cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM PLUS: A PEER-LED MODEL FOR CULTURALLY-INFORMED FAMILY CAREGIVER INTERVENTIONS

Research related to African American (AA) Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) family caregivers have been mixed with regard to caregiver burden, stress, depression, and anxiety. Almost all previous interventions are based on conceptual models and intervention protocols that have used professionals instead of lay persons or peers who are “insiders” and who know the culture and needs of the AA community. This study used a peer-led model to inform the design of an intervention using the Senior Companion Program. Though three focus groups (N = 18), AA Senior Companions shared their cultural beliefs, values, and needs, in the design and development of the Senior Companion Program Plus (SCP Plus), an intervention for AA ADRD family caregivers. We transcribed the focus groups and used directed content analysis to analyze the data. Participants identified that combatting the myths of ADRD and overcoming the stigma associated with ADRD in the AA community was particularly important to include in the SCP Plus. Communicating with health care professionals was also identified as a concern for AA ADRD caregivers given the realities of discrimination and racism that many individuals face in the community. Finally, the Senior Companions recommended highlighting religion and/or spirituality as a positive coping resource for AA ADRD caregivers as a key component of the SCP Plus. Study findings have implications for the use of peer-led providers to inform culturally-tailored interventions, and we offer recommendations for the use of the Senior Companion Program as a platform for ADRD family caregiver interventions.
New Advertising Agency Roles in the Ever-Expanding Media Landscape

As advertising shifted from traditional to digital media spaces, advertising agencies quickly developed digital advertising expertise. Through interviews with 34 practitioners, this study examines ...
Avian Influenza Prevalence and Viral Shedding Routes in Minnesota Ring-Billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis)

Birds within the orders Charadriiformes (shorebirds, gulls) and Anseriformes (waterfowl) are reservoir hosts for avian influenza (AI) viruses, but their role in the transmission dynamics of AI viruses is unclear. To date, waterfowl have been the predominant focal species for most surveillance and epidemiological studies, yet gulls, in particular, have been shown to harbor reassortant AI viruses of both North American and Eurasian lineages and are underrepresented in North American surveillance efforts. To address this gap in surveillance, 1346 ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) were sampled during spring and fall migrations and at three breeding sites in 2017 across Minnesota. Results indicate noticeable age-cohort dynamics in AI virus prevalence within ring-billed gulls in Minnesota. Immunologically naive juveniles represented the cohort with the highest prevalence rate (57.8%). Regardless of age, more gulls had AI virus detected in oropharyngeal (OP) than in cloacal (CL) swabs. The high AI virus prevalence within ring-billed gulls, particularly in immunologically naive birds, warrants further targeted surveillance efforts of ring-billed gulls and other closely related species.
Radical annulation reactions of allyl iodomalononitriles

Abstract Heating of allyl iodomalononitriles with alkenes, followed by tin hydride reduction, forms 1-(cyanalkyl)-4-cyanocyclopentane rings with up to 5 new stereocenters by a sequence of atom transfer addition followed by nitrile transfer cyclization.
Persons as Agents: The Possibility of Genuine Action

On our account of persons, especially of their importance for the possibility of philosophy, persons must be agents, able to initiate activity in the sublunary world. For only that could justify their responsibility (and hence their responsibility for meaning).
Information Seeking and Information Sharing Related to Hurricane Harvey

This study is focused on social cognitive variables that motivate information seeking and information sharing related to Hurricane Harvey. Survey results from a nationally representative sample and...
Autocorrelation and fourier analysis for detecting periodic cell potentials in a simulated inhibitory neural network

The field of Computational Neuroscience is best described as a mathematical approach to the study of neural systems, reducing them to a set of computational tasks. Computer models are an important part of this analysis for their insight into the phenomenon. In order to begin a meaningful study, one has to find a pattern that exists throughout the brain. Experimental studies have shown that isolated neurons can be naturally periodic - repeating almost "clock-like". However, due to inter-neuron interactions, signals from cells in networks are neither perfectly periodic nor completely random. The goal of my analysis was to characterize periodic behavior of inhibitory neurons.
HEREDITARY ENDOCRINE TUMOURS: CURRENT STATE-OF-THE-ART AND RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES: History of the multiple endocrine neoplasia workshops and overview of MEN2019

The multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) workshops had their beginnings at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario in June, 1984. This initial meeting brought clinicians and scientists together to focus on mapping the gene for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). These efforts culminated in the identification of the RET protooncogene as the causative gene a decade later. Over the next 35 years there were a total of 16 international workshops focused on the several MEN syndromes. Importantly, these workshops were instrumental in efforts to define the molecular basis for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), MEN2, von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL), Carney Complex, hereditary pheochromocytoma and hyperparathyroidism. In this same spirit some 150 scientists and clinicians met at MD Anderson Cancer Center March 26-29, 2019, Houston, TX for the 16th Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Workshop. Appropriate to its location in a cancer center, the workshop focused on important issues in the causation and treatment of malignant aspects of the MEN syndromes: medullary thyroid carcinoma, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, malignant pheochromocytoma and parathyroid carcinoma. Workshops at the meeting focused on a better understanding of how the identified molecular defects in these genetic syndromes lead to transformation, how to apply targeted kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy to treat these tumors and important clinical management issues. This issue of Endocrine-Related Cancer describes these discussions and recommendations.
An increasing trend in geriatric trauma patients undergoing surgical stabilization of rib fractures.

The proportion of geriatric trauma patients (GTPs) (age ≥ 65 years old) with chest wall injury undergoing surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) nationally is unknown. We hypothesize a growing trend of GTPs undergoing SSRF, and sought to evaluate risk of respiratory complications and mortality for GTPs compared to younger adults (18–64 years old) undergoing SSRF. The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2010–2016) was queried for patients with rib fracture(s) who underwent SSRF. GTPs were compared to younger adults. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. From 21,517 patients undergoing SSRF, 3,001 (16.2%) were GTPs. Of all patients undergoing SSRF in 2010, 10.6% occurred on GTPs increasing to 17.9% in 2016 (p < 0.001) with a geometric-mean-annual increase of 11.5%. GTPs had a lower median injury severity score (18 vs. 22, p < 0.001), but had a higher rate of mortality (4.7% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001). After controlling for covariates, GTPs had an increased associated risk of mortality (OR 4.80, CI 3.62–6.36, p < 0.001). On a separate multivariate analysis for all trauma patients with isolated chest Abbreviated Injury Scale 3, GTPs were associated with a similar four-fold risk of mortality (OR 4.21, CI 1.98–6.32, p < 0.001). Spanning 7 years of data, the proportion of GTPs undergoing SSRF increased by over 7%. Although GTPs undergoing SSRF had lesser injuries, their risk of mortality was four times higher than other adult trauma patients undergoing SSRF, which was similar to their increased background risk of mortality. Ultimately, SSRF in GTPs should be considered on an individualized basis with careful attention to risk–benefit ratio.
Epidemic Spreading and Equilibrium Social Distancing in Heterogeneous Networks

We study a multi-type SIR epidemic process among a heterogeneous population that interacts through a network. When we base social contact on a random graph with given vertex degrees, we give limit theorems on the fraction of infected individuals. For a given social distancing individual strategies, we establish the epidemic reproduction number $R_0$ which can be used to identify network vulnerability and inform vaccination policies. In the second part of the paper we study the equilibrium of the social distancing game, in which individuals choose their social distancing level according to an anticipated global infection rate, which then must equal the actual infection rate following their choices. We give conditions for the existence and uniqueness of equilibrium. For the case of random regular graphs, we show that voluntary social distancing will always be socially sub-optimal.
Advanced Electronics for the SONTRAC Neutron Spectrometer

Solar neutrons are the tell-tale of highly energetic processes (e.g. solar flares) at the Sun in which particle acceleration is taking place over a broad range in energy. Unlike charged radiation, neutrons escape unscathed from the ambient magnetic fields, providing a view of particle acceleration unhindered by the effects of transport. High-energy neutrons are challenging to measure with the traditional double scatter technique based on time-of-flight (ToF). This technique is limited by the finite flight path and active scintillator sizes required by small satellite platforms. The new SOlar Neutron TRACking (SONTRAC) concept, based on scintillating-fiber bundles, will provide high resolution imaging of fast neutrons at energies where the bulk of solar and magnetospheric neutrons resides. Recent development of the new SONTRAC instrument concept's advanced electronics and processing algorithms are presented.
A double-sided radiative cooling architecture with a record local cooling power density of 270 W/m 2

We report a double-sided radiative cooling system with a record high local cooling power density of ~270 W/m2. The configuration of the system was investigated theoretically and a superior cooling performance was demonstrated experimentally.
Conflict and its relationship to climate variability in Sub-Saharan Africa

Deviations in rainfall duration and timing are expected to have wide-ranging impacts for people in affected areas. One of these impacts is the potential for increased levels of conflict and accordingly, researchers are examining the relationship between climate variability and conflict. Thus far, there is a lack of consensus on the direction of this relationship. We contribute to the climate variability and conflict literature by incorporating Markov transitional probabilities into panel logit models to analyze how monthly deviations in rainfall affect the likelihood that a grid cell transitions to an above average level of conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa. To control for differences in seasons across the continent, we model this relationship for each of the regions of Sub-Saharan Africa separately - East, Central, West, and Southern. We find significant seasonal and regional effects between rainfall and the probability that a grid cell transitions from a state of peace to a state of conflict. In particular, above average rainfall is associated with a higher likelihood of transitioning into conflict during the dry season. Further, each region has specific months-primarily those associated with prime crop harvest periods-where variations in rainfall significantly influence conflict. We also find regional variations in the linkage between rainfall and conflict type related to the types of conflict that predominate in particular regions of Sub- Saharan Africa. These findings are important for policymakers because they suggest additional law enforcement and/or peacekeeping resources may be needed in times of above average rainfall. Policies that provide financial support for farmers or other sectors, such as mining, that are impacted by rainfall patterns may also be a useful strategy for conflict mitigation.
Genetic diversity of midwestern oat germplasm

Eight oat cultivât# and axpariawntal lina# fro# four gar^laaa #ourca# war# cro##ad in a diallal matin# daaign without raeiprocala* P| hataroaia for grain yield waa evaluated in two experimente, and 48 F2"derived linea from each of the 28 mating# were evaluated for bundle weight, grein yield, atraw yield, harveat index, height, and heading date in two experimenta* Mtmber of tranagreaaive aegregatea per trait and generaliied genetic variance were calculated for each mating. Genealogical diatance for each eating waa obtained uaing coefficient of kinahip baaed on the pedigree of the parente. The relationahip between genealogical diatance end the three typee of breeding behavior ««a examined via correlation and regreaaim. Sipiificant correlationa occurred only for genealogical diatance i^th numbera of tranagreaaive aegregatea for hei^t end with generalised genetic variancea. Both were poeitive. Significant heteroaia waa obeerved for meting# of more dietantly related permits. Reipessions on geneelogical distance, where significant, were linear. Genealogical distance between parents was positively associated with diveraity baaed on breeding behavior.
Abstract 282: α5ß1 Integrin Signaling Through Focal Adhesion Kinase Mediates Oxidized LDL-Induced Endothelial Proinflammatory Gene Expression

Endothelial cell activation drives early atherosclerotic plaque formation. Both fibronectin deposition and accumulation of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) occur early during atherogenesis and both are implicated in enhanced endothelial cell activation. However, interplay between these responses has not been established. We now show that oxLDL-induced NF-κB activation, proinflammatory gene expression, and monocyte binding is significantly enhanced when endothelial cells are attached to fibronectin compared to basement membrane proteins. This enhanced response does not result from altered oxLDL receptor expression, oxLDL uptake, or reactive oxygen species production, but instead results from oxLDL-induced activation of the fibronectin-binding integrin α5β1. Correspondingly, oxLDL activates focal adhesion kinase (FAK), the downstream signaling partner to integrin α5β1. We also found enhanced integrin α5 expression and active FAK in the endothelium overlying atherosclerotic plaques in both mice and humans. Preventing α5β1 signaling (blocking antibodies, knockout cells) inhibits oxLDL-induced NF-κB activation and VCAM-1 expression. Also, inhibiting FAK kinase activity utilizing a small molecule inhibitor (PF-573228), siRNA, and kinase dead fibroblasts reduces oxLDL endothelial cell activation. Furthermore, treatment with the α5β1 signaling inhibitor, ATN-161, significantly blunts atherosclerotic plaque development in ApoE deficient mice, characterized by reduced macrophage accumulation without affecting fibrous cap size. Therefore, our data suggest that α5β1-mediated crosstalk between fibronectin and oxidized LDL regulates inflammation in early atherogenesis.
High-Altitude Ballooning Student Research With Yeast and Plant Seeds

Weather balloon flights provide affordable access to a space-like environment for student research. Typical flights last for 2.0-2.5 hours and reach altitudes of approximately 30 km. Payloads are exposed to intense cosmic and ultraviolet radiation, temperatures below -60° C and atmospheric pressures of approximately 0.01 atmospheres. We report on simple laboratory procedures intended primarily for high school and middle school students in studying the effects of high-altitude balloon flights on yeast and plant seeds. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Raphanus sativus and Brassica rapa were flown on two weather balloons inside and outside of payload containers to an altitude of approximately 27.5 km. After the flights the yeast cells were plated on YED media and incubated to assess survival and mutation rates. The seeds were planted to assess survival and variation in quantitative traits. We also discuss connections to disciplinary core ideas in the Next Generation Science Standards and provide an overview of further laboratory investigations designed to enhance students’ understanding of the effects of radiation on living organisms.
Rapid On-Site Environmental Sampling and Analysis of Propellant Stabilizers and Their Decomposition Products by Portable Sampling and Thin-Layer Chromatography Kits

Sustainable future use of land containing unexploded ordnance requires extensive field assessments, cleanup, and restoration. The ordnance is generally semi-exposed or buried in pits and, because of aging, needs to be handled with caution. Being able to characterize the ordnance in the field to minimize handling, as well as to distinguish it from inert mock material, greatly facilitates assessments and clean-up.
Developmental expression of the tuberous sclerosis proteins tuberin and hamartin

Tuberous sclerosis complex is an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder, characterized by the development of hamartomas in multiple organs, primarily the skin, heart, kidney, and brain. The tuberous sclerosis genes, TSC1 and TSC2, encode hamartin and tuberin, respectively. Employing specific antibodies for hamartin and tuberin, we analyzed the expression of these two proteins by Western blot analyses in normal developing human and rat tissues. Both proteins are expressed ubiquitously in human fetal tissues and placenta, but are expressed at relatively low levels in human adult tissues, except brain. Similarly, high expression of these two proteins is observed in rat embryonic tissues, with a progressive decline after birth. To better characterize the developmental expression of tuberin and hamartin, we conducted a detailed study in rat tissues from embryonic day 13 to adult by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical staining of rat tissues for tuberin and hamartin revealed tissue-specific expression patterns throughout development. Both tuberin and hamartin are expressed in epithelia, muscle (smooth, cardiac and skeletal muscle) and the nervous system (neurons, glia, choroid plexus and arachnoid). Except for the central nervous system, immunostaining intensity declines with age, confirming the protein blot analysis. These results indicate that tuberin and hamartin may play a critical role in development, and thus provide a framework for understanding the developmental and hamartomatous manifestations of tuberous sclerosis. These findings also suggest that tuberin and hamartin have additional functions in the adult brain, consistent with the marked neurological problems that afflict many patients with tuberous sclerosis.
Model-following reference adaptive control for a class of composite systems

The model-following reference adaptive control problem is discussed for a class of large-scale composite systems. A new idea is given: according to the expected performance, add the interconnected terms to the reference model. Based on Lyapunov theory, the adaptive control law is given and the global uniformly convergence is proved.
Effect of Starting Particle Size and Oxygen Content on Densification of ZrB2

Zirconium diboride (ZrB 2 ) ceramics were densified by pressureless sintering (PS), hot pressing, or spark plasma sintering (SPS) of powders with a range of starting particle sizes and oxygen contents. Microstructural analysis of the ZrB 2 ceramics revealed a wide range of final grain sizes. SPS resulted in an average grain size as small as 1.6 μm after densification at 1900°C, while the largest grains, 31 μm, were produced by PS at 2100°C. Oxygen impurities in boride ceramics caused grain coarsening in all densification techniques, but inhibited full densification only for PS. Carbon was added to react with and remove oxygen impurities, which promoted densification, reduced ZrB 2 grain size, and led to increased room-temperature flexure strengths. The highest strength was 527 MPa for SPS ZrB 2 , while the lowest strength was measured for pressurelessly sintered ZrB 2 , 300 MPa. Overall, SPS was the superior technique for providing the highest strength and greatest ability to remove oxygen.
Understanding Participation in a Web-Based Measurement Burst Design: Response Metrics and Predictors of Participation.

Measurement burst designs are becoming a popular method for examining within- and between-person associations; however, little is known about response patterns in these designs. Specifically, a thorough characterization of response metrics at various stages of the data collection has not yet been documented. Additionally, although substantive studies using these designs often mention that differential participation might affect the representativeness of their analytic samples, a better understanding of where in the data collection process these differences arise is needed. Using data from a measurement burst study examining substance use in the year following high school graduation, we demonstrate how response metrics commonly used by panel studies can be adapted for use in such designs. We then evaluate the representativeness of a hypothetical analytic sample and use these new response metrics to identify where in the data collection process these differences arise. Consistent with previous research, we find that sociodemographics and substance use predict inclusion in the analytic sample; however, the exclusion of particular subgroups is due to differential participation at different stages of the data collection. To improve the representativeness of the analytic samples used in measurement burst designs, researchers should consider using this analytic approach to inform tailored data collection methods.
Effect of aluminium on the development of hyperparathyroidism and bone disease in the azotaemic rat

Aluminium toxicity in dialysis patients is associated with a relative parathyroid hormone (PTH) deficiency as well as osteomalacia. In-vitro studies of parathyroid cells have shown that aluminium inhibits PTH secretion. However, only limited data are available on how aluminium affects the development of hyperparathyroidism in the azotaemic animal. Four groups of azotaemic rats were studied; in each group, renal failure was induced by a two-stage 5/6 nephrectomy, after which rats were studied for 40 days. In three groups hyperparathyroidism was stimulated by the use of a high phosphorus (1.2%) diet (HPD). The four groups were (1) HPD; (2) HPD + high-dose aluminium (HDAL)--1.5 mg of aluminium was administered intraperitoneally (IP) 5 days per week; (3) HPD + low-dose aluminium (LDAL)--0.5 mg of aluminium was administered IP 5 days per week; and (4) moderate phosphorus (0.6%) diet (MPD); the MPD group was used to control hyperparathyroidism and thus provide a comparison of PTH levels and azotaemic bone disease. After 40 days, the serum PTH level was higher (P < 0.05) in the HPD + HDAL group (37 +/- 2 pmol/l) than the HPD, HPD + LDAL, and MPD groups (24 +/- 3, 28 +/- 4, and 6 +/- 1 pmol/l respectively). The correlation between serum PTH and calcium, serum PTH and phosphorus, and serum calcium and phosphorus was significant for the four groups (P < 0.02); however, the relationship between serum PTH and calcium, and between serum calcium and phosphorus was altered in the HPD + HDAL group (serum aluminium 30.8 +/- 2 mumol/l). Aluminium administration induced a decrease (P < 0.05) in the bone formation rate and the adjusted apposition rate, and an increase (P < 0.05) in osteoid volume and the mineralization lag time. Despite aluminium administration, diet-induced hyperparathyroidism resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) in the osteoblast surface. In conclusion, in the azotaemic rat (1) aluminium did not slow the development nor decrease the magnitude of hyperparathyroidism; (2) aluminium appeared to alter the relationship between serum PTH and calcium, and between serum calcium and phosphorus; (3) hyperparathyroidism changed the expression of aluminium-induced bone disease and may afford the bone some protection against the toxic effects of aluminium.
Lidocaine blocks Na, Ca and K currents of chick ventricular myocytes

In addition to the well-known reduction in the maximal rate of rise the antiarrhythmic agent, lidocaine, also produces a shortening in the duration of the normal ventricular action potential. The voltage-dependent currents carried by Na, Ca and K ions were examined in the absence and presence of lidocaine, in order to identify the ionic mechanism (s) underlying the action potential shortening. Whole-cell and single channel currents were studied by the patch clamp method using single ventricular myocytes from embryonic chick hearts. Exposure to lidocaine (10 to 1000 μ m ) produced a decrease in the magnitude of the small-magnitude, slowly-inactivating component of the Na current, and a decrease in the magnitude of the Ca current; these results provide a mechanism for the action potential shortening and suggest possible explanations for the antiarrhythmic action of this therapeutic agent. A decrease in the magnitude of the inwardly-rectifying K + current was also found, which was attributable to a reduction in the probability of opening of single K + channels.
Degrees of unsolvability associated with Markov algorithms

The degree representations of the general halting, word, and confluence problems for Markov algorithms are investigated. Each of these problems is shown to represent every r.e. (recursively enumerable) many-one degree but not every r.e. one-one degree of unsolvability. In the course of proving this we also show that every total recursive function is computed by a Markov algorithm which always halts and that the immortality problem for the class of Markov algorithms is Σ2o-complete.
Barriers to internal rotation in biphenyl radical ions

Abstract Molecular orbital theory shows that the conformation of, and barriers to rotation in, radical ions of biphenyl derivatives are greatly different from those of the neutral compounds. The results are consistent with the ESR results on the cation radicals of some substituted biphenyls.
Fractionated radiosurgery for 9L gliosarcoma in the rat brain.

Abstract Purpose: Fractionated radiosurgery is being carried out in the clinic to improve the therapeutic ratio of single-dose radiosurgery using various fractionation schemes. Because there is a paucity of experimental radiobiological data in the literature on the tumor response and late-responding normal tissue of critical intracranial structures to radiosurgery, the present animal study was designed to compare the response following a single high dose of radiation with that obtained from calculated fractionated doses of radiosurgery. Methods and Materials: Male Fischer rats with 9L gliosarcoma growing in their brains were stereotactically irradiated and assayed for the tumor control rate and brain tissue damage. The radiation dose needed for 50% tumor control (TCD 50 ) was used as the endpoint of the efficacy of radiosurgery. Normal brain damage was measured histologically following a period of time over 270 days. Histological evaluation included hematoxylin–eosin (H & E), Luxol fast blue and periodic acid Schiff (LFB/PAS) for the presence of myelin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for the assessment of astrocytic re-activity. The optical density of optic nerves and chiasms staining with LFB/PAS was quantitatively measured using a computer image analysis to assess the magnitude of demyelination. Results: Radiosurgery (RS) was found to be more effective in curing small tumors than large tumors. The dose required to control 50% of the tumored animals for 120 days was 24, 31, and 40 Gy for 2-, 6-, and 12-day-old tumors, respectively. Using 12-day-old brain tumors, two fractions of 23.5 Gy and three fractions of 18.5 Gy were found to be equivalent to the single dose of 35 Gy for tumor control. For normal brain damages, the visual pathways including optic nerves and chiasm were found to be highly radiosensitive structures. A single dose of 35 Gy produced 100% severe optic neuropathy. The fractionated RS regimens spared substantial optic nerve damage. Conclusion: The present data provide a strong radiobiological rationale for the use of fractionated RS in the treatment of tumors located near critical normal structures, including visual pathways. The sparing effect of fractionated RS is greater for late-responding tissues, relative to the rapidly proliferating tumor tissues. This report also characterizes the dose/time tolerance relationship of optic neuropathy after single and fractionated RS.
Effects of harmonic content on complex‐tone fundamental‐frequency discrimination in hearing‐impaired listeners

Complex‐tone (fundamental) frequency discrimination was measured in eight well‐trained listeners with moderately severe sensorineural hearing impairments as a function of parametric variations in the rank, number, and sensation level of stimulus components. Results indicate substantial differences in the effects of harmonic content on complex‐tone frequency discrimination among hearing‐impaired listeners and between hearing‐impaired and normal‐hearing listeners. Despite large variability among the hearing‐impaired subjects, several patterns of results emerged: Performance of two subjects grew worse as harmonic rank increased; performance of three subjects did not change substantially with changes in harmonic rank; and performance of three impaired subjects improved as harmonic rank increased. Performance of all but two subjects was significantly degraded for stimuli containing low‐order harmonics. For stimuli containing only high‐order harmonics, five subjects showed performance that was comparable to that of normal‐hearing subjects, and three showed abnormally poor performance. Performance of impaired subjects generally improved as the number of stimulus components increased. The sensation level of stimulus components influenced the performance of several impaired subjects, but not in a uniform manner. To the extent that complex‐tone fundamental‐frequency discrimination can be assumed to be a pitch perception task, the present results suggest that, in contrast to normal‐hearing subjects, hearing‐impaired listeners rely primarily on periodicity cues in the perception of complex‐tone pitch.
Either/or → and

The writings of Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee, Bauhaus theorists and pioneers of nonrepresentational art, are the framework for a discussion of contemporary issues in computational design. Kandin...
Abstract LB-321: Combination dendritic cell and conventional chemoradiation therapy improves survival for rectal cancer in a murine model.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC The goal of neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer is to downstage or preferably eradicate the tumor prior to resection. Achieving complete pathologic response (CPR) using neoadjuvant chemoradiation is associated with improved overall and disease free survival. The aim of this study was to achieve improved complete pathologic response rates and survival by combining intra-tumoral injection of dendritic cells with conventional therapy. A syngeneic rectal cancer cell line (CT26) was subcutaneously injected into the thigh of immunocompetent Balb/c mice. Mice either received no treatment, conventional chemoradiation (CXRT) (5-fluorouracil + XRT) for 3 weeks, or CXRT plus tumor-lysate pulsed dendritic cells (CXRT/DC). Specific anti-CT26 cytotoxic T cell (CTL) activity was determined using standard chromium release assay. Flow cytometry for immune cell subsets was performed on cells isolated from spleens and tumors. Animals in the control group showed predictable uninhibited growth and all were euthanized due to tumor size. CXRT animals showed improved survival but none achieved complete response. Thirty three percent of the animals in CXRT/DC group exhibited CPR. Median survival for the control, CXRT, and CXRT/DC treated animals was 24, 46.5, 67 days, (p<0.0001). Splenocytes from CXRT/DC treated mice exhibited higher specific anti-CT26 CTL activity (28%) when compared to CXRT (17%), untreated control (11%) and naive mice (<1%). Flow cytometry demonstrated an increase in regulatory T cells (Tregs), macrophages, granulocytic myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and monocytic MDSCs in tumor bearing animals, (p<0.05). Dendritic cell activity stimulates anti-tumor CTL responses, but may also decrease MDSC and Treg mediated immunosuppression. Addition of dendritic cells to conventional chemoradiation therapy for rectal cancer increases complete pathologic response and thereby survival via immune modulation. Further analysis will allow subset comparisons between treatment groups. Citation Format: Swapnil D. Kachare, Jennifer M. Cayer, F. Melinda Carver, Zachary P. Englert, Kathryn M. Verbanac, Emmanuel E. Zervos, Nasreen A. Vohra. Combination dendritic cell and conventional chemoradiation therapy improves survival for rectal cancer in a murine model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-321. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-LB-321
Social and cultural determinants of collective management of community forest in Nepal

Abstract The main goal of the study is to determine which socio-economic factors affect level of participation in the community forest management of “Ludhi-Damgade” of Gorkha district in Nepal. The empirical evidence for level of participation as a function of social status is obtained by using an ordered probit and two-stage least-squares model. The model also estimates the marginal effects of socio-economic factors on different levels of participation suggesting how per unit change in such socio-economic characters affects the level of participation. Empirical results from the model also verify that participation in forest management determines the quantity and type of benefits received from the community forest. The research findings of the study suggest that participation in community forest management is based on the socio-economic profile of an individual and the level of participation is determined by the benefits obtained from the common forest resources. Lack of participation in community forest management excludes the disadvantaged groups from decision-making in product distribution. Consequently, the disadvantaged groups get less benefit from the community forest. The empirical results are expected to aid policy makers in empowering people of lower socio-economic status to understand the importance of participation in community forest management in order to have equal distribution of benefits accrued by community forest.
Optimal location on a sphere

Abstract The problem of finding a point on the sphere S2 = {x = (x, y, z)¦x2 + y2 + z2 = 1} which minimizes the weighted sum of the distances to N given destination points xj on S2 is studied. Three different metrics are considered as distances between points on S2: (A), square of Euclidean distance; (B), Euclidean distance; (C), great circle distance. Non uniqueness of minimizers is demonstrated and some pathological cases are studied. An algorithm, analogous to the Weiszfeld algorithm for the classical unconstrained Weber problem is formulated, and its convergence properties are investigated. A necessary and sufficient condition for a destination point to be a local minimizer is derived. Finally, a modified form of Steffensen's acceleration is given and the results of numerical tests are presented. These results illustrate the predictions of the theory, and confirm the effectiveness of Steffensen's acceleration.
Lysine and total sulfur amino acid requirements of turkey poults, one day to three weeks.

Abstract THE lysine and total sulfur amino acid requirements of turkey poults have been discussed by a number of workers. Grau et al. (1946) suggested a lysine requirement of 1.3% of the diet at protein levels of 20 and 24% when sesame meal was the protein source. German et al. (1949) using feather pigmentation as a criterion, suggested the requirement for lysine was 1.1 to 1.2% of the diet. Gartley et al. (1950) using sunflower seed meal as a dietary protein source, suggested the lysine requirement was 1.2% of the diet from day-one to four weeks of age. Kratzer et al. (1949) used dl -methionine as a dietary supplement to study the total sulfur amino acid requirements of poults. Their work indicated a need for 0.5% methionine and 0.3% cystine for a total of 0.8% sulfur amino acids in the diet. Almquist (1952), in his review, listed the lysine requirement for starting…
Motor Program Memory Storage in Parkinson's Disease Patients Tested with a Delayed Response Task

We used a delayed response paradigm to test the hypothesis that the prolonged reaction time in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is related to a deficiency in their ability to store a motor program in memory while waiting to move. PD patients, both on and off medication, were compared with age-matched normal subjects during arm movements directed toward a target light. The target light was displayed either during a 3- to 9-s delay or for only 1 s followed by a 2- to 8-s delay before the go signal. At the end of the delay, subjects were required to begin movement rapidly. The reaction time of PD patients was longer than normal and increased slightly when the patients were off medication. The patients had no excessive increase in reaction time with delay in either task compared with the control subjects. We conclude that patients with PD can hold a motor program in memory storage for at least 8 s.
Langevin Dynamics Simulations to Predict Sidechain Dihedral Angle Distributions

Despite recent improvements in computational methods for protein design, we still lack a predictive understanding of protein structure and interactions. We perform Langevin dynamics simulations of protein models that include only hard-sphere and geometric constraints to investigate the distribution of sidechain dihedral angles. We first study dipeptides of nonpolar amino acids as a function of the backbone dihedral angles and cooling rate, and compare the sidechain dihedral angle distributions to those from protein crystal structures in the protein data bank. In addition, we predict the sidechain dihedral angle propensities in the core region of the protein ROP and several mutants. The studies serve as a first step in developing the ability to quantitatively rank the energies of designed protein constructs.
Structural characteristics of purified beta-conglycinin from soybeans stored under four conditions.

Four storage conditions including adverse conditions [84% relative humidity (RH), 30 °C], mild conditions (57% RH, 20 °C), cold conditions (4 °C), and uncontrolled ambient conditions were used for storing soybeans. The storage time was 9 months for the adverse conditions and 18 months for the other three conditions. β-Conglycinin was purified and characterized with respect to its molecular properties. After storage under the adverse conditions, β-conglycinin showed no significant changes in total sugar content, surface hydrophobicity, free SH and SS bonds, and amino acid composition within 6 months; however, it showed a significant decrease in surface hydrophobicity and a significant increase in total free SH and total SH including SS content after 6 months. Analysis of the secondary structure showed a significant increase in α-helix content, but a significant decrease in β-sheet content after 3 months. For the other three conditions, no significant changes occurred to the structures of β-conglycinin when...
Disruption of neural signaling within the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus upregulates galanin gene expression in association with hyperphagia: an in situ hybridization analysis

Abstract Hypothalamic neuropeptides play critical roles in the regulation of appetite and body weight. We recently reported that disruption of neural signaling in the ventromedial nucleus (VMN) by microinjection of the neurotoxin, colchicine (COL), produced transient hyperphagia with attendant body weight gain lasting for 4 days. The neural mechanism(s) underlying this temporary shift in energy homeostasis is still unknown. Galanin (GAL) is produced in several hypothalamic nuclei and since microinjection of GAL into these sites stimulates feeding, we tested the hypothesis that galaninergic signaling is upregulated in COL-treated rats. COL (4 μg in 0.5 μl saline) or saline alone was microinjected into the VMN of adult male rats and GAL mRNA was evaluated in the basal hypothalamus by ribonuclease protection assay on day 1, day 2 and day 4 after injection. Whereas in saline-treated rats body weight and GAL mRNA remained unaffected, they were significantly increased in COL-injected rats through the period of observation. To identify the specific neuronal subpopulations involved, GAL mRNA levels were analyzed in feeding-related hypothalamic nuclei using semiquantitative in situ hybridization histochemistry on day 4 after microinjection of COL or saline into the VMN. In COL-treated rats, GAL mRNA levels increased dramatically over controls in the supraoptic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus (PVN), dorsomedial nucleus (DMN), arcuate nucleus (ARC) and lateral hypothalamic area (LHA); no significant change was observed in the central nucleus of amygdala. These results indicated that disruption of neurotransmission in the VMN upregulated GAL gene expression in those hypothalamic sites (PVN, DMN, LHA and ARC) that are implicated in regulation of feeding, and since GAL stimulates feeding, this neurochemical rearrangement may contribute to the over-eating in these animals. These results also suggest that, normally, neurons in the VMN may suppress GAL neurotransmission in feeding-regulating hypothalamic neural circuits.
Certain seasonal changes in balsam fir cambium and its derivatives

The seasonal cambial activity of balsam fir producing normal and compression wood was observed. Samples were taken throughout one growing season. Activity was initiated in normal wood with the precocious development of one sieve cell per file 2 weeks before activity was initiated in compression wood with the formation of one new sieve cell per file. Deactivation dates in normal and compression wood were the same. Dating of the phloem adjacent to normal wood can be carried out using crushed sieve cells or an annually formed band of tannin filled parenchyma whereas adjacent to compression wood, only crushed sieve cells can be used. The maximum cambial zone widths in normal and compression wood were 15 and 16 cells, respectively. The final xylem to phloem ratio in normal wood was 14:1 while in compression wood it was 21:1. Time required for development of tracheids was examined throughout the growing season. Growth trends for the radial growth and differentiation phases were studied in both normal and compression wood. Tracheid development in normal wood took between 14 and 33 days while in compression wood it varied between 5 and 49 days.
Calculation of Protein-Polymer Force Fields Using Molecular Dynamics

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to determine the force field of attraction between Leu-enkephalin and a model polyethylene surface. Four separate rotational orientations of the polypeptide were simulated. During the simulations the surface atoms were held static, but the water atoms were dynamic. Some simulations were studied employing restricted dynamics of the polypeptide in which only the five backbone α-carbon atoms held immobile. For an orientation with oxygen atoms toward the PE surface the force between the enkephalin and the surface was repulsive and was approaching zero as the separation reached 8 A. The maximum repulsive force reached 8 kcal/mole/A at 2.7 A separation. For an orientation with hydrophobic groups toward the PE, the force was attractive with a minimum in the force field of 4 kcal/mole/A at 2.3 A. Two other orientations were also investigated. The results of the MD simulations indicated that the force between enkephalin and PE in the region 0 <z< 9.5 A was mostly a function of the separation distance and the orientation angle of enkephalin with respect to the surface.
The Relationship of Tensile Specimen Size and Geometry Effects to Unique Constitutive Parameters for Ductile Materials.

Direct observation of solid deformation at all points in a material test specimen is generally not possible. This becomes important when an internal point experiences the maximum effective deformation of the entire specimen. The simple reduction of load-displacement data to material constitutive parameters, as for inelastic tensile specimen necking, is precluded. Although the mechanics of necking has received considerable attention, the complementary issue of constitutive parameter determination from inelastic specimen experimental data has not. This investigation addresses both aspects of the problem for HY-100 steel. An experimental-computational procedure is demonstrated, which generates material constitutive parameters valid at strains beyond those at the onset of necking. Neck deformation, specimen size and specimen geometry effects are used to ensure the uniqueness of the parameters in the sense that a single uniaxial continuum true-stress–true-strain curve predicts the behaviour of laboratory specimens with different geometries. The solution parameters for HY-100 steel are developed, in the context of an incremental elastic–plastic constitutive formulation, by this procedure. These results support the view that tensile specimen necking is the result of the interaction between imperfection-free specimen geometry, material behaviour and applied load for relatively unsophisticated constitutive formulations if the constitutive parameters are accurately determined. In addition, broken symmetry of specimen deformation is computationally predicted and experimentally confirmed for long, slender specimen geometries.
Screening devices for diminished cognitive capacity

Abstract This study compares three commonly used tests to detect organic mental disorders: the Mini-Mental State (MMS), Cognitive Capacity Screening Examination (CCSE), and Tachistoscope (T-Scope). Ninety-seven medical-surgical inpatients at the Mount Sinai Hospital referred for psychiatric consultation had a Missouri Mental Status Examination performed by a psychiatrist who also rated the patients' organic mental disorder as “none”, “mild”, “moderate”, or “severe”. The CCSE, MMS, and T-Scope, respectively, showed: sensitivity — 0.54, 0.52, 0.68; specificity — 0.85, 0.76, 0.79; and positive predictive value — 0.83, 0.74, 0.79. False negatives occurred more often among those patients with mild organic mental disorders with all instruments (p = 0.05), while the T-Scope could not be administered in 27% of the patients. Screening instruments with increased acceptability, sensitivity, and specificity need to be developed to identify a potentially life-threatening disorder.