Adaptive speech audiometry and speech discrimination space in hearing-impaired subjects

Phonemic discrimination difficulties in a small group of patients with sensorineural hearing loss have been mapped using a new form of speech audiometry which is au automated, adaptive, audio-visual system, using a binary forced-choice response mode. Phonemic confusion patterns have been displayed in directed graph form and the cases presented here have been chosen to illustrate the potentialities of the test method for obtaining detailed information on the fine structure of speech reception in these patients.     

A new technique for determining battery internal resistance: Studies on Leclanche cells

A new technique for determining the internal resistance of batteries (and fuel cells) is described. The measuring circuit employs recently released VMOS field-effect transistors. The measurements do not require a storage or differential-input oscilloscope, and they can be performed in situ during battery discharge. The determination is similar to the constant-current, square-wave technique but is easier to use and does not rely on the use of approximations. Batteries can be tested without significant discharge because the mark-to-space ratio of the discharge pulse can be 0.1%. Data obtained on Leclanché cells using this technique are presented, showing the variation of internal resistance with discharge current and temperature.     

Development of Integrated Thermionic Circuits for High-Temperature Applications

This paper describes a class of microminiature, thin-film devices known as integrated thermionic circuits (ITC) capable of extended operation in ambient temperatures up to 500°C. The evolution of the ITC concept is discussed. A set of practical design and performance equations is demonstrated. Recent experimental results are discussed in which both devices and simple circuits have successfully operated in 500°C environments for extended periods of time (greater than 11000 h).     

Effect of diethylstilbestrol on tissue gain and carcass merit of feedlot beef steers

The effect of diethylstilbestrol (DES) on the composition of tissue gain of Hereford steers was studied in a complete slaughter balance trial. Eight steers were slaughtered initially (IS) and, after 177 days on feed, eight control steers (C) and seven steers that had been fed 20 mg DES daily (DES) were slaughtered. Initial full body weight averaged 224.8 kg, and final full body weight averaged 403.0 kg for the C steers and 433.6 kg for the DES steers. Final empty body weight averaged 346.6 kg for the C steers and 368.0 kg for the DES steers. DES improved live weight gain by 17% and conversion of feed dry matter to live weight by 12%. Recovery of wet weight during slaughter averaged 99.6%. DES steers had larger rib cut weights and greater proportions of separable lean and bone plus connective tissue in the rib cuts than C steers, an ribeye area tended to be larger in DES steers. DES caused a small shift in relative body composition toward more protein, moisture and ash. Tissue gain in DES steers consisted of 28.3% more protein, 26.0% more moisture, 73.2% more ash, 1.5% less fat and 109.1% more residual (dry matter not accounted for by N x 6.25, ether extract and ash) than did tissue gain in C steers. Energy gain per unit of energy intake over the feeding period was not affected by DES treatment, but DES improved protein gain per unit of protein intake and per unit of energy intake by approximately 20% within the total empty body and by about 25% within the carcass fraction. Results confirm indirect estimates in the literature indicating that DES increases skeletal growth and lean tissue deposition in feedlot steers.     

Effects of treatment rationale and problem severity on perceptions of psychological problems and counseling approaches.

Examined the effects of different treatment rationales and problem severity on 240 undergraduates' attitudes concerning various counseling approaches, psychological problems, and counselor characteristics. Ss were exposed to 1 of 4 different rationale conditions (psychoanalytic, behavioral, rational emotive, or a no-rationale control) described for the treatment of psychological problems (snake phobia, test anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia), which varied in severity; Ss then completed ratings on a number of measures. Results reveal that although attitudes concerning the different treatment rationales did not vary as a function of problem severity, exposure to a rationale enhanced rated willingness to enter counseling and promoted a more accurate perception of the nature of psychological problems and the requirements of treatment. Findings are discussed in terms of the importance of assessing clients' initial attitudes regarding treatment and providing precounseling information promoting accurate and positive expectations. (18 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Is the risk of illness through consuming vegetables irrigated with reclaimed wastewater different for different population groups?

The use of reclaimed wastewater for irrigation of horticultural crops is commonplace in many parts of the world and is likely to increase. Concerns about risks to human health arising from such practice, especially with respect to infection with microbial pathogens, are common. Several factors need to be considered when attempting to quantify the risk posed to a population, such as the concentration of pathogens in the source water, water treatment efficiency, the volume of water coming into contact with the crop, and the die-off rate of pathogens in the environment. Another factor, which has received relatively less attention, is the amount of food consumed. Plainly, higher consumption rates place one at greater risk of becoming infected. The amount of vegetables consumed is known to vary among ethic groups. We use Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment Modelling (QMRA) to see if certain ethnic groups are exposed to higher risks by virtue of their consumption behaviour. The results suggest that despite the disparities in consumption rates by different ethnic groups they generally all faced comparable levels of risks. We conclude by suggesting that QMRA should be used to assess the relative levels of risk faced by groups based on divisions other than ethnicity, such as those with compromised immune systems.