cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A reinforcement depletion urn problem—II. Application and generalization

The urn model discussed in part is generalized so that the random depletion of balls from the urn in any cycle is not necessarily the same as the reinforcement in that cycle. This model is applied to an urn containing balls of three colors (white, red, black) for which the black balls always receive reinforcements, whereas there is only one cycle in which red balls are added. Experimental data are considered in which red balls correspond to radioactive iodine atoms, black balls to stable iodine atoms and white balls to empty space, all relating to the thyroid gland. Half-life periods for the radioactive iodine in relation to the time of uptake (ten years, fifteen years, etc.) are considered.
Modality memory and frequency of occurrence memory for young and middle-aged adults.

Abstract Young and middle-aged subjects, matched for scores on a figural relations test, did not differ in memory for either word content or the case format in which study list words had been presented, suggesting that age deficits for modality memory are restricted to late adulthood. Scores on the figural relations test, as a measure of fluid intelligence, correlated positively with case recognition scores, but significantly so only for the young subjects. In addition, case recognition memory was more proficient under intentional conditions than under incidental conditions for both age groups, implying that case encoding is a cognitively effortful activity. In agreement with this position, case recognition scores showed an absence of correlation with scores on a frequency judgment task, a task commonly assumed to involve an automatic encoding process.
Two-dimensional stimulated Raman scattering of short laser pulses

The evolution of the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) instability in time and two spatial dimensions is studied analytically for initial and boundary conditions representative of a laser pulse convecting into fresh plasma. For most scattering angles, SRS saturates due to the lateral convection of the Stokes wave. The steady-state amplitude profiles of the Stokes and Langmuir waves are highly two dimensional.
Effect of a cyclic hexapeptide analog (L363, 586) of somatostatin on the function of pancreas grafts in dogs

Complications related to the exocrine secretions cause some pancreas grafts to fail in the early postoperative period. Somatostatin inhibits exocrine secretion, as well as insulin and glucagon release. L363,586 is a cyclic hexapeptide analog of somatostatin that is 50 to 100 times more potent than the native hormone in inhibiting islet hormone release. In a preliminary experiment in which permanent fistulas were created in two dogs, we demonstrated that L363,586 (0.3 micrograms/kg/60 min) results in a fourfold decrease in pancreatic exocrine secretion when measured for 210 min following a beef meal. In a separate experiment, five totally pancreatectomized dogs who received segmental pancreas autografts with pancreaticoductocystostomy 10 months previously had L363,586 (0.3 micrograms/kg/hr) administered by the Alzet osmotic pump subcutaneously for 7 days. Mean (+/-SE) daily serum amylase activity (IU/dl) during the week before the implant was 78 +/- 3, during the week of infusion was 65 +/- 2 (P less than 0.001), and during the week afterward was 76 +/- 2. In a prospective experiment, 12 totally pancreatectomized dogs received segmental pancreas autografts with anastomosis of the graft vessels to the iliac vessels and of the pancreatic duct to the bladder. L363,586 was administered by osmotic pump for 7 days to seven dogs at a dose of 0.3 micrograms/kg/hr. Mean (+/-SE) daily serum amylase levels at 1, 2, and 3 weeks posttransplant were 223 +/- 17, 81 +/- 3, and 82 +/- 5 in the L363,586-treated dogs and 229 +/- 18, 108 +/- 5, and 90 +/- 5 in the five untreated dogs (P less than 0.001 at 2 weeks).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Unique Isoform of Gα-interacting Protein (RGS-GAIP) Selectively Discriminates between Two Go-mediated Pathways That Inhibit Ca2+ Channels *

Abstract Regulators of G-proteinsignaling (RGS) proteins constitute a large family of GTPase-activating proteins for heterotrimeric G proteins. More than 20 RGS genes have been identified in mammals. One of these, theGα-interacting protein (GAIP), preferentially interacts with members of the Gi/Go subfamily of G proteins in mammalian cells, but its selectivity among members of this subfamilyin vitro is limited. Here we report the cloning and functional characterization of a unique cDNA isoform of GAIP, derived from embryonic chicken dorsal root ganglion neurons. Chick GAIP is composed of 199 amino acids, organized into a conserved RGS domain (85% identical to human GAIP), and a unique, short N terminus (only 41% identical, 50% homologous to known mammalian orthologues). Consistent with this unique primary structure, chick GAIP has physiological properties that distinguish it from mammalian GAIPs. We have explored the selectivity of chick GAIP in electrophysiological assays of two Go-mediated forms of Ca2+ channel inhibition produced by γ-aminobutyric acid in chick dorsal root ganglion neurons, voltage-independent inhibition (mediated by Goα) and voltage-dependent inhibition (mediated by Goβγ). Dialyzing recombinant chick GAIP in these cells selectively reduced voltage-independent inhibition without affecting voltage-dependent inhibition. Mammalian GAIP, tested under identical conditions in previous studies, demonstrated no selectivity between these two inhibitory processes; thus, our results suggest that the functional specificity of chick GAIP is likely to be determined by its unique N terminus.
Two-electron reduction of a vanadium(V) nitride by CO to release cyanate and open a coordination site.

We report herein that the terminal nitride complex Na[NV(N[t-Bu]Ar)3] (Na[1-VN], Ar = 3,5-Me2C6H3) reacts with CO over the course of 24 h to generate V(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (1-V) and sodium cyanate in an isolated yield of 77%. The reaction products were identified using a combination of NMR and IR spectroscopy, and cyanate formation was further confirmed by performing a 13C labeling experiment. In addition, we report on the synthesis and structural characterization of the isocyanate complex (OCN)V(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (1-V(NCO)) to compare its redox chemistry with that of (OCN)Nb(N[t-Bu]Ar)3 (1-Nb(NCO)). Electrochemical studies of 1-Nb(NCO) and 1-V(NCO) revealed large differences in the M5+/M4+ and M4+/M3+ reduction potentials. Complex 1-V(NCO) displays two redox events in the cyclic voltammogram: a quasireversible event −0.11 V vs Fc/Fc+ and a reversible event at −1.56 V vs Fc/Fc+. Complex 1-Nb(NCO) displays two redox events as well: a quasireversible event at −1.1 V and an irreversible event at −2.9 V vs Fc/Fc+.
Inhibition of farnesyl transferases from malignant and non-malignant cultured human lymphocytes by prenyl substrate analogues.

Abstract Cytosolic prenyl transferases from two human lymphoid tissue-derived cell lines, IM-9 and Molt-4 cells, are shown to isoprenylate recombinant p21 H-ras . Isoprenylation was inhibited by an N-acetylated pentapeptide (N-Ac-Lys-Cys-Val-Leu-Ser), c , t -farnesyl diphosphate, c , t , t -geranylgeranyl diphosphate, t , t , t -geranylgeranyl diphosphate and a photolabile farnesyl diphosphate analogue. c , t -Farnesyl and t , t , t -geranylgeranyl monophosphates were also effective inhibitors of the Molt-4 enzyme but not the IM-9 enzyme.
X-Ray Diffraction Analysis of Strain and Mosaic Structure in (001) Oriented Homoepitaxial Diamond Films

Homoepitaxial diamond films were grown on (001) oriented high pressure, high temperature type lb diamond by microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition to thicknesses of 27–48 urn. Substrates were polished off-axis 5.5° ±0.5° in the [100] direction prior to film deposition. Some of the diamond films developed tensile stress sufficiently large to result in cracking on {111} cleavage planes, while other films exhibited compressive stress. The strain and mosaic structure were measured with seven crystal x-ray diffraction. This characterization tool allowed the separation of misorientation effects from those of lattice parameter variation. Films exhibited smaller (-88 ppm) and larger (~27 ppm) perpendicular lattice parameters relative to the HPHT substrates. A cross-sectional approach for probing strain in diamond films with micro-Raman analysis was used to show stress distributions (~100-300 MPa) through the thickness of the film.
PET radiotracers: crossing the blood-brain barrier and surviving metabolism

Radiotracers for imaging protein targets in the living human brain with positron emission tomography (PET) are increasingly useful in clinical research and in drug development. Such radiotracers must fulfill many criteria, among which an ability to enter brain adequately and reversibly without contamination by troublesome radiometabolites is desirable for accurate measurement of the density of a target protein (e.g. neuroreceptor, transporter, enzyme or plaque). Candidate radiotracers can fail as a result of poor passive brain entry, rejection from brain by efflux transporters or undesirable metabolism. These issues are reviewed. Emerging PET radiotracers for measuring efflux transporter function and new strategies for ameliorating radiotracer metabolism are discussed. A growing understanding of the molecular features affecting the brain penetration, metabolism and efflux transporter sensitivity of prospective radiotracers should ultimately lead to their more rational and efficient design, and also to their greater efficacy.
Macrophage Glucocorticoid Receptors Join the Intercellular Dialogue in Atherosclerotic Lesion Calcification

Arterial calcification is one of the potential phenotypes of vascular remodeling and repair in atherosclerosis, diabetes, hyperphosphatemic renal failure, and aging.1–3 Calcification decreases arterial wall compliance.4 Furthermore, deposited crystalline apatite can activate macrophages, resulting in a proinflammatory phenotype. Consequently, arterial calcification localized to the intima is a potential biomarker of atherosclerosis and is linked to disease progression and cardiovascular mortality, whereas arterial calcification localized primarily to the tunica media promotes mortality in diabetes and renal failure.4 In addition, calcific stenosis of the aortic valve is a prevalent and highly significant public health problem, and shares such pathophysiological features as ectopic chondro-osseous differentiation in common with arterial calcification.5 See accompanying article on page 2158 In a study published in the current issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology , Preusch et al report the effects of lineage-specific deletion of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in bone marrow-donor macrophages on chondro-osseous differentiation and calcification in dietary-induced atherosclerotic lesions in lethally irradiated, bone marrow transplant recipient, LDLR knockout mice.6 Arterial calcification appears to be an active and organized multicellular process, which is switched on by chondro-osseous differentiation of a variety of progenitors in the artery wall, and regulated in part by systemic influences. Such influences include the effects of calciotropic hormones and of mineral nucleation promoters and inhibitors.1–4 In the intralesional intercellular dialogue that drives vascular calcification, potential progenitors of calcifying osteoblastic and chondrocytic cells include not only pericytes and resident and recruited vascular stem cells, but also nonterminally differentiated phenotypically plastic adventitial myofibroblasts and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Significantly, the latter may undergo chondro-osseous transdifferentiation.1–5,7–12 Intralesional mechanisms that drive chondro-osseous differentiation in arterial calcification include an excess of inducers of chondro-osseous …
Designing ERM Ontology to Evaluate Records Management System

Organizations seek to improve their records management (RM) system to have better efficiency and to meet legislative requirements. For achieving these two goals, evaluation of RM, which is normally done manually, is a necessity for every firm. In this paper, we design and evaluate an ontology that will help in evaluating RM systems. Building the ontology will be the first step in developing an ontology-based RM evaluation system. We argue that the proposed ontology based RM evaluation system has promising features and benefits. Evaluation by using ontology will raise the efficiency of the evaluation process as well as facilitate sharing and communicating the results of evaluation.
Growth and development of Neocalanus flemingeri/plumchrus in the northern Gulf of Alaska: validation of the artificial-cohort method in cold waters

In situ growth and development of Neocalanus flemingeri/plumchrus stage C1-C4 copepodites were estimated by both the artificial-cohort and the single-stage incubation methods in March, April and May of 2001-2005 at 5-6° C. Results from these two methods were comparable and consistent. In the field, C1-C4 stage durations ranged from 7 to >100 days, dependent on temperature and chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration. Average stage durations were 12.4-14.1 days, yielding an average of 56 days to reach C5, but under optimal conditions stage durations were closer to 10 days, shortening the time to reach C5 (from Cl) to 46 days. Generally, growth rates decreased with increasing stage, ranging from 0.28 day -1 to close to zero but were typically between 0.20 and 0.05 day -1 , averaging 0.110 ± 0.006 day -1 (mean + SE) for single-stage and 0.107 ± 0.005 day -1 (mean ± SE) for artificial-cohort methods. Growth was well described by equations of Michaelis-Menten form, with maximum growth rates (G max ) of 0.17-0.18 day -1 and half saturation Chl a concentrations (K chl ) of 0.45-0.46 mg m -3 for combined C1-3, while G max dropped to 0.08-0.09 day -1 but K chl remained at 0.38-0.93 mg m -3 for C4. In this study, in situ growth of N. flemingeri/plumchrus was frequently food limited to some degree, particularly during March. A comparison with global models of copepod growth rates suggests that these models still require considerable refinement. We suggest that the artificial-cohort method is the most practical approach to generating the multispecies data required to address these deficiencies.
Effect of phosphate esters on PVC flammability from a multi-test viewpoint

Many tests have been developed to provide relative flame/smoke data. In spite of the proliferation of such tests and test equipment, many chemical and polymer producers, as well as fabricators, use only one technique to evaluate the flame/smoke properties of a polymer system. This paper demonstrates the importance of multi-method testing to rate the efect of phosphate esters and various fillers on PVC flammability and smoke generation.
Statistical Analyses and the “Laws” of Price

Economists have been skeptical as to the real significance of statistical price analyses. Simplified assumptions as to nature of price determination are partly responsible, 201. — Marshall's treatment was nearer to the concrete facts, 202. — Definition of the market in time and space has an important bearing upon the meaning of the data, 203. — Actual events represent constant flux, not successive static periods, 203. — Statistics can reveal only current adjustments, not final equilibria, 203. — The type of the adjustment varies with the length of the period, 204. — The prices which directly affect production and consumption are frequently not the central market prices, 205; and non-economic factors also are involved, 206. — A curve of supply-and-price may be determined from observations in successive intervals, 207; even if demand is changing, 208. — The curve of supply-and-price is not the theoretical demand curve, 214; since reservation demands by producers may be regarded either as a demand-schedule or a supply-schedule, 215. — With regard to a price fixed by total supply, reservation demands are part of the demand schedule, 215. — But this schedule may be resolved into its components by proper statistical analyses, 216. — This involves determination (a) of the effect of price upon supply, and (b) of the effect of price upon storage, consumption, and withholdings, 217. — Price also has an effect upon subsequent production, 219. — Such changes in production are usually more important than immediate adjustments of supply to price, 220. — This is true even of durable goods, 221. — Statistical measurement of the effect of price upon production illustrated, 222. — Statistical measurements of economic reactions do not yield absolute laws, 223. — This analysis refutes some previous criticisms of the logic of statistical price studies, 224, and of the methods, 225; and indicates the statistical cautions needed to give reliable results, 226.
Early amplification options

Children with permanent hearing loss have been remediated with hearing amplification devices for decades. The influx of young infants identified with hearing loss through successful newborn hearing screening programs has established a need for amplification resources for infants within the first six months of life. For the approximately two of every 1000 infants born who are identified with bilateral hearing loss [Mehl and Thomson, 1998, Pediatrics 101, p. e4], the use of amplification is commonly the first step in treating the sequella of their loss. The use of hearing aids, combined with early intervention, has been shown to significantly improve the speech and language skills of young children with hearing loss [Yoshinaga-Itano, 2000, Seminars in Hearing 21, p. 309]. Speech and language delays have contributed to compromised academic performance of school aged children with hearing loss [Johnson et al., 1997, Educational Audiology Handbook, Singular Publishing, San Diego]. Most hard-of-hearing and deaf children use hearing aids and other assistive listening devices every day throughout their lifetime and the life expectancy of a hearing aid is only five to eight years. The current challenge for pediatric audiologists is selecting and evaluating the available amplification to provide the best options for children and their families. Amplification technology has seen an explosion in growth the past few years and the options continue to expand rapidly. This article examines currently available amplification technology and reviews the selection criteria that may be used for infants and young children. Issues such as style, type, amplification features, signal processing strategies, and verification and validation tools are also discussed.
Nicotine polacrilex: clinic-based strategies with chronically ill smokers.

(1988). Nicotine Polacrilex: Clinic-Based Strategies with Chronically III Smokers. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs: Vol. 20, Pharmacological Adjuncts and Nutritional Supplements in the Treatment of Drug Dependence, pp. 269-274.
Randomized Sequential Algorithms for Data Aggregation in Sensor Networks

We consider distributed algorithms for data aggregation in sensor networks. The algorithms are admitted via message passing hence through pairwise computations. Under these algorithms a transmitting node becomes inactive until it is reactivated, yielding to substantial energy gains. We study the per-node message and time complexities of the algorithms in explicit graphs as a function of the network size. The obtained complexities are compared to those of so-called gossip algorithms. The results suggest trade-offs between the number of messages transmitted and the computation times.
Representing asymmetric decision problems using coarse valuations

A valuation-based system approach to knowledge representation has shown its advantages in improving computational efficiency and in allowing many decision models including belief networks. This study applies the Dempster-Shafer theory of belief functions and extends its framework to allow coarse valuations, which admit incomplete specification of probabilities and utilities and, therefore, are more flexible in representing asymmetric decision problems. It presents an algorithm for making inferences and decisions in systems using coarse valuations. It shows that a coarse valuation-based system provides a most natural and compact representation of decision problems.
Targeted disruption of the BDNF gene perturbs brain and sensory neuron development but not motor neuron development

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin, enhances the survival and differentiation of several classes of neurons in vitro. To determine its essential functions, we have mutated the BDNF gene. Most homozygote mutants die within 2 days after birth, but a fraction live for 2-4 weeks. These develop symptoms of nervous system dysfunction, including ataxia. The BDNF mutant homozygotes have substantially reduced numbers of cranial and spinal sensory neurons. Although their central nervous systems show no gross structural abnormalities, expression of neuropeptide Y and calcium-binding proteins is altered in many neurons, suggesting they do not function normally. In contrast with mice lacking the BDNF receptor TrkB, motor neurons appear normal in the BDNF mutant.
The Neural Costs of Optimal Control

Optimal control entails combining probabilities and utilities. However, for most practical problems, probability densities can be represented only approximately. Choosing an approximation requires balancing the benefits of an accurate approximation against the costs of computing it. We propose a variational framework for achieving this balance and apply it to the problem of how a neural population code should optimally represent a distribution under resource constraints. The essence of our analysis is the conjecture that population codes are organized to maximize a lower bound on the log expected utility. This theory can account for a plethora of experimental data, including the reward-modulation of sensory receptive fields, GABAergic effects on saccadic movements, and risk aversion in decisions under uncertainty.
Diagnostic Language Consistency Among Multicultural English‐Speaking Nurses

Cultural differences among nurses may influence the choice of terminology applicable to use of a nursing diagnostic statement. This study explored whether defining characteristics are consistently applied by culturally varied nurses in an English language setting. Two diagnoses, pain, and high risk for altered skin integrity, were studied within six cultures: African, Asian, Filipino, East Indian, African-American, and Anglo-American nurses. Overall, there was consistency between the cultural groups. Analysis of variance for the pain scale demonstrated differences among cultures on two characteristics of pain, restlessness and grimace. The only difference on the high risk for altered skin integrity scale was found on the distructor, supple skin.
Strong interactions of single atoms and photons in cavity QED

An important development in modern physics is the emerging capability for investigations of dynamical processes for open quantum systems in a regime of strong coupling for which individual quanta play a decisive role. Of particular significance in this context is research in cavity quantum electrodynamics which explores quantum dynamical processes for individual atoms strongly coupled to the electromagnetic field of a resonator. An overview of the research activities in the Quantum Optics Group at Caltech is presented with an emphasis on strong coupling in cavity QED which enables exploration of a new regime of nonlinear optics with single atoms and photons.
SETH: a quorum-based database system for experimentation with failures

The behavior and performance of replica control protocols (RCP) that deal with network partitions is investigated using a quorum-based replicated database system called Seth. Seth is designed to be used as a transaction processing system, as well as a flexible experimentation tool. Seth's experimentation domain includes failures (site/link failure/repair rates), transactions (arrival rate, size, type, read/write ratio), quorum assignment, communications (communication protocols, network type, topology, number of sites), and transaction protocols (quorum-based RCPs, distributed commitment, concurrency control). The design and implementation of Seth are discussed, and two experiments are presented. The first studies the behavior of the quorum consensus protocol against different transition loads. The second experiment shows how expensive quorum-based replication is in terms of network traffic. >
Developing a Framework for Assessing Coastal Vulnerability to Sea Level Rise in Southern New England, USA

Scientists predict that sea level rise will intensify wetland loss, saltwater intrusion, and the problems caused by waves, storm surges, and shoreline erosion (Nicholls et al., Trans R Soc 369:161–181, 2011). The ability to accurately identify low-lying lands is critical for assessing the vulnerability of coastal regions. To do this, coastal managers need elevation data and other coastal zone information, but these data are not always available at resolutions appropriate for making state and regional governance decisions on climate change and adaptation. Coastal Resilience (Ferdana et al., Adapting to climate change: building interactive decision support to meet management objectives for coastal conservation and hazard mitigation on long island, New York, USA. In: Andrade Perez A, Herrera Fernandez B, Cazzolla Gatti R (eds) Building resilience to climate change: ecosystem-based adaptation and lessons from the field. IUCN, Gland, 164 pp, 2010) is an ecosystem-based planning framework and web mapping application that visually displays ecological, socio-economic, and coastal hazards information to examine different adaptation solutions. This technical study highlights the limitations and opportunities of mapping sea level rise in Southern New England, USA, in order to evaluate coastal vulnerability and therefore appropriate adaptation strategies. We compared the accuracy of digital elevation data between a nationwide data set with a seamless, multi-state data set that incorporated local high-resolution data. Based on an independent accuracy assessment, the integrated elevation data approach using local- and regional-scale data was 55% (or 1.25 ft) more accurate than the national elevation data set alone. Results of this work indicate that regional elevation data sets are less accurate in determining different sea level rise scenarios than when integrating best-available local elevation data sets with regional data sets. With this approach, we can better assess the impacts of climate change to vulnerable low-lying lands and help communities identify adaptation plans that protect vulnerable coastal communities and ecosystems, allow for natural resource migration, and reduce socio-economic risk to coastal hazards.
Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity and F-actin associations in synaptosomes and postsynaptic densities of porcine cerebral cortex.

1. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PD) is a glycolytic enzyme that has also been implicated in a wide variety of functions within neurons. Because of the well-documented role of G3PD as an actin-binding protein, we sought evidence for a G3PD–actin complex in synaptosomes and postsynaptic densities (PSDs).
Nutrition and Cancer Prevention: Small-scale Human Studies for the 21st Century

At the beginning of the 20th century, dietary deficiency diseases were at the forefront of nutritional and medical research. A new paradigm was becoming widely accepted, notably that minor constituents of food were essentialfor life. From 1915 to the 1950s, some 40 essential nutrients were
The Judas Effect: Betrayal in Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless

This article revisits the ending of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless (1960) in an attempt to untangle the complicated relationship between the two main characters, and to claim that they are characters that belong to no identifiable genre. Instead, they come to life as characters at the intersection point of existentialism, creationism, and two radically different genres, film noir and neorealism. In essence, they are characters without a genre, always out of place, and their existential drifting generates a Judas effect—a trope that establishes betrayal and sacrifice as necessary narrative tools and that suspends the classical (cinematic) Oedipal cycle.
Fast alpha nucleophiles: structures that undergo rapid hydrazone/oxime formation at neutral pH

Hydrazones and oximes are widely useful structures for conjugate formation in chemistry and biology, but their formation can be slow at neutral pH. Kinetics studies were performed for a range of structurally varied hydrazines, and a surprisingly large variation in reaction rate was observed. Structures that undergo especially rapid reactions were identified, enabling reaction rates that rival orthogonal cycloaddition-based conjugation chemistries.
Making “Suitable Referrals”: Social Workers' Construction and Use of Informal Referral Networks:

The extant literature on the referral process in human service delivery has been examined as either a “micro,” intra-organizational activity or a “macro,” interorganizational phenomenon. The negotiated-order perspective is used to bridge this gap by examining how interorganizational and other contextual-level factors shape the routine accomplishment of the referral process. The data come from a case study of the referral-related activities of social workers in a human service agency serving homeless clients. Social workers' ***referral-related activities largely comprised the construction, maintenance, and use of informal referral networks. These activities, which centered around a concern for making “suitable referrals,” comprised constructing referral sets, conducting advocacy work, and negotiating referral agreements. Aspects of how the client population and the interorganizational context facilitated or constrained each of these networking activities are delineated. Results of the analysis are used to...
The effects of hearing aid use on listening effort and mental fatigue associated with sustained speech processing demands.

Objectives:To maintain optimal understanding, persons with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) often report a need for increased attention, concentration, and “listening effort” compared with persons without hearing loss. It is generally assumed that this increased effort is related to subjective repo
Inhibition of Colonic Water and Electrolyte Absorption by Fatty Acids in Man

In healthy volunteers, the colon was perfused with isotonic electrolyte solutions with or without 2 mM concentrations of three C18 fatty acids. These were oleic acid, its bacterial by-product 10(9)-hydroxystearic acid, and ricinoleic acid, the active principle of castor oil. Hydroxystearic and ricinoleic acids reduced electrolyte and water absorption by more than 50%; a lesser reduction, observed with oleic acid perfusion, was not statistically significant. In conjunction with other data on the effects of these fatty acids on intestinal water absorption, these results suggest that C18 fatty acids may contribute to diarrhea in states of fat malabsorption by impairing intestinal water absorption. In addition, hydration of dietary fats of hydroxy fatty acids may not be essential for this effect. During perfusion, the three fatty acids were absorbed by the human colon to the same extent.
Carbon disulfide neurotoxicity in rats: IV. Increased mRNA expression of low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor - A sensitive and early indicator of PNS damage

Expression of the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (NGF-R) in the peripheral nervous system is regulated by Schwann cell-axonal contact. Steady-state mRNA levels for NGF-R are very low in the mature peripheral nervous system, but are markedly upregulated in sciatic nerve during both primary demyelination (tellurium exposure) and secondary demyelination (Wallerian degeneration). Upregulation also occurs in various subdegenerative axonopathy models where there is axonal atrophy, suggesting its usefulness as a marker for subtle perturbations in normal axon-Schwann cell interactions (Roberson et al., Mol Brain Res 1995; 28:231 -238). To further test this hypothesis, we examined NGF-R mRNA expression in sciatic nerves of rats exposed to carbon disulfide (CS 2 ), a toxicant known to cause a distal axonopathy. Adult rats were exposed to CS 2 gas (50, 500, or 800 ppm, 6 hr/day, 5 days/wk) for 2-13 weeks. RNA was isolated from sciatic nerves and levels of mRNA for NGF-R determined by Northern blot analysis. NGF-R mRNA expression increased in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Message levels were already increased after 2 wks of exposure to 800 ppm CS 2 , and increased further with continued exposure. Morphological alterations were not apparent in the sciatic nerve, even at the highest dosage levels with the longest exposure times. Upregulation of NGF-R mRNA is thus an indicator of subtle alterations in the normal axon-Schwann cell relationship and provides a sensitive measure of CS 2 neurotoxicity. Assay of this marker may also be useful as a rapid and very sensitive general screen for other compounds which are potentially toxic to the peripheral nervous system.
Mechanism of Thermal Adaptation in the Lactate Dehydrogenases

The mechanism of thermal adaptation of enzyme function at the molecular level is poorly understood but is thought to lie within the structure of the protein or its dynamics. Our previous work on pig heart lactate dehydrogenase (phLDH) has determined very high resolution structures of the active site, via isotope edited IR studies, and has characterized its dynamical nature, via laser-induced temperature jump (T-jump) relaxation spectroscopy on the Michaelis complex. These particular probes are quite powerful at getting at the interplay between structure and dynamics in adaptation. Hence, we extend these studies to the psychrophilic protein cgLDH (Champsocephalus gunnari; 0 °C) and the extreme thermophile tmLDH (Thermotoga maritima LDH; 80 °C) for comparison to the mesophile phLDH (38−39 °C). Instead of the native substrate pyruvate, we utilize oxamate as a nonreactive substrate mimic for experimental reasons. Using isotope edited IR spectroscopy, we find small differences in the substate composition that ...
Strange Survey of U.S. Profs

In 1977 I received a questionnaire “The 1977 Survey of the American Professoriate,” directed by Seymour Martin Lipset and Everett C. Ladd. A number of circumstances caused my negative reactions to escalate. I compiled a complete account of the exchanges concerning this survey and its aftermath into a book, The File, published by Springer-Verlag in 1981. Comments by Ladd-Lipset about The File were solicited at the time, and can be found at the beginning of this book.
EFFECT OF MILKING MACHINES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC QUARTER-TAKE-OFF DEVICES ON MILK QUALITY AND HEALTH OF THE UDDER

A commercial herd of approximately 550 lactating dairy cows was divided into two groups: one was designated as the Control Group and was milked in a routine fashion with conventional milking machines; the other was designated as the QTO Group and was milked with machines equipped with automatic quarter-take-off devices. Certain tests and observations were made on each animal in both groups at approximately 5-week intervals for 22 weeks. The QTO Group of animals was, by chance selection, at a slight disadvantage in terms of health of the udders at the outset of the study. The disadvantage was overcome quickly and, during the balance of the study, the QTO-milked animals maintained an advantage over the control animals. The advantages in favor of the animals milked with the QTO devices included fewer quarters infected with mastitis pathogens, reduced intramammary irritation as evidenced by lower scores for the California Mastitis Test, and fewer teats showing erosions or other abnormalities of the orifice. T...
Responsive engagement in mental health services for foster youth transitioning to adulthood

ABSTRACTAs youth near the transition to adulthood and aging out of the foster care system, exposure to stress increases, especially for youth who have less-than-adequate support systems. Although mental health problems among foster youth often continue into adulthood, service use decreases dramatically within a year of turning age 18. Understanding how foster youth experience mental health services as they transition from care provides social workers and other mental health professionals important insight that can lead to specific, targetable strategies. This study sought to explore what situations were helpful in supporting mental health as foster youth transitioned to adulthood. Focus groups and interviews with former foster youth and professionals informed the development of a quantitative instrument, which was used to identify the most supportive and frequently encountered situations former foster youth experienced. Findings indicate the most helpful situations were those in which professionals and me...
Emerging therapeutic modalities for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older adults

Treatment for the older adult with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is challenging, due to both more aggressive disease biology as well as patient-related risk factors that limit tolerance of intensive chemotherapy. The use of prognostic models and comprehensive geriatric assessments can help hematologists evaluate the suitability of intensive chemotherapy for individual patients. For older patients considered fit for intensive chemotherapy, standard induction therapy should be given, followed by consideration of reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Patients considered unfit for intensive therapy are standardly treated with hypomethylating agents. Several new therapeutic agents have shown promising results either by improving intensive chemotherapy (CPX-351), by improving upon lower intensity therapy (venetoclax, antibody drug conjugates), or by targeting somatic mutations (FLT3 inhibitors and others).
Changes in soil surface chemistry after fifty years of tillage and nitrogen fertilization

Abstract Knowledge gained on the long-term effects of crop management practices on soil fertility is critical in developing nutrient management strategies to optimize crop yields. This study examined the long-term effects of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application rates (0, 22, 45 and 67 kg N ha− 1) and tillage intensity [conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT) and no-tillage (NT)] on soil phosphorus (P), micronutrients and soil acidity in a dryland winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) – sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) – fallow cropping system. Results showed soil organic matter (SOM), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) concentrations were greater under NT compared to CT or RT. Similarly, NT (32 mg kg− 1) increased P accumulation in the upper 7.5 cm soil depth compared to CT (21 mg kg− 1) or RT (26 mg kg− 1). After 50-yr of tillage and N fertilizer application, pH at the soil surface (0 to 7.5 cm) declined markedly with increasing N application, ranging from 6.4 with the unfertilized control to 5.7 when 67 kg N ha− 1 was applied. Averaged across N rates, Δ pH in the soil surface over the 50-yr was greater with NT compared to CT or RT treatments. Iron and Mn concentrations increased with increasing N application rates, possibly due to the decrease in pH associated with N application. Based on our findings, growers adopting NT need to monitor changes in soil surface chemistry and take necessary corrective measures such as liming to maintain satisfactory pH and nutrients levels to optimize crop yields.
Criminal Use of Assault Weapons and High-Capacity Semiautomatic Firearms: an Updated Examination of Local and National Sources

Policies restricting semiautomatic assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines are intended to reduce gunshot victimizations by limiting the stock of semiautomatic firearms with large ammunition capacities and other military-style features conducive to criminal use. The federal government banned such weaponry from 1994 to 2004, and a few states currently impose similar restrictions. Recent debates concerning these weapons have highlighted their use in mass shootings, but there has been little examination of their use in gun crime more generally since the expiration of the federal ban. This study investigates current levels of criminal activity with assault weapons and other high-capacity semiautomatics in the USA using several local and national data sources including the following: (1) guns recovered by police in ten large cities, (2) guns reported by police to federal authorities for investigative tracing, (3) guns used in murders of police, and (4) guns used in mass murders. Results suggest assault weapons (primarily assault-type rifles) account for 2–12% of guns used in crime in general (most estimates suggest less than 7%) and 13–16% of guns used in murders of police. Assault weapons and other high-capacity semiautomatics together generally account for 22 to 36% of crime guns, with some estimates upwards of 40% for cases involving serious violence including murders of police. Assault weapons and other high-capacity semiautomatics appear to be used in a higher share of firearm mass murders (up to 57% in total), though data on this issue are very limited. Trend analyses also indicate that high-capacity semiautomatics have grown from 33 to 112% as a share of crime guns since the expiration of the federal ban—a trend that has coincided with recent growth in shootings nationwide. Further research seems warranted on how these weapons affect injuries and deaths from gun violence and how their regulation may impact public health.
Two Surface Virial Analysis: Monoatomic Gas Adsorption on Graphite and Boron Nitride and Chlorofluorocarbon Adsorption on Microporous Carbon

Abstract Second gas-solid virial coefficients for low coverage monatomic gas adsorption on P33 graphite and boron nitride are used to test a new two surface virial analysis. This analysis can be used distinguish between a one or two surface adsorbent with no prior knowledge of surface structure and can be used to determine surface area, fraction of each type of surface and gas-solid interaction energies. The model is applied to the adsorption of chlorofluorocarbons on a less well characterized microporous carbon. The two surface model gives a more realistic and consistent surface area for the microporous carbon than the single surface approach.
High dynamic range two-stage photopolymer materials through enhanced solubility high refractive index writing monomers

Holographic photopolymers capable of high refractive index modulations (Δn) on the order of 10-2 are integral for the fabrication of functional holographic optical elements (HOEs) for use in a range of optical applications. A novel high refractive index liquid writing monomer suitable for two-stage photopolymer systems was designed and synthesized. This monomer exhibits facile synthetic procedure, low viscosity, high refractive index as well as excellent solubility in a low refractive index urethane matrix. The solubility limit, refractive index change and reaction kinetics/conversion were studied against a commercial reference high refractive index monomer, 2,4,6-tribromophenyl acrylate (TBPA). Superior performance in solubility to TBPA is shown with similar reaction kinetics and final conversion as confirmed by realtime Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and real-time monitoring of diffraction grating growth. We demonstrate the ability to load substantial amounts of these writing monomers enabling a straightforward path to higher achievable Δn values (peak-to-mean Δn ~ 0.03) without sacrificing optical properties (transparency, color or scatter) as validated through recording ~100% efficiency volume transmission holograms in sub-15 μm thick films.
Lehrer on Evidence, Induction and Acceptance

Keith Lehrer has developed a comprehensive and systematic theory of inductive inference, and has indicated in some detail how his theory is connected to, and how it helps to shed considerable light on, other problem areas of philosophy and science. However, his theory has not been presented all in one piece and all in one place. Rather, he has developed and sharpened the theory in about a score of papers in various journals and books over the past dozen years or so. So, in this paper I will try to bring together the scattered elements of Lehrer’s theory in such a way that the comprehensive and systematic character of the theory stands out.
Management and Treatment of Hepatitis C

Interferon was first used to treat hepatitis C in the mid-1980’s even before the discovery of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The initial treatment consisted of administering interferon in a dose of 3 million units (MU) three times a week for a period of 6 months. Because of the poor response rate of only 6%, the treatment duration was extended to 12 months in the late 1980’s/early 1990’s. This led to an increase in the rate of response tol2% to 16%. The next important advance came in the early to mid-1990’s with the addition to interferon treatment of the nucleoside analogue, ribavirin, which further increased the response rate to 34% to 42%. Finally, the introduction in early 2000 of the pegylated interferons led to a markedly improved response rate that began to exceed 50% (Figure) Open image in new window Figure Milestones in therapy for hepatitis C (IFN=interferon; R=ribavirin; PEG=peginterferon; m=months)
Composite Damage Detection with Self-Sensing Fibers and Thermal Sprayed Electrodes

Production of novel damage sensor system for carbon fiber-reinforced composite structures is presented. It utilizes carbon fibers as self-sensing sensors. Two key components are the fabrications of electrodes required to measure electrical resistivity changes due to damage, and the development of robust data interpretation scheme to diagnose the damage stage. The former takes the advantage of new technology based on the thermal spray process in which molten copper are directly deposited onto composite laminate surfaces to fabricate network of electrodes. The latter task relies on the simulation study and the optimization/inverse analysis to estimate damage state through processing of measured data. The initial experimental measurements on composite laminates with artificially made damage indicate increased resistivity among thermal sprayed electrodes.