cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emotional responses to speech accommodation: A systematic review

Five percent of the U.S. population speak English “not well” or not at all, often leading to miscommunication, which can be especially problematic in a healthcare environment or at the workplace. According to socio-linguistic frameworks such as Communication Accommodation Theory, native speakers have interactional goals and strategies to communicate effectively with non-native speakers. One of these strategies, foreign-directed speech, involves modifying the speech output acoustically and linguistically by slowing down, simplifying speech, and exaggerating vowels. While the acoustic properties of foreign-directed speech are well documented, research is limited on how non-native speakers interpret them emotionally and pragmatically. For instance, do non-native speakers find foreign-direct speech helpful or does it come across as condescending? The purpose of this systematic review is to determine the current evidence on how speech accommodation affects the listener, with a special focus on how it is perceived by non-native speakers. In this review, we outline the basic components of communication accommodation, provide a systematic review of the literature related to the emotional effects of speech accommodation, and discuss current issues. We conclude by formulating recommendations for future research.
Adolescents' willingness to help with peer victimisation in Taiwan: The role of individual and situation-specific characteristics

The purpose of this study is to evaluate adolescent bystanders' willingness to help and specific help responses as predicted by both individual characteristics (e.g., gender, empathy, victimisation experiences) and situation-specific characteristics (i.e., bystander's relationship with the victim and the presence of another bystander). The study used an experimental vignette method with a sample of Taiwanese adolescents. Participants included 730 seventh graders (49% girls, mean age 12.8 years) attending one middle school in a southern city in Taiwan. Results show that both individual characteristics (e.g., gender, empathy) and a situation-specific characteristic (i.e., the relationship a participant had with the victim) predicted adolescents' willingness to help. However, only individual characteristics predicted adolescents' specific help responses including telling the teacher, telling the bully to stop, and comforting the victims. Directions for future research and implications for interventions and prevention programs are discussed.
Did Information Intermediaries See the Banking Crisis Coming from Leading Indicators in Banks’ Financial Statements?

We investigate whether the observable actions of four information intermediaries (short sellers, credit rating agency, sell-side analysts, and auditors) in the months prior to the 2008 banking crisis were sensitive to leading indicators of the crisis constructed from banks’ financial statements. We find that the mean level of short interest increased steadily from 0.66% at the end of 2002 to 4.0% at the end of 2007. However, we observe little meaningful change in the mean credit rating, mean analysts’ recommendation and mean audit fees over this period. More important, the level of short interest is associated with several leading indicators and this association is stronger for larger banks and over the years 2005-2007. Unlike short sellers, the actions of a credit rating agency (S&P), sell-side analysts and auditors do not appear to be sensitive to the ex-ante footprints of the crisis from banks’ financial statements.
Research within physical oceanography and submarine geology at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography during April, 1944, to April, 1945

Participation of members of the staff in war work has continued and has been further expanded. The nature of the work is such that as yet no report can be given to the American Geophysical Union. G. F. McEWEN has completed the revision of certain preliminary basic mathematical tables required for further researches on evaporation and mixing, and a limited number of photostatic copies are on file.
Max-Min Designs in the Analysis of Variance

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on max–min designs in the analysis of variance. In a restricted context, M -optimality and E -optimality of analysis of variance designs are closely related. This chapter presents a simple matrix inequality that allows one to prove in a few lines the E -optimality of many designs having a high degree of symmetry. Definitions of optimality may be found in the work of Kiefer; from it, one may obtain references to earlier work by A. Wald and S. Ehrenfeld. It is assumed that once a design C is decided and the random variable X is observed, the experimenter will use an analysis of variance test.
Discussion on “Real-time monitoring of events applied to syndromic surveillance”

This article presents a discussion of Sparks et al., focusing on the application and need for control charting methodologies for real-world syndromic surveillance applications. The discussion is di...
Acoustic phonon dispersion and diffuse scattering across the valence transition of ( P r 0.85 Y 0.15 ) 0.7 C a 0.3 Co O 3 − δ

A number of praseodymium-containing cobalt perovskites undergo temperature-dependent metal-insulator transitions that involve a transfer of electrons between cobalt and praseodymium cations. We have used high-resolution inelastic x-ray scattering to directly measure the changes in the acoustic phonon dispersion through this transition in one such single crystal, ${(\mathrm{P}{\mathrm{r}}_{0.85}{\mathrm{Y}}_{0.15})}_{0.7}\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{a}}_{0.3}\mathrm{Co}{\mathrm{O}}_{3\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}$, in an effort to understand the role of the lattice in the transition. Transverse and acoustic modes were measured in the pseudocubic (200), (220), and (222) zones both above and below the transition temperature. The resultant dispersion curves reveal that the transition is associated with a significant hardening of the pseudocubic ${C}_{11}$ elastic constant, whereas ${C}_{12}$ and ${C}_{44}$ do not significantly change. Analysis of the temperature-dependent damping of the longitudinal acoustic mode in the (200) zone reveals a peak in the damping at temperatures just above the transition temperature. Significant elastic diffuse scattering is also observed above the transition temperature, likely resulting from clusters in which the electron transfer is beginning to occur as a precursor to the phase transition. The presence of these clusters likely limits the phonon lifetimes, thus leading to the observed damping.
Simulation-Based Approach to Evaluate the Effects of Food Supply Chain Mitigation and Compliance Strategies on Consumer Behavior and Risk Communication Methods

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that globally 1 in 10 people will become ill every year from eating a contaminated food product, resulting in 420,000 deaths. Food contamination can occur through several points within the food supply chain, a result of the intentional or accidental presence of biological/chemical contaminants. This has led public health officials to track food borne illness and create various mitigation strategies.
The Impact of Local Steroid Administration on the Incidence of Neuritis following Lumbar Facet Radiofrequency Neurotomy.

Background Pain arising from the lumbar facet joints is a common cause of axial back pain in adults. Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) of the medial branches of the spinal dorsal rami has been used as a treatment option. The most common side effect is transient, localized, burning, neuritic-type pain, termed post-neurotomy neuritis (PNN). Corticosteroids have been administered through the radiofrequency cannula after neurotomy to prevent PNN, but no study has examined the effects of this on PNN. Objectives We investigated the incidence of PNN in patients who received corticosteroids after RFN and in those patients who did not receive corticosteroids. Study design Retrospective evaluation. Setting Single-site interventional pain management practice in an urban tertiary academic medical center. Methods One hundred and sixty-four patients were included in this study and were categorized into non-steroid (n = 87) and steroid (n = 77) groups. Patient's age, gender, body mass index (BMI), laterality of procedure, use of neuropathic pain medications, baseline pain, and duration of pain were all recorded. PNN was determined if the patient self-reported transient burning or neuropathic pain at the site prior to or at the 6-week routine follow-up encounter. Results There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics between the 2 groups in age, gender, baseline pain, and duration of pain. The proportion of patients in the steroid treated group with PNN was 5 out of 77 (6.4%) and the non-steroid group was 6 out of 87 (6.9%). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence in neuritis between individuals taking neuropathic agents and individuals not taking neuropathic agents. Limitations This study has several limitations including small sample size, patients' self-reported neuropathic symptoms, and inability to draw strong conclusions due to the retrospective study design. A single interventionalist performed all the procedures in this retrospective study and variations in technique amongst others are inevitable. Conclusion Administration of steroids after RFN does not reduce the incidence of post-neurotomy neuritis. Concurrently administering neuropathic medications does not protect against neuritis. Key words Radiofrequency neurotomy, radiofrequency ablation, neuritis, corticosteroid, lumbar facet pain, post neurotomy neuritis.
Elephants in Lake Tumba Landscape: Malebo, Ngiri, and Bolombo-Losombo

The chapter describes a survey of large mammals in the Lake Tumba landscape that focused on forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis). The survey used both line transect sampling and forest reconnaissance to collect data on elephant dung piles in three major forest blocks of the Lake Tumba Landscape (Malebo region, Ngiri Triangle and Bolombo—Losombo). The Malebo region, as it is referred to throughout this book, is the south of the Lake Tumba down to the Kwa-Kasai River and bordered in the east by the Lake Maindombe. The Ngiri Triangle, comprising the Ngiri River, is located between the Congo River and the Ubangi River from where the two rivers join together. Bolombo–Losombo is located between the Congo River and the Lulonga River. After the completion of the survey, data were not sufficient to provide densities of elephant populations in these forest blocs. However, the calculated relative abundance was τ = 0.33 dung piles/km at Lukolela, τ = 0.03 dung piles/km at Ngombe–Lake Tumba and τ = 0.04 dung piles/km at Mbanzi–Malebo. Ngombe–Lake Tumba and Mbanzi–Malebo are located in the wider area of Malebo region. For both Ngiri and Bolombo–Losombo, respective values of τ were rather low but elephants were present.
Timing precision in fly flight control: integrating mechanosensory input with muscle physiology

Animals rapidly collect and act on incoming information to navigate complex environments, making the precise timing of sensory feedback critical in the context of neural circuit function. Moreover, the timing of sensory input determines the biomechanical properties of muscles that undergo cyclic length changes, as during locomotion. Both of these issues come to a head in the case of flying insects, as these animals execute steering manoeuvres at timescales approaching the upper limits of performance for neuromechanical systems. Among insects, flies stand out as especially adept given their ability to execute manoeuvres that require sub-millisecond control of steering muscles. Although vision is critical, here I review the role of rapid, wingbeat-synchronous mechanosensory feedback from the wings and structures unique to flies, the halteres. The visual system and descending interneurons of the brain employ a spike rate coding scheme to relay commands to the wing steering system. By contrast, mechanosensory feedback operates at faster timescales and in the language of motor neurons, i.e. spike timing, allowing wing and haltere input to dynamically structure the output of the wing steering system. Although the halteres have been long known to provide essential input to the wing steering system as gyroscopic sensors, recent evidence suggests that the feedback from these vestigial hindwings is under active control. Thus, flies may accomplish manoeuvres through a conserved hindwing circuit, regulating the firing phase-and thus, the mechanical power output-of the wing steering muscles.
When Trauma Mimics ADHD

This chapter discusses the relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and trauma in adolescents. Trauma is conceptualized as a frightening, violent, or dangerous event that poses a threat to an individual’s bodily integrity or life. Exposure to traumatic events can impact adolescent development, contributing to emotional distress and difficulties with regulation; adolescents who have been exposed to trauma may exhibit symptoms that are classically seen in youth with ADHD. It is important, therefore, to arrive at an accurate diagnostic impression of adolescents who are presenting with inattention and regulation difficulties. Clinicians are advised to evaluate for the potential contribution of trauma when diagnosing ADHD in adolescents. Arriving at a clear diagnostic understanding of an adolescent’s presenting concerns has significant implications for the treatment of these youth. Adolescents with trauma histories who present with symptoms of ADHD require multifaceted interventions which target their emotional functioning as well as behavioral presentation.
Implications of the quantum DNA model for information sciences

The DNA molecule can be modeled as a quantum logic processor, and this model has been supported by pilot research that experimentally demonstrated non-local communication between cells in separated cell cultures. This modeling and pilot research have important implications for information sciences, providing a potential architecture for quantum computing that operates at room temperature and is scalable to millions of qubits, and including the potential for an entanglement communication system based upon the quantum DNA architecture. Such a system could be used to provide non-local quantum key distribution that could not be blocked by any shielding or water depth, would be simultaneous over any distance, and could not be electromagnetically interfered with or eavesdropped upon. The quantum DNA model also has implications for artificial neural networks and can provide architecture for a system of quantum random number generation.
Molecular Parameters Determining the Performance of CW Optically Pumped FIR Lasers

In the past, a set of selection criteria based on key molecular properties were used to successfully predict the discovery of the optically pumped CH 2 F 2 laser [1]. About fifty lines have now been discovered with this molecule [2] which has several strong lines with conversion efficiencies greater than 30% of the theoretical limit [3], Wide variation in the performance of the various lines of CH 2 F 2 has been observed and could only be analyzed with line assignments for the laser transitions. Many of the strong lines have been assigned by analogy with the CH 2 OH molecule which has similar types of FIR laser transitions.
A Member of the Roy Rogers Riders Club Is Expected to Follow the Rules Faithfully

When I was five years old I joined The Roy Rogers Riders Club, along with every other kid in the neighborhood. I approached my first code of conduct with unbridled enthusiasm. Members, Roy said, were “expected to follow the rules faithfully.” I tried. But I soon learned not only that I didn't follow them, but that I couldn't. Let me explain.
Modeling Style Trade-Offs

This chapter might be subtitled, Zen and the Art of Verilog Modeling. This chapter marks a departure from the previous chapters (full of syntax and examples) into why you would want to make certain modeling decisions.
Role of the proximal ligand in peroxidase catalysis. Crystallographic, kinetic, and spectral studies of cytochrome c peroxidase proximal ligand mutants.

The role of the proximal histidine ligand in peroxidase function was studied by replacing the His side chain in cytochrome c peroxidase with Gln, Glu, or Cys. In addition, a double mutant was prepared where His-175 is converted to Gln and the site of free radical formation in Compound I, Trp-191 (Sivaraja, M., Goodin, D.B., Smith, M., and Hoffman, B. M. (1989) Science 245, 738-740), is converted to Phe. With the exception of the His-175–>Cys mutant, the proximal ligand mutants retain high levels of enzyme activity. Stopped flow studies show that replacing the His ligand with Gln has only a modest effect on the rate of Compound I formation demonstrating that the precise nature of the proximal ligand is not important in achieving a high rate of peroxide O-O bond cleavage. The double mutant, His-175–>Gln/Trp-191–>Phe, also forms Compound I rapidly but the initial product formed is very likely a long-lived porphyrin pi cation radical that slowly converts to a species more closely resembling the heme oxyferryl center of wild type Compound I. The relevance of these studies to the cytochrome c peroxidase-cytochrome c electron transfer system are discussed.
The Pharmacology and Clinical Application of Sedatives, Analgesics, and Adjuncts

The overall objective in sedation outside the operating room is to provide effective and safe sedation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides five specific goals: “(1) to guard the patient’s safety and welfare, (2) to minimize physical discomfort and pain, (3) to control anxiety, minimize psychological trauma, and maximize the potential for amnesia, (4) control behavior and/or movement to allow the safe completion of the procedure, and (5) return the patient to a state in which safe discharge is possible.”
Business planning under uncertainty

Abstract In business, planning often starts with an annual financial target which is then apportioned into a set of monthly targets, called the track. As the year progresses planners must assess, by comparing the actual measurement with the track, whether the measurement is on track to reach the target or whether action needs to be taken in order to reach the target. Wu ( The Statistician , 1988, 37, 141–152) has briefly described three planning charts, called WINEGLASS, SHIPWRECK and OUT-LOOK, that enable this assessment to be made objectively. Here we give a detailed description of Wu's approach. We give a complete description of the charts and of the calculations needed to construct them, and we present examples of these calculations. We also describe a way of setting the current year's monthly targets on the basis of previous years' data. The calculations are based on a statistical model, a modification of Wu's Track Uncertainty Model, of the variability of the actual measurement about the track.
Description of the PMAD systems test bed facility and data system

The power management and distribution (PMAD) systems test bed facility, including the power sources and loads available, is discussed, and the PMAD data system (PDS) is described. The PDS controls the test-bed facility hardware, and monitors and records the electric power system control data bus and external data. The PDS architecture is discussed, and each of the subsystems is described.
Potential-dependent dynamic fracture of nanoporous gold

High-speed photography has been used to study the dynamic fracture of nanoporous gold as a function of electrochemical potential, providing insight into stress-corrosion cracking.
Government procurement in US trade agreements

The United States has played an essential role in driving the agenda for the world trading system since the Second World War. An important component of that agenda has been the liberalization of government procurement, with the first plurilateral agreement signed in 1979 as part of the Tokyo Round. Since then, procurement has become a staple of other trade agreements, both in the WTO and in bilateral and regional pacts. This paper briefly outlines the government procurement commitments the United States has sought from its trading partners and the commitments which the US made in return, with a particular focus on how these positions have evolved over time.
Establishment of Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Other Microorganisms on a Beach Replenishment Site in Florida

Beach replenishment is a widely used method of controlling coastal erosion. To reduce erosional losses from wind, beach grasses are often planted on the replenishment sands. However, there is little information on the microbial populations in this material that may affect plant establishment and growth. The objectives of this research were to document changes in the populations of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi and other soil microorganisms in replenishment materials and to determine whether roots of transplanted beach grasses become colonized by beneficial microbes. The study was conducted over a 2-year period on a replenishment project in northeastern Florida. Three sampling locations were established at 1-km intervals along the beach. Each location consisted of three plots: an established dune, replenishment sand planted with Uniola paniculata and Panicum sp., and replenishment sand left unplanted. Fungal and bacterial populations increased rapidly in the rhizosphere of beach grasses in the planted plots. However, no bacteria were recovered that could fix significant amounts of N2. The VAM fungi established slowly on the transplanted grasses. Even after two growing seasons, levels of root colonization and sporulation were significantly below those found in the established dune. There was a shift in the dominant VAM fungi found in the planted zone with respect to those in the established dunes. The most abundant species recovered from the established dunes were Glomus deserticola, followed by Acaulospora scrobiculata and Scutellospora weresubiae. The VAM fungi that colonized the planted zone most rapidly were Glomus globiferum, followed by G. deserticola and Glomus aggregatum.
Using genome-wide associations to identify metabolic pathways involved in maize aflatoxin accumulation resistance

Aflatoxin is a potent carcinogen that can contaminate grain infected with the fungus Aspergillus flavus. However, resistance to aflatoxin accumulation in maize is a complex trait with low heritability. Here, two complementary analyses were performed to better understand the mechanisms involved. The first coupled results of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) that accounted for linkage disequilibrium among single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with gene-set enrichment for a pathway-based approach. The rationale was that the cumulative effects of genes in a pathway would give insight into genetic differences that distinguish resistant from susceptible lines of maize. The second involved finding non-pathway genes close to the most significant SNP-trait associations with the greatest effect on reducing aflatoxin in multiple environments. Unlike conventional GWAS, the latter analysis emphasized multiple aspects of SNP-trait associations rather than just significance and was performed because of the high genotype x environment variability exhibited by this trait. The most significant metabolic pathway identified was jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis. Specifically, there was at least one allelic variant for each step in the JA biosynthesis pathway that conferred an incremental decrease to the level of aflatoxin observed among the inbred lines in the GWAS panel. Several non-pathway genes were also consistently associated with lowered aflatoxin levels. Those with predicted functions related to defense were: leucine-rich repeat protein kinase, expansin B3, reversion-to-ethylene sensitivity1, adaptor protein complex2, and a multidrug and toxic compound extrusion protein. Our genetic analysis provided strong evidence for several genes that were associated with aflatoxin resistance. Inbred lines that exhibited lower levels of aflatoxin accumulation tended to share similar haplotypes for genes specifically in the pathway of JA biosynthesis, along with several non-pathway genes with putative defense-related functions. Knowledge gained from these two complementary analyses has improved our understanding of population differences in aflatoxin resistance.
Measuring the impact of product and promotion-related factors on product category price elasticities

Abstract Our study relates product category price elasticities to factors associated with the product being promoted and the product's promotional history. Examining product category elasticities is relevant because category management techniques are playing an increasingly important role in the promotional and merchandising activities of retailers and packaged goods manufacturers. We developed and tested a cross-section model using 52 weeks of scanner data and company records from a large supermarket chain. We hypothesized that brand market share, shelf space allocation, and product type (national brand or store brand) would have a positive impact on product category elasticities, whereas brand price, frequency of promotion, frequency of product display, and the bulkiness of the brand would have a negative effect on product category price elasticities. We found product-specific factors, such as brand market share and price, had a significant impact on category elasticity, whereas most of the promotion-related factors, including the frequency and magnitude of price specials, did not affect category elasticities. Our results offer retailers and manufacturers the opportunity to influence category sales through recognition of brand-level differences.
Influence of Tetrahydrofuran on Epoxy−Amine Polymerization

The objective of this work is to understand the influence of the solvent tetrahydrofuran (THF), a hydrogen bond acceptor, on epoxy−amine polymerization reactions. The cure kinetics of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and 4,4‘-methylenebiscyclohexanamine in the presence of THF as a solvent was monitored using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in the near-infrared (NIR) region. FTIR analysis showed that the THF remained chemically inert during the epoxy−amine reactions. A mechanistically based two-parameter catalytic model for the intrinsic kinetics was developed. This model adequately described the intrinsic kinetics of this system in the presence and absence of THF. The influence of THF on the intrinsic kinetics was investigated by varying the THF to monomers weight ratio at 60, 50, and 40 °C. Results showed that for a given cure temperature the kinetic rate constants decreased with increasing THF content up to a critical composition and remained practically constant above this com...
Human Papillomavirus Type 11 E1 up angle E4 and L1 Proteins Colocalize in the Mouse Xenograft System at Multiple Time Points

Abstract The most abundant viral mRNA species in HPV 11-infected tissue consists of two exons, joining a segment of open reading frame (ORF) E1 to ORF E4, potentially encoding the E1 up angle E4 protein. The L1 ORF encodes the major capsid protein of HPV. Our previous studies demonstrated colocalization of the HPV 11 E1 up angle E4 and L1 proteins within the same cells of HPV 11-infected human foreskin implants grown in athymic mice (the mouse xenograft system) and removed 12 weeks after implantation. Prior studies have demonstrated E1 up angle E4 transcripts early in infection and throughout the HPV 11-infected epithelium, while L1 transcripts are detected later, and in a subset of E1 up angle E4 mRNA-positive differentiated epithelial cells. Therefore, E1 up angle E4 protein may be produced at an earlier time point or in less differentiated cells than the L1 protein. To study these questions, athymic mice were implanted with HPV 11-infected human foreskin fragments. Mice were sacrificed at 1-week intervals beginning 2 weeks after implantation of tissue. The E1 up angle E4 and L1 proteins colocalized to the same differentiated epithelial cells or to tight clusters of cells in differentiated epithelial layers of HPV 11-infected implants. The E1 up angle E4 and L1 proteins were first detected 4 weeks after implantation. E1 up angle E4 protein was detected in the region of the cell membrane and cytoplasm, and never in the nucleus. L1 protein was only detected in the nucleus. Both proteins were detected in implants containing high viral copy numbers. No specific histologic changes were uniformly associated with detection of these proteins. The tight coupling of the E1 up angle E4 and L1 proteins at multiple time points suggests that expression of both proteins is necessary to complete the virus life cycle.
Evaluation of the Xpert Flu Rapid PCR Assay in High-Risk Emergency Department Patients

We prospectively evaluated the performance of Cepheid's GeneXpert Xpert Flu assay in a target population of 281 adults presenting to the emergency department with an acute respiratory illness who met Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria for recommended antiviral treatment. Compared with the Prodesse ProFlu+ assay, Xpert Flu had an overall sensitivity of 95.3% and specificity of 99.2%.
AM/FM halftoning: improved cost function and training framework

FM halftoning generates good tone rendition but it is not appropriate for electrophotographic (EP) printers due to the inherent instability of the EP process. Although AM halftoning yields stable dots, it is susceptible to moire and contouring artifacts. To combine the strengths of AM and FM halftoning, the AM/FM halftoning algorithm exploits each advantage of AM and FM halftoning. The resulting halftone textures have green noise spectral characteristics. In this paper, we present an improved training procedure for the AM/FM halftoning algorithm. Since most of the green noise energy is concentrated in the middle frequencies, the tone dependent error diffusion (TDED) parameters (weights and thresholds) are optimized using a new cost function with normalization to distribute the cost evenly over all frequencies. With the new cost function, we can obtain image quality that is very close to the direct binary search (DBS) search-based dispersed-dot halftoning algorithm. The cost function for training the AM part is also modified by penalizing variation in measured tone value across the multiple printer conditions for each combination of dot size and dot density.
Repeated maximal volitional effort contractions in human spinal cord injury: initial torque increases and reduced fatigue.

Background. Substantial data indicate greater muscle fatigue in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) compared with healthy control subjects when tested by using electrical stimulation protocols. Few studies have investigated the extent of volitional fatigue in motor incomplete SCI. Methods. Repeated, maximal volitional effort (MVE) isometric contractions of the knee extensors (KE) were performed in 14 subjects with a motor incomplete SCI and in 10 intact subjects. Subjects performed 20 repeated, intermittent MVEs (5 seconds contraction/5 seconds rest) with KE torques and thigh electromyographic (EMG) activity recorded. Results. Peak KE torques declined to 64% of baseline MVEs with repeated efforts in control subjects. Conversely, subjects with SCI increased peak torques during the first 5 contractions by 15%, with little evidence of fatigue after 20 repeated efforts. Increases in peak KE torques and the rate of torque increase during the first 5 contractions were attributed primarily to increases in ...
Adapted waveform analysis: a tool for audio, image, and video enhancement

Adapted wave form analysis, refers to a collection of FFT like adapted transform algorithms. Given a signal these methods provide special matched collections of templates (orthonormal bases) enabling an efficient extraction of structural components. As a result various operations such as denoising, undesirable background suppression, sharpening and enhancement can be achieved efficiently. Perhaps the closest well known example of such coding method is provided by musical notation, where each segment of music is represented by a musical score made up of notes (templates) characterized by their duration, pitch, location and amplitude, our method corresponds to transcribing the music in as few notes as possible. Since noise and static are difficult to describe efficiently we obtain as a byproduct a denoised version of the sound. This transcription in a score can be developed into a mathematical musical orchestration as described below. The extension to images and video is straightforward we describe the image by collections of oscillatory patterns (paint brush strokes) of various sizes, locations, and amplitudes using a variety of orthogonal bases.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Keratinocyte Apoptosis Induced by Ultraviolet B Radiation and CD95 Ligation – Differential Protection through Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Activation and Bcl-xL Expression

Previous work has shown that activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor by endogenous or exogenous signals markedly enhances survival of cultured keratinocytes upon cellular stress such as passaging. This is due, in part, to epidermal-growth-factor-receptor-dependent expression of Bcl-xL, an antiapoptotic Bcl-2 homolog. In this study we tested whether epidermal-growth-factor-receptor-dependent signal transduction and attendant Bcl-xL expression affected survival of human keratinocytes upon exposure to a frequently encountered apoptotic stimulus, radiation with ultraviolet B. We describe that blocking epidermal-growth-factor-receptor-dependent signal transduction sensitized normal keratinocytes to undergo apoptosis upon ultraviolet B radiation with solar light characteristics. Forced expression of Bcl-xL partially but significantly inhibited ultraviolet-B-induced apoptosis of immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT). Bcl-xL overexpression afforded no protection to HaCaT cells against apoptosis induced by binding of an agonist antibody to the death receptor CD95, however. CD95 activation has previously been shown to functionally contribute to apoptosis in ultraviolet-irradiated keratinocytes. These results indicate that epidermal growth factor receptor activation and attendant Bcl-xL expression provided a physiologically relevant protective pathway of keratinocytes against ultraviolet-induced but not CD95-dependent apoptosis.
Probabilistic Warning Times for Earthquake Ground Shaking in the San Francisco Bay Area

Current earthquake mitigation in the United States focuses on long-term characterization of the likely levels of ground shaking and the frequency of occurrence (Frankel et al. , 1996). These estimates are the basis for building codes, which aim to prevent collapse during earthquakes. In other countries, including Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, and Turkey, earthquake warning systems (EWS) are used in addition to building codes to further reduce the impact of earthquakes (Espinosa Aranda et al. , 1995; Wu et al. , 1998; Wu and Teng, 2002; Erdik et al. , 2003; Odaka et al. , 2003; Boese et al. , 2004; Kamigaichi, 2004; Nakamura, 2004; Horiuchi et al. , 2005; Wu and Kanamori, 2005). Short-term mitigation actions are taken to reduce both financial losses and casualties. Earthquake warning systems rapidly detect the initiation of earthquakes and warn of the forthcoming ground shaking. For a specific city, such as San Francisco, the warning time could be tens of seconds for some earthquakes but essentially zero seconds for others. Even in situations when San Francisco has zero seconds warning, however, neighboring cities such as Oakland would likely have a few seconds and San Jose would have ∼15 seconds warning. Thus, for any earthquake scenario in a densely populated region, such as the San Francisco Bay area (SFBA), an EWS could provide warning to at least some of the affected population in a damaging earthquake. Here I present estimates of the warning times that would be available for locations across the SFBA if an EWS were implemented in northern California. These warning times are calculated for identified likely earthquake scenarios in northern California. For each scenario an estimate of the probability of occurrence has been made (WGCEP, 2003), allowing calculation of probabilistic warning times. The …
Mitochondrial Respiratory Capacity Is a Critical Regulator of CD8+ T Cell Memory Development

CD8(+) T cells undergo major metabolic changes upon activation, but how metabolism influences the establishment of long-lived memory T cells after infection remains a key question. We have shown here that CD8(+) memory T cells, but not CD8(+) T effector (Teff) cells, possessed substantial mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity (SRC). SRC is the extra capacity available in cells to produce energy in response to increased stress or work and as such is associated with cellular survival. We found that interleukin-15 (IL-15), a cytokine critical for CD8(+) memory T cells, regulated SRC and oxidative metabolism by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT1a), a metabolic enzyme that controls the rate-limiting step to mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO). These results show how cytokines control the bioenergetic stability of memory T cells after infection by regulating mitochondrial metabolism.
Suppression of fluorescence interference via wavelength shift-keyed Raman spectroscopy using an argon ion laser and acousto-optic tunable filter

Abstract A wavelength shift-keyed (WSK) Raman spectrometer with argon ion laser excitation, acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) wavelength modulation, and synchronous photon counting detection has been developed. It has been demonstrated that this novel approach to wavelength modulation spectroscopy results in suppression of unwanted fluorescence background while giving a substantial increase in signal-to-background over non modulation techniques. The relatively low cost, lack of complexity, and durability of the described system increases the utility of shift-keyed Raman spectroscopy to a broader base of users and ‘real world’ applications.
Intradermal hepatitis B vaccination in a large hospital employee population

The intradermal route of hepatitis B vaccine administration has been tested in several clinical trials and has produced various degrees of immunogenicity, but usually among small groups of participants. To assess more adequately the immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine using the intradermal route, the Centers for Disease Control conducted a clinical trial among 425 well health-care workers in a hospital setting. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: those receiving a 20 micrograms intramuscular injection, and those receiving a 2 micrograms intradermal injection. Participants received the plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine by the standard schedule at 0, 1 and 6 months, and serum samples were collected at 3, 8, 12 and 24 months after the first dose. Antibody response rates (anti-HBs titre greater than or equal to 10 sample ratio units by radioimmunoassay) for the intradermal vaccination group were consistently lower than those for the intramuscular vaccination group at each testing interval. The differences were greatest for the 3-month test and decreased over time. Geometric mean titres for anti-HBs for the intradermal group were significantly lower than those for the intramuscular group at the 8-month test point. In addition to inoculation route, factors of gender, smoking and age were found to have significant effects on immune response. The results suggest that intradermal vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine may be appropriate under certain conditions and for certain population subgroups.
Patency of anastomosed arteries and veins subjected to reapplication of microvascular clamps

One hundred and two rat femoral vessels, both vein and artery, were transected and repaired with a standard technique. After a 30-minute observation period, vessel clamps were reapplied in a standardized manner. The repairs were reexplored at 2 weeks. The results demonstrated no serious reduction in vessel patency in the first period or at the 2 week exploration. Reapplication of vessel clamps after an initial flow period post anastomosis does not have a significant effect on vessel patency.
Effects of acquaintance and friendship on children’s recognition of classmates’ faces

Using as stimuli, photos of classmates’ faces presented under masks so only a portion of the face could be seen, a positive relationship between children’s chronological age and accuracy of identification was confirmed. Length of acquaintance between S and the pictured child did not affect performance; however, when young Ss acknowledged the pictured child as a “friend,” they were more likely to identify him correctly than when the pictured child was not a friend.
The Longevity of Homosexuals: Before and after the Aids Epidemic

Although the U.S. Surgeon General characterized homosexual sex as “normal” and “healthy,” homosexuals and IV drug abusers have suffered disproportionately from the AIDS epidemic. Longevity is often...
He Did It First! A Path Model of Interactions in the Aggressive Behaviors of Elementary School Boys During Three Successive Recess Periods

This exploratory study uses observations of the aggressive behavior of elementary school boys during three successive recess periods to test the hypothesis that aggressive behavior can spread between recess periods through peer contagion. If this hypothesis is correct, aggressive behaviors during the second recess period should mediate any correlation between aggressive behaviors during the first and third periods. Structural equation modeling supports the mediating role of the second period. This finding suggests that peer contagion in aggressive behaviors can occur quite rapidly and adds theoretical support to the use of proactive interventions within schools that curtail aggressive behaviors before they have the opportunity to spread. Implications for schools related to supervision in unstructured settings throughout the school day are discussed.
Efficacy of Field-Isolated Strains of Beauveria bassiana (Moniliales: Moniliaceae) as Microbial Control Agents of the Lesser Mealworm (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Two field isolates (NC2 and NC3) of Beuveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin were evaluated as microbial control agents of the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), in a bioassay system incorporating physical characteristics of commercial poultry houses. Both isolates produced >90% mortality in new litter against larval A. diaperinus at the highest application rate (2.37 × 1011conidia per square meter) 2 wk after application. Neither isolate achieved as high a rate of mortality in used litter. Adult A. diaperinus were less susceptible than larvae to these isolates. At the highest application rate (2.37 × 1011conidia per square meter), isolate NC2 conidia achieved 60%mortality of adults in new litter and 33%mortality in old litter. The same concentration of isolate NC3 conidia produced 68 and 33% mortality in new and used litter, respectively.
Sensitivity Analysis of Marine CSEM Surveys

Marine controlled-source electromagnetic method (MCSEM) is widely used now for offshore hydrocarbon exploration. In this paper we examine the sensitivity MCSEM surveys. We introduce a technique of electromagnetic (EM) data sensitivity analysis based on integrated sensitivity calculations for a survey formed by multiple transmitters and receivers. We use this technique to study the sensitivity of typical EM surveys to local inhomogeneities. We map the spatial distribution of a survey sensitivity with respect to the local anomalies of the conductivity of a geological formation. The calculated sensitivity values provide useful information for designing MCSEM surveys.
Intra- and inter-individual variation in δ13C and δ15N in human dental calculus and comparison to bone collagen and apatite isotopes

There are mixed opinions on the suitability of dental calculus for paleodietary reconstruction using stable isotope analysis. We examine d 13 C and d 15 N values of calculus samples from two regions, central California in the USA and Sai Island in the Sudan. When atomic C/N ratios are less than 12 in calculus, results show positive correlations at both the regional and individual level between stable isotopes of bone collagen and calculus, suggesting these materials track similar dietary behaviors. Correlations are still positive but lower between d
Recruitment and Retention of Stroke Survivors: The CAReS Experience

Recruiting participants with chronic disabling conditions into research studies is a complex process, involving consideration of the rigors of Institutional Review Board requirements, complexities of the recruiting site and sensitivity to the needs of elderly participants. Retaining such participants is achieved by careful recruitment that ensures that participants match the established criteria, understand the study, and are committed to long-term participation-as well as by minimizing the burden as much as possible on the participants and making them feel an important part of a worthwhile effort throughout the duration of the study. This article reviews the recruitment process and reports strategies used in recruiting and retaining elderly subjects for the CAReS Research Study, an interdisciplinary, randomized intervention research study for stroke survivors and their spousal caregivers. Implications for occupational therapy are addressed.
The relationship of a mother's working model of feeding to her feeding behaviour.

The relationship of a mother’s working model of feeding to her feeding behaviour Aims of the study. This study aimed to examine the difference the attunement of a mother’s working model of feeding to her infant makes for her positive feeding affect and behaviour, accounting for infant and mother conditions. Background/rationale. The concept of a mother’s working model of feeding is derived from attachment theory. Caregiving, including feeding, is a component of this theory. The conditions that may influence the attunement of a mother’s working model of feeding to her infant include infant birth maturity status (premature, full-term), age at assessment, and robustness, indexed by weight-for-age z score (WAZ). Mother conditions include symptoms of depression and feeding practice (breast feeding or exclusive bottle feeding). Design/methods. Participants in this longitudinal study were 99 mothers and their infants (47 full-term, 52 premature, very low birth weight). After written informed consent was given, home assessments were made when infants were approximately 1, 4, 8 and 12 months old (adjusted age for premature infants). Working model attunement was assessed with a video-assisted interview. A mother’s positive affect and behaviour, including sensitivity and responsiveness, were rated from videotaped feeding interaction. Results/findings. Repeated measures analysis with a general linear mixed model showed a significant positive relationship with positive affect and behaviour for both working model attunement and the WAZ score and a significant negative relationship for symptoms of depression. Neither birth maturity status, infant age, nor feeding practice had a significant effect on mother’s positive affect and behaviour during feeding. Conclusions. Nurses’ efforts to enhance the attunement of a mother’s working model of feeding may help mothers feed with greater positive affect and behaviour. Further study of how the attunement of a mother’s feeding expectations and intentions are related to her symptoms of depression and with what she makes of the infant’s growth and well-being is needed. The theoretical model needs testing with infants from the entire premature population.