cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-dose theophylline increases urine output in diuretic-dependent critically ill children

Objective: Determine the effect of low-dose theophylline on urine output and the urinary adenosine: cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) excretion ratio (a measure of phosphodiesterase inhibition) in diuretic-dependent critically ill children. Design: Observational clinical case series and animal laboratory experiment. Setting: A university pediatric intensive care unit and a pharmacology research laboratory. Patients: 10 consecutive oliguric patients treated with theophylline for diuresis. Interventions: Urine output, fluid intake, diuretic dosages, and number of pressors (including dopamine) were monitored over the 24-h period prior to and the 24-h period immediately after theophylline was started. Hourly collections of urine were obtained at baseline and 1 and 3 h after theophylline was started and urinary excretion rates of adenosine and cAMP were measured and calculated. Measurements and results: Mean theophylline level in the children was 5.0 μg/ml. Urine output increased from 1.58 ± 0.46 to 3.75 ± 0.77 ml/kg per h (p = 0.008, paired t-test) after theophylline administration. There was no significant change in fluid intake, vasoactive agents, or dosages of other diuretics during the study periods. Intrarenal infusion of the IC50 concentration of isobutylmethylxanthine for phosphodiesterase activity resulted in a reduction of the adenosine: cAMP urinary excretion ratio in rats (p < 0.05). Low-dose theophylline had no effect on the adenosine: cAMP urinary excretion ratio in children. Concurrent therapy with dopamine was associated with an enhanced diuretic effect of theophylline (with dopamine, 1.30 ± 0.30 to 5.07 ± 0.77 ml/kg per h vs without dopamine, 1.77 ± 0.76 to 2.86 ± 1.08 ml/kg per h; p = 0.03, two-way ANOVA). There was no interaction between dopamine and low-dose theophylline on the urinary adenosine: cAMP excretion ratio (p = 0.56, two-way ANOVA). Conclusions: Theophylline increased urine output in diuretic-dependent critically ill children and the diuretic effect may have been potentiated by concurrent use of dopamine. Adenosine receptor antagonism may be a more likely mechanism for the diuretic effect of theophylline than phosphodiesterase inhibition.
ISG15 Inhibits Nedd4 Ubiquitin E3 Activity and Enhances the Innate Antiviral Response

Interferons regulate diverse immune functions through the transcriptional activation of hundreds of genes involved in anti-viral responses. The interferon-inducible ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 is expressed in cells in response to a variety of stress conditions like viral or bacterial infection and is present in its free form or is conjugated to cellular proteins. In addition, protein ubiquitination plays a regulatory role in the immune system. Many viruses modulate the ubiquitin (Ub) pathway to alter cellular signaling and the antiviral response. Ubiquitination of retroviral group-specific antigen precursors and matrix proteins of the Ebola, vesicular stomatitis, and rabies viruses by Nedd4 family HECT domain E3 ligases is an important step in facilitating viral release. We found that Nedd4 is negatively regulated by ISG15. Free ISG15 specifically bound to Nedd4 and blocked its interaction with Ub-E2 molecules, thus preventing further Ub transfer from E2 to E3. Furthermore, overexpression of ISG15 diminished the ability of Nedd4 to ubiquitinate viral matrix proteins and led to a decrease in the release of Ebola VP40 virus-like particles from the cells. These results point to a mechanistically novel function of ISG15 in the enhancement of the innate anti-viral response through specific inhibition of Nedd4 Ub-E3 activity. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a Ub-like protein with the ability to interfere with Ub-E2 and E3 interaction to inhibit protein ubiquitination.
Projection-based features for reducing false positives in computer-aided detection of colonic polyps in CT colonography

A large number of false positives (FPs) generated by compute r-aided detection schemes is likely to distract radiologists attention and decreases their interpretation efficiency. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce FPs as many as possible to increase the detection specificity while maintaining the high detection sensitivity. In this paper, several features are extracted from the projected images of each initial polyp candidate to differentiate FPs from true positives. These features demonstrate the potential to exclude different types of FPs, like haustral folds, rectal tubes and residue stool by an evaluation using a database of 325 patient studies (from two different institutions) which includes 556 scans at supine and/or prone positions with 347 polyps and masses sized from 5 to 60 mm. For comparison purpose, several well-established features are used to generate a baseline reference. At the by-polyp detection sensitivity level of 96% (no loss of detection sensitivity), the number of FPs per scan is 7.8 by the baseline and 3.75 if the new projection features are added, which is a reduction of 51.9% FPs from the baseline. Keywords: Colonic polyps, false positive, projection, featur e, computer-aided detection, CT colonography.
Reactivation of human herpesvirus-6 in natalizumab treated multiple sclerosis patients.

The α4 integrin antagonist natalizumab was shown to be effective in patients with immune-mediated disorders but was unexpectedly associated with JC polyomavirus associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in two multiple sclerosis (MS) and one Crohn's disease patients. Impaired immune surveillance due to natalizumab treatment may have contributed to the JCV reactivation. As HHV-6 has been suggested to play a role in MS, we asked whether this virus could also have been reactivated during natalizumab therapy. Matched sera and CSF from a limited set of MS patients treated with and without natalizumab were examined for evidence of HHV-6. In addition, we also superinfected a persistent JC virus infected glial cell with HHV-6A to determine if JC virus can be increased. Elevated serum HHV6 IgG and HHV-6A DNA was detected in the CSF of a subset of patients but not controls. We confirmed that superinfection with HHV-6 of a JC virus infected glial cells increased expression of JCV. These results support the hypothesis that treatment with natalizumab may be associated with reduced immune surveillance resulting in reactivation of viruses associated with MS pathogenesis.
The longitudinal chromatic aberration of the human eye, and its correction

The human eye suffers from longitudinal chromatic aberration, and this has been thought to average approximately 1.75 D between 420 and 660 nm. In many vision experiments the aberration may be a serious problem, and a number of lenses have been designed to correct it, two of which have recently been commercially available. These achromatising lenses produce an equal but opposite aberration to that of the average eye, and the power of the eye/lens combination should then be independent of wavelength. Recent measures of the eye's longitudinal aberration suggest that the average may be substantially greater than the above value, in which case lenses based on this figure should be inadequate. Using a Badal optometer we determined the far points for 20 subjects with each of the recent lenses, and without either, at nine wavelengths over the above range. Consistent with the early studies we found an average aberration of 1.82 D (SD 0.15 D). Both lenses performed as specified, and none of our subjects had over 0.48 D of residual aberration when corrected with either.
Library Marc Records Into Linked Open Data: Challenges and Opportunities

Today researchers search for books in various ways. Once discovered, a variety of Web technologies can be used to link to related resources and/or associate context with a book. This environment creates an opportunity for libraries. The linked open data (LOD) model of the Web offers a potential foundation for innovative user services and the wider dissemination of bibliographic metadata. However, best practices for transforming library catalog records into LOD are still evolving. The practical utility on the Semantic Web of library metadata transformed from MARC remains unclear. Using a test set of MARC21 records describing 30,000 retrospectively digitized books, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Library explored options for adding links, transforming into non-library specific LOD-friendly semantics, and deploying as RDF to maximize the utility of these records. This paper highlights lessons learned during this process, discusses findings to date, and suggests possible avenues for furt...
Sparse Group Penalized Integrative Analysis of Multiple Cancer Prognosis Datasets

In cancer research, high-throughput profiling studies have been extensively conducted, searching for markers associated with prognosis. Because of the “large d, small n” characteristic, results generated from the analysis of a single dataset can be unsatisfactory. Recent studies have shown that integrative analysis, which simultaneously analyzes multiple datasets, can be more effective than single-dataset analysis and classic meta-analysis. In most of existing integrative analysis, the homogeneity model has been assumed, which postulates that different datasets share the same set of markers. Several approaches have been designed to reinforce this assumption. In practice, different datasets may differ in terms of patient selection criteria, profiling techniques, and many other aspects. Such differences may make the homogeneity model too restricted. In this study, we assume the heterogeneity model, under which different datasets are allowed to have different sets of markers. With multiple cancer prognosis datasets, we adopt the AFT (accelerated failure time) model to describe survival. This model may have the lowest computational cost among popular semiparametric survival models. For marker selection, we adopt a sparse group MCP (minimax concave penalty) approach. This approach has an intuitive formulation and can be computed using an effective group coordinate descent algorithm. Simulation study shows that it outperforms the existing approaches under both the homogeneity and heterogeneity models. Data analysis further demonstrates the merit of heterogeneity model and proposed approach.
Paleomagnetic and oxygen isotopic evidence for long term diagenesis in radiolarian chert, Pindos Mountains, Greece

Abstract Paleomagnetics was used in an attempt to improve chronostratigraphy in the Middle and Upper Jurassic radiolarian chert and siliceous mudstone of the Pindos Zone, Greece. Remanent magnetism studies showed strong magnetic intensity but scattered orientation. Orientation of some pressure solution features in the radiolarities indicates their formation under horizontal pressure, a condition which in Pindos geologic history would only have occurred during early Cretaceous or Cenozoic tectonics, indicating very late diagenesis in these parts of the section. From time of deposition to later time at which diagenesis can be documented, the Earth's magnetic field would have reversed many times. Remagnetization during solution-precipitation steps of silica diagenesis could complicate the rock magnetics. Oxygen isotopic and major element analyses of radiolarite lithologies show a systematic variation of rate of silica diagenesis in different host lithologies, thus solution-precipitation would occur at widely differing times throughout the section lithologies. If the dissolution of the silica cement were physically to free magnetic material from an earlier orientation, the result could be a partial shift toward alignment with the ambient magnetic field. Alternatively, complete reorientation of particles could have occurred at varying times in different parts of the section as a function of host lithology. During the northward movement and clockwise rotation of the Apulian subplate (including Pindos) these different lithologies could completely reorient during different stages of silica diagenesis, locking the orientation of iron magnetic moments into alignment with the ambient magnetic field at time of precipitation to result in a strong intensity but scattered orientation of Pindos rock magnetics.
Polyparametric modification equation for estimating thermodynamic properties of energetic nitro compounds

Calculation methods, based on hybrid density-functional theory with the basis sets of B3LYP/ 6-311+G (2d, p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d, p)and B3LYP/6-31+G(d)//B3LYP/6-31G(d, p), were applied to determine the thermodynamic characteristics of various energetic nitro compounds. A parametric modification equation and the least-squares approach were used to identify 21 of the energetic research compounds. The atomization energies of these 21 compounds have an average relative error of 0.21–0.25% of the experimental values. The enthalpy (ΔHf) and the Gibbs energy (ΔGf) of formation have mean absolute errors of 10.8–11.4 kJ/ mol (2.6–2.7 kcal/mol) and 10.0–10.3 kJ/mol (2.4 kcal/ mol), respectively. The enthalpy and the Gibbs energy of formation obtained exceed those in the literature obtained by semiempirical calculations. The calibrated least-squares parameters and parametric equations were used to predict ΔHf and ΔGf for the five newly developed energetic nitro compounds for further applications.
A criterion for a multi-dimensional explosion due to a concentrated nonlinear source

Abstract This article studies a multi-dimensional parabolic first initial–boundary value problem with a concentrated nonlinear source. A criterion for its solution to blow up everywhere on the concentrated source in a finite time is given.
Dual bases and discrete reproducing kernels: a unified framework for RBF and MLS approximation

Moving least squares (MLS) and radial basis function (RBF) methods play a central role in multivariate approximation theory. In this paper we provide a unified framework for both RBF and MLS approximation. This framework turns out to be a linearly constrained quadratic minimization problem. We show that RBF approximation can be considered as a special case of MLS approximation. This sheds new light on both MLS and RBF approximation. Among the new insights are dual bases for the approximation spaces and certain discrete reproducing kernels.
Partial flexor digitorum profundus lacerations

Abstract The management of partially lacerated flexor tendons remains controversial. Some have advocated repair of a partially severed tendon to restore gliding function, whereas others have recommended foregoing tenorrhaphy because of the negative impact of repair on the tensile strength of the tendon. Studies in several laboratories have suggested that tendons with up to 60% cross-sectional area involvement may be strong enough to withstand an early active mobilization regimen without rupture. In addition, tenorrhaphy does not significantly improve gliding function in tendons with up to 70% laceration. For these reasons, we recommend tenorrhaphy only for those tendons with greater than 60% laceration of cross-sectional area or those that trigger. Meticulous surgical technique and early protected mobilization provide the best chance for an optimal result.
Changing Youths' Attitudes Toward Difference: A Community-Based Model that Works

ABSTRACT In a diverse society, prejudice and stereotyping can lead to a myriad of individual and social problems. Research on youth development suggests that inter-group relations can be improved through programs that focus on planned interaction between individuals from diverse backgrounds, and attend to cognitive and emotional aspects of prejudice, along with efforts to build supportive relationships among participants. Anytown U.S.A., a human relations program for high school-aged youth, is designed to achieve these goals. The weeklong program utilizes experiential, cognitive, and behavioral components to increase knowledge of diversity, increase empathy for others, increase self-esteem, and develop a commitment to social change. This paper presents an evaluation of a regional Anytown program and discusses the implications of these findings for future youth develop programming.
Streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus causes changes in primary sensory neuronal cytoskeletal mRNA levels that mimic those caused by axotomy.

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons are particularly vulnerable to diabetes mellitus. There is evidence that the disease decreases both circulating and retrogradely transported neurotrophic factors that are essential to the normal maintenance and function of these cells. A substantive loss of trophic support should cause DRG neurons to respond as though they were axotomized and, like an axotomy, cause significant changes in cytoskeletal gene expression within these cells. Such changes might contribute to the deficits in sensory neuronal function that characterize diabetic neuropathy. The current study used quantitative in situ hybridization to test the hypothesis that streptozotocin-induced diabetes, like an axotomy, increases class III beta-tubulin gene expression and decreases neurofilament 68-kDa gene expression in lumbar DRG neurons. In animals that had been diabetic for 8 weeks with mean blood glucose levels of 340 mg/dl, lumbar DRG class III beta-tubulin mRNA mean steady-state levels were twofold higher than those in age-matched nondiabetic controls. Moreover, in the same animals, diabetes decreased lumbar DRG 68-kDa neurofilament mRNA mean steady-state levels by more than half. These data show that diabetes causes changes in primary sensory neuronal cytoskeletal gene expression that mimic those caused by axotomy. Moreover, they support the idea that a loss of neurotrophic support contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy.
Synthesis of hcp-Co nanodisks

hcp Co disk-shaped nanocrystals were obtained by rapid decomposition of cobalt carbonyl in the presence of linear amines. Other surfactants, in addition to the amines, like phosphine oxides and oleic acid were used to improve size dispersion, shape control, and nanocrystal stability. Co disks are ferromagnetic in character and they spontaneously self-assemble into long ribbons. X-ray and electron diffraction, electron microscopy, and SQUID magnetometry have been employed to characterize this material.
Measurement of chronic oxidative and inflammatory stress by quantification of isoketal/levuglandin gamma-ketoaldehyde protein adducts using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Measurement of F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) has been independently verified as one of the most reliable approaches to assess oxidative stress in vivo. However, the rapid clearance of F2-IsoPs makes the timing of sample collection critical for short-lived oxidative insults. Isoketals (IsoKs) are γ-ketoaldehydes formed via the IsoP pathway of lipid peroxidation that rapidly react with lysyl residues of proteins to form stable protein adducts. Oxidative stress can also activate cyclooxygenases to produce prostaglandin H2, which can form two specific isomers of IsoK—levuglandin (LG) D2 and E2. Because adducted proteins are not rapidly cleared, IsoK/LG protein adduct levels can serve as a dosimeter of oxidative and inflammatory damage over prolonged periods of time as well as brief episodes of injury. Quantification of IsoK/LG protein adducts begins with liquid-phase extraction to separate proteins from lipid membranes, allowing measurement of both IsoK/LG protein adducts and F2-IsoP from the same sample if desired. IsoK/LG-lysyl-lactam adducts are measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry after proteolytic digestion of extracted proteins, solid-phase extraction and preparative HPLC.
Incidence and factors associated with sensorineural and conductive hearing loss among survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Abstract Purpose The reported incidence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in long-term survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia varies widely in the literature. Conductive hearing loss (CHL) is also known to occur in CDH patients, but has been less widely studied. We sought to characterize the incidence and risk factors associated with SNHL and CHL in a large cohort of CDH patients who underwent standardized treatment and follow-up at a single institution. Methods We retrospectively reviewed charts of all CDH patients in our pulmonary hypoplasia program from January 2004 through December 2012. Categorical variables were analyzed by Fisher's exact test and continuous variables by Mann–Whitney t-test (p≤0.05). Results A total of 112 patients met study inclusion criteria, with 3 (2.7%) patients diagnosed with SNHL and 38 (34.0%) diagnosed with CHL. SNHL was significantly associated with requirement for ECMO (p=0.0130), prolonged course of hospitalization (p=0.0011), duration of mechanical ventilation (p=0.0046), requirement for tracheostomy (p=0.0013), and duration of loop diuretic (p=0.0005) and aminoglycoside therapy (p=0.0003). Conclusions We have identified hearing anomalies in over 30% of long-term CDH survivors. These findings illustrate the need for routine serial audiologic evaluations throughout childhood for all survivors of CDH and stress the importance of targeted interventions to optimize long-term developmental outcomes pertaining to speech and language.
Studies of cloud ice water path and optical thickness during FIRE-II and ASTEX

Empirical relationships between cloud ice water path and their infrared absorption optical thickness are derived. These relationships are obtained using direct radiometric measurements of ice cloud optical thickness in the infrared atmospheric transparency "window" 10-1 1.4 jim and values of ice water path retrieved from the combined radar and radiometer measurements. Cloud particle bulk density and their characteristic size have a major influence on the correspondence between cloud optical thickness and ice water path. The relationships were obtained for several observational cases during the FIRE-il and ASTEX experiments and reflect vertical structure of cloud microphysical parameters. These results can be used for modeling longwave radiative impact of ice clouds.
Interactive multi-spectral data classification

We have developed a software module for general purpose voxel classification of multi-spectral data. The present version includes (1) manual tools for exploring and classifying two-channel images, and (2) automated classification algorithms which operate on images of any number of channels. The emphasis throughout the module is on speed and interactivity. We present examples of the module's operation on MRI data, and discuss its capabilities and limitations.
Scalable spatial harmonic analysis solver for modeling plasmonic bi-periodic multilayer nanostructures

Fundamentals of the three-dimensional spatial harmonic analysis (SHA) approach are reviewed, and the advantages of a fast-converging formulation versus the initial SHA formulation are proved using the examples of periodic plasmonic nanostructures. First, two independent parallel versions with the initial and a fast-converging formulations are implemented using the scattering matrix algorithm for multilayer cascading. Then, by comparing the results from both versions, it is shown that choosing the advanced fast-converging scheme could be essential for accurate and efficient modeling of plasmonic structures. Important obstacles to the fast parallel implementation of this approach are also revealed. The results of the test simulations are finally validated using the data obtained from the experimental characterization of fabricated samples.
Extent and distribution of genetic variation in U.S. maize : Historically important lines and their open-pollinated dent and flint progenitors

Ancestral open-pollinated populations of U.S. maize (Zea mays L.) are a resource to broaden the genetic base of modern maize and to ensure long-term gains in maize breeding. We report the extent and distribution of simple sequence repeat (SSR) variation in a comprehensive study of Northern Flints (NFs), Southern Dents (SDs), Corn Belt Dents (CBDs), and historically important inbred lines, and address their implications for maize improvement and conservation. We found that the loss of rare alleles in open-pollinated cultivars from elite gene pools resulted in the divergence of inbred lines as a distinct group apart from their progenitor races. In contrast, the Corn Belt Dent cultivars retained high levels of genetic variation that approximated or exceeded that found in their NF and SD progenitors. Within open-pollinated varieties, the absence of any clear pattern of population differentiation indicates frequent admixture, a relatively recent time of divergence, or poor correlation between the degree of divergence at neutral marker loci and quantitative trait variation. This research suggests that the inbred lines currently used by breeders as the primary genetic resource for line improvement do not represent the genetic variation available in the temperate races from which they are derived: only 56% of the alleles found in the Corn Belt Dents were displayed in a diverse set of inbred lines. Extensive sampling targeted at a limited number of Corn Belt Dent cultivars is a promising approach toward the identification and introgression of rare alleles that were lost during early inbred development or the maintenance of open-pollinated populations.
Synthesis of Near-Infrared-Absorbing Nanoparticle-Assembled Capsules

Indocyanine green (ICG) is an FDA-approved photosensitizer dye used in clinical settings for optical diagnostics and near-infrared laser-based therapy. However, the rapid clearance and nonspecific vascular plasma binding issues impede ICG performance. Encapsulating ICG within a colloidal matrix is a potential approach to solving these problems, but thus far, there has been limited success. A new strategy, based on the nanoparticle assembly synthesis of stable, non-liposomal nanoparticle/polymer microcapsules, to encapsulate ICG is presented. Nanoparticle-assembled capsules (NACs) are prepared at room temperature, in aqueous solution, and at neutral pH by combining a polyallylamine solution, a phosphate solution, and an aqueous sol of silica nanoparticles; ICG-containing NACs with 0.6−1.0 μm diameter are prepared by adding an ICG solution before the nanoparticle sol. ICG loading is readily controlled with an attainable maximum loading of ∼23 wt %. There is negligible leakage from the capsules after 24 h at...
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE OIL SPILL GIS AND TRAJECTORY MODELING

ABSTRACT The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has developed elements of an oil spill decision support system that integrate a trajectory model, a real-time environmental monitoring network, and a customized geographic information system (GIS) application. Through applied research, the GLO is striving to improve the reliability of oil spill trajectory modeling by improving the quality and timeliness of the environmental inputs. A GLO-developed GIS user interface facilitates the quick and efficient production of high-quality maps, to provide spill response managers with timely environmental and other spill-related information.
A simplified oil-film skin-friction meter

The oil-film method of skin friction measurement, which does not require calibration, nevertheless entails that interferometric measurements of the oil film be obtained. The oil-film method is presently simplified by eliminating interferometry and its requisite polished surface, by taking direct and dynamic measurements of the oil-film slope with a small position-sensing photodiode. This technique has undergone verification in incompressible turbulent and laminar flows in flat-plate boundary layers and pipe flows; the meter is judged to be inexpensive, simple, and robust.
Local convective behavior and fin efficiency in shallow banks of in-line and staggered, annularly finned tubes

Local mass transfer data for high-profile fins in the second row of in-line and staggered, circular-finned tubes are presented for Reynolds numbers from 5000 to 28,000 based on hydraulic diameter and velocity at the minimum flow area. The data, obtained using an optical adaptation of the naphthalene sublimation technique, show that local variations in heat transfer do not cause significant fin efficiency deviations from the analytical solution of Gardner (contrary to earlier reports). Average heat transfer and pressure drop data indicate that the thermal performance of the in-line arrangement is comparable to the staggered configuration.
19F and 13C NMR Signal Assignment and Analysis in a Perfluorinated Ionomer (Nafion) by Two-Dimensional Solid-State NMR

The 19F and 13C NMR resonances of the perfluorinated ionomer, Nafion, are assigned to their corresponding chemical groups using two-dimensional (2D) 13C−19F heteronuclear correlation and 19F-exchange NMR experiments under 28 or 30 kHz magic-angle spinning, combined with peak area and relaxation time information. On the basis of these new experimental data, we revise the assignment of more than half of the resolved 19F NMR peaks. In particular, the backbone CF group is shown to resonate at −138 ppm, the side-group CF at −144 ppm, and the SCF2 group, which can be selected by a T2 filter, at −117 ppm. The OCF2 groups resonate slightly downfield from the CF3 fluorines. Deconvolution of the 19F and 13C spectra based on cross sections from the 2D spectra provides the peak widths and positions of all side group and several backbone sites. The inhomogeneous broadening observed in both 13C and 19F NMR spectra for the sites near the backbone CF group reveals static disorder near the branch point, which contrasts wi...
Operation of a Brain-Computer Interface Using Vibrotactile Biofeedback

Advances in brain-computer interfaces (BCI) will require the integration of haptic feedback channels to add extra sensory dimensions for applications such as neuroprostheses. To the best of our knowledge, previous BCIs have relied on visual biofeedback to the user in the form of a computer interface or a device. This study demonstrates that it is possible to operate a BCI using only vibrotactile biofeedback. Our results show that subjects are able to use vibrotactile feedback to control the BCI with accuracy as high as 72% for a 1D targeting task. We also found that varying placement of the vibratory stimulation between the left and right biceps introduces a significant bias in accuracy figures. Further work to compensate for the use of vibratory or other haptic feedback modalities will lead to the development of novel BCIs suitable for neuroprosthesis control.
Processing and material properties of energy-efficient sintered coal refuse lightweight aggregate

Abstract Bituminous coal refuse was successfully sintered on a pilot-sized traveling grate to produce synthetic, lightweight construction aggregate. An improved sintering grate process was used which incorporated a sealed sintering facility with a multipass recycled draft. Brief discussions are presented on the origin of coal refuse and of the aggregate processing operation. Detailed descriptions are given of laboratory evaluations of the sintered aggregate to determine its suitability for use in portland cement concrete, in bituminous (asphalt) concrete paving mixes, and in concrete masonry blocks.
CHARACTERISTICS OF INFANTS WITH THREE PATTERNS OF NEONATAL CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE: A PRELIMINARY STUDY. † 1187

Neonatal chronic lung disease(CLD) has been defined as a compatible x-ray plus O2 requirement at the latter of 28 days following birth or 36 weeks postmenstrual age. However, this definition recognizes neitherseverity of CLD, nor distinctly different patterns of this disorder in the post surfactant era. We believe these patterns are distinct and have significance for understanding the mechanisms of lung injury, and pathophysiology leading to the development of CLD.
Aldosterone and Growth Hormone: Influence of Diet and Hypophysectomy on Rat Renal Response

SummaryExperiments in hypophysectomized rats indicated that though growth hormone and aldosterone could produce summative antinatriuresis when given together, neither growth hormone nor the hypophysis appeared necessary for aldosterone to exert a profoundly antinatriuretic effect. Previous dietary history, however, may modify the response of the hypophysectomized rat to aldosterone. In sodium-replete rats, the response was antinatriuretic and antidiuretic, while in sodium-depleted rats, the response was diuretic and did not significantly modify sodium excretion.Special thanks are rendered to Dr. I. S. Edelman who suggested some of the experiments herein reported. The excellent technical assistance of Mrs. Lucy Moore is appreciated.
Analysis of auxiliary power systems with conventional synchronous generators

Auxiliary power systems are widely used, and new, challenging problems in analysis, design and deployment of high performance power generation systems call for comprehensive analysis of the energy conversion. Our goal is to develop a complete mathematical model to perform nonlinear analysis of auxiliary power systems which integrate diesels and synchronous generators. This allows one to study the energy conversion needed to perform thorough analysis and to design energy management systems. In this paper, we study the full spectrum of the physical phenomena of interconnected energy conversion processes in diesels and synchronous generators. The fundamental research reported allows one to promote engineering enterprise in the development of high performance generation systems.
"Fear of falling" gait: a potentially reversible psychogenic gait disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To describe "fear of falling" gait. BACKGROUND: "Fear of falling" gait is a largely psychogenic gait disorder of the elderly that is often unrecognized. METHODS: Report of a representative case and clinical experience. RESULTS: "Fear of falling" gait usually begins after a fall and is characterized by a shuffling or sliding stride and an intense need to hold on for support. It appears to be most common in elderly women, can be reversed by education, suggestion, and physical therapy, and is often mistaken for Parkinson disease. CONCLUSIONS: "Fear of falling" gait is a potentially reversible, largely psychogenic gait disorder that occurs mostly in women and must be distinguished from other gait disorders in the elderly. Language: en
The KudOS architecture for file systems

For robustness, stability, and reboot speed, file system implementations must ensure that the file system's stored image is kept consistent or easy to return to consistency. Advanced consistency mechanisms such as soft updates [2] and journalling make this possible; unfortunately, they are generally tied to a particular file system, and can't be ported or adapted without significant engineering effort. Furthermore, interfaces like fsync () give user code only coarse control over consistency. Applications with custom consistency and performance requirements get little help from conventional file systems, which either impose high overhead (data journalling) or don't guarantee data consistency (soft updates, for example, ensures metadata consistency only).
Electron scattering mechanisms in giant magnetoresistance computed by the LACO full‐potential method

The linearized atomic-cell orbital (LACO) method for local density functional calculations has been implemented in a program package for energy bands and valence shell energies of regular periodic solids. This method has been used to compute spin-dependent electrical resistivity due to scattering by displaced interface atoms in a layered CuCo superlattice. The magnetoresistance ratio ΔR/R(⇈) obtained for this scattering mechanism is 25.03. When the computed interface resistivity is weighted by estimated interpenetration concentration and combined with bulk resistivity, ΔR/R reduces to the expected experimental magnitude for adjacent CuCoCu layers. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The British Committee of Imperial Defence: Prototype of U.S. Security Organization

IN THE APT WORDS of the late Lord Lindsay of Birker, . ..c the difficulties in the control of armed force by a democracy illustrate the problem of the democratic control of power in its most acute form. . ."' Many analysts have long considered the British Conmmittee of Imperial Defence (CID), notwithstanding the fact that it passed out of existence in 1946, as one of modem democratic government's finest responses to the challenge of shaping policymaking machinery in the politico-military sphere. This paper discusses aspects of the development of the CIID and its contributions to British and United States national government processes.2 Of what significance is an understanding of the CID to us in the United States in 1961? We have entered the era in which men can, with relative ease, destroy themselves; when exploration of outer space, for both peaceful and militarily strategic purposes, has already begun; and when over half of the stupendous annual budget is directly related to military defense. A new administration in Washington has already initiated studies seemingly pointed toward far-reaching and controversial reforms in defense organization.3 In saying, ". . . We must expect in the round world of today to be under siege for as long as we can see ahead; ... .'4 Arnold Toynbee points up the continuing nature of our situation. If we agree that
Gadamer and Davidson on Language and Thought

Recently philosophers interested in bridging the gap between continental and analytic philosophy have looked to connecting Hans-Georg Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics with Donald Davidson’s philosophy of language. Both seem to share a number of positions, and each was familiar with the other’s writings. In this essay, I look at Davidson’s criticisms of Gadamer’s hermeneutics—in particular Gadamer’s view that dialogue always depends on a shared language and, when successful, produces a new common language to understand a topic. I argue that Davidson’s objections miss the way Gadamer is using conversation (Gesprach) as a technical term. Working out the difference between what Davidson and Gadamer mean reveals a deeper divide between their views about the relation between language and thought.
Tim18p Is a New Component of the Tim54p-Tim22p Translocon in the Mitochondrial Inner Membrane

The mitochondrial inner membrane contains two separate translocons: one required for the translocation of matrix-targeted proteins (the Tim23p-Tim17p complex) and one for the insertion of polytopic proteins into the mitochondrial inner membrane (the Tim54p-Tim22p complex). To identify new members of the Tim54p-Tim22p complex, we screened for high-copy suppressors of the temperature-sensitive tim54-1 mutant. We identified a new gene, TIM18, that encodes an integral protein of the inner membrane. The following genetic and biochemical observations suggest that the Tim18 protein is part of the Tim54p-Tim22p complex in the inner membrane: multiple copies of TIM18 suppress the tim54-1 growth defect; the tim18::HIS3 disruption is synthetically lethal with tim54-1; Tim54p and Tim22p can be coimmune precipitated with the Tim18 protein; and Tim18p, along with Tim54p and Tim22p, is detected in an approximately 300-kDa complex after blue native electrophoresis. We propose that Tim18p is a new component of the Tim54p-Tim22p machinery that facilitates insertion of polytopic proteins into the mitochondrial inner membrane.
1‐Benzenesulfinyl Piperidine

[4972-31-0] C11H15NOS (MW 209.31) InChI = 1S/C11H15NOS/c13-14(11-7-3-1-4-8-11)12-9-5-2-6-10-12/h1,3-4,7-8H,2,5-6,9-10H2 InChIKey = LBRJCAJLGAXDKP-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent used in combination with trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride to form a powerful electrophilic salt capable of activating thioglycosides and selenoglycosides for the construction of glycosidic linkages; can also be used for the C-alkylation of β-ketoester enolates) Alternate Name: BSP. Physical Data: mp 84–85 °C. Solubility: soluble in dichloromethane, diethyl ether, toluene, and most organic solvents. Form Supplied in: off-white solid. Analysis of Reagent Purity: melting point, NMR spectrum. Preparative Methods: a solution of PhSOCl (58.0 g, 0.365 mol) in anhydrous diethyl ether (200 mL) is slowly added to a cooled solution (5 °C) of piperidine (72 mL, 0.73 mmol) in anhydrous diethyl ether (200 mL). The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1 h, filtered, and then concentrated under reduced pressure. The solid residue is triturated with hexanes to give 1-benzenesulfinyl piperidine (53.4 g, 70%). Handling, Storage, and Precautions: unknown toxicity. Should be used within a fumehood.
Architectural and compiler strategies for dynamic power management in the COPPER project

For a range of embedded system applications in mission critical and energy constrained scenarios, it is important to be able to dynamically control power consumption in response to changing power availability. The authors present their approach to dynamic adaptation of system power consumption and application performance through microarchitectural and software strategies. In particular, they discuss techniques for compiler controlled dynamic register file reconfiguration and profile-driven dynamic clock frequency and voltage scaling. The authors evaluate the effectiveness of power scheduling heuristics based on these techniques in complying with desired power and performance constraints for a given application.
Investigation of the Structure and Properties of Silk Fibers Produced by Actias lunas

This paper reports the structure and properties of silk fibers produced by Actias lunas in comparison to Bombyx mori and the common wild silks. Considerable efforts are being made to find new sources for natural silk and also to develop regenerated protein fibers to supplement the limited amounts of B. mori and wild silks available in the market. In addition, it has been found that non-traditional silks have unique properties and utilizing uncommon wild silks can provide income and employment to indigenous people where the wild silks are found. Actias lunas belongs to the Saturniidae family of silk producing insects. However, the structure and properties of silk produced by A. lunas have not been studied. This research showed that the silk fibers produced by the luna moth had morphological and physical structure similar to that of the common wild silks but tensile properties similar to that of B. mori silk. A. lunas silk fibers are composed of higher amounts of hydrophobic amino acids and had much less glycine than B. mori and common wild silks. With a fineness of 2 denier, breaking tenacity of 4.3 g/den and breaking elongation of 10.9 %, the tensile properties of A. lunas silk fibers were similar to that of B. mori and much better than that of the common wild silks that are coarser and have lower breaking tenacity. A. lunas fibers show good potential to be useful for applications currently using B. mori silk.
An image signature for any kind of image

We describe an algorithm for computing an image signature, suitable for first-stage screening for duplicate images. Our signature relies on the relative brightness of image regions, and is generally applicable to photographs, text documents, and line art. We give experimental results on the sensitivity and robustness of signatures for actual image collections, and also results on the robustness of signatures under transformations such as resizing, rescanning, and compression.
The dynamics of the Venus ionosphere. II - The effects of the time scale of the solar wind dynamic pressure variations

The effects on the upper dayside Venus ionosphere of a slow increase in solar wind dynamic pressure are simulated numerically with a one-dimensional (spherically symmetric) Lagrangian hydrodynamical code. The simulation is started with an extended ionosphere in pressure equilibrium with the solar wind at the ionopause. The pressure at the ionopause is gradually increased to five times the initial pressure with rise times of 5, 15, and 30 min. It is found that, for rise times greater than about 10 min, the compression of the ionopause is nearly adiabatic, with the ionopause moving downward at velocities of approximately 1-2 km/sec until it reaches a maximally compressed state, at which time the motion reverses. For short rise times the compression produces a shock wave similar to that occurring in the case of a sudden increase in pressure. The global implications of these processes are discussed within the context of Pioneer Venus observations and future theoretical work on this problem is outlined.
NUTRITION AND GROWTH OF ARTHROBOTRYS CONOIDES

Coscarelli, Waldimero (Rutgers, The State University, New Brunswick, N.J.) and David Pramer. Nutrition and growth of Arthrobotrys conoides. J. Bacteriol. 84:60-64. 1962-Despite its ability to capture, kill, and subsist on nematodes, the predacious fungus Arthrobotrys conoides does not demonstrate a unique nutritional pattern. Yeast extract, required for growth in a glucose-inorganic salts medium, was replaced by biotin, thiamine, and zinc. Biotin biosynthesis by the fungus is blocked at the desthiobiotin to biotin conversion. A. conoides is unable to synthesize either of the two moieties of thiamine but, when supplied with pyrimidine and thiazole, completes biosynthesis of the vitamin via a coupling reaction. A chemically defined medium that supports rapid and abundant growth of A. conoides is described. Glucose is utilized efficiently (economic coefficient of 31.8 to 42.8), and yields exceeding 9 g (dry wt) of fungus tissue per liter of medium are obtained.
Disposable protective sheath for the fiber-optic Raman probe

Optical fibers and fiber bundles are widely used as sampling systems in Raman spectrometry. The probes are convenient and easily adapted to remote sampling, and can be used in a hostile environment if necessary. The most common designs are bundles of two or more fibers, in which one fiber is used for illumination and the other(s) for collection of scattered light. Such designs are susceptible to contamination. The cements used to hold the fibers in place can absorb many organic materials. In time small cracks can develop in the probe structure, and serve as capillaries which take up any liquids.
Transformations for reducing steady state error due to uncertain disturbance biases

In this note, we will consider the challenging problem of reducing the steady state error of a system resulting from an unknown but bounded disturbance bias. The state is assumed measurable, and the method proposed uses a nonlinear metric based transformation with pole placement for the compensator design. The results are compared to the well know linear quadratic regulator with the identical physical realization. Although this research is ongoing and some of the proofs are merely outlined, these results do not appear to be restricted to linear systems or biases through control signal inputs, and generally applicable to any bounded exogenous disturbance uncertainty.
Boys’ descriptions of their experiences in choral music

This article centers on the accounts of six boys of their experiences in school choral music. The narrative excerpts are drawn from the stories of boys enrolled at a private school in the southeastern USA. The study sampled three categories of boys: those who have sung continuously, those who sang but later withdrew from choral music, and those who did not sing at all. Analysis of the boys’ broad narratives revealed allusions to components of optimal ‘flow’ experiences identified by Csikszentmihalyi and others. Such ‘flow’ experiences are characterized by high levels of both perceived challenge and perceived skill, a clarity of goals, deep personal involvement and concentration, self-directedness, self-awareness, the receiving of immediate feedback and a lack of awareness concerning time constraints. The report concludes with implications for choral music educators who seek to design pedagogy and rehearsal techniques that enable the emergence of these optimal experiences.