cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Irrigation Intervals and Submergence Head on Rice Yield and Soil Quality under Salinity of Soil and Water

Two field trials were performed in 2015 and 2016 seasons at the Experimental Farm of El Sirw Agricultural Research Station, Damietta province, Egypt. The trial aims to study the effect of irrigation intervals and submergence head on growth, productivity and water use efficiency of Sakha 104 rice cultivar, as well as, soil characteristics under salinity of soil and water. Strip plot design was assigned as the experimental design with three replicates. The vertical plots were denoted for irrigation intervals namely; (3, 6 and 9 days). The horizontal plots were arranged for submergence head namely;(3 and 6 cm). Salinity levels of soil were 7.68 and 7.45 dSm-1 in the first and second seasons, respectively. Results showed that prolonging irrigation intervals markedly reduced growth characteristics such as flag leaf area, leaf area index (LAI), dry matter production, stomatal conductance, number of tillers hill-1, chlorophyll content and plant height, as well as, grain yield, yield components and total water applied. The prolonging irrigation interval significantly increased salinity levels, sodium content of soil, bulk density and decreased potassium content of soil. The submergence head of 6 cm increased all measured growth parameters, yield, yield components and enhancing soil characteristics as compared with 3 cm of submergence head except heading date and number of unfilled grains panicle-1. The irrigation interval of 3 days with submerged head of 3 cm gave the highest value of water use efficiency followed by 6 days with 6 cm. Generally, under this study and similar conditions, irrigation interval every 3 days with submergence head of 6 cm are suitable to enhance growth, productivity of sakha 104 rice cultivar and effective to improve soil quality. However, the irrigation interval of 3 days with submergence head of 3 cm are suitable to enhance water use efficiency.
Depressive Symptoms among Economically Disadvantaged African American Older Adults in South Los Angeles.

Background: Although social, behavioral, and health factors correlate with depressive symptoms, less is known about these links among economically disadvantaged African American (AA) older adults. Objective: To study social, behavioral, and health correlates of depressive symptoms among economically disadvantaged AA older adults. Methods: This survey was conducted in South Los Angeles between 2015 and 2018. A total number of 740 AA older adults (age ≥55 years) were entered to this study. Independent variables were gender, age, educational attainment, financial difficulties, living alone, marital status, smoking, drinking, chronic medical conditions (CMCs), and pain intensity. The dependent variable was depressive symptoms. Linear regression model was used to analyze the data. Results: Age, financial difficulties, smoking, CMCs, and pain intensity were associated with depressive symptoms. Gender, educational attainment, living arrangement, marital status, and drinking were not associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Factors such as age, financial difficulties, smoking, CMCs, and pain may inform programs that wish to screen high risk economically disadvantaged AA older adults for depressive symptoms.
Transparent tempo oxidized cellulose nanofibril (TOCNF) composites with increased toughness and thickness by lamination

The favorable mechanical properties and performance of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibril (TOCNF) films has been limited by their brittleness and the incapability of obtaining thick enough materials for self-supported applications. In this study, lamination with room temperature curable epoxy was used to combat brittleness, increase thickness, and produce a more damage tolerant material. The effect of the volume fraction and layer thickness of both phases (e.g., TOCNF, epoxy), the number of layers, and the overall total thickness of the laminate, on the tensile and flexural properties are investigated. Lamination was successful at increasing the toughness and thickness of TOCNF composites, resulting in an increased work of fracture that was associated with fracture retardation by crack digression in three-point bending specimens. The ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus were higher for laminates with low volume fractions of epoxy although not statistically different than the neat TOCNF films, but decreased with increasing volume fraction of epoxy, and with increasing number of TOCNF layers.
Lawn Mower Versus Left Ventricular Assist Device: A Case of Traumatic Coronary Injury.

Abstract A 77-year-old man with history of ischemic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) presented with abdominal pain after a lawn mower accident. Examination and imaging revea...
Marfan's syndrome

1978 www.thelancet.com Vol 366 December 3, 2005 Marfan’s syndrome is a multisystem connective tissue disorder of autosomal dominant inheritance. Approximately one in every 5000 individuals is affected, though this figure is probably an underestimate. The condition shows no predilection for any particular race or geographical background. It exhibits complete penetrance but variable expression and age dependency. About a quarter of affected individuals have no family history of the disease—ie, they are new mutations. Marfan’s syndrome demonstrates pleiotropy with diverse manifestations in different organ systems. Clinical diagnosis depends on a combination of major and minor signs defined in the revised 1996 Ghent criteria. The hallmark features are noted in the cardiovascular, ocular, and skeletal systems (table). The diagnosis of Marfan’s syndrome can be challenging because of phenotypic variability even between affected individuals of the same family, low specificity of many of the clinical signs, and multiple Marfan-like microfibrillar disorders with overlapping features. The gene for Marfan’s syndrome was localised to chromosome 15q21 in 1990 and cloned in 1991. FBN1 is a huge gene, spanning 110 kb of genomic DNA and comprising 65 exons. It encodes the microfibrillar protein fibrillin 1. Mutational analysis is difficult and impractical at times, in part because of the size of the gene, the heterogeneity of mutations discovered, and the lack of mutational hot spots. Moreover, there are currently no molecular techniques that offer a highly sensitive mutation detection rate of FBN1. Fibrillin 1 is a major component of extracellular microfibrils. It consists of cysteine-rich repeats interspersed by latent transforming growth factor binding protein-like and epidermal growth factor-like motifs. The microfibrils are thought to confer important biomechanical properties in connecting, anchoring, and maintaining tissues and organs. Many mutations associated with fibrillin 1 appear to confer a dominant negative mechanism of pathogenesis, but some associated with fibrillin-1 haploinsufficiency have also been described. These mutations can lead to defects in the synthesis, secretion, modification, folding, stabilisation, incorporation, and assembly of the FBN1 protein. Severe neonatal Marfan’s syndrome is associated with a cluster of mutations in the middle portion of FBN1, but there are no other established correlations between genotype and phenotype. Currently, our understanding of fibrillin biochemistry and microfibrillar assembly is limited. Experiments in mice could provide insight into fibrillin pathogenesis and microfibrillar organisation, leading to a better understanding of the pleiotropic manifestations of Marfan’s syndrome and perhaps development of a cure. Lancet 2005; 366: 1978–81
Synthesis and binder-free assembly of SrFe12O19 nano-platelets for wafer-scale patterning of magnetic components

Abstract Monolithic integration of high-frequency magnetic components such as hexaferrite circulators at the wafer scale can lead to a significant improvement in radio frequency (RF) circuit performance and functionality. However, current methods to monolithically integrate hexaferrite films, such as liquid phase epitaxy, require high temperature (> 900 °C) annealing to create crystalline alignment, which is not compatible with integrated circuit process temperatures ( 50 μm). In this work, we report the synthesis of pure phase, faceted, and high crystallinity hexaferrite [SrFe12O19] nano-platelets using a direct hydrothermal approach, followed by self-assembly of binder free SrFe12O19 films with high film density and high magnetic isotropy. The nano-platelets exhibit high staturation magnetization (~ 60 emu/g) and coercivity (Hc) of 815 Oe. The magnetic films exhibit dense nano-particle concentration and a magnetic squareness (Mr/Ms) of 0.7. They can be patterned using a selective assembly process through a thick photoresist mask. Thicknesses of up to 70 μm have been deposited on 4-in.-diamater wafers.
“In This Country, the Past Never Dies”: Superheroes, Democracy, and the Culture of the Spanish Transition in ¡García!

Lopez Martin reads the two-volume graphic narrative iGarcia!, by Santiago Garcia and Luis Bustos, as a criticism of the so-called regime of 1978 and its inability to completely break from its Francoist roots. By viewing the novels’ socio-political references against the backdrop of the superhero genre, Lopez Martin determines that the novels are a parody of Spain’s dark past and corrupt media, which ultimately thwarted Spain’s transition to democracy. Furthermore, using humor, admonition, and the subversion of certain generic conventions, Lopez Martin argues that iGarcia! problematizes and successfully points out the inadequacy of the narratives of legitimization of political power in contemporary Spain.
Farm and Weather Summary

Farm Comments Developments. In 2005, several machinery and facilities improvements were made. Machinery purchases included a new grain auger and a utility vehicle with spot sprayer. Acquisitions also included a 3/4-ton pickup, a feeder wagon, and a tractor transfer with another location. Facilities improvements included installing two bulk bins, erecting a 10,000-bushel drying bin, widening and installing new doors on the feed shed, and adding doors to enclose the silo leanto. The cattle working alley, squeeze tub, and load-out area were completely rebuilt with sucker rod and well pipe material. The 20-acre tract of land donated in 2003 continues to provide space for project expansion. The prairie establishment/restoration study was expanded to double its original size by transplanting approximately 6,200 potted plants. A prairie plant–identification garden was established. The farm hosted a student from the Maple Valley School System for a summer work experience. An ISU animal science student was also hosted for the summer as part of the intern program.
Perceptions of the coordinating center: As viewed by an advisory board☆

Abstract As an advisory group appointed by and directly accountable to the sponsoring agency, the advisory board has a unique relationship with the coordinating center. The coordinating center provides the data and analyses by which the board asses progress and monitors safety of a trial. Although assessment of quality of performance of the units of the study is the direct concern of the coordinating center, corrective measures frequently become advisory board matters. Ideally, the relationship between the coordinating center and the advisory board is one of mutual trust and support in pursuit of the goal of a trial that is planned carefully, conducted with tight control of performance and safety, and reported accurately to the appropriate professional groups.
Temporomandibular Joint Replacement: Past, Present and Future Material Considerations

The history of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement devices involves the utilization of many different types of autogenous and alloplastic materials, some of which have been successful, many of which have not. This presentation will discuss the pertinent past history of TMJ replacement devices, their present status, and where they need to be going developmentally — from a materials standpoint — basically what has and hasn’t worked and why.
Effects of impact-loaded sport training on bone bending stiffness and BMD in young females (706.16)

BLACKGROUND: Participation in high-impact loading or odd-impact loading sports is associated with higher bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mass. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare the impact of sport training in long-distance running, soccer and volleyball practice on BMD and bone bending strength in female athletes, 18-24 years old. METHODS. 57 trained female athletes participated in this study. They were 22 soccer players (SOC), 22 long-distance runners (RUN), and 13 volleyball players (VOL). Their ages were 19.1, 20.5 and 21.5 yr for the SOC, RUN and VOL, respectively. Sport training history was: 13, 11 and 10 yr for the SOC, RUN and VOL, respectively. Mean height, weight and BMI were 163 cm (±4.7), 59.8 kg (±4.1) and BMI 22.6 kg/m2 (±1.9), respectively. We also recruited 23 non-athlete females, age 22.6 ± 0.5 yr, as control subjects. Bone bending stiffness was measured using a Mechanical Response Tissue Analyzer (MRTA, NASA-ARC, CA), an in vivo technique expressed as EI in Nm2. EI ...
Modeling dynamic engineering processes using radial-Gaussian neural networks

The paper proposes and evaluates an artificial neural network based method of modeling the dynamic behavior of continua. The technique is applicable to situations where the differential equations governing the behavior of a system are nonlinear and poorly understood, and the data available for training is noisy. A method of modeling the unknown component of governing differential equations using neural network technology, is first described. This includes a method for averaging out localized errors in the neural network function that results from noise in the training data. A description is then given of a radial-Gaussian neural network architecture and training algorithm adopted for this application. The construction of a complete simulation model of a specific system from the trained neural networks is demonstrated. The performance of the proposed approach is assessed in a series of experiments simulating the nonlinear thermal behavior of a translucent solid material. The system is proven to perform most effectively using the proposed error averaging technique, and to be capable of providing an accurate simulation of a system's behavior sustained over many thousands of simulation time steps.
Use of stored implanted cardiac defibrillator electrograms in catheter ablation of ventricular fibrillation.

Background Ventricular fibrillation (VF) can be abolished by targeting triggering ventricular ectopy, most often originating in the Purkinje network or right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). This strategy relies upon the induction of premature ventricular complex (PVC) and/or VF. We sought to evaluate a VF ablation strategy that utilizes analysis of stored implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) electrograms. Methods Eleven consecutive patients experiencing frequent VF episodes (≥three episodes in prior month) underwent electrophysiology study and ablation of VF triggers. PVC and VF induction was intentionally avoided or not possible in all of these patients. Pacemapping at likely sites for PVC triggers of VF using an analysis of the morphology and relative timing of the stored far- and near-field ICD electrograms of VF triggers was used to identify potential culprit locations. Radiofrequency energy was applied to these sites for ablation of the identified VF trigger. Results Areas targeted for ablation included the left posterior fascicle (six), left anterior fascicle (three), RVOT (three) and left ventricular outflow tract (one); two patients had two separate triggers. Ablation was completed successfully without any complications. With a mean follow-up of 288 days (range 45–649), 10 patients are free of VF. Conclusion Ablation of VF triggers can be performed successfully with good short-term outcomes in patients with and without underlying heart disease. Use of stored ICD electrograms with a focus on likely target areas permit ablation without the need for PVC or VF induction. This can be useful when ectopy is not present for mapping and to avoid potentially dangerous initiation of multiple episodes of VF. (PACE 2013; 36:76–85)
Comparison of tissue concentrations in male and female C57BL/6 mice in response to vitamin K manipulation (1041.4)

The tissue-specific response to dietary vitamin K (VK) manipulation has not been well studied in mice. This limits the use of genetically modified mouse models in VK studies. The objective of this study was to determine the sex-specific effects of dietary VK manipulation on serum, liver and extra-hepatic tissue VK concentrations in C57BL/6 mice (n=64). Mice were weight-matched and pair-fed a control diet (1.4±0.08 mg phylloquinone (PK) /kg) or VK-deficient diet (31±0.45 µg PK/kg) for 28 days. Liver, kidney, brain, pancreas, adipose tissue, and serum PK and menaquinone-4 (MK-4) concentrations were measured by HPLC. Data were log transformed and analyzed by a general linear model, stratified by diet. Male and female mice responded differently to dietary manipulation of VK in a tissue-dependent manner (for all sex by diet interactions p 0.95); no serum MK-4 was detected. Females on the control diet had significantly ...
Relationship between eddy-driven jet latitude and width

[1] The relationship between the latitude and the width of the eddy-driven jet is examined. We find that there is strong correlation between jet latitude and jet width, with jets located towards the pole being broader. The broadening of the jet with increased latitude appears to be a consequence of increased barotropic instability. When the jet is located towards the pole, the reduced planetary vorticity gradient is more easily overwhelmed by the negative relative vorticity gradient on the flanks of the jet, and this allows a horizontal shear instability to occur. Enstrophy diagnostics show that when the condition of a negative vorticity gradient is met, the effects of barotropic instability are indeed more prevalent.
Do Parents Meet Adolescents’ Monitoring Standards? Examination of the Impact on Teen Risk Disclosure and Behaviors if They Don’t

In this study, we examined how adolescents compare monitoring efforts by their parents to those of a "good parent" standard and assessed the impact of these comparisons on adolescent self-disclosure and risk behavior and their perceptions of their parents' monitoring knowledge. Survey responses from 519 adolescents (12–17 years) at baseline of a larger, longitudinal study examining parental monitoring and adolescent risk were examined. Adolescents’ “good parent comparisons” differed greatly by monitoring areas (e.g., telephone use, health, money); however, between 5.5% and 25.8% of adolescents believed their parents needed to monitor their activities more than they currently were monitoring. Alternatively, between 8.5% and 23.8% of adolescents believed their parents needed to monitor their activities less often. These perceptions significantly distinguished adolescents in terms of their level of disclosure, perceived monitoring knowledge, and risk involvement. Adolescents who viewed their parents as needing to monitor more were less likely to disclose information to their parents (p<.001), less likely to perceive their parents as having greater monitoring knowledge (p<.001), and more likely to be involved in a risk behaviors (p<.001) than adolescents who perceived their parents needed no change. Adolescent disclosure to a parent is a powerful predictor of adolescent risk and poor health outcomes. These findings demonstrate that adolescents' comparisons of their parents' monitoring efforts can predict differences in adolescent disclosure and future risk. Obtaining adolescent "good parent" comparisons may successfully identify intervention opportunities with the adolescent and parent by noting the areas of need and direction of monitoring improvement.
The Nature of Industrial Inspection1

A framework is provided for understanding and improving the accuracy of industrial inspection operations. The basic elements in inspection tasks—interpretation, comparison, decision making, and act...
Risk aversion and loss aversion in core-selecting auctions

Core-selecting combinatorial auctions have been introduced as an alternative to the Vickrey-Clarke-Groves (VCG) mechanism because VCG can result in payments that are not in the core with respect to bids, leading to unfair payments, unacceptably low revenues, and unstable outcomes. This raises an auction selection problem for an auctioneer deciding whether to employ a core-selecting auction or VCG mechanism in practice. The downside of a core-selecting auction is that it is not incentive compatible, as bidders have an incentive to reduce (shade) their bids below their true values. It has been argued that such bid shading in core-selecting auctions may lead to lower efficiency, lower revenue, and outcomes that are, on average, farther from the core with respect to true values, than the VCG mechanism. Using a much-studied auction environment, we address the auction selection problem faced by an auctioneer and obtain Bayes-Nash equilibrium bidding strategies when bidders are loss averse. We also bound the equilibrium strategies when bidders are risk-averse. This analysis demonstrates that when bidders are risk-averse or loss-averse, core-selecting auctions outperform the VCG mechanism in terms of revenue and stability, while yielding efficient allocations with high probability. We extend model of a core-selecting auction to risk-averse and loss-averse bidders.We derive bounds on equilibrium bidding strategies when bidders are risk-averse.We derive equilibrium bidding strategies when bidders are loss-averse.We compare the efficiency and revenue of the auction to the VCG benchmark.We employ an algorithm to find equilibria in a more complex combinatorial setting.
Leukocytosis and hypoalbuminemia in mixed bipolar states: evidence for immune activation.

Objective: Although activation of an immune response during major depressive episodes has been reported, less is known about changes during manic and mixed bipolar episodes. Method: Albumin and leukocyte levels were compared between subjects in manic and mixed bipolar episodes. Neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte levels were compared between the two groups. Results: Albumin levels were lower in mixed manic subjects as opposed to pure manic subjects and in the combined groups levels were lower in females than in males. Leukocyte levels were higher in mixed manic patients compare with pure manic patients. Both neutrophil and monocyte levels were higher in the mixed manic patients but lymphocyte levels were no different. Conclusion: Leukocytosis and hypoalbuminemia during mixed manic states suggest immune activation in mixed mania similar to depression. This finding also tends to support the recognition of mixed mania as a distinct bipolar state.
Magnetoconductance oscillations in quasiballistic multimode nanowires

We calculate the conductance of quasi-one-dimensional nanowires with electronic states confined to a surface-charge layer in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. Two-terminal magnetoconductance (MC) between two leads deposited on the nanowire via tunnel barriers is dominated by density-of-states (DOS) singularities when the leads are well apart. There is also a mesoscopic correction due to a higher-order coherent tunneling between the leads for small lead separation. The corresponding MC structure depends on the interference between electron propagation via different channels connecting the leads, which in the simplest case, for the magnetic field along the wire axis, can be crudely characterized by relative winding numbers of paths enclosing the magnetic flux. In general, the MC oscillations are aperiodic due to the Zeeman splitting, field misalignment with the wire axis, and a finite extent of electron distribution across the wire cross section, and are affected by spin-orbit coupling. The quantum-interference MC traces contain a wealth of information about the electronic structure of multichannel wires, which would be complimentary to the DOS measurements. We propose a four-terminal configuration to enhance the relative contribution of the higher-order tunneling processes and apply our results to realistic InAs nanowires carrying several quantum channels in the surface charge-accumulation layer.
About the Orthogonal Parameterization of Sculptured Part Surfaces and Initial Tool Surfaces

In the domain of multi-axis NC machining of sculptured surface parts, the use of orthogonal parameterizations of part and tool surfaces is convenient because it simplifies the transformation of coordinate systems. Using the so-called ''differentialgeometric method of sculptured surface NC machining,'' developed by one of the authors, many parameterizations of part and tool surfaces are easily shown not to be orthogonal. To transform nonorthogonal part and tool surface parameterizations into orthogonal ones, the Jacobian of the transformation may be used. In cases when the Jacobian of the transformation is not known, it is possible to use differential equations for isogonal trajectories on the surfaces (choosing an orthogonal case), or a special kinematic method for obtaining sculptured surface equations. Influences of coordinate system transformations (translations and rotations along and about axes through the origin) on example part and tool surface parameterizations for four types of general helicoidal surfaces are described. The results mentioned above simplify the analytical description of the multi-axis NC machining process, and may be useful for writing NC toolpath generation software.
In-Situ Determination of Residual Gas Saturation by Injection and Production of Brine

A new in-situ procedure has been developed for measuring the residual gas saturation in watered-out zones of gas reservoirs. Gas-free formation brine is injected into a well penetrating the water-invaded zone to dissolve the residual gas from a region around the wellbore. The brine is then produced from the well. The volume of brine containing no dissolved gas is then determined by sampling the brine and analyzing for gas content. The original residual gas saturation can be calculated from these data. The procedure has been confirmed by computer simulation and by laboratory tests on a long glass-bead pack. Two full-scale field tests have also been conducted; the interpretation of one of these tests is discussed in detail.
Psychiatric symptoms in children prior to epilepsy surgery differ according to suspected seizure focus.

Summary Purpose Children and adolescents with epilepsy have an overrepresentation of psychiatric illness. However, few studies in pediatrics have characterized specific psychiatric conditions associated with seizure localization. In addition, degree to which psychiatric illness may be more prominent in children refractory to standard medical treatment for epilepsy is not known. The aim of this study was to assess psychiatric symptoms in children with medically refractory epilepsy and ascertain whether symptoms were associated with specific localization. Methods Case records were reviewed for 40 children with medically refractory epilepsy at the time of their referral for presurgical evaluation. Patients received a clinical psychiatric evaluation and parents completed the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL). Seizure localization was verified by pediatric epileptologists, and suitability for surgical procedures was verified by neurosurgical specialists. Groups were compared based on localization of seizure foci, either in the temporal lobe or predominantly extratemporal. Key Findings The majority of the sample had psychiatric diagnoses and behavior problems, well beyond the level reported in chronic epilepsy populations. In addition, children with temporal lobe seizure foci had more CBCL behavioral problem categories rated in the clinically significant range, and also were more likely to have clinical diagnoses of depression. Significance Routine psychiatric evaluation prior to epilepsy surgery may be important for pediatric patients with medically refractory epilepsy. Psychiatric illness, particularly depression, may be especially prominent for those with temporal lobe seizure foci.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF COMPOSITION MEDIUM ON THE QUALITY OF TOEFL WRITING SCORES

This study examined scores from 133,906 operationally scored Test of English as a Foreign Language™ (TOEFL®) essays to determine whether the choice of composition medium has any impact on score quality for subgroups of test-takers. Results of analyses demonstrate that (a) scores assigned to word-processed essays are slightly more reliable than scores assigned to handwritten essays and exhibit higher correlations with TOEFL multiple-choice subscores; (b) female test-takers, examinees whose native language is not based on a Roman/Cyrillic alphabet, and examinees with lower English proficiency are more likely to choose the handwriting medium; (c) the probability of choosing handwriting as the composition medium increases with age for Asian examinees, but decreases with age for most European examinees; and (d) examinees with lower TOEFL multiple-choice scores tend to have higher handwritten than word-processed essay scores, while examinees with higher TOEFL multiple-choice scores tend to have similar scores in either medium.
A test for population collinearity: A Kullback-Leibler information approach

We study collinearity as a population characteristic. The intention of this article is to measure degree of population collinearity and statistically determine whether collinearity exists in the original population of the predictors. We use concepts of cybernetics and information theory to define and measure the degree of collinearity by means of the Kullback-Leibler number. This Kullback-Leibler Information approach proposes a test for detecting population collinearity and analyzing its sample distribution. We provide 5% and 1% cutoff-point tables for the test Ho) “no population collinearity” and also provide formulas for the cumulative distribution function of test statistic for collinearity.
Airway clearance modalities in neuromuscular disease

Airway clearance consists of two linked processes: mucociliary clearance and cough clearance. Patients with neuromuscular weakness are at risk for impaired cough clearance and therefore the development of pneumonia and atelectasis. Aiding airway clearance in the patient with neuromuscular weakness is critical to the maintenance of health and the prevention of significant respiratory morbidity. This can be achieved using both manual and mechanical techniques. This review will discuss the physiology of cough and the mechanics of aiding cough clearance in the patient with neuromuscular weakness. In addition, technologies and techniques used to improve mucociliary clearance will also be discussed. Newer technologies such as mechanical insufflation-exsufflation have gained widespread acceptance in the management of airway clearance in the patient with neuromuscular weakness.
A computer program to generate and measure random forms

A computer program is described that generates random form stimuli by a method parallel to that described by Attneave & Arnoult (1956) for construction forms with both angles and arcs in their perimeters. The program also performs a physical analysis of the forms by computing the values of a large number of physical variables describing each form. Already existing forms also may be analyzed by the program. Thus, it has the capability to perform physical analyses of approximations to natural forms.
Erratum to: Mathematical properties of pump-leak models of cell volume control and electrolyte balance

Homeostatic control of cell volume and intracellular electrolyte content is a fundamental problem in physiology and is central to the functioning of epithelial systems. These physiological processes are modeled using pump-leak models, a system of differential algebraic equations that describes the balance of ions and water flowing across the cell membrane. Despite their widespread use, very little is known about their mathematical properties. Here, we establish analytical results on the existence and stability of steady states for a general class of pump-leak models. We treat two cases. When the ion channel currents have a linear current-voltage relationship, we show that there is at most one steady state, and that the steady state is globally asymptotically stable. If there are no steady states, the cell volume tends to infinity with time. When minimal assumptions are placed on the properties of ion channel currents, we show that there is an asymptotically stable steady state so long as the pump current is not too large. The key analytical tool is a free energy relation satisfied by a general class of pump-leak models, which can be used as a Lyapunov function to study stability.
Purkinje cell loss from alternating sagittal zones in the cerebellum of leaner mutant mice

The cerebellum and inferior olive of adult homozygous leaner mutant mice (tgla/tgla) were examined using anti-vitamin D-dependent calcium binding protein immunohistochemistry, and Nissl staining. The immunohistochemical staining revealed that cerebellar Purkinje cell loss in leaner is restricted to alternating sagittal compartments of the cerebellar cortex. The absence of Purkinje cells from specific sagittal zones of the cerebellar cortex apparently results in a loss of immunochemical staining of Purkinje cell axons and terminals from specific regions of the leaner cerebellar nuclear complex. A specific pattern of atrophy was also observed in the leaner inferior olive.
A Spin- and Angle-Resolved Photoelectron Spectrometer

A spin- and angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectrometer for the study of magnetic materials will be discussed. It consists of a turntable with electron lenses connected to a large hemispherical analyzer. A Mini-Mott spin detector is fitted to the output of the hemispherical analyzer. This system, when coupled to a synchrotron radiation source will allow determination of a complete set of quantum numbers of a photoelectron. This instrument will be used to study ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic and nonmagnetic materials.
Scheduling of generation in deficit power systems

Scheduling studies are carried out on a deficit hydrothermal power system. The problem is formulated as one of minimizing the severity of power cuts. The maintenance schedule of the thermal plants is selected by minimizing its deviation from an ideal, unrealizable schedule. The thermal plants are production-scheduled on the basis of their maintenance schedule. The influence of the stochastic nature of the load and the hydro inflows on the scheduling is evaluated. The hydro plants are scheduled through the extension of the techniques of the surplus case. Illustrative studies on an actual deficit hydro-thermal system are described. >
Fast algorithm for the computation of the zero-order Hankel transform

The Hankel transform may be defined as the two-dimensional Fourier transform of a circularly symmetric function. A new Hankel-transform algorithm based on this definition is described. The proposed algorithm efficiently generates a rectangularly sampled two-dimensional output array by using the circular symmetry properties of the input array and two-dimensional vector radix fast-Fourier transform techniques. It accomplishes this by partitioning the input matrix into smaller and smaller processing blocks while removing redundant blocks from data manipulations. For applications that require the output data to be sampled on a two-dimensional rectangular raster, the convenience and the computational speed of the resulting algorithm offer advantages over the one-dimensional Hankel-transform algorithms currently available.
Scaling Behavior of the Viscosity of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Ionomer Solutions

We report solution viscosities of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) sodium and zinc ionomers with tailored number of monomers between ions and number of ions per chain in good and in ϑ solvent conditions over a broad range of concentrations. We analyze our data in terms of three concentration regimes of viscosity predicted for associating polymers. The first is a sticky Rouse semidilute unentangled regime with mostly intermolecular associations and renormalized association lifetimes. The second is a sticky reptation semidilute entangled regime also with mostly intermolecular associations and renormalized association lifetimes. The third regime is observed when strands between ions are entangled. For sodium ionomers with few ions per chain the power-law exponents observed experimentally in three predicted concentration regimes match the theoretical predictions. In the case of zinc ionomers with their divalent zinc ions, the power-law exponents do not match the exponents from theory. For ionomers with greater t...
The influence of preservation on fish morphology in museum collections based on two species of the genus Lepomis (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Centrarchidae)

The ability to make inferences of historical fish assemblages and adaptations to their environments is enhanced through the availability of museum collections (Suarez and Tsutsui 2004). Examining these collections allows identification or quantification of changes in species composition, biodiversity, biogeographic distributions, accumulation of toxins, and morphology across temporal and spatial scales. These changes can result from both natural and anthropogenic influences including channelization (Lau et al. 2006), water pollution (Hill et al. 2010), climate change, and modification of land use (Daniels et al. 2005). For example, museum specimens have been used to identify the accumulation of mercury in marine and freshwater fishes (Barber et al. 1972, Miller et al. 1972, Hill et al. 2010), the temporal change in Costa Rican fish assemblages (Reznick et al. 1994), and how an impoundment may result in the morphological divergence of a fish species (Franssen 2011). When museum specimens are available, our ability to make environmental and ecological inferences into the past on a wide array of topics is improved. Maintaining museum specimens dictates that the fishes are preserved using procedures that promote long-term storage. Understanding the variety of preservation processes and the limitations they place on specimens is imperative to fully exploit the information contained in museum collections. Historically, formalin was used as a fixative and ACTA ICHTHYOLOGICA ET PISCATORIA (2013) 43 (3): 219–227 DOI: 10.3750/AIP2013.43.3.06
The Evolution of the Reference Librarian

The job of the contemporary reference librarian has a virtual component unimaginable a generation ago. Today's library professional can obtain an MLS (or equivalent) online with a minimal residency requirement. Not only the degree, but also library sources, and indeed patrons, have become virtual. Both books and periodicals can be consulted by remote access. What happens when a virtual librarian comes to work in a bricks and mortar library with flesh and blood patrons who need bound and print resources? This generational divide permits us to view the evolution of the reference librarian in academic (including community colleges) and public libraries over the past decades. The evolution of service offered by reference librarians followed three main lines of development: refinement of technique, subject specialization, the impact of technology. Unfortunately, libraries have not maintained consistency in the level of service offered to patrons. Libraries and librarians often provide a minimum level of refere...
On eigenvalues and boundary curvature of the numerical range

Abstract Let A be an n×n matrix. By Donoghue's theorem, all corner points of its numerical range W(A) belong to the spectrum σ(A) . It is therefore natural to expect that, more generally, the distance from a point p on the boundary ∂ W(A) of W(A) to σ(A) should be in some sense bounded by the radius of curvature of ∂ W(A) at p . We establish some quantitative results in this direction.
Temporal evolution of superradiance in a small sphere

We discuss the problem of calculating the superradiant behavior in samples small compared to a radiation wavelength. Difficulties associated with the analysis of Dicke are considered in the framework of quantum electrodynamics and equivalently from a classical point of view. The evolution of superradiance in a small sphere is followed numerically with attention to spatial variation of the Bloch dipole density. Coherence is maintained except in the region ${(\mathrm{kR})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}|cos\ensuremath{\theta}|\ensuremath{\lesssim}2$ which is at the Bloch equator, where it suddenly disappears. Away from the equator, the spatial variations of dipole density oscillate with amplitude $\ensuremath{\sim}{(\mathrm{kR})}^{2}sin\ensuremath{\theta}$ and frequency $\ensuremath{\sim}{(\mathrm{kR})}^{\ensuremath{-}3}|cos\ensuremath{\theta}|$. All these results agree with the predictions of a theoretical discussion previously published.
Isolation, Characterization, and Conformational Characteristics of p-tert-Butylcalix[9−20]arenes1

p-tert-Butylcalix[n]arenes in which n = 9−20 (designated as “large” calixarenes) have been isolated from both the base-induced and the acid-catalyzed condensation of p-tert-butylphenol and formaldehyde. The acid-catalyzed process, previously thought to form linear oligomers as the major or even exclusive products, has been optimized to produce calixarenes in almost quantitative yield, providing a better source of these “large” calixarenes than the base-induced process. Central to the discovery of the calix[9−20]arenes and the optimization of the acid-catalyzed condensation was the development of an HPLC assay that allows baseline resolution of the 17 cyclic oligomers as well as their linear counterparts. Using this assay for guidance, procedures for the obtention of ponderable amounts of p-tert-butylcalix[7−20]arenes from the acid-catalyzed process have been developed. Data are adduced that bear on possible mechanistic pathways for calixarene formation under these conditions. A study measuring the amount ...
In vitro effects of insulin and glucose on leucine-2-14C incorporation into protein of diaphragms of hypophysectomized rats.

INSULIN, added in vitro, has been found to stimulate the incorporation of labelled amino-acids into the protein of isolated diaphragms of normal rats1–4. Glucose, when added to the incubation medium, depressed the stimulatory action of insulin on the uptake of alanine labelled with carbon-14 1,3 and α-aminoisobutyric acid-14C4 by normal diaphragm. Even when insulin was not added to the incubation medium the uptake of these amino-acids was markedly depressed by supplementing the medium with glucose. In one report, however, the incorporation of glycine labelled with carbon-14 into protein of diaphragms of normal fasting rats was found to be increased by the addition of glucose alone to the medium2. A later study3 failed to confirm this observation and indicated further that neither glucose nor pyruvate seriously altered the uptake of a number of amino-acids labelled with carbon-14 by normal diaphragm. From the above studies it was apparent that insulin had a stimulatory effect on the uptake of amino-acids by isolated muscle of normal rats, and that in certain instances this effect was altered by the concomitant utilization of carbohydrate. Thus, it was of interest to study the effects of insulin and of glucose, alone and in combination, on the in vitro incorporation of labelled leucine by the diaphragm of hypophysectomized rats, which show a decreased rate of incorporation of amino-acid5 but which utilize glucose at a greater than normal rate6.
Effect of Escherichia Coli Endotoxin on the Developing Rat Liver. I. Giant Cell Induction and Disruption in Protein Metabolism

Effect of Escherichia Coli Endotoxin on the Developing Rat Liver. I. Giant Cell Induction and Disruption in Protein Metabolism
Measurement of the point spread function in MRI using constant time imaging

The point spread function is a fundamental property of magnetic resonance imaging methods that affects image quality and spatial resolution. The point spread function is difficult to measure precisely in magnetic resonance even with the use of carefully designed phantoms, and it is difficult to calculate this function for complex sequences such as echo-planar imaging. This report describes a method that measures the point spread function with high spatial resolution at each pixel in samples of uniform intensity distribution. This method uses additional phase encoding gradients before the echo-planar acquisition that are constant in length but vary in amplitude. The additional gradients are applied to image the contents within each individual voxel. This method has been used to measure the point spread function for echo-planar imaging to demonstrate the effects of limited k-space sampling and transverse relaxation, as well as the effects of object motion. By considering the displacement of the point spread function, local distortions due to susceptibility and chemical shift effects have been quantified and corrected. The method allows rapid assessment of the point spread function in echo-planar imaging, in vivo, and may also be applied to other rapid imaging sequences that can be modified to include these additional phase encoding gradients.
Teaching RoboClam to Dig: The design, testing, and genetic algorithm optimization of a biomimetic robot

Razor clams (Ensis directus) are one of nature's most adept burrowing organisms, able to dig to 70cm at nearly 1cm/s using only 0.21J/cm. We discovered that Ensis reduces burrowing drag by using motions of its shell to fluidize a thin layer of substrate around its body. We have developed RoboClam, a robot that digs using the same mechanisms as Ensis, to explore how localized fluidization burrowing can be extended to engineering applications. In this work we present burrowing performance results of RoboClam in Ensis' habitat. Using a genetic algorithm to optimize RoboClam's kinematics, the machine was able to burrow at speeds comparable to Ensis, with a power law relationship between digging energy and depth of n = 1.17, close to the n = 1 achieved by the animal. Pushing through static soil has a theoretical energy-depth power law of n = 2, which means that Ensis-inspired digging motions can provide exponential energetic savings over existing burrowing methods.
A Critical Evaluation of in Vitro Radioactive Phosphorus Additions for Estimating Soil Deposits

Summary The results of 240 determinations show that soils labeled with in vitro additions of radioactive phosphorus are well suited for use in studies of cleaning phenomena. Discs were cleaned under varying conditions of time, temperature, and hydroxide ion concentration. The correlation coefficients for each set of 40 discs were highly significant. The correlation between the per cent decrease in radioactivity and the per cent decrease in the weight of the soil film for the combined data was calculated at 0.906. The fact that these data do not agree with material recently presented by others (13) is at least partly explained by a difference in the nature of the soil films used. Milk labeled with C 14 following jugular infusion of C 14 propionate was found to be unsatisfactory for cleaning studies. This was ascribed to the heterogeneity of the film, the nonuniformity of this type of labeling, and the necessity that cleaning be stopped short of completion, so the relation between a given variable and cleaning can be ascertained. The use of radioactive bacteria, harvested from a P 32 broth, was investigated within a limited range. While the correlation between soil removal and weight removal appears satisfactory, the method is more involved than in vitro additions, and offers no apparent advantage.