cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scalable Classification of Univariate and Multivariate Time Series

Time Series Classification (TSC) is important in many applications including IoT, medical, stock market analysis, economic forecasting, process and quality control and Big Data systems. The problem of time series classification has been studied separately for univariate (UTS) and multivariate (MTS) time series using different datasets and techniques. In this paper, we propose a unique, off-the-shelf approach to classifying time series that improves the current state-of-the-art accuracy for UTS and its generalization to MTS. Our technique maps each time series to a Gramian Angular Difference Field (GADF), interprets that as an image and uses Google’s pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network (trained on Inception v3) to map the GADF images into a 2048-dimensional vector space. Then, a multilayer perceptron (MLP) with three hidden layers, and a softmax activation function at the output is used to achieve the final classification. Our method yields competitive results for training and prediction in the UTS case while delivering superior results for MTS datasets. Unlike many published results, our technique is robust in the presence of variable length time series with missing data points, and scales well with the size of dataset.
Age-Related Decline in Patient-Reported Outcomes 2 and 5 Years Following Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) help assess therapeutic effectiveness. This study assessed the effect of advanced age on the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) and Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods A prospective cohort of patients underwent primary THA at our institution between May 2007 and December 2011. Exposure was age at the time of surgery and outcomes were HOOS and LEAS scores 2 and 5 years postsurgery. We used a multivariable longitudinal generalized estimating equation to elucidate the effect of age on PROM scores. Results Our analysis of 3700 THA patients (mean age, 66 years; 56.4% female) demonstrated a decline in scores by age for the LEAS, HOOS Activities of Daily Living, and HOOS Sport and Recreation domains. There was also association between age and HOOS Symptoms and HOOS Quality of Life domains, but not between age and the HOOS Pain domain. Critical ages at which the relationship between age and outcome changed was 63 years for the HOOS Pain, Symptom, Activities of Daily Living, and Quality of Life domains, and 72 years for the HOOS Sport and Recreation domain and the LEAS. Conclusion Patients undergoing THA at older ages reported lower activity and sports and recreation scores than younger patients, but similar pain, symptoms, and quality of life scores. This knowledge can help physicians guide patients’ expectations before THA. Our findings also indicate that PROM scores should be age adjusted when used for quality or value comparisons between hospitals or physicians.
Silylidyne, HSi≡MoH3 and HSi≡WH3, and Silyl Metal Hydride, SiH3—CrH, Products in Silane Reactions

Laser-ablated group 6 metal atoms react with silane to form inserted SiH3−MH hydride intermediates, which are identified from M−H and Si−H stretching modes. Following two successive α-H-transfers, the HSi≡MH3 (M = Mo, W) silylidyne molecules are produced. These silicon−metal triple-bonded species are identified as major products from the strong M−H stretching modes through deuterium substitution and comparison with frequencies and intensities from density functional calculations and from the analogous methylidynes. The silylidynes have calculated C3v structures and longer Si−H bonds than silane, but the C3v methylidyne analogues have shorter C−H bonds than methane. The Si≡Mo and Si≡W bonds are polarized differently and have slightly lower effective bond orders than their carbon analogues. In addition, calculations for the group 6 silylidene molecules reveal Cs structures with no evidence of agostic distortion, in contrast to the corresponding methylidene molecules.
Efficient Estimation of Mann–Whitney-Type Effect Measures for Right-Censored Survival Outcomes in Randomized Clinical Trials

Mann–Whitney-type effect measures are clinically relevant, easy to interpret, and readily applicable to a wide range of study settings. This article considers estimation of such effect measures in randomized clinical trials where the outcome variable is a survival time subject to independent censoring (within each treatment group). In this setting, a plug-in estimator based on Kaplan–Meier estimates of survival functions is readily available, and can be used to generate a class of augmented estimators that incorporate baseline covariate information. The optimal augmentation, which leads to the most efficient non-parametric estimator, can be estimated by minimizing an empirical version of the asymptotic variance of an augmented estimator using machine learning methods. Implementing this approach requires estimating the influence function of the initial plug-in estimator, for which we propose to use the empirical influence function available in the jackknife method. Sample splitting can be used to strengthen the theoretical validity of this non-parametric augmentation approach by removing a previously assumed Donsker’s condition. The proposed methods are evaluated and compared in simulation experiments, and applied to real data from a colon cancer trial.
Myofascial Anatomy of the Perineum

The perineum is the subpelvic region, thus the “bottom” of the trunk. Its boundaries are: the pubic symphysis in front and the coccyx behind; the ischiopubic rami anterolaterally; and the paired sacrotuberous ligaments (between sacrum and ischial tuberosities) posterolaterally (Fig. 27.1).
Chapter 145 – June Beetles

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the June beetles. They are heavy-bodied, brownish, plant-feeding scarab beetles. Almost all species are nocturnal in their habits. The adults are voracious feeders on leaves of many deciduous trees, shrubs, and some herbaceous plants. Their larvae, called white grubs, develop in the soil, where they feed on plant roots and can be pests of turf and pasture grasses, young nursery stock, corn, small grains, potatoes, strawberries, sugarcane, and other agricultural crops. June beetles belong to the genus Phyllophaga Harris (formerly Lactosterna) in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. They average 12 to more than 25 mm in length, with a cylindrical or oblong body shape, dense hair on the metasternum, and lamellate antennae that end in a three-segmented club that is longer in males than in females. Each tarsal claw bears a small tooth near the middle. Coloration ranges from tan to mahogany to dark chocolate brown. These bugs occur in both the New and Old Worlds. In North America, north of Mexico, about 200 species are known, with many found in the north-central and eastern United States. A species complex occurs in most areas. They also have been reported from South and Central America, the West Indies, eastern and southern Asia, and the islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Adverse cutaneous reactions to chemotherapeutic drugs

Drug reactions resulting from chemotherapy agents are common and frequently affect the skin. Although often benign, a select few of these cutaneous reactions may necessitate immediate changes to the antineoplastic regimens. Given the diversity of chemotherapeutic skin reactions and their complex implications on patient management, an organized conceptual schema is imperative for proper patient care. We evaluate a number of commonly seen chemotherapy-induced skin toxicities organized by pathogenic mechanism and drug class, providing a framework for the identification and categorization of adverse events to prevent unrecognition. Groupings of these reactions include direct cytotoxicity and/or drug accumulation, immunologic hypersensitivity, and aberrant molecular signaling.
Prevalence and strategies of energy drink, soda, processed snack, candy and restaurant product marketing on the online streaming platform Twitch.

Objective:To evaluate the prevalence of food and beverage marketing on Twitch.tv (Twitch), a social media platform where individuals broadcast live audiovisual material to millions of daily users.Design:Observational analysis of the prevalence of 238 food and beverage brands in five distinct categories (processed snacks; food delivery services and restaurants; candies, energy drinks/coffees/teas; and sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages) over the course of 18 months.Setting:Twitch streamer profiles and stream titles between January 2018 and July 2019. Twitch chat room messages during July 2019.Participants:None.Results:There was a significant increase in brand exposure on Twitch both in stream titles (sodas and candies, P < 0·05) and on streamer profiles (sodas, restaurants/food delivery services, candies, and energy drinks/coffees/teas, P < 0·05) over the 18-month study period. Energy drinks, coffees and teas had the most exposure with 1·08 billion exposure hours from profiles and 83 million exposure hours from titles. Restaurants/food delivery services and sugar-sweetened beverages were the most frequently mentioned products in chat rooms with 1·24 million messages and 1·10 million messages, respectively.Conclusions:This study is the first to demonstrate the extent by which food and beverage brands garner millions of hours of exposure on Twitch. Future studies should evaluate the impact that this level of exposure to nutrient-poor, energy-dense products may have on behavioural and health outcomes.
Vagus nerve stimulation with tachycardia detection provides additional seizure reduction compared to traditional vagus nerve stimulation.

Abstract Purpose This study investigates the clinical and cost effectiveness of switching from traditional vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to responsive VNS (rVNS), which has an additional ictal tachycardia detection and stimulation (AutoStim) mode. Methods Retrospective chart review was used to collect data from patients with medically refractory epilepsy who underwent generator replacements. Patients with confounding factors such as medication changes were excluded. Vagus nerve stimulation parameters, seizure frequency, and healthcare costs were collected for the 1-year period following generator replacement with the rVNS device. Results Documented seizure frequency was available for twenty-five patients. After implant with rVNS, 28% of patients had an additional ≥ 50% seizure reduction. There was a significant decrease in the average monthly seizure count (p = 0.039). In patients who were not already free of disabling seizures (n = 17), 41.2% had ≥ 50% additional seizure reduction. There was no difference in healthcare costs during the 1-year follow-up after the rVNS implant compared with one year prior. Conclusions Ictal tachycardia detection and stimulation provided a significant clinical benefit in patients who were not free of disabling seizures with treatment from traditional VNS. There was no additional increase in healthcare costs during the first year after device replacement.
Symptomatic Response to Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair According to Baseline Left Atrial Pressure

Background: Prior studies have demonstrated that patients with low left atrial pressure (LAP) undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) have a high incidence of chronic lung disease, and ...
Essentials of Geophysical Data Processing

A concise introduction to geophysical data processing - many of the techniques associated with the general field of time series analysis - for advanced students, researchers, and professionals. The textbook begins with calculus before transitioning to discrete time series via the sampling theorem, aliasing, use of complex sinusoids, development of the discrete Fourier transform from the Fourier series, and an overview of linear digital filter types and descriptions. Aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students in geophysics, environmental science, and engineering with no previous background in linear algebra, probability, or statistics, this textbook draws scenarios and datasets from across the world of geophysics, and shows how data processing techniques can be applied to real-world problems using detailed examples, illustrations, and exercises (using MATLAB or similar computing environment). Online supplementary resources include datasets for students, and a solutions manual and all the figures from the book as PowerPoints for course instructors.
Transnational Political Engagement and the Civic Incorporation of Mexican Immigrants in the United States

Many migrants to the U.S. are engaged in public affairs in their country of origin. Whether such engagement impedes or encourages engagement in American politics remains an open question. Drawing from a unique two-wave panel survey of Mexican immigrants conducted in 2006, with surveys waves fielded to correspond to national elections in Mexico and the United States, we examine the relationship between transnational political engagement and attentiveness to American politics. The findings indicate that remote political engagement in Mexican politics is not a barrier to incorporation in the U.S. context. On the contrary, engagement in Mexican campaigns can stimulate interest and participation in U.S. elections.
Mixed Autonomous Supervision in Traffic Signal Control

Traffic signal control is a critical component for ensuring smooth traffic flows in city corridors. To this end, deep reinforcement learning (RL) agents have recently been proposed. These learned black-box policies may out-perform manually tuned policies on average, but they remain imperfect and come at a cost of how easy they are to interpret and supervise. These challenges hinder their adoption in real-world systems. To address the first challenge, this paper devises naturally interpretable decision tree policies that imitate expert deep neural network policies. To address supervision, we define a new formalization called Mixed Autonomous Supervision (MAS), which concerns integrating an imperfect policy into an existing supervision system. We propose a two-part supervision model with online automated supervision and offline human supervision to implement MAS. We present a novel blind spot detection algorithm for decision tree policies to encourage the safe transfer of control to an automated fail-safe policy (online supervision) and an interactive dashboard DTLight for offline human supervision. We show the decision tree policies are just as performant as the RL policies, and the proposed supervision model has a significant benefit in scenarios derived from real traffic situations.
Can You Escape? Using Mobile App Escape Games to Create a Holistic Experiential Learning Process Online:

Mobile app escape games are excellent tools to create an experiential learning process in online contexts. Through the act of solving puzzles to escape the rooms, students experience a process in w...
A comparative analysis of online peace movement organizations

The use of the Internet for civic engagement by the general public is becoming increasingly prevalent, yet research in this area is still sparse. More studies are particularly needed in the area of cross-cultural comparisons of online social movements or online peace movement organizations (PMOs). While it is possible that PMOs in diverse cultures differ in their collective action frames, it is unclear whether PMOs use collective action frames and, if so, how differently they are used. This paper describes a comparative study that examined websites of PMOs in Japan and Israel. Collective action frame is used as a theoretical framework to analyze seventeen websites, identifying the similarities and differences in the ways that online PMOs frame their activities. The findings indicate that these organizations employed various strategies to develop resonance, highlighting the importance of cultural resonance in framing online PMOs in different countries.
Chapter 4 Immigrants and Their Schooling

Abstract This chapter deals with several salient issues about immigrants to the US and their education. These issues include a comparison of the schooling accomplishments of immigrants compared to the native-born both contemporaneously as well as over time. These comparisons emphasize the considerable diversity in the schooling accomplishments among different immigrant sub-groups and between legal and undocumented migrants. Finally, the recent literature suggests than any concern that educational generational progress among Latino immigrants has lagged behind other immigrant groups is largely unfounded.
Sisters of the Yam: Black Women and Self-Recovery

In Sisters of the Yam, bell hooks reflects on the ways in which the emotional health of black women has been and continues to be impacted by sexism and racism. Desiring to create a context where black females could both work on their individual efforts for self-actualization while remaining connected to a larger world of collective struggle, hooks articulates the link between self-recovery and political resistance. Both an expression of the joy of self-healing and the need to be ever vigilant in the struggle for equality, Sisters of the Yam continues to speak to the experience of black womanhood.
Appearance of a Protein “Agglutinin” on the Spheroplast Membrane of Pneumococci During Induction of Competence

Competent pneumococci and their spheroplasts agglutinate in dilute acid. Agglutination is caused by a trypsin-sensitive agglutinin which is not identical to the competence factor and the appearance of which requires protein synthesis.
Why Hasn't the US Ratified the UN Women's Rights Convention?

The Convention to End All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is an international bill of rights for women that has set the standard achieving equality between men and women around the world. One hundred eighty six countries have ratified CEDAW since the United Nations' General Assembly approved it on December 18, 1979. Of all the UN treaties, only the Convention on the Rights of the Child boasts more signatories. Seven member-states of the United Nations have yet to ratify it: Iran, Nauru, Palau, Somalia, Sudan, Tonga - and the United States. This makes the US the only industrialized democracy in the world that has not ratified CEDAW. Why? Why hasn’t the US ratified CEDAW? What impact would CEDAW has in the US? While few Americans have even heard of this treaty, CEDAW has been on the American political agenda for the past thirty years. President Carter signed it in 1980 and since then Senate has held hearings on CEDAW ratification five times - in 1988, 1990, 1994, 2000 and 2010. Each time senators have failed to bring the ratification question to a vote on the Senate floor. The failure to ratify CEDAW surprises those who assume that the United States is a world leader when it comes to women’s rights. Three factors explain why the US has not ratified CEDAW: the institutional rules governing treaties in the US; partisan conflict over the United Nations and women’s rights between the Democratic and Republican parties; and changes in the geopolitical climate that have reshaped the standing of the US with regard to global leadership on women’s rights.
The Lateral Tunnel Fontan Procedure for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Results of 100 Consecutive Patients

The Fontan procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is well established. Multiple surgical techniques including extracardiac conduits and autologous tissue connections have been developed. We reviewed the results of 100 consecutive patients undergoing the lateral tunnel modification of the Fontan procedure at the University of Michigan. A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed for 100 consecutive patients identified in the University of Michigan Congenital Heart Surgery database with the diagnosis of HLHS. All patients had undergone a lateral tunnel Fontan procedure between June 2000 and August 2004. The medical record was reviewed to assess patient, procedural, and morphologic determinants of outcome. Hospital survival was 97% and intermediate-term survival was 96% with a median follow-up time of 34 months. Preoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricular end diastolic pressure, aortic cross-clamp time, and tricuspid valve regurgitation were not associated with late right ventricular function or survival. Three patients required takedown of the lateral tunnel Fontan in the early postoperative period. A positive association was found between protein-losing enteropathy and prolonged (>2 weeks) postoperative pleural drainage (p = 0.035). No patient required cardiac transplantation or late intervention on the Fontan pathway. At the time of follow-up, 100% of patients were New York Heart Association class I or II and 90% were in normal sinus rhythm. The lateral tunnel Fontan procedure for HLHS can be performed with acceptable early and intermediate-term risk. There was a low prevalence of late rhythm disturbances and other complications. Protein-losing enteropathy and prolonged pleural drainage were associated.
G-Star Astropauses: A Test for Interstellar Pressure

Under the assumption of a solar system model, astropause radii are estimated for a sample of 70 G stars near the sun. G-star space velocities and trajectories are calculated. Three stars within 10 pc of the sun have predicted astropause radii larger than 6 arcsec. At least eight stars have traversed low interstellar pressure regions, similar to the path of the sun, over the last 4 Myr. The Galactic influences on these stellar systems thus may be similar to those on the solar system, providing a list of possibly attractive SETI targets. The closest star to the sun 4 Myr ago, in this restricted sample, was HD 147513. The relative dimensions of the astropause radii of G stars with space motions parallel and perpendicular to the surrounding interstellar magnetic field may vary by a factor of 2 and may ultimately yield quantitative estimates of interstellar magnetic field strength near the sun.
Feeding Response of Sport Fish after Electrical Immobilization, Chemical Sedation, or Both

Abstract Fishery managers frequently capture wild fish for a variety of fishery management activities. Though some activities can be accomplished without immobilizing the fish, others are accomplished more readily, humanely, and safely (for both the handler and the fish) when fish are immobilized by physical (e.g., electrical immobilization) or chemical sedation. A concern regarding the use of chemical sedatives is that chemical residues may remain in the fillet tissue after the fish recovers from sedation. If those residues are harmful to humans, there is some risk that a postsedated fish released to public waters may be caught and consumed by an angler. To characterize this risk, a series of four trials were conducted. Three trials assessed feeding activity after hatchery-reared fish were electrically immobilized, chemically sedated, or both, and one trial assessed the likelihood of an angler catching a wild fish that had been electrically immobilized and chemically sedated. Results from the first trial...
Thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia syndrome: a disorder of high-affinity thiamine transport.

Thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia (TRMA) syndrome (OMIM No. 249270) comprises a distinctive triad of clinical features: megaloblastic anemia with ringed sideroblasts, diabetes mellitus, and progressive sensorineural deafness. The TRMA gene has been mapped and cloned. Designated "SLC19A2" as a member of the solute carrier gene superfamily, this gene is mutated in all TRMA kindreds studied to date. The product of the SLC19A2 gene is a membrane protein which transports thiamine (vitamin B1) with sub-micromolar affinity. Cells from TRMA patients are uniquely sensitive to thiamine depletion to the nanomolar range, while pharmacologic doses of vitamin B1 ameliorate the anemia and diabetes. Here we review the current status of studies aimed at understanding the pathophysiology of this unique transport defect.
Staff development through videotapes in gifted education

This article provides information on 89 videotapes covering a wide variety of topics relevant to gifted education that are currently available for use in staff development. A listing and analysis of future needs in the field revealed additional videos should be developed on parenting, preschool, academic areas, cooperative learning, special populations, evaluation, and legal issues.
The Sommerfeld Half-Plane Problem Revisited I: The Solution of a Pair of Coupled Wiener-Hopf Integral Equations *)

A study and the solution of an extension of the classical Sommerfeld half-plane problem which leads to a pair of integral equations of the Wiener-Hopf type is given. The method of solution is function theoretic in character and employs a combination of the ideas of Wiener and Hopf and Carleman.
Effect of ellagic and caffeic acids on covalent binding of benzo[a]pyrene to epidermal DNA of mouse skin in organ culture☆

The covalent binding of the anti-diol epoxide of benzo[a]pyrene to cellular DNA of mouse skin in organ culture is affected by the presence of ellagic acid in the culture medium. At 10(-4) M, BaPDE /DNA formation is 40% less than that observed when no ellagic acid is present. Caffeic acid, a similar plant phenolic compound, demonstrates no inhibitory effect on BaPDE /formation. The plant phenolic acids do not drastically interfere with the metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene as shown by the BaP-metabolite profiles of the skin or of the culture medium.
Effects of laser-induced discrete texture parameters on optimization of head-disk-interface tribology

Laser-induced discrete bump texture results in a simplified HDI model represented by five critical parameters: the bump height H/sub b/, bump curvature radius R/sub b/, bump spacing L/sub b/, the slider crown height H/sub w/, and the lube thickness H/sub l/. The HDI tribology performance relies upon how to select these parameters in bump texture design as well as how to measure and control them. In this paper, analysis on fundamental bump-design issues is presented. It is found that proper discrete texture design should assure bumps are in elastic-contact regime but close to the elastic-contact limit for minimum wear failure and stiction. Minimum deformation and shear stress at bump contacts are also desired for wear durability. Longitudinal bump pattern provides best glide performance among patterns with same H/sub b/. Stiction is low within the toe-dipping lube regime where /spl lambda/=H/sub l//H/sub b/ is below a critical value, otherwise stiction depends on all five parameters. Results from laser-texture experiments are also discussed for understanding of the discrete bump texture design.
Characterization of pseudocompactness by the topology of uniform convergence on function spaces

It is shown that a Tychonoff space X is pseudocompact if and only if for every metrizable space Y , all uniformities on Y induce the same topology on the space of continuous functions from X into Y . Also for certain pairs of spaces X and Y , a necessary and sufficient condition is established in order that all uniformities on Y induce the same topology on the space of continuous functions from X into Y .
A plan to clear energetic protons from the radiation belt

The Earth's radiation belts have been a known hazard to satellites since at least 1962, when an American high-altitude nuclear weapons test named Starfish Prime produced an artificial belt that disabled the first commercial communications satellite, TelStar 1. In the years since the Cold War, thousands of satellites have been put into orbit, and surface charging, high-energy protons, high-energy electrons known as “killer electrons,” and other hazards of the inner magnetosphere have continued to take their toll. Satellites can be hardened against these radiation hazards, but some researchers have recently floated a more radical idea: If specially designed transmitters are put into space and set to emit tightly tuned waves, known as electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves, they could potentially push the highly energetic protons out of the Earth's inner radiation belt, clearing the satellite's path.
Yin Yang Mental Squares - An Equilibrium-Based System For Bipolar Neurobiological Pattern Classification and Analysis

YinYang mental squares - an equilibrium-based system for mental health is presented. The new model is based on the theory of mental fusion and separation. Application of mental squares is illustrated in pattern classification and analysis for depressive and bipolar disorders. A number of advantages are identified. Computability is analytically discussed. Its potential to become part of a new dimensional standard for the classification and analysis of neurobiological patterns for bipolar disorders and drugs is discussed.
A constraint programming language for Life-Cycle Engineering

Abstract Life-Cycle Engineering is a design methodology that takes into account the mutually constraining influences of product manufacturability, testability and maintainability as well as functionality. We are using non-directional constraint networks to model these mutually constraining influences in order to enable product designers to design more successful products without sacrificing functionality. To do this, we have developed Leo, a constraint programming language whose features have been specifically chosen to support Life-Cycle Engineering. In this paper, we introduce Leo and show its operation in the domain of printed wiring board design.
Effects of inorganic potassium channel blockers on calcium requirement of transmission in a sympathetic ganglion.

Abstract The effects of the alkali metal ions cesium (Cs + ) and rubidium (Rb + ) and alkaline earth metal ions barium (Ba 2+ ) and strontium (Sr 2+ ) on ganglionic transmission in various calcium (Ca 2+ ) concentrations were investigated in rat isolated superior cervical ganglia. Cesium (1 and 2 mM) moderately supported transmission in low Ca 2+ and potentiated the compound action potential (CAP) at high Ca 2+ concentration. Higher concentrations of Cs + caused depression of CAP especially at lower Ca 2+ concentration. Cesium (1–4 mM) induced large spontaneous rhythmic spikes or burst of spikes. At 4 mM, Rb + potentiated CAP at all Ca 2+ concentrations. As with Cs + , higher concentrations of Rb + inhibited CAP except at large Ca 2+ concentrations. Barium (1–6 mM) effectively enhanced transmission at all Ca 2+ concentrations. Strontium enhanced transmission only at very low Ca 2+ concentrations. No enhancement was seen with Sr 2+ in the presence of normal or higher Ca 2+ . The results indicate that Cs + and Rb + may antagonize Ca 2+ effects at release sites while allowing more Ca 2+ influx into the nerve terminal as a result of K + channel blockade. Barium and to a lesser extent Sr 2+ may substitute for Ca 2+ in the process of transmitter release in the superior cervical ganglia of rats.
History of Federal Legislation for Persons With Disabilities

This paper discusses federal legislation relating to persons with disabilities and it divides into 13 areas. Several areas of legislation, such as education and basic education, have a long history beginning with World War I. Laws related to other areas, such as federal support for developing technology, have been adopted only within the past 5 years. The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) (Public Law 101-336), which guarantees civil rights to Americans with disabilities, has five titles, and each is summarized. Although the ADA provides for Americans with disabilities to be included in American society, it has some major limitations, including the lack of an affirmative action requirement and of provisions for the education and training of persons with disabilities so that they can qualify for employment. Several of the federal laws related to persons with disabilities have affected the field of occupational therapy either favorably or adversely. The conclusion is drawn that occupational therapists need to be alert to pending legislation to promote the role of occupational therapy in serving persons with disabilities.
Electronic structure by quantum Monte Carlo: atoms, molecules and solids

An overview of the development, implementation and application of quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) to electronic structure calculations of real systems such as atoms, molecules and solids is presented. The relation of QMC to traditional approaches is discussed and the basic notions of variational and diffusion Monte Carlo methods are introduced. The QMC applications are illustrated on calculations of excited states of transition metal atoms, energy ordering of Si and C clusters, and cohesive energies and excitations in insulating solids. Comparisons with other methods indicate the QMC advantages in accuracy, scaling in the number of electrons and scalability on parallel architectures. The variety of treated systems demonstrates the usefulness and wide applicability of this approach. The presented results show that QMC is providing a new alternative and is becoming a powerful tool for ab initio electronic structure calculations.
Improved recovery of immature myocardium with l-glutamate blood cardioplegia

Abstract Enhancement of myocardial recovery with glutamate-enriched cold blood potassium cardioplegia (BPC) was evaluated using an isolated working heart model. Three groups of hearts from immature rabbits were subjected to 20 minutes of warm (37 °C) ischemia to allow energy depletion, followed by 90 minutes of hypothermic (10 °C) ischemia. Myocardial protection provided during hypothermia consisted of cardioplegia infusion, at 50 mm Hg every 30 minutes at 4 °C, of either St. Thomas' Hospital solution (group 1, n=6), oxygenated BPC (group 2, n=7), or oxygenated BPC enriched with 20 mmol/L l-glutamate (group 3, n=7). Percent recovery of aortic flow was 87.6% ± 6.3% (results expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean) in group 3, which was significantly better than for either group 1 (63.4% ± 4.0%) or group 2 (47.0% ± 3.5%) ( p p
Fractal structure and permeability of membrane cake layers: Effect of coagulation–flocculation and settling as pretreatment steps

Abstract Effect of pretreatment on the flux performance of ultrafiltration membranes is studied and interpreted in terms of structural characteristics of suspended flocs and membrane cakes formed from these flocs. Coagulation–flocculation with different values of G ‾ t mix and optional pre-settling are applied to approximate pretreatment conditions of inline, direct, and conventional filtration processes. A new method for experimentally determining fractal dimension of membrane cakes, D cake , based on permeate flux data and Happel permeability model is proposed and employed to show that D cake correlates with the fractal dimension of flocs, D floc . The broad range of D floc values (1.95 D floc D cake values (2.92 D cake
NEAR-WALL TURBULENCE MODEL AND ITS APPLICATION TO FULLY DEVELOPED TURBULENT CHANNEL AND PIPE FLOWS

A near wall turbulence model and its incorporation into a multiple-time-scale turbulence model are presented. In the method, the conservation of mass, momentum, and the turbulent kinetic energy equations are integrated up to the wall; and the energy transfer rate and the dissipation rate inside the near wall layer are obtained from algebraic equations. The algebraic equations for the energy transfer rate and the dissipation rate inside the near wall layer were obtained from a k-equation turbulence model and the near wall analysis. A fully developed turbulent channel flow and fully developed turbulent pipe flows were solved using a finite element method to test the predictive capability of the turbulence model. The computational results compared favorably with experimental data. It is also shown that the present turbulence model could resolve the over shoot phenomena of the turbulent kinetic energy and the dissipation rate in the region very close to the wall.
Nucleoprotein subunit structure in an unusual prokaryotic organism: Thermoplasma acidophilum

Abstract The freeliving thermophilic mycoplasma, Thermoplasma acidophilum , has a small acid-soluble protein tightly bound to its DNA. This protein is similar to eukaryotic histones in both size and amino acid composition. Here we report that the protein condenses DNA into globular particles that are about half the size of eukaryotic nucleosomes. Our conclusions are based primarily upon the following observations: (1) Nuclease digestion produced DNA fragments of 40 base-pairs. (2) The ratio of protein to DNA was such that 4–5 molecules of protein were associated with each 40 base-pair segment of DNA. (3) Protein crosslinking reagents produced tetramers of the histone-like protein. (4) Electron microscopy revealed globular particles 5–6 nm in diameter. (5) Each globular particle reduced the apparent contour length of the DNA by 40 base-pairs. Thus, each nucleoprotein particle is apparently composed of 40 base-pairs of DNA coiled around four molecules of proteins.
Age-related changes in prefrontal cortex of Macaca mulatta: synaptic density.

Abstract Age-related changes in synaptic density were quantitated in the prefrontal cortex of nine Macaca mulatta from 7 to 28 years of age. Ultrastructural and light microscopic observations were made on synapses stained with ethanolic phosphotungstic acid and dendritic spines impregnated by the Golgi method, respectively. Ultrastructural analysis revealed the mean synaptic density of 8.77 × 108/mm3 in the cortex of six adult M. mulatta between 7 and 20 years of age. In contrast, the synaptic density of the three oldest M. mulatta, between 27 and 28 years of age, was 6.93 × 108/mm3. Age-related decline in synaptic density was also evidenced by light microscopic quantitation of dendritic spines. The spine density of the three oldest M. mulatta was 0.72/μm, significantly lower than 0.98/μm found in the six young-adult M. mulatta. The data obtained in this study also suggest that the loss of synapses of the cortical neuron is not confined to any one particular segment of the dendrites.
"Crucified on the cross of mass culture": Late Soviet genre politics in Alexander Zhurbin's rock opera Orpheus and Eurydice

Alexander Zhurbin's Orpheus and Eurydice (Orfei i Evredika) (1975), the first Soviet rock opera, recasts Orpheus as a popular singer corrupted by the excesses of contemporary youth culture: sex, drugs, and rock and roll. The history of the creation of Zhurbin's important work—together with its reception by Soviet critics, officials, and listeners—has been little discussed. Interviews with Zhurbin, contemporary Soviet primary and secondary sources, as well as more recent appraisals of late Soviet culture, reveal the changing estimations by Soviet critics of “high” and “low” and “popular” and “art” that Zhurbin's genre-blurring composition helped instigate.
Morphotype V of theBlastocaulis-Planctomyces group of budding and appendaged bacteria:Planctomyces guttaeformis Hortobágyi (sensu Hajdu)

The ultrastructure of a budding and appendaged bacterium resemblingPlanctomyces guttaeformis Hortobagyi (sensu Hajdu) was examined by transmission electron microscopy in negative-contrast and thin-section preparations from samples of pond and lake water in which natural blooms of this organism had occurred. Its prokaryotic nature was established, and observations were reported regarding its characteristic bulbiform or bulbose cell shape (cylindrical with one globose or swollen end), budding process, crateriform surface structures, rosettes (cell clusters) radiating from the narrow (nonglobose) ends of the adhering cells, cell envelope profile, and distinctive appendages (a single, relatively broad and long, gradually tapered, rigid, multifibrillar, polar or slightly subpolar, noncellular spike—without the adherence function of a stalk—located at the swollen pole of the bulbiform cell; numerous pili/fimbriae all over the globose portion). These traits establish the organism as a putative member of theBlastocaulis-Planctomyces group of budding and appendaged bacteria, but sufficiently distinctive (bulbiform cell shape; spike; adherent material at narrow end of cell rather than at the end of a noncellular appendage) to warrant its delineation as morphotype V of this group.
966 A SEVERE CHROMOSOMAL BREAK SYNDROME WITH PROFOUND IMMUNODEFICIENCY

The Chromosomal Break Syndromes: Ataxia Telangiectasia, Fanconi's Anemia, and Bloom's Syndrome are associated with growth failure, microcephaly, neurologic abnormalities, immunodeficiency, failure of secondary sexual characteristics and an increased incidence of malignancy. The relationship between these features is unknown. We recently evaluated a 21 year old female with more severe chromosomal breakage, immunodeficiency and growth failure than in any of the above disorders. It is of note that she has not yet developed a malignancy. Growth failure was apparent in the first year of life and lymphopenia and hypogammaglobulinemia at age 6. At 18 years of age, her weight was 22.6kg (50th% for 7 years) height was 129 cm (50th% for 8 years) OFC was 42 cm (50th% for 6 months). The peripheral blood contained 400–900 Iymphocytes/mm3 with 32% T11 cells, 17% T4, and 21% T8 cells. The proliferative response to the mitogens PHA, PWM and ConA was less than 5% of control. There were 0.2% surface IgM bearing cells (nl 4–15%), and serum IgG was 185 mg/dl, IgM 7 mg/dl, IgA <5 mg/dl. In lymphocyte cultures stimulated with mitogens for T cells (PHA/TPA) or B cells (EBV), nearly half the metaphases examined had one or more chromosome breaks or rearrangements, but there was no evidence of a cytogenetically-abnormal clone. These findings suggest that factors other than the severity of the immunodeficiency or the high incidence of chromosomal damage contribute to the occurrence of malignancy in the Chromosomal Break Syndromes.
Regulatory interactions of αβ and γλ T cells in glomerulonephritis

Regulatory interactions of αβ and γλ T cells in glomerulonephritis. Background Several lines of evidence suggest that cellular immune mechanisms contribute to glomerulonephritis. Methods The roles of αβ and γλ T cells in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis were investigated in a model of nephrotoxic nephritis in mice deficient in either T-cell population [T-cell receptor (TCR)β and TCRλ knockout mice]. The model, induced by the injection of rabbit anti-mouse glomerular basement membrane antibody, is characterized by the development of proteinuria and glomerular damage over a 21-day observation period in wild-type mice. Results Mice deficient in either αβ or γλ T cells developed minimal proteinuria and glomerular lesions and had a significant reduction in macrophage accumulation compared with wild-type mice. In γλ T-cell–deficient mice, circulating levels and glomerular deposition of autologous IgG were comparable to wild-type levels, while αβ T-cell–deficient mice had no autologous IgG production. Autologous antibody production was not required for the development of glomerulonephritis since mice that lack IgG and B cells (μ-chain-/-) developed similar proteinuria to that observed in wild-type mice. Conclusions These studies suggest a proinflammatory role for both αβ and γλ T cells in glomerular injury, independent of the humoral response. This is the first demonstration, to our knowledge, that both T-cell subsets contribute to the progression of a disease, and it suggests that complex regulatory interactions between αβ and γλ T cells play a role in glomerular injury.
Posterolateral percutane endoscopic lumbar discectomy

Abstract The technique and equipment for performing posterolateral percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy underwent a slow evolution in the past 30 years. The current level of proficiency was reached about 5 years ago. As a result, the endoscopic capabilities closely overlapped that of conventional transcanal open operations for herniated lumbar disc. Endoscopic technique has the unique ability to visualized and treat certain intradiscal pathology. Intradiscal visualization is enhanced by staining with 10% to 20% indigocarmine dye. This blue dye differentially stains degenerated nucleus and granulation tissue in annular defects. Biplane c-arm images are used for percutaneous guidance. The approach trajectory starts from an optimally located skin window entering the disc through the foraminal annular window. Normally there are limited endoscopic workspaces. A working tunnel, working cavity must be created for viewing and manipulating operating tools. Currently available equipment includes a high-resolution rod lens operating endoscope, bevel cannula, bipolar radiofrequency electrode, and a side-firing Holmium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. Each has a unique role in performing special tasks. The learning curve is steep but once mastered, the surgeon is able to extract contained and noncontained disc herniations. Granulation tissue in annular defects is ablated using radiofrequency electrode. Holmium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser has a unique ability in dividing thick collagenous tissue and ablating cortical bone.
Effect of Four Drying Methods on the Quality of Intermediate Moisture Lowbush Blueberries

Lowbush blueberries have been processed by freeze dry, forced air, vacuum oven, and micro-convection methods to a moisture content of 16-25%. The drying effect on the product quality was evaluated. There were no significant differences in vitamin A and niacin retention except freeze dried berries had higher vitamin C retention. No significant differences occurred in retention of mineral content except higher sodium and lower magnesium were found in the micro-convection and freeze dry methods, respectively. Freeze dried and vacuum dried blueberries had higher soluble solids retention and were darker and redder than forced air or micro-convection dried berries. Freeze dried berries were found to have highest rehydration ratio and lowest bulk density.
Isolation and characterization of revertant cell lines. VII. DNA synthesis and mitotic rate of serum-sensitive revertants in non-permissive growth conditions

The ability to synthesize DNA and enter mitosis was studied in Balb/c and Swiss 3T3 cells, SV40 and MSV-transformed 3T3 cells and revertants of these transformed cells in cultures of different serum concentrations and cell densities. Three ways were found by which cells were able to maintain a constant cell number in non-permissive growth conditions: cessation of DNA synthesis, synthesis of DNA coupled with failure to enter mitosis, and the slow traverse of the cell cycle coupled with cell shedding. Growth control of the revertant of an MSV-transformed Balb/3T3 cell most closely resembled that of Balb or Swiss 3T3. This line did not grow in 1% serum and did not synthesize DNA in either non-permissive condition. Serum-sensitive revertants of SV40-transformed 3T3 cells are also unable to grow in 1% serum and also do not grow beyond confluence in 10% serum, but these cells differ from 3T3 in the manner in which this growth arrest is accomplished. In 1% serum, revertants synthesize DNA but do not enter mitosis. At confluence in 10% serum, they slowly traverse the cell cycle, with dividing cells replacing cells that are shed into the medium.