cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neck extensor hypertonia: A clinical sign of insult to the central nervous system of the newborn

Abnormal hypertonia of the neck extensor muscles in newborns may be appreciated by observing spontaneous posture, evaluating resistance to repeated passive flexion of the head, and eliciting the head straightening reflexes. This sign correlates well with other signs of insult to the central nervous system. Of 1743 newborns over 37 wk gestational age, 17 appeared to have signs of cerebral insult according to the classical criteria of abnormal state of consciousness, tone, and reflexes. Of these 17, 12 (70%) had neck extensor hypertonia. 38 newborns appeared to have mild signs of cerebral insult with abnormalities of tone and excitability. Of these 38, 14 (37%) had neck extensor hypertonia. Only 12 (0.7%) of 1655 newborns with otherwise normal neurological examination had neck extensor hypertonia. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the prognostic value of neck extensor hypertonia in the neonatal period.
Effect of Frequency of Pavement Condition Data Collection on Performance Prediction

Monitoring pavement surface conditions over time is essential for pavement management and performance models. Time series distress data can be used to determine the remaining service life at the project level, which can then be used for all projects to assess the overall health of the pavement network. Observed field performance is also crucial for calibrating performance prediction models for pavement design purposes. Therefore, highway agencies collect pavement condition data to accomplish both policy and engineering objectives. However, differences exist among agencies between the monitoring frequency used for pavement surface distress (imaging) and that used for sensor-measured features. These differences pertain primarily to the relative difficulties in collecting and processing imaging data. Many agencies collect sensor data more frequently than images. Most highway agencies monitor pavement condition at 1-, 2-, or 3-year frequencies. Discrepancies between performance model predictions and observed ...
Nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Replicating the open surgical technique

Abstract Objectives To present a detailed demonstration of a nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) technique that replicates anatomic nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). Techniques for neurovascular bundle preservation during open RRP have undergone several decades of careful refinement. Identifying pre-existing anatomic planes and the avoidance of thermal injury near the nerves are principles considered paramount during nerve-sparing RRP. During LRP and robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, the use of cautery for hemostasis during nerve dissection is common despite its unknown effects on cavernous nerve function. Methods We describe a combined antegrade and retrograde laparoscopic approach to neurovascular bundle dissection. The technique is demonstrated in the accompanying video segments. The use of specialized laparoscopic instrumentation, including a fine-tipped right-angle clamp and curved dissector, is discussed. The principles of meticulous tissue handling and avoidance of electrocautery are stressed. The preliminary outcomes are presented using data obtained using an abridged version of the International Index of Erectile Function and the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite questionnaires. Results To date, our technique has been applied to LRP in more than 177 patients. Blood loss has been minimal (less than 300 mL), and intraoperative anatomic nerve preservation appeared excellent. On the basis of our early experience, 76% of patients engaging in sexual intercourse preoperatively who underwent bilateral nerve preservation (n = 21) reported the ability to engage in sexual intercourse 1 year after LRP. Conclusions Our nerve-sparing LRP technique replicates established open surgical principles of anatomic nerve-sparing RRP. The techniques described here minimize the potential for cavernous nerve damage from electrical energy or heat. Early functional outcomes appear comparable to the results obtained with open RRP performed at our institution.
An S-nitrosothiol (SNO) synthase function of hemoglobin that utilizes nitrite as a substrate.

Red blood cells (RBCs) act as O2-responsive transducers of vasodilator and vasoconstrictor activity in lungs and tissues by regulating the availability of nitric oxide (NO). Vasodilation by RBCs is impaired in diseases characterized by hypoxemia. We have proposed that the extent to which RBCs constrict vs. dilate vessels is, at least partly, controlled by a partitioning between NO bound to heme iron and to Cysβ93 thiol of hemoglobin (Hb). Hemes sequester NO, whereas thiols deploy NO bioactivity. In recent work, we have suggested that specific micropopulations of NO-liganded Hb could support the chemistry of S-nitrosohemoglobin (SNO-Hb) formation. Here, by using nitrite as the source of NO, we demonstrate that a (T state) micropopulation of a heme-NO species, with spectral and chemical properties of Fe(III)NO, acts as a precursor to SNO-Hb formation, accompanying the allosteric transition of Hb to the R state. We also show that at physiological concentrations of nitrite and deoxyHb, a S-nitrosothiol precursor is formed within seconds and produces SNO-Hb in high yield upon its prompt exposure to O2 or CO. Deoxygenation/reoxygenation cycling of oxyHb in the presence of physiological amounts of nitrite also efficiently produces SNO-Hb. In contrast, high amounts of nitrite or delays in reoxygenation inhibit the production of SNO-Hb. Collectively, our data provide evidence for a physiological S-nitrosothiol synthase activity of tetrameric Hb that depends on NO-Hb micropopulations and suggest that dysfunction of this activity may contribute to the pathophysiology of cardiopulmonary and blood disorders.
The Gender of Geographical Indications: Women, Place, and the Marketing of Identities

In Western Europe and in the United States, a rekindled interest in food and wine has stimulated the development of value-based food labels that define products based on their immaterial, cultural, and also political contents; among these, the geographical indications (GIs), now protected by the World Trade Organization, refer principally to the place of origin of the product. Despite their commercial and cultural relevance, the evaluation of the impact of GIs on a community usually does not consider gender issues, often misrepresenting or ignoring women’s role as the keepers of local traditions, especially in the case of seeds, shepherding products, and their culinary uses. This article (a) analyzes the relationships between gender, place, and local tradition in the case of GIs (b) and addresses the questions of who reaps the benefits of techniques and know-how transmitted and protected by women, and how the role of women is acknowledged in the developing regulations regarding the products involved.
The structure of the capsular polysaccharide obtained from a new serogroup (L) of Neisseria meningitidis.

Abstract A newly isolated serogroup of Neisseria meningitidis (serogroup L), obtained from contacts of a patient with meningococcal meningitis, elaborates a structurally unique, capsular polysaccharide. The polysaccharide contains only 2-acetamido-2-deoxy- d -glucosyl and phosphate constituents in the molar ratio of 3:1, and is composed of the following repeating unit.
Reconstitution of germinal center formation in nude mice with Th1 and Th2 clones.

Abstract We investigated the ability of hemocyanin (KLH)-specific cloned CD4 + T cells expressing defined cytokine profiles to support germinal center (GC) formation in syngeneic athymic recipients in response to hapten–KLH challenge. Th1 clones producing IL-2 and IFN-γ did not by themselves increase GC production above background, while Th2 cells producing IL-4 and IL-5 did. However, the combination of Th1 and Th2 cytokines was more effective than Th2 cytokines alone, suggesting a synergistic effect in this aspect of their help for B cells. In contrast to GC formation, antibody production could be induced with Th1 or Th2 clones given separately (Th1 clones inducing IgG2a, and Th2 clones inducing IgG1 and IgE). These results indicate that the T cell requirements for GC production are different from those for isotype switching and Ig secretion. It is postulated that the synergy between Th1 and Th2 cells in the induction of GC formation reflects the synergy between Th1 and Th2 cytokines, such as IFN-γ and IL-5, in promotion of GC cell proliferation.
Risk-based seismic life-cycle cost–benefit (LCC-B) analysis for bridge retrofit assessment

Abstract Bridges constitute key elements of the nation’s infrastructure and are subjected to considerable threats from natural hazards including seismic events. A range of potential bridge retrofit measures may be used to mitigate seismic damage in deficient bridges, and help to avoid associated social and economic losses. However, since resources are often limited for investment in seismic upgrade, particularly in regions of large but infrequent events, a risk-based approach for evaluating and comparing the cost effectiveness of different mitigation strategies is warranted. This paper illustrates a method for evaluating the best retrofits for non-seismically designed bridges based on seismic life-cycle costs and cost–benefit analysis. The approach integrates probabilistic seismic hazard models, fragility of as-built and retrofitted bridges for a range of damage states, and associated costs of damage and retrofit. The emphasis on life-time performance and benefits, as opposed to initial retrofit cost alone, not only permits risk-wise investment, but also helps to align upgrade actions with highway agency missions for sustainable infrastructure. An application of the seismic life-cycle cost–benefit analysis is conducted for four representative bridges of different classes, and seven different retrofit options ranging from the use of seat extenders, to isolation bearings, to steel jackets. The same bridges are evaluated located at three sites of varying seismicity: Caruthersville, Missouri; Charleston, South Carolina; and Los Angeles, California. A summary of the proposed optimal retrofit measures for the case-study bridges and locations is presented. The results show that not only do the magnitude of the expected losses and resulting retrofit cost–benefit differ by location, but the most cost-effective retrofit for a particular bridge may vary as well due to local seismic hazard characteristics and the effect of retrofit at different damage levels.
Evaluation of piezoelectret foam in a multilayer stack configuration for low-level vibration energy harvesting applications

Electronic devices are high demand commodities in today’s world, and such devices will continue increasing in popularity. Currently, batteries are implemented to provide power to these devices; however, the need for battery replacement, their cost, and the waste associated with battery disposal present a need for advances in self-powered technology. Energy harvesting technology has great potential to alleviate the drawbacks of batteries. In this work, a novel piezoelectret foam material is investigated for low-level energy harvesting. Specifically, piezoelectret foam assembled in a multilayer stack configuration is explored. Modeling and experimentation of the stack behavior when excited in compression at low frequencies are performed to investigate piezoelectret foam as a multilayer energy harvester. An examination of modeling piezoelectret foam as a stack with an equivalent circuit is made following recently published work and is used in this study. A 20-layer prototype device is fabricated and experimentally tested via harmonic base excitation. Electromechanical testing is performed by compressing the foam stack to obtain output electrical energy; consequently, allowing the frequency response between input mechanical energy and output electrical energy to be developed. Modeling results are compared to the experimental measurements to assess the fidelity of the model. Lastly, energy harvesting experimentation in which the device is subject to harmonic base excitation at the natural frequency is conducted to determine the ability of the piezoelectret foam stack to successfully charge a capacitor.
Fully synthetic carbohydrate-based vaccines in biochemically relapsed prostate cancer: clinical trial results with alpha-N-acetylgalactosamine-O-serine/threonine conjugate vaccine.

Purpose: We report the synthesis of a mucin-related O-linked glycopeptide, α-N-acetylgalactosamine-O-serine/threonine (Tn), which is highly simplistic in its structure and can induce a relevant humoral response when given in a trimer or clustered (c) formation. We tested for an antitumor effect, in the form of a change in the posttreatment versus pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) slopes, that might serve as a surrogate for effectiveness of vaccines in delaying the time to radiographic progression. Methods: We compared the antibody response to immunization with two conjugates, Tn(c)-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and Tn(c)-palmitic acid (PAM) with the saponin immunologic adjuvant QS21, in a phase I clinical trial in patients with biochemically relapsed prostate cancer. Patients received Tn(c)-KLH vaccine containing either 3, 7, or 15 μg of Tn(c) per vaccination. Ten patients received 100 μg of Tn(c)-PAM. QS21 was included in all vaccines. Five vaccinations were administered subcutaneously durin...
Workshop: Assessing professional skills for ABET

The Integrated Design Engineering Assessment and Learning System (IDEALS) is a set of assessment instruments that focus on aspects of professional development such as leadership, ethics, project management and communication skills within the context of capstone engineering design projects. These instruments have been piloted across a broad spectrum of diverse engineering programs and are available in a web format that facilitates data collection from students and feedback from instructional staff. This knowledge has been synthesized into a set of engaging and transferable modules that include learning objectives, supporting resource materials, preparatory tasks, lesson plans for faculty, and recommendations for timely follow-up using the online assessments. In addition, the instruments enhance student development through both formative and summative feedback and can be used to provide evidence for demonstrating the achievement of ABET student outcomes and program specific criteria.
Severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage and anemia after therapeutic doses of aspirin in normal children.

THAT THE USE AND ABUSE of aspirin and aspirincontaining preparations by adults is associated with gastrointestinal bleeding is well recognized. 1~ 2 Its significance as a cause of severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage in children, however, is not well appreciated, either in the literature or in the practice of pediatrics? -5 We have seen several children with severe GIH in whom the only apparent etiologic factor has been the administration of aspirin in usual therapeutic dosage. Because this possibility was not seriously considered in our patients until after many days of hospitalization and many diagnostic procedures, our experiences are presented in the hope that a greater awareness of this entity will aid pediatricians in evaluating acute GIH in children.
Photopumped short wavelength lasers

Abstract We have recently demonstrated new short wavelength lasers near 100 nm in xenon and krypton. The lasers are pumped by photoionization of inner-shell electrons followed by Auger decay. We have measured the lifetimes and quenching rates of the lasing states, as well as the branching ratios of Auger decay into the states. A simple model has also been developed, which predicts the gain and the time evolution of laser output in our experiments.
The effect of steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents on granulocyte migration into bovine pulmonary artery intimal explants.

To determine whether steroidal or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents inhibit granulocyte migration, we measured granulocyte adherence to and migration across the intact endothelial layer of bovine pulmonary artery intimal explants. Explants were placed endothelium uppermost in chemotaxis chamber with either fetal calf serum (FCS) or zymosan activated plasma (ZAP) in medium 199 in the lower well and 5 × 106 separated 51Cr labelled granulocytes/ml in medium 199 + FCS in the upper well. Methylprednisolone (0.3 and 3.0 mg/ml), indomethacin (5 and 50 μM) and ibuprofen (10 and 100 μM) were also added to the upper well of some chambers. After 30, 60, 120 or 180 minutes of incubation the chambers were dismantled. Granulocyte adherence was assessed by rinsing the explant in 0.1% trypsin; the number of radioactive counts in the trypsin wash represented the number of adherent cells. Those remaining in the explant represented the number of granulocytes that migrated into the explant. At each time studied, chemotax...
Heavy Z bosons and Majorana neutrinos

Abstract Several extensions of the standard model predict the existence of additional Z bosons, which could possibly be in the 100–400 GeV range. In these schemes the new gauge boson is generally strongly coupled to heavy Majorana neutrinos which have highly distinctive decay modes. Amongst these are like-sign dileptons and monojets. We present an analysis of the system and discuss the implications for future hadron and e+e− colliders. Combining the results of our study with constraints from neutral current and collider data, we show that the CERN monojets cannot be explained by this system.
Learning from life experience: What makes it significant?

While several have written about the connection between life experience and learning, there is little in the literature that explicitly deals with how a particular life experience can become a significant learning experience for one person, but not another. This qualitative study examines the underlying structure of the significance of life‐experience learning. Open‐ended responses to a question about one's significant learning experiences were collected from 405 adults. In addition, 19 interviews were conducted to probe more deeply about individuals’ learning experiences and the significance they held for the learner. Findings suggest that for learning to be significant: (1) it must personally affect the learner, either by resulting in an expansion of skills, sense of self, or life perspective, or by precipitating a transformation; and (2) it must be subjectively valued by the learner.
Chemical and Geological Control on Surface Water within the Shade River Watershed in Southeastern Ohio

The under-sampled middle and western branches of Shade River Watershed (SRW) in SE Ohio were investigated as part of the Ohio University—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) STAR grant. This project was for monitoring the quality of watersheds in Ohio and classifying them according to their physical, chemical, and biological conditions. Water samples, as well as field parameters, were taken at twenty-two sites for chemical analyses. The ions analyzed included Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Al, NO3, SO4, HCO3, and total PO4, while the field parameters measured included pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and alkalinity. To assess the water quality within the SRW, the analyzed ions and field parameters were compared to the USEPA criteria for the survival of aquatic life. Analytical results showed that the watershed is dominated by Ca-HCO3waters with DO, Fe, Mn, and PO4being the main causes of impairment within the streams. The relatively elevated concentrations of manganese and less extent iron may be associated with the local geology and the acidic nature of the soils. The high alkalinity and calcium concentrations are due to the limestone geology. The elevated phosphate concentration may be due to anthropogenic sources, fertilizers, or contributions from phosphorus-rich bedrock that differs geochemically from other areas.
Effects of combined treatment with recombinant bovine somatotropin and immunization with live oocysts on performance of broiler chicks raised in coccidia-seeded floor pens.

Abstract In our laboratory, preliminary studies have indicated that recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) can stimulate protective immunity against coccidia infection. A floor pen trial on coccidia-seeded litter was run to further test its activity as an adjuvant during immunization of chicks with a live oocyst vaccine. Five hundred day-old male broiler strain chicks were randomly assigned to five experimental Treatments: 1, medicated controls; 2, unimmunized, not treated with rbST; 3, unimmunized, rbST-treated; 4, immunized, not treated with rbST; 5, immunized, rbST-treated. Each treatment consisted of four pens of 25 chicks each. At the end of the growout period (7 wk), the chicks in Treatment 1 (medicated controls) had the highest mean BW, but mean BW of chickens in Treatment 3 (rbST treatment only) were not significantly less. On the other hand, the mean weights of chicks in Treatments 4 (immunized only) and 5 (immunized plus rbST) were significantly reduced, and not different from those of the untreated chickens (Treatment 2). However, when challenged at 3 wk, the chicks in Treatment 5 had a mean combined total lesion score that was significantly lower than that from Treatment 3, indicating that they had developed a higher degree of specific immunity, but of the expense of weight gain. The results suggest that rbST has a potential for use as an adjuvant with live oocyst vaccination, but that the ratio between rbST dose and numbers of oocysts in the live vaccine needs to be carefully controlled.
Methionine deficiency in early-weaned dairy calves fed pelleted rations based on corn and alfalfa or corn and soybean proteins.

Abstract Holstein bull calves weaned at 4 wk of age were assigned to one of three replicated 4×4 Latin squares at 5 to 6 wk. Trials were abomasal infusion of 0, .30, .60, and either 90 (Trials 2 and 3) or 1.20g (Trial 1) L-methionine/kg pelleted starter ration consumed. In Trials 1 and 2, ration ingredients of the ration contributed the following percentages of total crude protein; corn meal 39, alfalfa meal 48, and soybean meal 12; dry matter of rations contained 13.6 and 13.9% crude protein and .26 and .32% sulfur. Infusion of .60g methionine in Trial 1 tended to depress excretion of nitrogen in urine and increase nitrogen retention. In Trial 2, urine nitrogen excretion and retained nitrogen responded in a quadratic fashion; infusion of .30 and .60, and either .90 (Trials 2 and 3) or 1.20g (Trial 1) L-methionine/kg pelleted starter ration consumed. In Trials 1 and 2, ingredients of the ration contributed the following percentages of total crude protein: corn meal 39, alfalfa meal 48, and soybean meal 12; dry matter of rations contained 13.6 and 13.9% crude protein and .26 and .32% sulfur. Infusion of .60g methionine in cretion 9%. Relationship between plasma methionine and infused methionine was linear for all trials. Methionine is the first limiting amino acid for early-weaned calves fed complete pelleted rations based on corn and either alfalfa or soybean proteins.
On a molecular comparison of strong and weak antagonists at the glycinergic receptor.

Using molecular modeling techniques, we studied nine glycine antagonists in order to try to identify the molecular descriptors that characterize strychnine as a strong antagonist and N, N-dimethyl-muscimol, iso-THIA, THIA, N-methyl-THIP, iso-THAZ, THAZ, iso-THPO, and iso-THAO (see Experimental for chemical names) as weak glycine antagonists. We confirm that all nine compounds have the three-atom regions (two negative and one positive) that we have postulated are necessary to permit such compounds to attach to the recognition site in the glycinergic synapse. Furthermore, in the case of antagonists we have postulated the presence of a fourth atom that can attach to the top of the chloride ion channel. Each of the nine antagonists has such a fourth negative atom and the latter property gives each of these compounds their antagonistic characteristic. Further, only in the case of strychnine is there evidence that at its positively charged end does the positive charge extend to cover a region that could bind through electrostatic domains to a tertiary carboxyl group in an amino acid like aspartate. Published molecular biological data show that such an amino acid is present in the portion of the polypeptides identified in the glycine receptor. The bidentate binding is superior to the single site attachment that is present in the other eight weak glycine antagonists. In addition, the two negative atom sites in each antagonist are also in a position to participate in electrostatic binding through bidentate involvement with the positively charged guanidinium group of arginine. The latter amino acid also has been identified in the portion of the polypeptide chain at the glycine receptor. Finally, our molecular data predict that after strychnine, the eight weak glycine antagonists listed above are in order of decreasing potency, i.e., N,N-dimethyl-muscimol is the best of the weak antagonists and iso-THAO should be the weakest. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Twinning dislocation multiplication at a coherent twin boundary

Abstract Using in situ nanoindentation in a high-resolution transmission electron microscope we have studied the interaction of glide dislocations with a Σ3 {1 1 1} coherent twin boundary (CTB) of growth type in Cu. These high-resolution observations indicate that, in addition to acting as barriers to slip transmission, CTB can react with a lattice dislocation to facilitate the multiplication of partial dislocations, resulting in translation of the CTB. On the basis of dislocation theory and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations we propose a dislocation multiplication mechanism by which successive dissociation reactions, starting with a single glide dislocation trapped at a CTB, can lead to a continuous source under certain applied stress states. No evidence of deformation twinning was noted in the nanotwinned lamellae in the indented foils. These findings provide insights into understanding the plastic deformation mechanisms, the migration of CTBs the high strength, and work hardening of highly twinned face-centered cubic metals.
Application of Bench-Scale Tests in Understanding a Commercial Fluidized-Bed Reactor Operation

Small-scale fluidized-bed reactors are widely used by both industry and academy. Well-planned tests can generate useful information about commercial reactor operation. However, there are limitations to which results from laboratory-scale reactors can be applied to commerical-scale reactor operation. In this paper, fluidized-bed acrylonitrile reactors are used to demonstrate the similarities and differences between laboratory and commercial reactors. Laboratory reactor performance is compared with the performance of commercial reactors. For fluidized-bed reactors, it is recommended to study reaction kinetics and reactor hydrodynamics separately.
Aphanomyces euteiches race 2 in Central Illinois alfalfa fields.

Approximately 260,000 ha of alfalfa is grown in Illinois. Two soil samples were collected randomly from slowly drained thin patches in each of four established alfalfa fields near Urbana in 2001. Plants in the thin patches were asymptomatic. Aphanomyces euteiches Drechs. was baited from the soil with cv. Saranac alfalfa seedlings and was isolated from 3- to 4-week-old infected seedlings using a medium containing metalaxyl and benomyl (1,2). It is difficult to isolate A. euteiches from field-grown roots. One to seven isolates were obtained per field, and all were identified as A. euteiches based on morphology (1,2). A. euteiches (races R1 and R2) causes root rot of alfalfa in slowly drained fields in Iowa, Kentucky, and Wisconsin (1,2). The race of 13 isolates was determined in tests repeated once with alfalfa populations Saranac (susceptible to R1 and R2), WAPH-1 (resistant only to R1), and WAPH-5 (resistant to R1 and R2) (1). Twelve 7-day-old seedlings in each of three pots per population were inoculated...
On a class of asymptotically optimal nonparametric tests for grouped data I

In a previous paper [5], the author has proposed a class of asymptotically optimal (in the sense of Wald [11]) nonparametric tests for testing the hypothesis of no regression in a multiple linear regression model. In the present paper, we are interested in testing that the intercept in the multiple (linear) regression model is zero along with the absence of regression. A class of permutationally distribution-free tests has been proposed and their asymptotic optimality has been established. These results generalize analogus findings of Puri and Sen [9] for ungrouped data. As an important application, an alternative test to the problem of paired comparison has been considered.
Occult distal femoral physeal injury with disruption of the perichondrium.

The authors describe a case of distal femoral physeal injury with disruption of the perichondrium in a 9-year-old girl after a sledding accident. The patient presented with knee pain, limited range of motion, and inability to bear weight. Initial radiographs were normal. A magnetic resonance imaging of the knee demonstrated abnormal signal and wid- ening of the distal femoral physis with elevation of the posterior distal femoral periosteum. This case illustrates the main magnetic resonance imaging findings in an occult Salter Harris type I injury: increased phy- seal thickness and signal intensity on water-sensitive sequences, peri- chondrial disruption, and intracartilaginous fracture.
Seizure entrainment with polarizing low-frequency electric fields in a chronic animal epilepsy model.

Neural activity can be modulated by applying a polarizing low-frequency (100 Hz) electric field (PLEF). Unlike conventional pulsed stimulation, PLEF stimulation has a graded, modulatory effect on neuronal excitability, and permits the simultaneous recording of neuronal activity during stimulation suitable for continuous feedback control. We tested a prototype system that allows for simultaneous PLEF stimulation with minimal recording artifact in a chronic tetanus toxin animal model (rat) of hippocampal epilepsy with spontaneous seizures. Depth electrode local field potentials recorded during seizures revealed a characteristic pattern of field postsynaptic potentials (fPSPs). Sinusoidal voltage-controlled PLEF stimulation (0.5–25 Hz) was applied in open-loop cycles radially across the CA3 of ventral hippocampus. For stimulated seizures, fPSPs were transiently entrained with the PLEF waveform. Statistical significance of entrainment was assessed with Thomson's harmonic F-test, with 45/132 stimulated seizures in four animals individually demonstrating significant entrainment (p < 0.04). Significant entrainment for multiple presentations at the same frequency (p < 0.01) was observed in three of four animals in 42/64 stimulated seizures. This is the first demonstration in chronically implanted freely behaving animals of PLEF modulation of neural activity with simultaneous recording.
Outpatient Management without Antibiotics of Fever in Selected Infants

Background In many academic centers it is standard practice to hospitalize all febrile infants younger than two months of age, whereas in community settings such infants are often cared for as outpatients. Methods We conducted a controlled study of 747 consecutive infants 29 through 56 days of age who had temperatures of at least 38.2 °C. After a complete history taking, physical examination, and sepsis workup, the 460 infants with laboratory or clinical findings suggestive of serious bacterial illness were hospitalized and treated with antibiotics. The screening criteria for serious bacterial illness included a white-cell count of at least 15,000 per cubic millimeter, a spun urine specimen that had 10 or more white cells per high-power field or that was positive on bright-field microscopy, cerebrospinal fluid with a white-cell count of 8 or more per cubic millimeter or a positive Gram's stain, or a chest film showing an infiltrate. The 287 infants who had unremarkable examinations and normal laboratory r...
Size dependent enhancement of helium ion irradiation tolerance in sputtered Cu/V nanolaminates

We have investigated the evolution of radiation damage and changes in hardness of sputter-deposited Cu/V nanolaminates upon room temperature helium ion irradiation. As the individual layer thickness decreases from 200 to 5 nm, helium bubble density and radiation hardening both decrease. The magnitude of radiation hardening becomes negligible for individual layer thickness of 2.5 nm or less. These observations indicate that nearly immiscible Cu/V interface can effectively absorb radiation-induced point defects and reduce their concentrations.
Rethinking syntax: A commentary on E. Kako’s “Elements of syntax in the systems of three language-trained animals”

Kako (1999) requests new studies of linguistic continua between humans and nonhumans. I question the value of such studies and the importance of determining whether any component of language is uniquely human. I argue that training of specific constructs (e.g., closed classes) may not provide appropriate data, and that whether a particular species lacks or has human-like syntax likely results from specific ecological/evolutionary pressures. Social factors purported to drive intelligence and communication in primates likely exist for nonprimates such as parrots; moreover, Grey parrots demonstrate rudiments of supposedly uniquely human abilities: supralaryngeal vocal tract control, anticipatory coarticulation, and sound play.
CLASSICAL AMERICAN PRAGMATISM: THE OTHER NATURALISM

This essay compares and contrasts pragmatic naturalism with the more well known position of epistemological naturalism on several pivotal issues, in the process offering a pragmatic critique of the latter. It highlights their common rejection of both foundationalism and a priori methods and their positive claims that: what needs examination is not our concept of knowledge but knowledge itself; knowledge must be understood as tied to the world and as a natural phenomenon to be examined in its natural setting; the epistemic endeavor involves unifying its three traditional projects of giving an account of what knowledge is, explaining how knowledge is possible, and providing useful epistemic advice, thus involving normative considerations; and the method of gaining knowledge in general is continuous with the method of science. Yet, there are very great divergences between the two naturalisms concerning the answers offered, and these are explored and evaluated in the development of the essay.
Robust control for signalized intersections

This paper is concerned with the design of a feedback controller to minimize accumulated queue lengths in the presence of unknown inflow disturbances at an isolated highway intersection and a simple network with two intersections. The admissible control set is taken to be a finite set at each point of time. The value function for the associated game is obtained as the solution of the appropriate Hamilton-Jacobi-Isaacs equation.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Wood heating safety research: An update

The Center for Fire Research at the National Bureau of Standards has been involved in research related to wood heating safety for more than seven years. Areas of interest have included: typical operating conditions of modern heating appliances, intensity and duration of chimney fires in factory-built and masonry chimneys, clearance reduction systems for protection of combustible walls and ceilings, and wall pass-through systems for connection of appliances to chimneys through combustible walls. This paper presents a review of research at NBS and elsewhere related to wood heating safety and provides an assessment of the impact of the research on the fire safe use of wood heating appliances. Extensive references of research related to solid fuel heating safety are included.
Astronaut-induced disturbances to the microgravity environment of the Mir Space Station.

In preparation for the International Space Station, the Enhanced Dynamic Load Sensors Space Flight Experiment measured the forces and moments astronauts exerted on the Mir Space Station during their daily on-orbit activities to quantify the astronaut-induced disturbances to the microgravity environment during a long-duration space mission. An examination of video recordings of the astronauts moving in the modules and using the instrumented crew restraint and mobility load sensors led to the identification of several typical astronaut motions and the quantification or the associated forces and moments exerted on the spacecraft. For 2806 disturbances recorded by the foot restraints and hand-hold sensor, the highest force magnitude was 137 N. For about 96% of the time, the maximum force magnitude was below 60 N, and for about 99% of the time the maximum force magnitude was below 90 N. For 95% of the astronaut motions, the rms force level was below 9.0 N. It can be concluded that expected astronaut-induced loads from usual intravehicular activity are considerably less than previously thought and will not significantly disturb the microgravity environment.
A comparison of blood lipid and blood pressure responses during the treatment of systemic hypertension with indapamide and with thiazides

Thiazide diuretics in high dosage adversely affect the lipid profile. The non-thiazide indoline, indapamide, appears to be free of this effect, but it is unclear whether this apparent metabolic advantage of indapamide is superior to thiazides used in low dose. Since there are no large direct comparative studies to test this distinction, I surveyed the literature and pooled the findings of all published reports giving data on lipid and blood pressure effects of thiazides in various doses and of both indapamide, 2.5 mg daily, used as monotherapy of hypertension. I found 31 reports of thiazides; 12 of them examined low-dose regimens, i.e., < or = 25 mg/day of hydrochlorothiazide or its equivalent in other thiazides. Larger doses of thiazides were tested in 19 studies (median daily dose of 50 mg, maximum dose of 112.5 mg). There were 430 subjects in the low-dose studies and 559 subjects in the high-dose regimens. There were 13 studies of indapamide, comprising 558 subjects. Regarding lipids, total cholesterol increased from baseline by 1.4% on indapamide, 3.8% on low-dose thiazides, and 6.3% on high-dose thiazides, The change from baseline was significantly greater for high-dose thiazides than for indapamide (p<0.01). Changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol did not differ among groups. The change in triglycerides differed among regimens, -0.5%, 10.8%, and 19.5% for indapamide, low-dose thiazides, and high-dose thiazides, respectively (p<0.01). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased by 13 and 18 mm Hg on low-dose and high-dose thiazides, respectively (p<0.05 between doses). Indapamide lowered SBP by 16 mm Hg, not different from either thiazide dose. Diastolic blood pressure did not differ among groups. From these noncomparative studies, I conclude that (1) indapamide has no adverse lipid effect and lowers blood pressure equally to thiazides; (2) thiazide effects on lipids and SBP are dose-dependent; and (3) thiazides adversely affect the lipid profile even in low dose.
An algorithm for the design of multilevel concentrator networks

This paper presents an algorithm for the design of hierarchical, multi-level concentrator networks. The algorithm, based on the technique called clustering, is a generalization of an algorithm reported by P. McGregor and D. Shen and which appeared in the recent literature. The modification described here relaxes two of the assumptions made in the original McGregor/Shen formulation: 1. a) Solutions may have an arbitrary number of intermediate levels, instead of exactly zero or one. 2. b) The characteristics of a concentrator (i.e., capacity, cost, or local processing capability) can vary as a function of their placement within the solution. These relaxed conditions lead to solution networks which can be lower in cost than those generated by the algorithm in its original formulation. This paper will present the algorithm and show some comparative results.
Study of the control-relevant properties of backpropagation neural network models of nonlinear dynamical systems

Abstract Neural networks have been used for important applications in chemical engineering. Such applications include: fault detection in process control systems, modeling of nonlinear dynamics, control of nonlinear systems, solution of nonlinear programming problems and others. Most of the articles published on the subject consider neural networks to be “black boxes” and concentrate on the applications. After introducing the basic principles of neural networks, we will concentrate on studying control-relevant properties of neural network models of nonlinear systems. In particular, we study the stability of these models as well as the stability of the model's inverse. This provides a background with which to study the neural network-based control algorithms proposed in the literature.
Posterior cranial vault expansion using distraction osteogenesis

Purpose Posterior vault expansion using distraction osteogenesis has become a vital instrument in our institution, particularly as a first-line treatment in syndromic craniosynostosis. In this review, we highlight the several advantages, diverse utility, and technicalities of the operative procedure.
Repair of Traumatic Ventricular Septal Defect and Associated Tricuspid Insufficiency: A Case Report:

Penetrating cardiac trauma often results in serious and life-threatening sequelae. Traumatic ventricular septal defect and valvular insufficiency are among the rarest. The author presents a case of a young man who sustained cardiac arrest from ventricular tamponade secondary to a penetrating left ventricular stab wound. This patient was successfully resuscitated after open manual massage. A significant ventricular septal defect and associated tricuspid returgitation were deteced on the following day. Serial echocardiograms were used to evaluate the evolution of these two hemodynamic defects. The patient underwent operative repair for patch closure of a defect the size of a quarter and repair of the associated tricuspid papillary muscle dysfunction
Near-flat self-biased magnetoelectric response in geometry gradient composite

We demonstrate a near-flat self-biased magnetoelectric (ME) effect in geometry gradient magnetostrictive-piezoelectric laminates. The near-flat behavior was characterized by a stable ME response over a wide range of magnetic DC bias. By adjusting the configuration of the magnetostrictive layer, we were able to control the magnitude of the self-biased magnetoelectric coefficient. The ME response was found to be almost independent of the applied DC bias in the range of 0∼260 Oe. This bandwidth was almost 650%∼3800% higher than that of the conventional ME composites. This significant advancement opens great potential towards the development of high stability/sensitivity magnetic field sensors and energy harvesters.
Hermite function interpolation on a finite uniform grid: Defeating the Runge phenomenon and replacing radial basis functions

Abstract We show that Hermite functions are successful for interpolation on a finite interval, even on a uniform grid where polynomial interpolation fails. The Runge Phenomenon is not completely abolished, but is greatly diminished. Finite interval Hermite interpolation is ill-conditioned and therefore limited to a maximum of about 250 interpolation points on a uniform univariate grid, but it is still far superior to the approach using Gaussian radial basis functions (RBFs). The Hermite functions are a complete spectral basis for the infinite interval; the motivation for employing them here derives from a careful study that showed, for small RBF shape parameter α and small number of points N , that Gaussian RBF cardinal functions can be accurately approximated by the product of a Gaussian with the usual polynomial cardinal function. Direct comparisons show that when N and α are not both small, Hermite interpolation is greatly superior in accuracy, condition number and efficiency to the RBF methods that inspired it.
Oxidative metabolism of Lingula.

Abstract 1. 1. The brachiopod Lingula reevi was compared with the mussel Modiolus demissus and the oyster Crassostrea virginica with respect to rate of oxegen consumption and activities of six enzymes of oxidative and nitrogenous metabolism. 2. 2. Lingula was lower than both in oxygen consumption, less than the oyster but equal to the mussel in catalase, intermediate in arginine deaminase actvity, and exceeded both in succinic dehydrogenase, carbonic anhydrase, arginase, and urease activities.
First-principles calculations of hole trapping and transport:Effects on scintillator luminescence

Abstract An ab initio molecular orbital program is applied to clusters to compute energies and electron densities that describe the formation and transport of holes produced by ionizing radiation and their effects on luminescence of inorganic scintillator crystals. The resulting electron density plots for CsI show that a relaxed hole is shared equally by two bound I atoms (the classic V k center). The calculated energy barrier for motion of the self-trapped hole is in excellent agreement with that expected from experimental measurements of the temperature dependence of the slow scintillation rise time of Tl-activated CsI. For CaF 2 initial V k center formation is again predicted. The calculated energy barrier against hole migration is in reasonable agreement with the experimental value, however the scintillation rise time of Eu 2+ -activated CaF 2 is very fast. In this case the Eu 2+ activator promptly captures a hole before it can become self-trapped.
The Plaque Fighters: Choosing a Weapon

In recent years new head shapes and angles, bristle lengths and designs, have flooded the toothbrush market. Are these truly innovations or just gimmicks? Several comparative studies are reviewed.
Diffusion-Controlled Reaction in a Vortex Field

Abstract A two-dimensional model of a constant-density diffusion-controlled reaction between unmixed species initially occupying adjacent half-spaces is formulated and analyzed. An axisymmetric viscous vortex field satisfying the Navies-Stokes equations winds up thc interface between the species as they diffuse together and react. A flame-sheet approximation of the rapid reaction is made using a mixture fraction dependent variable. The problem was originally proposed by F. Marble, who performed a local analysis and determined the total consumption rate along thc flame sheet. The present paper describes a global similarity solution to the problem which is Fourier analyzed in a Lagrangian coordinate system. The Fourier amplitudes are determined both by an asymptotic analysis, valid for large Schmidt numbers,and by numerical solution of the two-point boundary-value ordinary differential equations. The solution is evaluated in both Lagrangian and Eulerian coordinate systems. Comparisons are made between the a...
Canadian Political Economy and the Great Recession of 2008–9: The Politics of Coping with Economic Crisis

The emerging comparative political economy literature on the Great Recession of 2008–9 has devoted an increasing amount of time analyzing how domestic politics and the economic crisis were jointly determined. This article seeks to explore certain aspects of this dynamic relationship in the context of Canada, a country that has received little coverage in the comparative literature so far.