cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cerebral infarctions due to CNS infection with Enterobacter sakazakii.

Recent reports have implicatedEnterobacter sakazakii, a gramnegative enteric bacillus, in neonatal sepsis and meningitis [1–4]. Cases of severe central nervous system involvement, including ventriculitis, brain abscess, infarction, and cyst formation, have been described [1]. We present serial head CT findings in a case of neonatalE. sakazakii meningitis complicated by a ring enhancing cerebral infarction which mimicked abscess formation. In meningitis secondary to this agent, a recognized pattern of cerebral hypodensity with or without cystic degeneration late in the course of the infection is likely to represent cerebral infarction rather than an abscess especially if there is a lack of culture evidence of a bacterial infection.
Convective rainfall regions of Puerto Rico

Geographical regions of covariability in hourly precipitation over the island of Puerto Rico are exposed using factor analysis. It is argued that the data are consistent with a common factor model when an orthgonal rotation is applied to the factor loading mamx. The results suggest that Puerto Rico can be divided into six regions, with each region having a similar covariance structure of summer season convective rainfall. The six regions can be grouped into a western area and an eastern area based on contrasting diurnal rainfall signatures. The study is the first step in developing improved forecast guidance for precipitation over the island. It is believed to be one of the first studies attempting geographical regionalization of precipitation on the convective scale.
Synthesis of systolic algorithm design

Abstract In this paper we propose a method to derive systolic designs with non-uniform data flow. One of the major difficulties in systematic design is in transforming the original sequential of a problem into a form suitable to VLSI implementation. Our approach to automatically restructuring a problem is based on a subset of the data dependencies extracted from the original problem specification. By using such dependencies we are able to identify chains of dependent computations which are then converted into recurrence equations. The mapping of the new specification into hardware is also based on data dependencies. We illustrate the methodology by applying it to algorithms using dynamic programming. In addition to rederiving the existing systolic design for dynamic programming we are able to automatically generate a new design that requires fewer processing elements.
The Impact of Taxes on Growth and Distribution in Developed Capitalist Countries: A Cross-National Study

Has the scope of public planning in contemporary capitalist economies promoted or hindered economic growth and income distribution? We explore this question by assessing the impact of various mechanisms for raising government revenues on investment, growth, and income distribution in 22 developed market economy countries. The article considers whether growth and distribution are affected differently by governments' relative reliance on personal and corporate income taxes, social security contributions, property taxes, and sales and value added taxes, or by the relative progressivity of tax mechanisms. Our findings lend support to the assertion that fiscal instruments (especially personal income taxes) can be used successfully to achieve greater income equality. On the other hand, these findings run counter to the conventional notion that an automatic trade-off exists between an active public sector and a dynamic, expanding economy: although there is surely some tension between the economic goals of growth and equality, it is not at all clear that they are necessarily incompatible or that government can contribute only to the latter.
RESIDENTIAL AIR-TO-AIR HEAT EXCHANGERS: PERFORMANCE, ENERGY SAVINGS, AND ECONOMICS

Abstract Residential energy consumption can be decreased if air infiltration is reduced by constructing houses more tightly. In some cases, however, reduced air infiltration can lead to problems with indoor air quality (e.g., excess humidity and high levels of indoor-generated air contaminants). One solution to this problem is to install a residential air-to-air heat exchanger. The heat exchanger provides a controlled supply of ventilation which counteracts the adverse effects of reduced infiltration. In addition, the heat exchanger recovers much of the energy that would normally be lost when ventilation occurs by air infiltration. Thus, by employing heat exchangers in low-infiltration houses, it is possible to save energy without sacrificing indoor air quality. This paper discusses the performance of residential heat exchangers and summarizes results from tests of several models. It also compares the energy consumed, during the heating season, in low-infiltration houses with heat exchangers, with the energy consumed in typical houses in four cities throughout the United States. For each city, a cost-benefit analysis is performed from the point of view of a home-owner. Houses with natural gas, oil, and electrical heating systems are considered. Our analysis indicates that the energy required to heat ventilation air in homes employing heat exchangers is 5.3 – 18.0 GJ less than the energy required to heat ventilation air in typical homes. In homes with heat exchangers, the heat exchanger's fan system required 2.2 – 3.6 GJ of electrical energy during the heating season. The net present benefit for homes employing heat exchangers, when compared with typical homes, ranged from —$1350 to +$2400 and discounted payback periods ranged from five to over 30 years. The cost-effectiveness of employing heat exchangers was found to be highly affected by climate, type of heating fuel, heat exchanger performance, and ventilation rate.
Inability of the lone star tick, Amblyomma Americanum (L.), to resist desiccation and maintain water balance following application of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae (Deuteromycota)

Abstract We report that female lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) experience a rapid change in water permeability when treated with the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. The amount of water loss is nearly double the rate of control ticks not exposed to this fungus. As a result, ticks are prevented from stabilizing body water levels (water gain ≠ water loss) at hydrating atmospheres greater than the critical equilibrium activity (CEA) of 0.85a v-0.93av (a v = % RH/100) and reach their dehydration tolerance limit in less time. Thus, disruption of water balance is a pathogenic consequence of fungus infection. This served as a benchmark for evaluating effects on ticks of frequently encountered soil molds in nature (wild tick isolates), Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Penicillium glabrum and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. In contrast to M. anisopliae treatment, no effect on tick water balance was noted with topical application of C. cladosporioides, but water loss rates of ticks...
Sustained improvement of intractable rheumatoid arthritis after total lymphoid irradiation

Total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) was administered to 11 patients who had intractable rheumatoid arthritis that was unresponsive to conventional medical therapy, including aspirin, multiple nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, gold salts, and D-penicillamine. Total lymphoid irradiation was given as an alternative to cytotoxic drugs such as azathioprine and cyclophosphamide. After radiotherapy, 9 of the 11 patients showed a marked improvement in clinical disease activity as measured by morning stiffness, joint tenderness, joint swelling, and overall functional abilities. The mean improvement of disease activity in all patients ranged from 40-70 percent and has persisted throughout a 13-28 month followup period. This improvement permitted the mean daily steroid dose to be reduced by 54%. Complications included severe fatigue and other constitutional symptoms during radiotherapy, development of Felty's syndrome in 1 patient, and an exacerbation of rheumatoid lung disease in another. After therapy, all patients exhibited a profound T lymphocytopenia, and a reversal in their T suppressor/cytotoxic cell to helper cell ratio. The proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and allogeneic leukocytes (mixed leukocyte reaction) were markedly reduced, as was in vitro immunoglobulin synthesis after stimulation with pokeweed mitogen. Alterations in T cell numbers and function persisted during the entiremore » followup period, except that the mixed leukocyte reaction showed a tendency to return to normal values.« less
Drug conversion of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia to sustained ventricular tachycardia during serial electrophysiologic studies: Identification of drugs that exacerbate tachycardia and potential mechanisms

Abstract Eleven of 83 patients who had ventricular tachycardia (VT) and underwent serial electrophysiologic study (EPS) had a more severe VT induced while receiving a particular antiarrhythmic drug as compared to control study. For all patients only nonsustained VT was initiated during control study, while sustained VT occurred during drug testing with disopyramide (2 patients), quinidine (2 patients), amiodarone (4 patients), and encainide (7 patients), although spontaneous arrhythmias appeared well-controlled prior to repeat testing. Pacing techniques used to induce sustained VT were the same as those used in the control study in eight patients and "less aggressive" in three patients. Almost all episodes of sustained VT resulted in substantial hypotension, especially in patients who were taking encainide. Drugs associated with sustained VT increased the median tachycardia cycle length by 112 msec ( p p
Ethics and research with undergraduates

Ethicists, researchers and policy makers have paid increasing attention to the ethical conduct of research, especially research involving human beings. Research performed with and by undergraduates poses a specific set of ethical challenges. These challenges are often overlooked by the research community because it is assumed that undergraduate student researchers do not have a significant impact on the research community and that their projects are not host to research posing important ethical issues. This paper identifies several features characteristic of research in undergraduate environments. The paper pays special attention to selective small liberal arts colleges, an important segment of higher education in the US, and advocates integrating instruction in research ethics wherever undergraduates are engaged in research.
Structure/Activity Elements of the Multifunctional Protein, GMEB-1 CHARACTERIZATION OF DOMAINS RELEVANT FOR THE MODULATION OF GLUCOCORTICOID RECEPTOR TRANSACTIVATION PROPERTIES

GMEB-1 was initially described as a component of a 550-kDa heteromeric DNA binding complex that is involved in the modulation of two properties of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) transactivation, the dose-response curve of agonists and the partial agonist activity of antagonists. Subsequently, GMEB-1 was also found to bind to hsp27, to associate with the coactivator TIF2 in yeast cells, and to participate in Parvovirus replication. To understand these multiple activities of GMEB-1 at a molecular level, we have now determined which regions are associated with the various activities associated with the modulation of GR transactivation properties. These activities include, homooligomerization, heterooligomerization, DNA binding, binding to GR and the transcriptional cofactor CBP, and GR modulation. Complex activities such as DNA binding and GR modulation, are found to require the physical combination of those domains that would be predicted from the involved biochemical processes. We have previously documented that GMEB-1 possesses both GR modulatory and intrinsic transactivation activity. However, the domains for these two activities of GMEB-1 are found not to overlap. This separation of activities provides a structural basis for our prior biological observations that the modulation of the dose-response curve and partial agonist activity of GR complexes is independent of the total levels of gene activation by the same GR complexes.
Temperature acclimation in the medusa, Chrysaora quinquecirrha

Abstract 1. 1. Cold and warm acclimated Chrysaora polyps possess glucose- 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity but little or no 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase activity. 2. 2. Cold acclimated animals deomonstrate a dramatic rise in G6PDH specific activity at all substrate concentrations and temperatures tested when compared to warm acclimated organisms. This increase is accompanied by a reduced K m and energy of activation. 3. 3. In addition, a temperature dependent change occurs at about 10°C in both groups such that specific activity measured at this temperature is greater than that measured at 15°C. This effect is much more pronounced in cold acclimated animals. 4. 4. It is suggested that the data are of adaptive significance with respect to pedal cyst formation at low ambient temperatures.
Factors associated with early adolescents' anticipated emotional and behavioral responses to ambiguous teases on Facebook

A total of 69 sixth- through eighth-grade students rated their experiences with antisocial and prosocial teases as well as their general attitudes toward teases. Subsequently, the participants read hard copies of four ambiguous teases, one at a time, posted on a simulation of ''their'' Facebook wall by four different, hypothetical acquaintances. After reading each tease, the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that assessed their emotional and behavioral response to the tease. Consistent with Weiner's (1980, 1995) cognitive (attribution)-emotion-action model of motivated behavior, path analyses revealed that the participants' negative experiences with teases and negative attitudes toward teases were predictive of a negative emotional response to the ambiguous teases on Facebook which, in turn, was predictive of various negative behavioral responses to the ambiguous teasers. Therefore, consistent with the prior finding of a hostile attribution bias in some children's reactions to ambiguous face-to-face teases (Barnett, Barlett, Livengood, Murphy, & Brewton, 2010), the early adolescents in the present study with relatively negative experiences with and attitudes toward teases appear to display a hostile attribution bias whereby teases on Facebook with an uncertain intent are viewed as if they were meant to be antagonistic and antisocial.
Turing machines with a schedule to keep

It is shown that if a sequence of digits α = α 1 α 2 α 3 ··· is generated by a multitape Turing machine so that the n th digit α n is produced no later than time T ( n ), where T is a real-time-countable function, then there exists a multitape Turing machine which generates α and produces α n at exactly time T ( n ). This result makes it possible to strengthen some theorems of Hartmanis and Stearns and to answer a question of Yamada. Other applications yield a more general approach to countability and a new technique for dealing with time-limited computational complexity.
Phonon Scattering in Polyethylene at Low Temperatures

An expression, valid below 4 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, for the phonon mean free path in polyethylene is derived through a consideration of the microscopic structure. Above 1 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, scattering of phonons occurs mainly within the amorphous regions and can be described by a structure scattering term. The amorphous-crystalline boundaries contribute a constant term to the mean free path above 1 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, but below this temperature, when the phonon wavelength is comparable to the size of the crystallites, it is suggested that the alternation of crystalline and amorphous material should be described by a second structure scattering term. This free path is shown to account for the anomalous temperature variation of the thermal conductivity recently observed below 1.5 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K: No modification to the phonon density of states predicted by the Debye theory is required. A discussion of phonon resonant scattering is also presented.
Stability analysis of the forward-backward process: Northern Ireland case study

In this study, the forward and backward processes of planning are applied to conflict resolution in a way similar to that in which the forward process was applied in a previous paper by the authors (Alexander & Saaty, 1977). By repeated analysis of the policies of the parties to the conflict and possible reactions to these policies, an iterative process is established by which the stability of an outcome may be measured. It is shown that the possible outcomes of a conflict may be characterized by a set of state variables covering political, economic, social and legal factors. The composite outcome, found by use of the method, also may be described by weighting the values of the state variables so that a full description of the most probable and stable outcome is obtained. These techniques are applied to a societal system to provide a further analysis of the conflict in Northern Ireland. It is shown that legislative independence, the outcome obtained in the previous paper, is stable and cannot be upset by any of the parties to the conflict. The use of these techniques provides efficient methods for analyzing conflict and gives valuable insights into the behavior of the parties.
Teaching personal safety skills to four-year-old children: A behavioral approach

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a behavioral approach for teaching four-year-old children personal safety skills. Twenty-four preschoolers were pretested and participated in either a behavioral skills training program or a control program. Children were posttested on skill and knowledge gains. Preschoolers who had participated in the training program demonstrated greater knowledge about sexual abuse and higher levels of personal safety skills compared to controls, and these gains were maintained at the one-month follow-up. No program-related increases in problematic behaviors were reported by teachers or parents, nor were the treatment children perceived by their parents as more fearful subsequent to participation, suggesting that behaviorally oriented personal safety programs can be implemented effectively and safely with children as young as four.
InfoPad—an experiment in system level design and integration

The InfoPad project was started at UC Berkeley in 1992 to investigatethe issues involved in providing multimedia information accessusing a portable, wireless terminal. It quickly became clear that a keydesign constraint was the energy consumption, which could best beaddressed through an integrated system approach. The project wastherefore organized to address all design levels, including the applicationsand user interface, backbone network protocols, software fordistributed network support, the wireless link, and the pad itselfwhich used a number of low voltage ASIC designs and a processorrunning embedded code. Tools were developed when not available(particularly in support of low energy design), as well as an interfaceto mechanical designers who created a custom injection moldedcase. The wide scope of the project presented a number of uniquechallenges for a research environment and the lessons learn will be presented.
Mining touch interaction data on mobile devices to predict web search result relevance

Fine-grained search interactions in the desktop setting, such as mouse cursor movements and scrolling, have been shown valuable for understanding user intent, attention, and their preferences for Web search results. As web search on smart phones and tablets becomes increasingly popular, previously validated desktop interaction models have to be adapted for the available touch interactions such as pinching and swiping, and for the different device form factors. In this paper, we present, to our knowledge, the first in-depth study of modeling interactions on touch-enabled device for improving Web search ranking. In particular, we evaluate a variety of touch interactions on a smart phone as implicit relevance feedback, and compare them with the corresponding fine-grained interactions on a desktop computer with mouse and keyboard as the primary input devices. Our experiments are based on a dataset collected from two user studies with 56 users in total, using a specially instrumented version of a popular mobile browser to capture the interaction data. We report a detailed analysis of the similarities and differences of fine-grained search interactions between the desktop and the smart phone modalities, and identify novel patterns of touch interactions indicative of result relevance. Finally, we demonstrate significant improvements to search ranking quality by mining touch interaction data.
Gaigranin and gaigrandin — New sesquiterpene lactones fromGaillardia grandiflora

Two new sesquiterpene lactones — gaigranin and gaigrandin — have been isolated from the epigeal part ofGaillardia grandiflora, and their structures have been established on the basis of spectral (IR, PMR,13C NMR, and mass) characteristics and x-ray structural analysis.
Variance functions and the minimum detectable concentration in assays

Abstract : Assay data are often fit by a nonlinear regression model incorporating heterogeneity of variance, as ion radioimmunoassay, for example. Typically, the standard deviation of the response is taken to be proportional to a power theta of the mean. There is considerable empirical evidence suggesting that for assays of a reseasonable size, how one estimates the parameter theta does not greatly affect how well one estimates the the mean regression function. An additional component of assay analysis is the estimation of auxillary constructs such as the minimum detectable concentration, for which many definitions exist; we focus on one such definition. The minimum detectable concentration depends both on theta and the mean regression function. We compare three standard method of estimating the parameter theta due to Rodbard (1978), Raab (1981a) and Carroll and Ruppert (1982b). When duplicate counts are taken at each concentration, the first method is only 20% efficient asymptotically in comparison to the third, and the resulting estimate of the minimum detectable concentration is asymptotically 3.3 times more variable for first than the third. Less dramatic results obtain for the second estimator compared to the third; this estimator is still not efficient, however. Simulation results and an example are supportive of the asymptotic theory. Keywords: Least squares method.
Use of in vitro-in vivo correlation to predict the pharmacokinetics of several products containing a BCS class 1 drug in extended release matrices

To determine if an IVIVC model can predict PK profiles of varying formulations of a BCS Class 1 drug that is a salt of a weak base. An IVIVC model (Level A) was created by correlating deconvoluted in vivo absorption data obtained from oral administration of 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg fast and slow extended release formulations with in vitro percent dissolved using residual regression analysis. The model was then used to predict the in vivo profile of five test products that varied in formulation characteristics. The model passed internal validation for predicted Cmax and AUC. For external validation, in vitro data of five different test formulations was utilized. The model passed external validation for two test formulations that were different but belonging to the same release mechanism as that of the reference formulation. Three formulations failed external validation because they belonged to either a mixed or different release mechanism. The model and results were further confirmed using GatstroPlus™ simulation software. These observations indicate that an IVIVC model for a BCS class I drug may be applicable to varying formulations if the principle of the drug release is similar.
RENCA/carbonic anhydrase-IX: a murine model of a carbonic anhydrase-IX-expressing renal cell carcinoma.

Abstract Objectives Carbonic anhydrase-IX (CA-IX) is a cell surface tumor-associated antigen expressed by most clear cell renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). The specificity and the prognostic value of CA-IX provide impetus to create a mouse model of CA-IX-expressing RCC for testing CA-IX-targeted therapies against RCC. Methods A retrovirus encoding the human CA-IX gene was used to transduce the murine RCC line, RENCA. In vivo growth kinetics and CA-IX expression were compared between RENCA and RENCA/CA-IX using heterotopic, metastatic, and orthotopic models. Results Transduction of RENCA created the RENCA/CA-IX line with nearly 100% CA-IX surface expression. In the heterotopic model, subcutaneous injection of 500,000 and 50,000 cells led to tumor formation at 2 to 2.5 weeks after injection, with similar growth kinetics between the two cell lines at either cell number. In the pulmonary metastatic model, a similar number of metastases was noted after inoculation of RENCA and RENCA/CA-IX. In the orthotopic model, autopsy revealed a CA-IX-expressing renal tumor, as well as CA-IX-expressing metastases to the lungs, liver, contralateral kidney, intestines, and lymph nodes. In all the above models, the RENCA/CA-IX tumors retained expression of CA-IX, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry staining. Conclusions RENCA/CA-IX is the first tumor model that manifests in immunocompetent Balb/c mice and stably expresses a defined kidney cancer-associated antigen. It maintains antigen expression, forms metastases, and produces reliable tumor growth kinetics equivalent to that of its parental cell line.
Recovery of Bioactive Peptides and Omega-3 Fatty Acids-Containing Phospholipids from Squid Processing By-Product Hydrolysate

ABSTRACTThe present study examined whether bioactive peptides and omega-3 fatty acids-containing phopholipids could be recovered from squid processing by-product (SPB) hydrolysate. The hydrolysate was produced at 55°C for varying times with endogenous proteases and centrifuged to yield peptides-containing supernatant and phospholipids-containing precipitate. The supernatant showed angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values decreasing with hydrolysis time from 2.11 mg (0 h) to 1.71 mg (1 h), 1.38 mg (1.5 h), and 1.34 mg (2 h). Two-hour squid hydrolysate was further fractionated to isolate the most active fraction whose molecular weight was found to be below 10 kDa with IC50 of 0.32 mg. The phospholipids-containing precipitate (45.6 g/100 g oil) was analyzed for a fatty acid profile, with the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) being 16.86 and 29.24 g/100 g oil, respectively. The ACE inhibition by hydrol...
The production of 1,2-propanediol in ethanol treated rats

Chronic administration of ethanol in the most commonly used experimental diet (Lieber, C. S., and DeCarli, L. M. (1976) Fed. Proceed. 35, 1232-1236) resulted in the production of 1,2-propanediol within one week of initiation of alcohol feeding. After two weeks 1,2-propanediol levels were 8.8 +/- 1.6 nmol/ml in alcohol treated animals. No 1,2-propanediol was apparent in pair fed control animals at any time during this study. Consistent with the proposed mechanism of production of 1,2-propanediol in acetone treated rats (Casazza, J. P., Felver, M. E., and Veech, R. L. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 231-236), both liver acetone and acetol monooxygenase activities and blood beta-hydroxybutyrate were elevated in ethanol treated animals. Acetone and acetol monooxygenase activities were 0.118 +/- 0.016 and 0.110 +/- 0.016 umol/min/g liver after two weeks of ethanol treatment. Acetone and acetol monooxygenase activities in pair fed controls were 0.016 +/- 0.002 and 0.015 +/- 0.002 umol/min/g liver. beta-Hydroxybutyrate levels were highest after one week of treatment; 1.64 +/- 0.12 umol/ml in ethanol treated rats and 0.16 +/- 0.02 umol/ml in pair fed controls. Throughout this study serum acetol and 2,3-butanediol were less than the detection limits of these assays (less than 5 nmol/ml).
Effect of adrenalectomy and cortisone administration on components of the liver microsomal mixed function oxygenase system of male rats which catalyzes ethylmorphine metabolism.

Abstract The effects of adrenalectomy and cortisone administration on components of the mixed function oxygenase system of liver microsomes from adult male rats were studied. The N -demethylation of ethylmorphine (EM) as measured by formaldehyde production was used as an index of the overall activity of this system. EM demethylase activity in liver microsomes from adrenalectomized rats was 56 per cent of the value obtained with sham-operated controls, while cytochrome P-450 content fell by only 19 per cent. NADPH cytochrome c reductase and cytochrome P-450 reductase activities were decreased 68 and 69 per cent, respectively, in liver microsomes from adrenalectomized animals, while the apparent affinity constant ( K sp ) of EM for cytochrome P-450 spectral change was not altered. The decrease in maximal spectral change caused by adrenalectomy corresponded to the decrease in cytochrome P-450 content. Cortisone acetate administration (5 mg/kg/day for 8 days) to adrenalectomized rats prevented the decrease in EM demethylase activity. Accordingly, the steroid treatment increased the NADPH cytochrome c reductase and cytochrome P-450 reductase activities to 113 and 140 per cent, respectively, of the values obtained with the sham-operated controls, without significantly altering the cytochrome P-450 content or the kinetic constants for the spectral changes. These data suggest that the well known decrease in drug-metabolizing activity seen in liver microsomes of adrenalectomized animals is not related to changes in cytochrome P-450 content or to a decrease in the ability of cytochrome P-450 to bind drug substrates. However, there appears to be a relationship between the reductase activities and the adrenal function, because the changes in activities in NADPH cytochrome c reductase and cytochrome P-450 reductase in liver microsomes from adrenalectomized and cortisone-treated adrenalectomized rats paralleled the changes in EM demethylase activity.
REPETETIVE HINDLIMB MOVEMENT USING INTERMITTENT ADAPTIVE NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION IN AN INCOMPLETE SPINAL CORD INJURY RODENT MODEL

Abstract The long-term objective of this work is to understand the mechanisms by which electrical stimulation based movement therapies may harness neural plasticity to accelerate and enhance sensorimotor recovery after incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). An adaptive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (aNMES) paradigm was implemented in adult Long Evans rats with thoracic contusion injury (T8 vertebral level, 155 ± 2 Kdyne). In lengthy sessions with lightly anesthetized animals, hip flexor and extensor muscles were stimulated using an aNMES control system in order to generate desired hip movements. The aNMES control system, which used a pattern generator/pattern shaper structure, adjusted pulse amplitude to modulate muscle force in order to control hip movement. An intermittent stimulation paradigm was used (5-cycles/set; 20-second rest between sets; 100 sets). In each cycle, hip rotation caused the foot plantar surface to contact a stationary brush for appropriately timed cutaneous input. Sessions were repeated over several days while the animals recovered from injury. Results indicated that aNMES automatically and reliably tracked the desired hip trajectory with low error and maintained range of motion with only gradual increase in stimulation during the long sessions. Intermittent aNMES thus accounted for the numerous factors that can influence the response to NMES: electrode stability, excitability of spinal neural circuitry, non-linear muscle recruitment, fatigue, spinal reflexes due to cutaneous input, and the endogenous recovery of the animals. This novel aNMES application in the iSCI rodent model can thus be used in chronic stimulation studies to investigate the mechanisms of neuroplasticity targeted by NMES-based repetitive movement therapy.
A review and analysis of supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model

Research on supply chain management can be broadly classified into three categories, namely, operational, design, and strategic. While many analytical and numerical models have been proposed to handle operational and design issues, formal models for strategic planning are scarce. The supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model, developed by the Supply Chain Council, is a strategic planning tool that allows senior managers to simplify the complexity of supply chain management. It is firmly rooted in industrial practices and is poised to become an industrial standard that enables next‐generation supply chain management. This paper gives a brief introduction to the SCOR model, analyzes its strength and weakness, and discusses how it can be used to assist managers for strategic decision making.
Genetic interaction between yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae release factors and the decoding region of 18 S rRNA

Abstract Functional and structural similarities between tRNA and eukaryotic class 1 release factors (eRF1) described previously, provide evidence for the molecular mimicry concept. This concept is supported here by the demonstration of a genetic interaction between eRF1 and the decoding region of the ribosomal RNA, the site of tRNA-mRNA interaction. We show that the conditional lethality caused by a mutation in domain 1 of yeast eRF1 (P86A), that mimics the tRNA anticodon stem-loop, is rescued by compensatory mutations A1491G ( rdn15 ) and U1495C ( hyg1 ) in helix 44 of the decoding region and by U912C ( rdn4 ) and G886A ( rdn8 ) mutations in helix 27 of the 18 S rRNA. The rdn15 mutation creates a C1409-G1491 base-pair in yeast rRNA that is analogous to that in prokaryotic rRNA known to be important for high-affinity paromomycin binding to the ribosome. Indeed, rdn15 makes yeast cells extremely sensitive to paromomycin, indicating that the natural high resistance of the yeast ribosome to paromomycin is, in large part, due to the absence of the 1409-1491 base-pair. The rdn15 and hyg1 mutations also partially compensate for inactivation of the eukaryotic release factor 3 (eRF3) resulting from the formation of the [PSI + ] prion, a self-reproducible termination-deficient conformation of eRF3. However, rdn15 , but not hyg1 , rescues the conditional cell lethality caused by a GTPase domain mutation (R419G) in eRF3. Other antisuppressor rRNA mutations, rdn2 (G517A), rdn1T (C1054T) and rdn12A (C526A), strongly inhibit [PSI + ] -mediated stop codon read-through but do not cure cells of the [PSI + ] prion. Interestingly, cells bearing hyg1 seem to enable [PSI + ] strains to accumulate larger Sup35p aggregates upon Sup35p overproduction, suggesting a lower toxicity of overproduced Sup35p when the termination defect, caused by [PSI + ] , is partly relieved.
Temperature Dependence of Critical Current Density in Superconducting Tin Thin Films

Measurements of critical current density in thin tin films have-been made utilizing an induction method. The results confirm previous critical current measurements near T and further reveal a peak in the critical current density near a reduced temperature (T/T/sub c/) of 0.65. This behavior deviates markedly from theoretical predictions except near T/sub c/. At the lowest temperatures the magnitude of the critical current is considerably lower than the asymptotic value expected at T = 0. These resuits indicate that some process not presently accounted for by theory is the limiting factor in the critical current density in soft superconducting films. (H.D.R.)
Anisotropy of the inner core inferred from PKIKP travel times

Travel-time residuals of the PKIKP phase observed between 170° and 180° show an axisymmetric pattern of degree 2 with an amplitude of about 2 seconds. The effect at shorter distances is much less pronounced and the entire data set cannot be explained by a physically realistic radial distribution of (isotropic) heterogeneity. We propose that, in addition to the general (isotropic) heterogeneity, the inner core is anisotropic with cylindrical symmetry aligned with the earth's rotation axis. Average P-velocity along this axis is about 1 percent faster than in the equatorial plane.
Phase-shift corrections in determining the thicknesses of transparent films on reflective substrates

Abstract Thicknesses of transparent films on reflective substrates are being measured non-destructively by CARIS (constant angle reflection interference spectroscopy) and by VAMFO (variable angle monochromatic fringe observation). Both cases are based on the interference between the radiation reflected from the dielectric-air interface and that from the dielectric-substrate interface. For most accurate thickness measurements phase-shift thickness corrections must be made due to the phase-shift on reflection at the two interfaces not being equal. Phase-shift thickness corrections have been calculated for various insulating films on commonly used substrates. In addition universal type charts are presented which simplify the calculation of phase-shift thickness corrections for metals or semiconductors which are bare or covered with a transparent dielectric film.
Property tax competition in a repeated game

Abstract Models of interjurisdictional tax competition have focused generally on the effects of competition on the supply of public goods in a single-period model. One clear result is that head/ benefit taxes lead to the efficient quantity of public good and that the optimal property tax rate is zero when benefit taxes are available. This paper shows if head taxes are available in a repeated game setting that property tax competition among jurisdictions leads to negative property tax rates; that is, subsidization of mobile capital by local governments. This result, which is not possible in the single-shot setting, results because capital which enters a jurisdiction in response to a subsidy remains there into the future generating greater output in more than just one time period. It is also shown in this context that collusion by local governments will be welfare enhancing.
Newton's solution to the equiangular spiral problem and a new solution using only the equiangular property

Abstract This paper is a study of Proposition IX of Book I of Newton's Principia, the problem of determining the centripetal force for an equiangular spiral. In Newton's main proof of this proposition there is an error concerning his reason for the figure SPRQT being “given in kind,” and a very interesting technique of varying things in the neighborhood of a limit. This main proof utilized Newton's formula for the limit of SP 2 QT 2 QR given in Corollary I to Proposition VI of the Principia. Newton also gave an alternate proof which utilized his formula for SY2PV given in Corollary III to Proposition VI. The “given” of Proposition IX was “a spiral PQS, cutting all the radii SP, SQ, &c., in a given angle.” Both the main proof and the alternate proof implicitly depend on the property of the equiangular spiral that the radius of curvature at any point is proportional to the pole distance SP. We here offer a new proof of Newton's proposition which does not depend on this implicit assumption.
Control of beaming angles via a subwavelength metallic slit surrounded by grooves

We are studying a subwavelength slit in a lossy metal film illuminated by electromagnetic waves. Periodic grooves are placed on the output side surrounding the slit. Surface plasmons along the metallic surface on the output side are excited by the electromagnetic wave propagating through the slit. The grooves modulate the surface plasmons and couple them into propagation modes, which facilitates the beaming of the output field. We developed an efficient method to determine the geometric parameters of the grooves that are necessary to achieve oblique beaming at any angle between 0 and 70 degrees. We also designed a frequency splitter by setting appropriate parameters of the grooves.
Omni-directional ultraviolet radiometer

Abstract The theory, development, and performance of an omni-directional radiometer are described. The light-sensitive components of the radiometer are six flat circular photovoltaic cells mounted on the six sides of a cube. Flat glass filters that transmit in a spectral band centered on 0.36 microns are placed over each cell. Omni-directional ability is attained by appropriate selection of the transmittance of the filters. The photocells and the filters are all standard commercially available components.
WATER RELATIONS OF TWO CALIFORNIA CHAPARRAL SHRUBS

Water use patterns of two California chaparral shrub species, chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum H. and A.) and Stanford manzanita (Arctostaphylos stanfordiana Parry), were compared during summer drought. Observations of diurnal and seasonal courses of shoot water potential, leaf conductance and transpiration revealed that chamise was more conservative in water use than manzanita. Evidence obtained cast doubt on a hypothesis previously proposed to explain
Particle velocities in a gas fluidized bed

A force acts on the walls of a fluidized bed container due to the collisions of the particles with these walls. A method is described for measuring this force, here called the particle pressure to distinguish it from the gas pressure. Using a model similar to the elementary kinetic theory of gases, an equation has been derived for calculating the average particle velocity from this particle pressure. Comparison shows the calculated velocities to be in fair agreement with reported measurements made photographically and with scintillation counters. On decrit une methode pour mesurer la force qui agit sur les parois d'un recipient a lit fluidise par suite de la collision des particles avec ces parois; on appelle cette force “pression des particules” pour la distinguer de la pression du gaz. En utilisant un modele semblable a celui qu'on emploie dans le cas de la theorie cinetique elementaire des gas, on a mis au point nne equation pour calculer le velocite moyenne d'une particle a partir de sa pression. On voit par comparaison que les velocites calculees concordent assez bien avec les mesures connues faites par photographie et avec des compteurs a scintillation.
Cybercrimes in the Former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe: Current Status and Key Drivers

Some economies in the Former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe (FSU&CEE) are known as cybercrime hotspots. FSU&CEE economies have shown complex and varied responses to cybercrimes due partly to the differential incentives and pressures they face. This study builds upon literatures on white-collar crime, institutional theory and international relations (IR)/international political economy (IPE) perspectives to examine the low rates of prosecution and conviction of suspected cybercriminals in some economies in the FSU&CEE and variation in such rates across these economies. The findings indicate that cybercrime cases are more likely to be prosecuted and sanctions are imposed in economies that are characterized by a higher degree of cooperation and integration with the West. Cybercriminals are less likely to be jurisdictionally shielded in such economies. Our findings also suggest that a high degree of cooperation and integration with the West would lead to access to resources to enhance system capacity and law enforcement performance to fight cybercrimes.
In vivo oxidative stress in brain of Alzheimer disease transgenic mice: Requirement for methionine 35 in amyloid β-peptide of APP

Numerous studies have demonstrated oxidative damage in the central nervous system in subjects with Alzheimer disease and in animal models of this dementing disorder. In this study, we show that transgenic mice modeling Alzheimer disease-PDAPP mice with Swedish and Indiana mutations in the human amyloid precursor protein (APP)-develop oxidative damage in brain, including elevated levels of protein oxidation (indexed by protein carbonyls and 3-nitrotyrosine) and lipid peroxidation (indexed by protein-bound 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal). This oxidative damage requires the presence of a single methionine residue at position 35 of the amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta), because all indices of oxidative damage in brain were completely prevented in genetically and age-matched PDAPP mice with an M631L mutation in APP. No significant differences in the levels of APP, Abeta(1-42), and Abeta(1-40) or in the ratio Abeta(1-42)/Abeta(1-40) were found, suggesting that the loss of oxidative stress in vivo in the brain of PDAPP(M631L) mice results solely from the mutation of the Met35 residue to Leu in the Abeta peptide. However, a marked reduction in Abeta-immunoreactive plaques was observed in the M631L mice, which instead displayed small punctate areas of nonplaque immunoreactivity and a microglial response. In contrast to the requirement for Met at residue 35 of the Abeta sequence (M631 of APP) for oxidative damage, indices of spatial learning and memory were not significantly improved by the M631L substitution. Furthermore, a genetically matched line with a different mutation-PDAPP(D664A)-showed the reverse: no reduction in oxidative damage but marked improvement in memory. This is the first in vivo study to demonstrate the requirement for Abeta residue Met35 for oxidative stress in the brain of a mammalian model of Alzheimer disease. However, in this specific transgenic mouse model of AD, oxidative stress is neither required nor sufficient for memory abnormalities.
Fixed points of continuous DCPOs

In this article we show that for a continuous DCPO D, the set of fixed points of every self-map is a continuous DCPO if and only if x<y implies x is way below y. We also prove that some classes of continuous functions have the property that if a self-map on a DCPO is in the class then the set of fixed points is a continuous DCPO. We also investigate when the set of fixed points is a retract.
Emotional intelligence competencies provide a developmental curriculum for medical training

Since healthcare faces challenges of access, quality, and cost, effective leadership for healthcare is needed. This need is especially acute among physicians, whose demanding training focuses on scientific and clinical skills, eclipsing attention to leadership development. Among the competencies needed by leaders, emotional intelligence (EI) - defined as the ability to understand and manage oneself and to understand others and manage relationships - has been shown to differentiate between great and average leaders. In this context, teaching EI as part of the medical training curriculum is recommended. Furthermore, because physicians' developmental needs evolve over the course of prolonged training, specific components of EI (e.g., teambuilding, empathy, and negotiation) should be taught at various phases of medical training. Consistent with the concept of a spiral curriculum, such EI competencies should be revisited iteratively throughout training, with differing emphasis and increasing sophistication to meet evolving needs. For example, teamwork training is needed early in undergraduate medical curricula to prompt collaborative learning. Teamwork training is also needed during residency, when physicians participate with differing roles on patient care teams. Training in EI should also extend beyond graduate medical training to confer the skills needed by clinicians and by faculty in academic medical centers.