cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning Approaches for Automated Seizure Detection from Scalp Electroencephalograms

Scalp electroencephalograms (EEGs) are the primary means by which physicians diagnose brain-related illnesses such as epilepsy and seizures. Automated seizure detection using clinical EEGs is a very difficult machine learning problem due to the low fidelity of a scalp EEG signal. Nevertheless, despite the poor signal quality, clinicians can reliably diagnose illnesses from visual inspection of the signal waveform. Commercially available automated seizure detection systems, however, suffer from unacceptably high false alarm rates. Deep learning algorithms that require large amounts of training data have not previously been effective on this task due to the lack of big data resources necessary for building such models and the complexity of the signals involved. The evolution of big data science, most notably the release of the Temple University EEG (TUEG) Corpus, has motivated renewed interest in this problem.
The effects of military style ruck marching on lower extremity loading and muscular, physiological and perceived exertion in ROTC cadets.

Military ruck marching with load carriage increases ground reaction forces, which are related to bone stress injuries (BSI). This study’s purpose was to examine whether a ruck march increases impac...
RT-qPCR Methods to Support Pharmacokinetics and Drug Mechanism of Action to Advance Development of RNAi Therapeutics

The goal of this study was to develop a reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method for the accurate quantification of chemically modified small interfering RNA (siRNA) including but not restricted to thermally destabilizing modifications such as glycol nucleic acid (GNA). RT-qPCR was found to be superior to mass spectrometry-based siRNA detection in terms of sensitivity and throughput. However, mass spectrometry is still the preferred method when specific metabolite detection is required and is also insensitive to siRNA chemical modifications such as GNA. The RT-qPCR approach can be optimized to take chemical modifications into account and works robustly in different matrices without optimization, unlike mass spectrometry. RT-qPCR and mass spectrometry both have their strengths and weaknesses for the detection of siRNA and must be used appropriately depending on the questions at hand. Considerations such as desired throughput, assay sensitivity, and metabolite identification must be weighed when choosing which methodology to apply.
Coordinated deliverable energy flexibility and regulation capacity of distribution networks

Abstract The increasing capacity of distributed flexibility resources (DFRs) in power distribution systems provides an unprecedented opportunity for distribution system operators (DSOs) to offer the available distributed flexibility as services in electricity markets. This paper proposes a novel model to define and co-optimize the deliverable energy flexibility and frequency regulation capacity of power distribution systems. The distributed flexibility is provided in distribution buses by flexible loads, modeled by a novel queuing system, energy storage (ES) devices, and distributed solar resources with controllable inverters. The proposed model co-optimizes the DFRs schedule in three operating points that model the operation of flexible loads, distributed solar generation units, and ES devices in distribution networks for providing energy flexibility, as well as regulation up and down capacity in electricity markets. The proposed model takes into account the interdependence between DFRs schedule in the three operating points, which enables the DSO to provide non-conflicting capacity offers to different services in the market. In addition, the proposed model ensures the deliverability of energy flexibility and regulation capacity in the markets by satisfying the power flow constraints of distribution networks in all three operating points. The numerical studies, conducted on the 33-bus test distribution system, demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model for scheduling realistic energy flexibility and regulation capacity offers that are deliverable in the markets.
Reliability versus renewables: Modeling costs and revenue in CAISO and PJM

Abstract While electrification has been proposed as a key mechanism for combating global warming, fossil fuels are still the mainstay of the electricity sector in the US. Power generation technologies were evaluated in two regions: California (CAISO) and the Mid-Atlantic (PJM). Technologies are ordered via multiobjective optimization using genetic algorithms to resolve a bounded knapsack problem. Price factors for each technology are established. A net present value is assessed for representative projects in each region and technology, including capacity payments and renewable energy credits in PJM. Local sensitivity analysis is performed. Renewables were selected most frequently in the cost optimization with no constraints on variable renewable energy. However, when solar photovoltaic and onshore wind generation are constrained to 30–70 % of the total capacity addition, natural gas is the most selected technology. Profitability was highest for natural gas based plants in PJM except where solar renewable energy credits are available. Selectivity of incentives to natural gas plants from PJM capacity payments are intensified by the recent order to extend the minimum offer price rule. This calls into question the suitability of carbon pricing in the region.
Rectifying the Mischaracterization of Logic by Mental Model Theorists.

Khemlani et al. (2018) mischaracterize logic in the course of seeking to show that mental model theory (MMT) can accommodate a form of inference ( I , let us label it) they find in a high percentage of their subjects. We reveal their mischaracterization and, in so doing, lay a landscape for future modeling by cognitive scientists who may wonder whether human reasoning is consistent with, or perhaps even capturable by, reasoning in a logic or family thereof. Along the way, we note that the properties touted by Khemlani et al. as innovative aspects of MMT-based modeling (e.g., nonmonotonicity) have for decades been, in logic, acknowledged and rigorously specified by families of (implemented) logics. Khemlani et al. (2018) further declare that I is "invalid in any modal logic." We demonstrate this to be false by our introduction (Appendix A) of a new propositional modal logic (within a family of such logics) in which I is provably valid, and by the implementation of this logic. A second appendix, B, partially answers the two-part question, "What is a formal logic, and what is it for one to capture empirical phenomena?"
Judging a Book by its Cover

Figure 1 Book cover for Jan Gehl, Life Between Buildings (Washington, DC and London: Island Press, 2011), by Alixandra Hermanso and Macy Miller, architecture students, 2017, displayed in the Klai J...
Online Learning Based Reduced-Order Broadcast Control for Damping Power System Oscillations

We present an online system-identification based control design for damping inter-area oscillations in power systems. The identification is based on a partly reduced-order model and a partly full-order model of the grid. Assuming the grid to be divided into coherent areas, the coherent states of the generators are averaged while the non-coherent states, such as the internal states of each power system stabilizer, are not. A hybrid state vector consisting of a mixture of these averaged and non-averaged states is computed, and used for identifying a hybrid state-space model. A linear quadratic regulator (LQR) based on this hybrid model is, thereafter, designed. The reducedorder part of the model is found to save significant amount of online time for both learning and control, while retaining the full-order part is found to enhance closed-loop stability. N4SID with randomized singular value decomposition (rSVD) is used for making the identification loop fast. Results are validated using the IEEE 68-bus power system model.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Specifically Improves Social Anhedonia among Adults with Chronic Stress

This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of mindfulness on anhedonic symptoms in a sample of adults reporting high levels of chronic stress. Meditation-naive adults (N = 68, Mage = 32, 62% female) were randomized to either an 8-week group-based MBSR intervention (N = 35), or a waitlist control group (N = 33). We hypothesized that changes in mindfulness would mediate the relationship between condition and changes in anhedonic symptoms. Additionally, the present study aimed to determine if other theoretically linked mechanisms (i.e., stress, negative affect [NA], depression) were involved in producing changes in anhedonic symptoms. Results provided evidence for full mediation of the effect of MBSR on social anhedonia through its essential mechanism of ΔMindfulness. These results highlight specificity of anhedonic symptoms targeted by MBSR, with social anhedonia symptoms being modified by changes in mindfulness whereas other anhedonic domains were not. The specificity of effects to the social anhedonia domain may be in part due to the group-based nature of MBSR. Additionally, although associative relationships were present for stress, depression, NA, and anhedonic symptoms, no mediational relationships emerged. Results presented here should be evaluated in light of study limitations, such as the reliance on self-report measures as well as a lack of information regarding cultural or geographic diversity.
circRNA-TBC1D4, circRNA-NAALAD2 and circRNA-TGFBR3: Selected Key circRNAs in Neuroblastoma and Their Associations with Clinical Features.

Objective The roles of circRNAs in neuroblastoma (NB) are unclear. We used next-generation sequencing to detect the circRNA expression profiles in NB to identify the key circRNAs and analyzed the relationships between the circRNAs and clinical features. Methods Five paired neuroblastoma tumor and adjacent normal fetal adrenal medulla samples were collected for high-throughput RNA sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis was performed for functional annotation of the host genes of differentially expressed circRNAs. Validation of dysregulated circRNAs was performed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The relationships between the key circRNAs and clinical features were analyzed. In addition, overexpression of key circRNAs in an NB cell line, as well as cell proliferation assays, colony formation assays and cell migration assays, was conducted to investigate the biological functions of key circRNAs. Results A total of 4704 differentially expressed circRNAs were found, including 2462 up-regulated and 2242 down-regulated circRNAs. According to our previous studies, the predicted target circRNAs of miR-21 involved in tumorigenic signaling pathways were selected, including circRNA-TBC1D4, circRNA-NAALAD2 and circRNA-TGFBR3. These circRNAs were associated with clinical features, and the circRNA expression was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the NB tissues than in normal adrenal tissues. Overexpression of circRNA-TBC1D4 promotes NB cell migration, but not proliferation and colony-formation in vitro. Conclusion We suggest that circRNA-TBC1D4, circRNA-NAALAD2 and circRNA-TGFBR3 may be cancer suppressor genes, which act by sponging miR-21 in NB. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
Campus Food Pantry Use Addresses a Gap Among California Public University Students.

Abstract Objective To identify factors associated with campus food pantry (CFP) visits and evaluate outreach strategies. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Ten University of California campuses. Participants University of California CFP student users (n = 1,513) completed a survey in 2019. Variables measured Students reported reasons for CFP visits, how they heard about the CFP, monthly CFP visits, and food security status. Sociodemographic information was obtained through institutional records. Analysis Poisson regression for associations of monthly CFP visits (dependent) with sociodemographic variables (Model 1), reasons for CFP visits (Model 2), and outreach strategies (Model 3). Logistic regression for associations between reasons for CFP visits and food security status (dependent; Model 4). Results On average, students made 3.66 (SD, 4.75) CFP visits in the past month. Factors associated with more CFP visits included being first-generation to attend college, Filipino/Pacific Islanders, homeless, older, and male (Model 1). Not wanting to run out of food and hearing about the CFP through basic needs staff were associated with more CFP visits (Models 2 and 3). Students who visited the CFP because of financial insecurity had higher odds of food insecurity (Model 4). Conclusions and Implications Findings suggest that CFPs provide critical emergency food assistance for students at risk of food insecurity.
Huntington Disease Mice Exhibit a TCF7L2-Responsive Suppression of Both Homeostatic and Compensatory Remyelination

Huntington’s disease (HD) is characterized by defective oligodendroglial differentiation and white matter disease. Here, we investigated the role of glial progenitor cell (GPC) dysfunction in adult myelin maintenance in HD. We first noted a progressive, age-related loss of myelin in both R6/2 and zQ175 HD mice, compared to wild-type controls. As adults, R6/2 mice then manifested a significant delay in remyelination following cuprizone demyelination. RNA-Sequencing of GPCs from both R6/2 and zQ175 mice revealed a systematic down-regulation of genes associated with oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelinogenesis relative to controls. Gene co-expression and network analysis predicted repressed TCF7L2 signaling as a major driver of this expression pattern. In vivo TCF7L2 overexpression proved sufficient to restore both myelin gene expression and normal remyelination in demyelinated R6/2 mice. These data causally link impaired TCF7L2-dependent transcription to the poor development and homeostatic retention of myelin in HD, and provide a mechanism for its therapeutic restoration.
Trauma-informed career counselling to address work traumas resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Sudden work traumas as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have left thousands displaced from their current jobs and occupations. Traditional career counselling approaches that overlook the role of emotion are not adequate to address the numerous emotional difficulties that arise after a sudden unexpected job loss. Objectives: The objective of this research is to examine to what extent career counselling theories and interventions incorporate a trauma-informed career counselling approach and are prepared to address the emotional, psychological, and career counselling concerns that arise from work traumas as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A qualitative systematic literature review of all career-related journals that have trauma-informed career counselling in the title or body of the manuscript was conducted. Additionally, career related articles, books, and book chapters specifically mentioning work traumas and interventions to address these issues were also examined. Results: Only one article on trauma-informed career counselling was found given the parameters of the literature review. Currently, no articles outline how to integrate career counselling and emotion-focused therapy for trauma in order to address work traumas related to COVID-19. Conclusion: A trauma-informed career counselling approach that integrates career construction counselling and emotion-focused trauma therapy is needed to address the emotional, psychological, and career counselling concerns that arise from a work trauma as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. An integrated approach to provide trauma-informed career counselling has been provided.
Leprosy: what is new

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is an age-old chronic granulomatous infection characterized by prominent cutaneous and neurologic findings. Long known to be caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a new etiologic species was identified and linked in 2008, Mycobacterium lepromatosis. The BCG vaccine with highly variable efficacy may soon be replaced by the first leprosy-specific subunit vaccine LepVax, which has recently moved forward in human trials. Recent evidence supporting theories of zoonotic transmission from armadillos and the less-discussed Eurasian red squirrels has emerged. Knowledge on genetic polymorphisms that may increase leprosy susceptibility, such as the newly uncovered mitochondrial ribosomal protein S5 (MRPS5) polymorphism in the Chinese population, has provided a fresh perspective and direction. Further, we will delineate the latest information on leprosy, including the possible effects of leprosy coinfection with COVID-19, HIV, and HTLV-1, and the shift to newer leprosy therapies and treatment regimens.
KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF THE INTERFACIAL MASS TRANSFER OF Zn2+, Co2+, Ni2+ IN THE SYSTEM: BIS(2-ETHYLHEXYL)PHOSPHORIC ACID, n-DODECANE - KNO3, WATER

ABSTRACT The mass transfer rate of Zn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) between aqueous nitrate solutions and n-dodecane solutions of the organic soluble ligand HDEHP has been investigated using a forced convection, constant interfacial area stirred cell. The distribution ratios necessary to evaluate the kinetic experiments have been determined and the equilibrium constants which describe the heterogeneous complex formation reaction between Zn2+, Co2+, Ni2+ and HDEHP have been evaluated. The results have been interpreted according to two limiting models: 1) the mass transfer rate is controlled by slow reversible interfacial reactions, 2) the mass transfer is controlled by interfacial film diffusion. Both models are adequate to Interpret the experimental data. The conclusion Is reached that, if interfacial chemical reactions are rate controlling, rate constants of interfacial complex formation reactions independent of the nature of the cation are obtained. This result supports a reaction mechanism which is rate contr...
Divergence in depressive symptom severity and vascular dysfunction with gender in rats with unpredictable chronic mild stress (680.20)

Chronic stress leads to many negative health outcomes proportional to the severity of developed depressive symptoms. This includes vascular reactivity, as endothelial function is compromised by 8 w...
Factors important in laryngology fellow and laryngology fellowship selection.

Objectives/Hypothesis To determine factors that laryngology fellowship directors believe are most important in choosing a fellow and that laryngology applicants believe are most important in choosing a program. The number of laryngology fellowship programs and the number of laryngology fellowship applicants have been increasing in recent years. Selection criteria in choosing a fellow or fellowship program have not been studied. Methods Survey study using anonymous online questionnaires of laryngology fellowship directors and recent laryngology fellowship applicants. Directors were asked to rate qualities for judging the strength of a fellowship applicant. Applicants were assessed for the importance of various factors in choosing a fellowship. Results Sixteen of 27 fellowship directors (59%) and 33 of 53 fellowship applicants (62%) contacted responded to the survey. Program directors listed interview performance, letters of recommendation, and personal knowledge of applicant as the most important factors. Gender or ethnicity, previous research in laryngology, and likelihood that the applicant will rank the director's program highly were ranked as least important factors. Applicants ranked personal rapport with fellowship mentor(s), large experience in endoscopic surgeries, and reputation of mentor(s) as most important, whereas call schedule, salary, and having more than one fellow per year were ranked as least important factors. Conclusion Interview performance, trusted colleague's recommendation, and personal knowledge were ranked as the most important factors in fellow selection. These criteria are consistent with previous research on otolaryngology residency and pediatric otolaryngology fellow selection. When selecting a fellowship, laryngology fellowship applicants choose based on personal rapport with mentor, opportunity to learn endoscopic surgeries, and mentor reputation. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 125:2543–2546, 2015
Variational formulations of exact and reduced Vlasov-Maxwell equations

The foundations of gyrokinetic theory are reviewed with an emphasis on the applications of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods used in the derivation of nonlinear gyrokinetic Vlasov-Maxwell equations. These reduced dynamical equations describe the turbulent evolution of low-frequency electromagnetic fluctuations in nonuniform magnetized plasmas with arbitrary magnetic geometry.
A new package with kelvin source connection for increasing power density in power electronics design

Nowadays, there is a high demand from the power electronics market in having systems more efficient and compact. Packaging has become one of the focus factors in power electronics. With more sophisticated products being developed today, in term of Silicon device like Power MOSFETs and IGBTs, there are higher loads and stresses being put on the packaging of these semiconductor materials. Today the silicon technology of a power transistor has reached very high integration, having day by day a smaller die size (smaller dimensions and increased performances). So the impact of the parasitic phenomena starts to become more significant than before. In this paper, the parasitic effect of the internal source connection between the die and the package of IGBT will be analyzed. A new Four-lead TO-247 package for the Field stop II IGBT has been will be introduced. The advantage of the kelvin connection will be validated against the normal TO-247 in a 4kW Double-switch-forward-converter prototype. A comparison will be shown between a conventional TO-247 and an innovative one that allows withdrawing the effect of the parasitic source inductance.
Toward a theoretical framework for geographic entity types

This paper develops a theoretical framework for defining and representing kinds of geographic entities. The “Spatial Data Transfer Standard” (SDTS) of the United States is used. as. a starting point for discussion. SDTS defines entities in the world, objects as mathematical or computational constructs, and features as both entities and the objects that represent them. The paper reviews the central role played by categories in human cognition, and the relationships between categories and words of natural language. Although categories may appear to exist in an objective world, they are more- properly (and conservatively) thought of as existing in human minds and cultures. This means that category definitions and boundaries can be expected to vary in cross-cultural, cross-linguistic, and cross-disciplinary comparisons, and even at an individual level. This in turn implies that development of ‘universal’ entity type schemes will be very difficult. Some of the difficulties are illustrated for the superficiallysimple example of standing water bodies in English, French, and Spanish. Category boundaries appear to differ not only across languages but also geographically within languages. Human subjects testing will likely be required to explore the nature of geographical entity types as cognitive categories.
3‐Chlorocyclobutanecarboxylic Acid

3-Chlorocyclobutanecarboxylic acid reactant: 172.8 g. (1.200 moles) of 1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylic acid byproduct: cyclobutanecarboxylic acid product: 3-chlorocyclobutanecarboxylic acid Keywords: decarboxylation; halogenation, chlorination
Openness moderates the relationship between modern health worries and neuroticism

Abstract Modern health worries (MHW) has been reported to covary, albeit inconsistently, with measures tapping a tendency for emotional lability. We aim to address this inconsistency, in part, by investigating the moderating influence of openness on the previously reported correlation of MHW with neuroticism. One hundred and forty-three participants completed questionnaires assessing neuroticism, openness and MHW. Results show that neuroticism is weakly related to MHW, and this relationship only was found for low openness participants. Future research examining the associations of MHW, emotional lability and well-being may benefit by incorporating openness.
Sea Levels 7,000 to 20,000 Years Ago

Relative sea levels for early post-Pleistocene time are best known from radiocarbon dates of sediments on the continental shelves off Texas and off northeastern United States. Differences in indicated rates of the rise of relative sea level and in depths of the shelf-breaks reveal differential vertical movement of the two shelves during this time, with the result that the Atlantic shelf has sunk with respect to the Texas shelf.
FK506 in pediatric kidney transplantation- Primary and rescue experience

Between 14 December 1989 and 17 December 1993, 43 patients undergoing kidney transplantation alone at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh received FK506 as the primary immunosuppressive agent. The mean recipient age was 10.2 +/- 4.8 years (range 0.7-17.4 years), with 7 (16%) children under 5 years of age and 2 (5%) under 2 years of age. Fifteen (35%) children underwent retransplantation, and 5 (12%) had a panel-reactive antibody level greater than 40%. Twenty-two (51%) transplants were with cadaveric donors and 21 (49%) were with living donors. The mean follow-up was 25 +/- 14 months; there were no deaths; 1- and 3-year actuarial graft survival was 98% and 85%. The mean serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were 1.2 +/- 0.6 mg/dl and 26 +/- 11 mg/dl; the calculated creatinine clearance was 75 +/- 23 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Twenty-four (62%) patients have been successfully withdrawn from steroids and 24 (62%) require no anti-hypertensive medication. Improved growth was seen, particularly in pre-adolescent children off steroids. Between 28 July 1990 and 2 December 1993, 24 children were referred for rescue therapy with FK506, 14.6 +/- 16.4 months (range 1.1-53.2 months) after transplantation. Nineteen (79%) were referred because of resistant rejection; 4 (17%) were referred because of proteinuria; 1 (4%) was switched because of steroid-related obesity. There were no deaths; 1- and 2-year graft survival was 75% and 68%; 17 (71%) patients were successfully rescued, including 1 of 2 patients who arrived on dialysis; 4 (24%) of the successfully rescued patients were weaned off steroids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Linkages between mothers’ job stressors and adolescents’ perceptions of the mother–child relationship in the context of weak versus strong support networks

This study tested the hypothesis that mothers’ exposure to psychosocial job stressors would be indirectly associated with less favorable ratings of the mother–adolescent relationship, as perceived by youth, by way of mothers feeling depleted of cognitive and emotional energies after work. We also examined whether mothers’ perceptions of being socially supported with regard to work and family responsibilities moderate associations between greater psychosocial job stressors and lesser quality in the mother–adolescent relationship. The sample consisted of 169 diverse mother–early adolescent dyads. Mothers and adolescents completed surveys independently. Hypotheses were tested through structural equation modeling and multi-group comparisons. Psychosocial job stressors were indirectly related to qualities of the mother–adolescent relationship via their association with mothers’ experiences of psychological energy depletion from work to family. The most consistent evidence for these associations was found among...
What Does it Mean to be a “Good” Early Childhood Teacher? An Analysis of Themes in Application Essays Submitted to Two Early Childhood Education Teacher Certification Programs

Three teacher educators at two colleges in western New York have used content analysis to analyze prospective undergraduate and graduate students' applications to their early childhood education programs. Despite a number of apparent differences between both the applicants and the programs to which they were applying, there was a remarkable degree of similarity in applicant essays around the ways in which they constructed and communicated their understandings of the “good” early childhood teacher. These constructions raise questions about how this discourse is disseminated, understood, taken up, and perpetuated in teacher education programs. The implications of this analysis pose challenges and present possibilities for early childhood teacher educators working from nonmainstream perspectives.
Acetylene adsorption on Pt(111) and unreconstructed (110) and (100) surfaces

Abstract Acetylene chemisorption and dissociation on the Pt(111) and unreconstructed (110) and (100) surfaces has been studied using atom superposition and electron delocalization molecular orbital theory. The high-coordinate sites, triangular on the (111), and four-fold on the (100) surfaces, are found to be most stable for acetylene chemisorption, while on the (110) surface four-fold and di-σ sites bridging the valleys are comparable. Distortions in acetylene (carbon bond stretches and C-H bending away from the surface) are predicted to be more pronounced on the (110) than on the (111) surface and lie in between on the (100) surface. On the (111) surface C-C and C-H bond scission barriers are found to be comparable, while C-C scission barriers are smaller on four-fold sites of the (110) and (100) surfaces. The strength of the interactions is seen to be related to the atom packing density of the various surfaces, a structure effect which is inexorably linked to the molecular orbital interactions in the bonding. Simple high coverage models allow a discussion of acetylene packing and C-C bond scission barriers at high coverage. Finally, comparison with our recent study of Fe surfaces shows similarities in the reactivity of Fe and Pt to acetylene.
Acetyl-l-carnitine 1: Effects on mortality, pathology and sensory-motor performance in aging rats

Abstract Three different test sites assessed the effects of acetyl-l-carnitine (AC) on age-related changes in general health, sensory-motor skills, learning, and memory. Two groups of rats began the experiments at 16 months of age. One group (OLD-AC) was given AC, 75 mg/kg/day, beginning at 16 months. The other group (OLD-CON) was treated identically except it was not given the drug. Beginning at 22 months of age, these rats and a group of young (3–4 months old) rats (YG-CON) were given a series of sensory-motor tasks. AC decreased mortality, and had no reliable effect on body weight, fluid intake, or the general health of the rats. These data indicate that a chronic dose of AC does not interfere with food and water intake, and may increase longevity. An age-related decline of performance occurred in most of the sensory-motor tasks; locomotor activity was reduced in a novel environment and in a runwheel, and the ability to prevent falling was reduced in tests on a taut wire, rotorod, inclined screen, and several types of elevated bridges. An age-related decline of performance did not occur in grooming, or in the latency to initiate several different behaviors. AC had no effect on performance in any sensory-motor task. These data indicate that the improvements produced by AC in some tests of spatial memory may be due to the effects of AC on cognitive abilities rather than on sensory-motor skills.
Machine printed character segmentation —; An overview

Abstract This paper is part I of a two-part review series. We present here an overview of the character segmentation techniques in machine-printed documents. So far, as to this point, in most Optical Character Recognition (OCR) systems, either commercial products or systems described in the published literature, recognition algorithms are developed on isolated characters. Character segmentation is all too often ignored in the research community, yet broken and touching characters are responsible for the majority of errors in the automatic reading of both machine-printed and handwritten text. We will cover techniques for segmenting uniformed or proportional fonts, broken and touching characters; techniques based on text image features and techniques based on recognition results.
First principles study of the multiferroics Bi Fe O 3 , Bi 2 Fe Cr O 6 , and Bi Cr O 3 : Structure, polarization, and magnetic ordering temperature

We present results of an ab initio density-functional theory study of three bismuth-based multiferroics, $\mathrm{Bi}\mathrm{Fe}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}\mathrm{Fe}\mathrm{Cr}{\mathrm{O}}_{6}$, and $\mathrm{Bi}\mathrm{Cr}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. We disuss differences in the crystal and electronic structure of the three systems and show that the application of the $\mathrm{LDA}+U$ method is essential to obtain realistic structural parameters for ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}\mathrm{Fe}\mathrm{Cr}{\mathrm{O}}_{6}$. We calculate the magnetic nearest-neighbor coupling constants for all three systems and show how Anderson's theory of superexchange can be applied to explain the signs and relative magnitudes of these coupling constants. From the coupling constants we then obtain a mean-field approximation for the magnetic ordering temperatures. Guided by our comparison of these three systems, we discuss the possibilities for designing a multiferroic material with large magnetization above room temperature.
Instabilities in crossed-field discharges at low pressures

Abstract The various geometries of cold-cathode, magnetically confined discharges (Penning, magnetron and inverted-magnetron) all behave, at low pressures, as crossed-field discharges once space-charge is established. The principal disadvantages in the application of such discharges as ionization gauges or ion-pumps arise from instabilities in the discharge and non-linearity in the current vs pressure characteristics. This paper reviews the existing studies of crossed-field discharges at low pressures and the more recent work on magnetically-confined pure electron plasmas, to clarify the causes of instabilities and nonlinearities and suggests methods for reducing these anomalous effects.
Protein Content of Single Kernels of Wheat by Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy

Abstract Protein content is well known to affect the functional properties of processed wheat products. Traditionally performed on aliquots (0·25–2·2 g) from samples ranging in size from 30–40 g (for combustion and Kjeldahl analyses) to several hundred grams (for whole-grain near-infrared analysis), these methods inherently do not provide information on single-kernel protein variability. Inspection procedures by the United States Department of Agriculture for grading and classification of wheat are undergoing change to provide the processor or end user with information on the variability of several single-kernel properties including hardness, moisture, weight, and wheat class. The present study has focused on demonstrating the feasibility of measuring crude protein content of single wheat kernels by near-infrared reflectance. More than 300 commercial wheat samples from the 1992 U.S. harvest, representing five (hard red winter, hard red spring, soft red winter, hard white, and soft white) of the six (durum excluded) market classes were chosen, from which 10 kernels were randomly selected and handled on a single-kernel basis. Handling consisted of reflectance scanning (1100–2498 nm), drying (for moisture compensation), and combustion (for reference protein-content determination). Partial least squares and multiple linear regression models, when applied to samples excluded from calibration, demonstrated standard errors of performance ranging from 0·462 to 0·720% protein depending on the modeling technique, number of classes used to develop the model, and the wheat class tested. The pooling of wheat classes to produce a general model did not diminish model accuracy. Best results were achieved with an 1100–1400-nm region. Model performance worsened as the wavelength region widened or as the minimum wavelength shifted from 1100 nm to higher values.
Gating of Recombinant Small-Conductance Ca-activated K+ Channels by Calcium

Small-conductance Ca-activated K+ channels play an important role in modulating excitability in many cell types. These channels are activated by submicromolar concentrations of intracellular Ca2+, but little is known about the gating kinetics upon activation by Ca2+. In this study, single channel currents were recorded from Xenopus oocytes expressing the apamin-sensitive clone rSK2. Channel activity was detectable in 0.2 μM Ca2+ and was maximal above 2 μM Ca2+. Analysis of stationary currents revealed two open times and three closed times, with only the longest closed time being Ca dependent, decreasing with increasing Ca2+ concentrations. In addition, elevated Ca2+ concentrations resulted in a larger percentage of long openings and short closures. Membrane voltage did not have significant effects on either open or closed times. The open probability was ∼0.6 in 1 μM free Ca2+. A lower open probability of ∼0.05 in 1 μM Ca2+ was also observed, and channels switched spontaneously between behaviors. The occurrence of these switches and the amount of time channels spent displaying high open probability behavior was Ca2+ dependent. The two behaviors shared many features including the open times and the short and intermediate closed times, but the low open probability behavior was characterized by a different, long Ca2+-dependent closed time in the range of hundreds of milliseconds to seconds. Small-conductance Ca- activated K+ channel gating was modeled by a gating scheme consisting of four closed and two open states. This model yielded a close representation of the single channel data and predicted a macroscopic activation time course similar to that observed upon fast application of Ca2+ to excised inside-out patches.
Student perceptions of information literacy: insights for librarians

To determine what kinds of services are appropriate and necessary for first‐year college students, it is useful to first understand how students acquire and use information during the beginning of their college lives. Questions based on the Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education were used in interviews with students in order to better understand the kinds of information first‐year students at Virginia Tech needed, and how they acquired it during their first semester at college. Students were questioned about their information use during fall semester 2000, using both e‐mail questioning and face‐to‐face interviews. The data collected provided insights into how students acquire and use information, and resulted in suggestions that are being used in revising and improving library services for this population.
Reading Performance as a Function of Treatment With Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate in Elementary School Children Diagnosed With ADHD

Background: Medication treatment studies of ADHD have typically not assessed effects on reading performance, although reading difficulties frequently co-occur in children with ADHD. The current study characterizes the effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX; Vyvanse®, Shire US Inc.), at peak efficacy, on reading performance in children with ADHD. Method: Children (ages 6-12; N = 26) with ADHD enrolled in a modified laboratory school study with an open-label, dose-optimization phase of LDX (30-70 mg/d). The Gray Oral Reading Test-4 (GORT-4) with measures of rate, accuracy, and comprehension was administered at baseline and 3-4 hr postdose, following 4 to 5 weeks of optimal dose titration. Results: Treatment reduced ADHD symptoms. Reading rate was improved, especially among children with higher verbal fluid reasoning without additional symptoms of neurodevelopmental delay. No differences were observed for reading accuracy or comprehension. Conclusion: Endophenotypical profiles may predict drug effects i...
Survival Analysis to Determine the Length of the Incubation Period of Camellia Twig Blight Caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Camellia twig blight, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, is a disease common to several Camellia species in the southern United States. To determine the potential seasonal differences in incubation periods, stems of Camellia sasanqua 'Rosea' plants grown in pine bark under ambient conditions were wounded and inoculated monthly with C. gloeosporioides mycelium. The time until appearance of the first symptom of disease (incubation period length) was recorded for all stems. Stems that did not display a disease symptom by the last day of the observation period were recorded as censored observations. Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier estimates, Cox proportional hazards, and extended Cox models was used to analyze the data. Incubation period length was regressed against stem diameter, monthly mean hours per day in a specified temperature range (15 to 30°C), and a categorical season variable approximating the four host growth stages (winter dormancy, spring leaf and stem growth, summer stem hardening and bud set, fall cessation of leaf and stem growth and opening of flowers) at the time stems were inoculated. Stems of thicker diameter tended to have greater incubation period length, while higher monthly mean hours per day in the specified temperature range decreased incubation period length. In comparison to winter months, spring, summer, and fall months were all associated with significantly higher risks for disease symptom appearance. The median incubation period lengths for the spring, summer, fall, and winter months were 18, 23, 28, and 57 days, respectively.
3D visualization of recent Sumatra Earthquake

Scientists and visualization experts at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography have created an interactive three-dimensional visualization of the 28 March 2005 magnitude 8.7 earthquake in Sumatra. The visualization shows the earthquake's hypocenter and aftershocks recorded until 29 March 2005, and compares it with the location of the 26 December 2004 magnitude 9 event and the consequent seismicity in that region. The 3D visualization was created using the Fledermaus software developed by Interactive Visualization Systems (http://www.ivs unb.cal) and stored as a “scene” file. To view this visualization, viewers need to download and install the free viewer program iView3D (http://www.ivs3d.com/products/iview3d).
EO-1 Advanced Land Imager

The ALI, which will be flown on the NASA New Millennium Program's EO-1 mission, has been completed and is being integrated with the spacecraft. The motivation for the EO-1 mission is to flight-validate advanced technologies that are relevant to next generation satellites. The ALI telescope is a reflective triplet design having a 15-degree cross-track field-of-view that employs silicon carbide mirrors. It incorporates a multispectral detector and filter array with 10 spectral bands that cover a wavelength range from the visible to the short-wave IR. The paper will describe the instrument and its operation, review test result, and suggest application to a future Landsat instrument.
A 100 amino acid region in the GABA ρ1 subunit confers robust homo- oligomeric expression

Retinal gamma-aminobutyric acid type C (GABAC) receptors are believed to be composed of rho subunits. Although rho 1 and rho 2 are over 80% similar, the whole-cell currents generated by rho 1 receptors in Xenopus oocytes are significantly greater than those generated by rho 2 receptors. In this study, chimeric subunits containing different portions of human rho 1 and human rho 2 were created to localize sequences facilitating robust rho 1 expression. Our results indicate that these sequences reside in a 100 amino acid domain in the N-terminus of rho 1, and may involve N-linked glycosylation. Since the N-terminus also contains subunit assembly signals, rho 1 receptors may be formed more efficiently than rho 2 receptors. Therefore, this study furthers our understanding of the molecular basis of GABA-mediated inhibition in the retina.
Preliminary Evaluations of a New Type of Kishk Made From Whey

An acceptable whey-based kishk was prepared by mixing fermented whey with parboiled wheat at a ratio of 3:1 (v/w). Amino acid analyses for both total and free amino acids indicated that both kishks had adequate amino acid balances for a nutritious food. The riboflavin content of the whey-kishk was 0.14 mg/100g whereas it was only 0.08 mg/100g in the yogurt-kishk. The niacin contents were 3.17 mg and 3.36 mg/100g of yogurt-based kishk and whey-based kishk, respectively.
Behaviour of double emulsions in shear flows

The stability behaviour of heterogeneous drops indicates that, for liquid-liquid dispersions, we may have to modify the stability criterion to incorporate either the rheological characteristics of the dispersion or its cohesion or both.
Asset and currency prices in an exchange economy with transactions costs

Abstract This paper extends Lucas's (1978) asset pricing model to examine the behavior of equilibrium currency and asset prices in a monetary exchange economy with transactions costs. It analyzes the effects of monetary and real shocks on asset and currency demand functions. A comparative-static analysis generates results that contrast with those in Svensson's (1985) cash-in-advance model.
The isolation and some properties of the Forssman hapten from sheep erythrocytes.

Abstract Forssman hapten capable of precipitating specific antibody was isolated from stromata of erythrocytes of sheep. The product was found to be relatively pure. It melted with decomposition at 203–208 °, contained 2.92% nitrogen and less than 0.1% phosphorus, and possessed a molecular weight in the neighborhood of 1000. Galactose, chondrosamine, and lignoceric acid were tentatively identified in the acid hydrolyzate of the hapten. A basic component was not characterized.