranged so that all the self-energy structures are contained in a single function which has the role of a line-weighting factor. These line-weighting factors are related to the single-particle occupation probabilities and are determined by the choice of the model single-particle potential. A systematic procedure is developed for choosing a model single-particle potential which satisfies the principle of maximal cancellation of perturbation diagrams. The model single-particle energies resulting from this choice of the model single-particle potential are shown to satisfy Landau's theory of a normal fermi liquid. This choice is compared with, and is found to differ from, the usual choice based on the “generalizedtime-ordering procedure” in the time-independent Goldstone series.
Introduction: Evaluation and development

Over the past two decades, development priorities have been fundamentally reshaped. Evaluation has contributed to this redesign and a remarkable consensus has emerged among development practitioners. In turn, the new directions of development policy have created fresh challenges for evaluation.
Can Abundant Summer Precipitation Counter Losses in Herbage Production Caused by Spring Drought

Drought is an inherent trait of most rangelands and sound management necessitates managers address two fundamental questions when facing a drought situation. The first question is, ‘‘what is the probability that a useful amount of precipitation will be received over the period of concern?’’ and the second question is, ‘‘if it does rain, what will the impact be in terms of quantity and quality of herbage produced?’’ The objective of this study was to address the second question. Our hypothesis was that herbage growth response to above normal summer precipitation (i.e., 23 in July and August) would be limited in the northern Great Plains because of a general absence of productive warm-season species. Study plots were twelve 5 3 10-m nonweighing lysimeters. Treatments were: 1) simulated (i.e., rainout shelter imposed), severe spring drought (i.e., 1 May ‐ 1 July) followed by ambient precipitation thereafter; 2) simulated, severe spring drought followed by ambient precipitation thereafter plus summer irrigation (i.e., July and August); 3) ambient precipitation only; and 4) ambient precipitation plus summer irrigation. Results indicated substantial herbage production can be expected in this region during summer when precipitation is well above average because of the positive growth response of blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis [H.B.K.] Lag. ex Griffiths), the dominant warm-season grass growing in this region. However, results also showed that level of production in the study situation (i.e., spring drought, wet summer) was only about 50% of that attained in a normal (i.e., wet spring/dry summer) year. Moreover, long-term weather data shows the probability of receiving 23 normal precipitation in both July and August (i.e., our irrigation treatments) is , 1%. Thus, although these rangelands possess the capacity to respond favorably to summer precipitation, the low probability of receiving substantial levels of summer precipitation ensures levels of ecological and economic risk remain high.
A model for operator endpoint stiffness prediction during physical human-robot interaction

Physical contact established during interaction between a human operator and a haptic device creates a coupled system with stability and performance characteristics different than its individual subsystems taken in isolation. Proper incorporation of operator dynamics in physical human-robot interaction (pHRI) conditions requires knowledge of system variables and parameters, some of which are not directly measurable. Operator endpoint impedance, for instance, cannot be directly measured in typical haptic control conditions. Several endpoint impedance estimation techniques have been explored in previous literature, based on measured kinematics and/or other correlated metrics. Arm muscle activity, measured through surface electromyography (sEMG), has been used in previous literature to estimate endpoint stiffness, which is the static component of impedance. Co-activation (co-contraction) of antagonistic arm muscles forming a pair around a joint is known to be the driving factor in modulation of endpoint stiffness. However, previous work employing muscle co-contraction to predict endpoint stiffness has mainly been absent, due in part to the inefficacy of operator models to incorporate muscle co-activation into the prediction scheme.The current study proposes a method for prediction of operator endpoint stiffness based on measured co-contraction levels of a select group of muscles. The proposed methodology incorporates an upper extremity musculoskeletal model that accounts for muscle redundancy and the role of muscle co-contraction on arm stiffness modulation. The study hypothesizes that a free parameter, currently known in the literature to represent the nullspace of the mapping between muscle forces and joint torques, is a random variable of which probability density function can be estimated. Changes in this parameter directly affect changes in operator endpoint stiffness.Ten healthy subjects were asked to resist perturbations induced by a one degree of freedom (DOF) haptic paddle device while measurements, including muscle activities of four arm muscles, were being carried out. Direct derivation of stiffness values at the endpoint was compared to simulated endpoint stiffness values obtained using the proposed predictive methodology.Ten out of forty prediction trials resulted in a statistically significant correlation between predicted and actual stiffness values. Impressive stiffness prediction results, with over 99% peak accuracy in value, were found in only one trial using a combination of the proposed method along with a standard static optimization method for muscle force computation. Though the possibility of using a probabilistic approach to stiffness prediction was shown, robustness and generalizability of the proposed approach to multi-DOF systems remain to be addressed.