cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recovery and detection of Vibrio vulnificus during cold storage

Different cultural techniques and molecular methods for the detection of Vibrio vulnificus during cold storage in a model broth system were compared. Two strains of V. vulnificus were grown to stationary phase and inoculated (106 CFU/mL) into tryptic soy broth with 2% sodium chloride (TSBN2) or artificial seawater (ASW), both pre-chilled to 5 °C. These were stored for 10 days, with sub-sampling conducted at time 0 and every 2 days thereafter. Each subsample was plated, by both pour and spread plate techniques, onto tryptic soy agar 2% sodium chloride (TSAN2) with or without catalase (400 or 600 U) or sodium pyruvate (80 or 160 mg) supplementation. Nucleic acids were extracted from subsamples and subjected to PCR and RT-PCR with hemolysin as the target. Higher recoveries of V. vulnificus were obtained with spread plating compared to pour plating (P<0.05). The addition of sodium pyruvate (80 mg) or catalase (400 U) significantly increased cell recovery (P<0.05). PCR amplification signals were stronger than RT-PCR signals at each timepoint, and results were generally consistent between TSAN2 and ASW for each strain. These results will aid in the design of optimum methods to recover and/or detect V. vulnificus cells subjected to sublethal stress that might be encountered in food processing and storage.
Prediction and perinatal management of severely restrictive atrial septum in fetuses with critical left heart obstruction: Clinical experience using pulmonary venous Doppler analysis

Objective Up to 20% of fetuses with critical left heart obstructive lesions have highly restrictive or intact atrial septae. Although this condition is generally tolerated in utero, severe hypoxemia requiring emergency atrial septostomy often develops in newborns with restrictive atrial septum. We have reported that a pulmonary venous Doppler forward/reverse time-velocity integral ratio less than 5 is highly predictive of the need for emergency atrial septostomy. We reviewed our subsequent experience using fetal pulmonary venous Doppler patterns to identify and manage fetuses with critical left heart obstruction and suspected restrictive atrial septum. Methods A retrospective review of neonates with a prenatal diagnosis of critical left heart obstruction was performed. Fetal restrictive atrial septum was defined as a small/absent interatrial shunt on 2-dimensional imaging and a mean forward/reverse time-velocity integral ratio of 5 or less. Available serial pulmonary venous Doppler data were reviewed. The primary outcome was postnatal confirmation of restrictive atrial septum or severe left atrial hypertension. Results Eight of 39 infants had a forward/reverse time-velocity integral ratio of 5 or less. A restrictive atrial septum was confirmed postnatally in 6 of 8 infants. Overall, a forward/reverse time-velocity integral ratio of 5 or less had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 94% for emergency atrial septostomy. Lowering the cutoff value to 3 or less would have eliminated false-positive diagnoses in the current series. Serial data demonstrated that late second trimester values did not change in later gestation with respect to either threshold in 30 of 32 fetuses. Conclusions In the fetus with critical left heart obstruction, a threshold forward/reverse time-velocity integral ratio of 3 or less optimizes specificity for predicting emergency atrial septostomy. Most late second trimester values will not change over time with regard to threshold levels.
Body image: A cognitive self-schema construct?

Body image has been a useful construct for understanding eating disorders. In that capacity, body image has been defined in many ways: One concept of body image is as an internalized view of one's appearance that drives behavior and influences information processing. This cognitive schema definition of body image was tested in a series of studies. Other recent studies have investigated cognitive processes with body image information, but they have focused on weight-related body image. A combination of Higgins' self-discrepancy theory and Markus' self-schema theory were used to describe a modern interpretation of body image as an internalized self-representation. Both of these theories predict specific information processing consequences of an organized cognitive representation. In turn, these consequences confirm the existence of that representation. Several studies were conducted to test a specific schema-like view of body image. In Study 1 body image schema variables were correlated with traditional measures of body image. In Study 2 subjects exposed to schema relevant contents showed information processing consequences consistent with self-representation theory. Finally, in Study 3 instructional set was shown to modify the schema activation effect. These effects give evidence of body image schema and yield limited information about the nature of that representation.
Dysphagia: Evaluation and Treatment

Normal swallowing consists of a set of physiologic behaviors which result in food, liquid or other substances moving safely and efficiently from the mouth to the stomach. Dysphagic patients may have difficulty with any one or more of the anatomic or physiologic components of the oral, pharyngeal or esophageal stages of the swallow. Evaluation of the dysphagic patient should identify the anatomic or physiologic abnormalities characterizing the patient's swallow and include introduction and assessment of the efficacy of treatment strategies. Treatment may involve compensatory management, such as postural changes or enhancing sensory input, or active muscle exercise with or without the introduction of food. Speech-language pathologists have taken the lead in research on normal swallow and evaluation and treatment strategies for dysphagia.
PROGNOSIS OF PATIENTS WITH NEW PROSTATITIS/PELVIC PAIN SYNDROME EPISODES

ABSTRACTPurpose:: Little is known about the natural history of nonbacterial prostatitis/male pelvic pain syndrome, the transition from acute to chronic pelvic pain and risk factors for chronicity. In this study we determined the course of symptoms after physician visits for new nonbacterial prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome episodes, and determined predictors of symptom persistence 1 year later.Materials and Methods:: A total of 286 male health maintenance organization enrollees (87% white, mean age 46.7 years, 83% completed the 12-month followup) with recent physician visits for new prostatitis/pelvic pain episodes completed baseline, and 3, 6 and 12-month followup telephone interviews, including the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index in a prospective longitudinal inception cohort study.Results:: On average symptoms improved substantially during months 1 to 3, modestly from months 3 to 6 and then remained unchanged. At each followup outcomes were better for men whose initial v...
Soft and hard tissue response to endosseous dental implants

The last two decades have seen a remarkable growth in the development of dental implants and their incorporation into the practice of dentistry. This turn of events was made possible by an improved understanding of biological response of living tissues to implants as well as clinical trials that validated the long-term success of these implants. Despite major structural differences between teeth and implants, such as the absence of a periodontal ligament around implants, the latter appear to provide a reliable functional replacement for their natural counterparts. This review briefly summarizes the major structural differences of the interfacial region of teeth and dental implants and their supporting tissues. It focuses on our current understanding of the soft and hard tissue responses to submerged and nonsubmerged root-form dental implants. The influence of a number of factors that affect the tissue response is reviewed, including biomaterials, implant design, surgical technique, and the local microbiota. Our recently acquired ability to modulate wound healing with guided tissue regeneration and growth factors will undoubtedly play an important role in the future utilization and success rates of dental implants.
Nonlinear Prefilter to Prevent Pilot-Induced Oscillations due to Actuator Rate Limiting

For most modern recorded pilot-induced oscillations (PIOs), for example, YF-22, the flight records show that actuator rate limiting occurred. The root causes of PIOs in which actuator rate limiting occurs are demonstratedthrough simulations, and then a newly developed nonlinear rate limiter prefilter (RLPF) and a software rate limit (SWRL) filter are shown to be useful in preventing the PIO. Motion base simulator and flight-test results show that the RLPF/SWRL filter is successful in preventing departure and/or PIO.
EFFECT OF ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE (ET) SIZE ON STATIC PULMONARY RESISTANCE (PR).1307

Pulmonary function tests in sick neonates on ventilators have been used to adjust ventilator care and/or medications. Five out of five premature infants(BW 801 ± 32g) with RDS at 24-48 hours of age post 2-4 doses of Survanta on low ventilator support showed very high expiratory resistance (348± 82 cm H2O/L/sec) measured by Sensor Medic's Pulmonary Function(PF) Cart. Their lung disease RDS has been shown to have low compliance and normal lung resistance. These infants were ventilated with 2.5 size ET tube. It is believed that the internal diameter, length of the ET, flow and viscosity contribute significantly to PR. Therefore, we hypothesized that ET tube may be contributing to their lung resistance. Two test lungs with different compliances and resistances were used to study the effect of different ET sizes on PR. Test lungs were connected to a Sechrist IV 100B ventilator with settings of IMV 30, PIP 15, peep 2, T1 0.35, FiO2 0.21 and flow of 8 LPM. All ETs were trimmed to a length of 9cm. Sensor Medic's 2600 PF Cart was used to measure PR. Five occlusion tests were obtained with each ET size. Static compliance of the Neotest lung and Norton test lung were 1.52 and 0.48 ml/cm H2O, respectively. Results of expired resistance are shown as Mean ± SD in cm H2O/L/sec.Table
Similarity in Cross-border Mergers and Acquisitions: Imitation, Uncertainty and Experience among Chinese Firms, 1985–2006

Abstract In the search for determinants affecting the decision making process of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (CBMAs), we draw on the mimetic isomorphism argument to examine (1) whether firms from emerging markets imitate each other and become similar on multiple decisions of CBMA; and (2) what factors affect the strength of mimetic isomorphism. With 1580 CBMAs initiated by 937 Chinese firms from 1985 to 2006, we found that mimetic isomorphism in CBMAs is partially supported by Chinese firms. Specifically, the degree of similarity in two CBMA decisions (the product relatedness and the location of target firms) increases when the number of completed deals initiated by others at a prior time increases and when firms can tell what the most popular decision choice is. We found that not all CBMA decisions react to the force of imitation in the same way. Finally, the force of mimetic isomorphism is strengthened by environmental instability but weakened by firms' own experience. This study provides implications for theory and research on CBMA and imitation as well as multinational firms from emerging economies.
A New MAC Protocol for Wireless Packet Networks.

Medium access control (MAC) protocols for wireless packet networks usually need to be distributed for flexibility and robustness. In a distributed way, however, collision detection becomes difficult and collided packets are usually still fully transmitted with existing wireless MAC protocols, which wastes the precious medium resource of the network. This paper proposes a new MAC protocol that realizes effective and efficient collision detection in wireless packet networks by the use of pulses of random-length pauses. Our comprehensive simulation results show the capability of the new protocol for significantly improving the throughput of future wireless packet networks. terminals. In addition, node movement and the discrepancy between the transmission range and interference range of a node may affect the effectiveness of virtual carrier sense (8). Due to the limited effectiveness of existing techniques for collision avoidance, collisions are not rare phenomena in wireless packet networks. When collisions happen, existing wireless MAC protocols usually can not promptly detect them and thus collided packets are still fully transmitted, which wastes the scarce medium resource. To address this problem, the new MAC protocol proposed in this paper uses a pulse- based approach to realize fully-distributed collision detection in wireless packet networks. By using "pulses" of random- length pauses, the proposed MAC protocol enables two or more nodes to detect each other when they transmit at the same time. Our extensive simulations have shown the effectiveness of the proposed protocol in detecting collisions and improving the throughput of wireless networks.
A non-homogeneous Poisson process predictive model for automobile warranty claims

Abstract Automobile warranties and thus lifetimes are characterized in the two-dimensional space of time and mileage. This paper presents a non-homogenous Poisson process (NHPP) predictive model for automobile warranty claims consisting of two components: a population size function and a failure or warranty claim rate. The population size function tracks the population in the time domain and accounts for mileage by removing vehicles from the population when they exceed the warranty mileage limitation. The model uses the intensity function of a NHPP—the instantaneous probability of failure—to model the occurrence of warranty claims. The approach was developed to support automobile manufacturers’ process of using claims observed during the early portion (first 7 months) of vehicle life to predict claims for the remainder of coverage, typically between 3 and 5 years. This paper uses manufacturer provided warranty data from a luxury car to demonstrate the NHPP model by predicting claims for three vehicle subsystems. Warranty predictions are then compared with the actual observed values and predictions made with a standard forecasting technique.
History, Slavery, and Liberation

Last spring, while Tunisians and Egyptians erupted in the most determined and optimistic political protest movements seen in two generations, southern Sudanese prepared to secede. And in July, after months of watching dramatic images from the demonstrators in Tahrir Square, the world was presented with pictures of a new country with a beautiful, colorful new flag, of thousands of people who had voted into existence the Republic of South Sudan. On Al-Jazeera, CNN, and BBC, interviews with southern Sudanese revealed the profound relief and freedom that these new citizens felt as they repeated the word “liberation” to describe their feelings in this heady moment of independence.
Reconsidering the Reputation—Performance Relationship: A Resource-Based View

Reputation is thought to differentiate organizations and help explain variability in their performance. A recent study contributed to knowledge about the reputation—performance relationship by depicting reputation as having two dimensions and linking each dimension to the prominence and performance of U.S. business schools. The authors propose an alternative approach that draws on the resource-based view (RBV) wherein reputation is an intangible asset that is composed of complementary and reinforcing relationships whose synergies create causal ambiguities that have positive performance implications. The authors also test a direct effect of faculty experience on prominence. Their results support the merit of the RBV model, indicating that it offers greater explanatory power. The findings suggest that reputation cannot be bought by additive and independent investments. Instead, enhancing a reputation requires managers to carefully nurture interdependencies and complex relationships. The findings also provid...
A Framework for Analyzing Tariffs and Subsidies in Water Provision to Urban Households in Developing Countries

The aim of the paper is to present a basic conceptual framework for understanding the main practical issues and challenges relating to tariffs and subsidies in the water sector in developing countries. The paper introduces the basic economic notions relevant to the water sector ; presents an analytical framework for assessing the need for and evaluating subsidies ; and discusses the recent evidence on the features and performance of water tariffs and subsidies in various regions, with a special focus on Africa. The discussion is limited to the provision of drinking water to urban households in developing countries. Among the issues examined are: (i) What are the main questions that arise when governments want to subsidize access to and consumption of water? (ii) What are the key features of water tariffs and subsidies that have been implemented around the world? (iii) How can we assess the performance of various subsidy programs? (iv) How well have subsidies performed in practice? The final section of the paper briefly attempts to draw some lessons from the review of evidence undertaken in the previous sections.
Tracking modulation of neural encoding in the natural visual world

Traditional approaches to characterizing the transformation from a visual stimulus to neural response assume that 1) the stimulus is stationary and uncorrelated, and 2) the functional properties of the encoding do not change over time. However, recent studies of sensory function under natural stimulus conditions have demonstrated important features of neural encoding that are in violation of these assumptions. Characterizing the stimulus/response mapping in a natural setting demands a more realistic model of sensory encoding in which stimuli of arbitrary complexity are adaptively filtered into a neural response. To identify the stimulus/response mapping in this context, a new analytic technique must be developed. In this paper, a point process extended recursive least-squares (ERLS) approach to receptive field (RF) estimation is detailed. Simulated and experimental neural responses are used to demonstrate the ability of the ERLS technique to estimate RFs from responses to complex natural stimuli and track adaptation of receptive field properties during a single trial. The ERLS technique lends tremendous flexibility to experimental design, facilitating the investigation of sensory function in the natural environment.
Otolaryngology-specific emergency room as a model for resident training.

Objectives/Hypothesis There is a paucity of data on junior resident training in common otolaryngology procedures such as ear debridement, nasal and laryngeal endoscopy, epistaxis management, and peritonsillar abscess drainage. These common procedures represent a critical aspect of training and are necessary skills in general otolaryngology practice. We sought to determine how a dedicated otolaryngology emergency room (ER) staffed by junior residents and a supervising attending provides exposure to common otolaryngologic procedures. Study Design Retrospective review. Methods Diagnostic and procedural data for all patients examined in the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary ER between January 2011 and September 2013 were evaluated. Results A total of 12,234 patients were evaluated. A total of 5,673 patients (46.4%) underwent a procedure. Each second-year resident performed over 450 procedures, with the majority seen Monday through Friday (75%). The most common procedures in our study included diagnostic nasolaryngoscopy (52.0%), ear debridement (34.4%), and epistaxis control (7.0%) Conclusions An otolaryngology-specific ER provides junior residents with significant diagnostic and procedural volume in a concentrated period of time. This study demonstrates utility of a unique surgical education model and provides insight into new avenues of investigation for otolaryngology training. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 125:99–104, 2015
Joint modeling of sensitivity and specificity

Sensitivity and specificity are two customary performance measures associated with medical diagnostic tests. Typically, they are modeled independently as a function of risk factors using logistic regression, which provides estimated functions for these probabilities. Change in these probabilities across levels of risk factors is of primary interest and the indirect relationship is often displayed using a receiver operating characteristic curve. We refer to this as analysis of 'first-order' behavior. Here, we consider what we refer to as 'second-order' behavior where we examine the stochastic dependence between the (random) estimates of sensitivity and specificity. To do so, we argue that a model for the four cell probabilities that determine the joint distribution of screening test result and outcome result is needed. Such a modeling induces sensitivity and specificity as functions of these cell probabilities. In turn, this raises the issue of a coherent specification for these cell probabilities, given risk factors, i.e. a specification that ensures that all probabilities calculated under it fall between 0 and 1. This leads to the question of how to provide models that are coherent and mechanistically appropriate as well as computationally feasible to fit, particularly with large data sets. The goal of this article is to illuminate these issues both algebraically and through analysis of a real data set.
Chronology and palaeoenvironment of levantine prehistoric sites as seen from sediment studies

Analysis of sediments from the sites of et-Tabun, Jebel Qafza, and Sefunim in Israel, of Ksar ‘Aqil in Lebanon, and of Yabrud Rockshelter I and Jerf ‘Ajla in Syria leads to a reconstruction of the environments of deposition, periods of weathering and erosion, and relations to changing sea level during the times of occupation of these sites by prehistoric man. The overlapping sequences span the interval from part or all of the last interglaciation through the time of the last glaciation into historic time. Aeolians and from the last interglacial littoral zone and aeolian silt from more distant deserts dominate the site sediments until the early part of the last glaciation (especially at Tabun), whereas colluvial slope deposits, alluvium (Ksar ‘Aqil), and angular rockfall debris are characteristic of the mid-last glaciation sediments in most sites, commonly with an admixture of reworked terra rossa soil sediment. These latter sediments seem to reflect a period or periods of greater available moisture or surface run-off. Prominent unconformities mark many sites at times coincident with the final middle palaeolithic (mousterian) occupations or in the interval between middle palaeolithic and upper palaeolithic occupations. It is not clear, in the absence of firm radiometric dates, whether these hiatuses should be correlated from site-to-site or whether they are site-specific. Freeze/thaw phenomena appear not to have played a significant role, if any at all, in the origin of sediments in coastal Levantine sites, although the middle palaeolithic of the Syrian Desert (Yabrud, Jerf ‘Ajla) is contained in typical cryoclastic rubble. Finally. the reconstructed sedimentary environments are compared with the still-too-sparse palynological record for the Near East. Parallels of more humid and less humid climatic intervals throughout the past 60,000 to 70,000 years in both of these records reinforce the growing impression of a regionally fluctuating climate in the eastern Mediterranean region during the time of the last glaciation.
Clinical features of the congenital vitreoretinopathies

The inherited vitreoretinal degenerations or vitreoretinopathies are characterized by congenital and acquired disorders of the eye including early onset cataract, anomalies of the vitreous manifesting as optically empty vitreous, course fibrils, and membranes, and retinal detachment. These diseases include Stickler syndrome types I (STL1) and II (STL2), usually caused by mutations in COL2A1 and COL11A1 respectively. Wagner syndrome (WGN1) is associated with mutations in versican (CSPG2) and snowflake vitreoretinal degeneration (SVD) with a mutation in a potassium channel (KCNJ13). The cataract is often cortical and may be wedge-shaped, but does not distinguish between the different syndromes. The congenital vitreous defect is usually characterized as fibrillar degeneration (STL2, WGN1, and SVD) or as a vestigial membrane just behind the lens (STL1). Peripheral chorioretinal atrophy with nyctalopia is prominent in WGN1. Intraretinal crystals may be visible in the periphery using a contact lens in SVD and corneal guttae, a flat appearance to the optic nerve head and mild atrophy of the peripheral retinal pigment epithelium are also common features. Other vitreoretinal degenerations including a number of chondrodysplasias in addition to STL1 and STL2, enhanced S-cone syndrome caused by mutations in NR2E3, and autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy caused by mutations in VMD2 are discussed. Patients with unexplained early onset cataract or retinal detachment should be carefully evaluated for vitreoretinal degeneration. Theses diseases share overlapping clinical features with common complex traits affecting the eye (myopia, corneal endothelial dystrophy, lattice degeneration), and may provide insight into the mechanisms of common eye diseases.
Management of Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular coccidian protozoan, is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, a widespread infection affecting various birds and mammals including humans. In immunocompetent hosts, the infection is usually asymptomatic and benign. Toxoplasmosis is either congenital or acquired. In general, prenatal therapy of congenital toxoplasmosis is beneficial in reducing the frequency of infant infection. Therapies are based primarily on spiramycin because of the relative lack of toxicity and high concentrations achieved in the placenta. Clindamycin is the standard drug for chemoprophylaxis in newborn infants, and is directed at preventing the occurrence of retinochoroiditis as a late sequel to congenital infection. The standard treatment for acquired toxoplasmosis in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients is the synergistic combination of pyrimethamine and sulphonamides. Toxoplasmic encephalitis is the most common manifestation of acquired toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients and if not treated is fatal. However, because of toxicity, the therapeutic efficacy of pyrimethamine-sulphonamide combinations may be seriously limited in immunodeficient patients. A number of novel and less toxic agents are being currently studied in clinical settings, including macrolide antibiotics (clindamycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin) and atovaquone, as well as some older anti-infective drugs such as cotrimoxazole (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole). Maintenance or prophylactic therapy is essential in many patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) where toxoplasmosis is most often the result of a pre-existent latent infection.
LOCAL VERSUS PRODUCER CURRENCY PRICING: EVIDENCE FROM DISAGGREGATED DATA *

The pricing behavior of firms is a central issue in international macroeconomics. Using the introduction of the euro as a natural experiment I find that year-to-year volatility in import prices among Eurozone members diminished by 4% on average after the introduction of the euro. Additionally, I show that the magnitude of the drop was commensurate with the drop in exchange rate volatility. On the other hand, when looking at exports, I find that the introduction of the euro had no impact on export price volatility. The results support the hypothesis of producer currency pricing. The pricing behavior of firms is a key issue in international macroeconomics, and it has importantimplicationsforarangeofpolicyissues.Forexample,whetheradevaluationsucceeds in increasing demand for a country’s goods depends on whether the prices are rigid in the currency of the producer or if the prices are rigid in the currency of the consumer. In the former case a devaluation increases the demand, but in the latter case it fails to do so. Appropriate monetarypolicyandoptimalityoftheexchangerateregimethusdependonthepricingbehavior of firms. 2 In this article I study the pricing behavior of firms by investigating how import and export prices in Europe responded to exchange rate fluctuations in the periods before and after the
Negotiating a sexy masculinity on social networking sites

Social networking sites have emerged as spaces for both young men and women to portray themselves in sexualized ways, raising questions about how young men construct masculinity while embracing a kind of sexual self-objectification. In this case study analysis, a heterosexually identified male college student guides another male undergraduate on a tour of his MySpace profile in front of a video camera, supplementing the visual data with his own interpretations. The analysis focuses on how the young man takes up, or subverts, hegemonic masculinity in his sexual displays online. Data illustrate how irony is highly adaptive for perpetuating hegemonic masculinity on social networking sites, allowing men to collaborate using digital artifacts to socially construct an intractable kind of masculinity as they explore unconventional forms of sexual expression. The study also suggests that a heightened emphasis on public attention to the self is a critical lens for understanding shifting constructions of gender and...
Self-condensation of aqueous hexa(methoxymethyl)melamine : effects of concentration, pH, and alcohol content

Dilute aqueous solutions of hexa(methoxymethyl)melamine have been found to form colloidal suspensions of cross-linked polymer under acidic conditions in a manner similar to nonalkylated methyolmelamines. Experiments have shown that the time to onset of turbidity is quite sensitive to solution pH, with a sharp maximum in the rate observed at pH 1.22 under the specific conditions used in this study. Solutions were unexpectedly stable at pH values below the maximum. Suppression of the condensation process was also observed in the presence of added alcohols, with the magnitude of the rate-retarding effect influenced by the alcohol structure. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Imaging Extracellular Waves of Glutamate during Calcium Signaling in Cultured Astrocytes

A growing body of evidence proposes that glial cells have the potential to play a role as modulators of neuronal activity and synaptic transmission by releasing the neurotransmitter glutamate ([Araque et al., 1999][1]). We explore the spatial nature of glutamate release from astrocytes with an enzyme-linked assay system and CCD imaging technology. In the presence of glutamate,l-glutamic dehydrogenase (GDH) reduces NAD+ to NADH, a product that fluoresces when excited with UV light. Theoretically, provided that GDH and NAD+ are present in the bathing saline, the release of glutamate from stimulated astrocytes can be optically detected by monitoring the accumulation of NADH. Indeed, stimuli that induce a wave of elevated calcium among astrocytes produced a corresponding spread of extracellular NADH fluorescence. Treatment of cultures either with thapsigargin, to deplete internal calcium stores, or with the membrane-permeant calcium chelator BAPTA AM significantly decreased the accumulation of NADH, demonstrating that this fluorometric assay effectively monitors calcium-dependent glutamate release. With a temporal resolution of 500 msec and spatial resolution of ∼20 μm, discrete regions of glutamate release were not reliably resolved. The wave of glutamate release that underlies the NADH fluorescence propagated at an average speed of ∼26 μm/sec, correlating with the rate of calcium wave progression (10–30 μm/sec), and caused a localized accumulation of glutamate in the range of 1–100 μm. Further analysis of the fluorescence accumulation clearly demonstrated that glutamate is released in a regenerative manner, with subsequent cells that are involved in the calcium wave releasing additional glutamate. [1]: #ref-3
A crack extension force correlation for hard materials

Increasingly, the essential, robust character of many nanoscale devices requires knowledge of their fracture toughness. For most brittle materials the technique of choice has been indentation mechanics but little insight into the fracture mechanism(s) has resulted since these have generally been treated as brittle fracture dominated by the true surface energy. Linear elastic fracture mechanics approaches have been invoked to describe indentation fracture but do not address why the surface energy from fracture toughness is most often slightly or even substantially greater than the true surface energy. In the present study we invoke a crack extension force correlation that demonstrates why this is the case at least in fracture measurements based on indentation mechanics. The proposed correlation is different from previous ones in that it focuses on observations of indentation-induced dislocation activity prior to fracture. Allowing the resistance side of the crack extension force analysis to incorporate small amounts of plasticity gives a relationship that is consistent with 22 relatively brittle intermetallics, semiconductors and ceramics. This explains why measured strain energy release rates can be 2 to 5 times as large as surface energies measured in vacuum or calculated by pseudopotentials using the local density approximation.
The performance of a new instrument for in situ measurements of ClO in the lower stratosphere

Abundances of chlorine oxide (ClO) have been measured from 16 km to 30 km by a new balloon-borne in situ instrument developed from an optical design flown previously on the NASA ER-2 aircraft. This instrument, a prototype for one to be flown on the Perseus remotely piloted aircraft, was one-third the weight of that on the ER-2, yet retained the high precision and accuracy necessary for detailed photochemical studies of the lower stratosphere. In this paper we discuss the performance of the instrument during its first flight on March 31, 1991 over eastern New Mexico.
Weight Space Probability Densities in Stochastic Learning: II. Transients and Basin Hopping Times

In stochastic learning, weights are random variables whose time evolution is governed by a Markov process. At each time-step, n, the weights can be described by a probability density function P(w, n). We summarize the theory of the time evolution of P, and give graphical examples of the time evolution that contrast the behavior of stochastic learning with true gradient descent (batch learning). Finally, we use the formalism to obtain predictions of the time required for noise-induced hopping between basins of different optima. We compare the theoretical predictions with simulations of large ensembles of networks for simple problems in supervised and unsupervised learning.
Integrative analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic data of Shewanella oneidensis: missing value imputation using temporal datasets

Despite significant improvements in recent years, proteomic datasets currently available still suffer from large number of missing values. Integrative analyses based upon incomplete proteomic and transcriptomic datasets could seriously bias the biological interpretation. In this study, we applied a non-linear data-driven stochastic gradient boosted trees (GBT) model to impute missing proteomic values using a temporal transcriptomic and proteomic dataset of Shewanella oneidensis. In this dataset, genes' expression was measured after the cells were exposed to 1 mM potassium chromate for 5, 30, 60, and 90 min, while protein abundance was measured for 45 and 90 min. With the ultimate objective to impute protein values for experimentally undetected samples at 45 and 90 min, we applied a serial set of algorithms to capture relationships between temporal gene and protein expression. This work follows four main steps: (1) a quality control step for gene expression reliability, (2) mRNA imputation, (3) protein prediction, and (4) validation. Initially, an S control chart approach is performed on gene expression replicates to remove unwanted variability. Then, we focused on the missing measurements of gene expression through a nonlinear Smoothing Splines Curve Fitting. This method identifies temporal relationships among transcriptomic data at different time points and enables imputation of mRNA abundance at 45 min. After mRNA imputation was validated by biological constrains (i.e. operons), we used a data-driven GBT model to impute protein abundance for the proteins experimentally undetected in the 45 and 90 min samples, based on relevant predictors such as temporal mRNA gene expression data and cellular functional roles. The imputed protein values were validated using biological constraints such as operon and pathway information through a permutation test to investigate whether dispersion measures are indeed smaller for known biological groups than for any set of random genes. Finally, we demonstrated that such missing value imputation improved characterization of the temporal response of S. oneidensis to chromate.
3D Input Using Hand-held Objects and Computer Vision

An untethered hand-held object whose pose can be determined automatically is useful for human-computer interaction (HCI) applications such as gaming and augmented reality (AR). Computer vision and ducial marker systems can be employed to turn ergonomic objects such as rubber balls, toy swords and guns, balloons, etc. into low cost input devices. A digital video camera such as a consumer webcam is all that is needed to allow the 3D pose of a naturally held object to be used as input to control a CAD system, game, or other GUI interface. Markers are placed on the object whose positions are learned by the system automatically and used to determine object pose in a real time system
A Further Investigation Of Tables Versus Graphs For Decision-Making: Does Accounting Knowledge Make A Difference?

This research uses cognitive processing and cognitive induction theory to examine whether accounting knowledge affects a decision-maker’s performance when using tables or graphs to perform a bankruptcy prediction task. A laboratory experiment was conducted using a 2x2 betweensubjects design where accounting knowledge (low vs. high) is crossed with information presentation format (tabular vs. graphical). The results suggest that accounting knowledge does affect the use of alternative information presentation formats.
Residential Location and Electoral Cohesion: The Pattern of Urban Political Conflict *

Urban scholars, whatever their discipline, have shared a concern for identifying the structural and environmental factors which shape local politics. The literature has become too extensive for a thorough discussion of the many variables which influence local politics, but one possibly important aspect that has largely been ignored by political scientists is the ecological structure of cities.' In an effort, therefore, to remedy an apparent oversight in urban analysis, this paper will focus upon the theoretical and empirical relationships between the residential location of social-class groups in selected American cities and the electoral cohesion displayed by such population groups. Attention will also be directed at studying the consequences of this intragroup cohesion upon intergroup conflict as it is manifested in electoral competition. This analysis of residential location and electoral cohesion may provide an opportunity to examine existing propositions concerning the effects of location upon urban political conflict. Residential location reflects a variety of class-based considerations. Studies have indicated that occupational and educational groups tend to cluster spatially in their selection of residential areas.) Even with low rates of interaction in most neighborhoods, neighbors in homogeneous areas are not only of similar status, but also tend to share the same values and lifestyles.3 Residential location may also be a strat-
Somatomotor thresholds in the New Zealand albino rabbit in response to paraorbital electric shock.

A procedure for assessing objectively unconditioned responses to paraorbital electrical shock is described. Using the method of constant stimuli human observers can reliably detect “eye twitch”, “eyeblink”, and “jump” responses when a brief unsignalled paraorbital shock is presented.
Cationic copper(II)-containing surfactants: molecular structures, film morphology, and influence on the alignment of nematic mesogens.

We discuss the synthesis and amphiphilic behavior of the cationic metallosurfactants [(LPy14)2CuIIClO4]ClO4 (1), [(LPy16)2CuIIClO4]ClO4 (2), [(LPy18)2CuIIClO4]ClO4 (3), [(LPy18)2CuIINO3]NO3 (4), [(LPy18)2CuIICl]Cl (5), and [(LPy18)2CuIIBr]Br (6) obtained by treatment of the appropriate alkylaminemethyl-2-pyridine ligand containing tetra-, hexa-, or octadecyl chains with copper salts. These metallosurfactants show excellent agreement between infrared spectroscopic bands, spectrometric masses with isotopic patterns, and elemental composition. Single-crystal X-ray data available for 1, 2, 5 and the previously published 3 reveal a trigonal bipyramidal copper(II) ion bound at the basal plane to the amine and pyridine of each alkylaminemethylpyridine ligand and an anionic coligand to the apical position. Except for the surfactant with the shortest tetradecyl (C14) chain, these species yield Langmuir films with collapse pressures of 45–55 mN·m–1 and average areas of ca. 50 A2. A plateau around 15 mN·m–1 is obser...
Probability learning to escape from shock

Probability learning to escape from shock was investigated in 36 female albino rats. The independent variable was the intensity of shock. All Ss were run in a T-maze using a correction procedure. One side of the T, (A1), was shock-free with probability, π =.667 while the other (A2) side was shock-free with probability (1 - π) =.333. The major findings were: (a) p(A1) exceeded π increasingly with increasingly severe shock, (b) positive recency was present throughout training and (c) response speed increased with increasing shock levels and was greater to the A1 than the A2 side.
Sound Source Localization Algorithm Based on Time Delay Estimation

In order to solve the problems that there would not appear obvious peak with the basic cross-correlation( BCC) in the time delay estimation( TDE) and the noise and reverberation in the actual environment w ould minify the BCC function' s peak and even leads to fake peaks,an improved time delay estimation method based on the generalized cross-correlation( GCC) w as presented and combined w ith the microphone array structure,so the tw o-step sound source localization method w as implemented. Simulation results indicated that the sound source's location could be measured accurately w ith the new method in noised environment. The average errors in positioning distance and angle are all below 5%. The successful rate of positioning is above 80% w ith the direction angle betw een 30° and 150° and the distance from 1. 1 m to 2. 3 m.
Voltage Control of Stepper Motors Using Position and Velocity Measurements

In this chapter, voltage level controllers utilizing position and velocity measurements are presented for the PM and Sawyer stepper motors. Our controller design follows [114] for PM stepper motors (Sect. 9.1) and [113] for Sawyer motors (Sect. 9.2) . Stator current measurements are not required for feedback. For the PM stepper, the analysis is carried out with the detailed model including nonsinusoidal flux distribution phenomena. Simplifications under the assumption of sinusoidal flux distribution are indicated. For simplicity of presentation, only the sinusoidal flux distribution case is examined in the case of Sawyer stepper motors. The more general treatment with nonsinusoidal flux distribution can, of course, be carried out using the same approach as with PM stepper motors. The controllers presented are adaptive and do not require any knowledge of the electromechanical system parameters, except for lower and upper bounds on the time constant of the electrical subsystem. Furthermore, under the assumption of sinusoidal flux distribution, it is shown that these bounds on the time constant are not necessary. The controllers designed are robust to load torques, cogging, and disturbances which can be bounded by a function of the rotor position and the rotor velocity.
Cold-promoted activation of factor VII and shortening of the prothrombin time.

The previous speakers have summarized our knowledge concerning the biochemistry, function, synthesis and molecular biology of the coagulation factors II, VII, IX, X, and protein C and S. In particular, they have highlighted the role of the gamma carboxyglutamic acid, the biosynthetic rates and the specific steps in the activation of these proteins. This has led to a clear understanding of the biologic effect of the vitamin K antagonists. The studies of tissue factor have elucidated various aspects of this apoprotein and its function. Yet with this great body of knowledge, there is still a great deal of consternation about the test most commonly utilized to clinically monitor the effects of vitamin K antagonists, the prothrombin time.
Of Social Networks and Suicide Nets: Biopolitics and the Suicide Screen:

This article analyzes how the Silicon Valley ethos has influenced the development of screening technologies designed to enforce survival. Although various technologies have been used to ensure the ...
Social HMOs and other capitated arrangements for children with special health care needs.

Objective: Children with special health care needs are increasingly enrolling in managed care arrangements. However, existing managed care organizations, including traditional HMOs, are often poorly suited for caring for this population. In the adult health care area, new managed care entities, called Social HMOs (S/HMO) and Programs for the All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), have been created to integrate health and health-related services for chronically ill and disabled adults. We describe these models and assess their potential for serving children with special health care needs. Method: We reviewed the literature on managed care for children with special health care needs and evaluation findings from the S/HMO and PACE models for the elderly. Results: Evaluations of the S/HMO and PACE models have yielded mixed findings. Some of the more positive accomplishments include lower use and expenditures for long-term care services compared to other demonstration projects, greater integration of primary care physicians in decision making concerning long-term care, and improved management of transitions between care levels. On the negative side, start-up has been slow, prospective members have been hesitant to enroll, intermittent and sometimes frequent operating deficits have emerged, no discernible positive effects on health or social outcomes are apparent, and no significant overall savings have emerged. Conclusions: With mixed results so far, caution is required in applying these or similar models for vulnerable child populations. However, given the inadequacies of traditional managed care for this population, we believe experimentation with new models of care that integrate health and health-related services is important. Such experimentation should be fostered only to the extent that the models are carefully designed and then implemented in a manner that protects the interests of children with special health care needs.
Differences between treatment-seeking and non-treatment-seeking participants in medication studies for alcoholism: do they matter?

Background: Medication development for alcoholism typically includes experimental pharmacology studies with non-treatment-seeking individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) paving the way for rand...