cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of electromyographic signals by measurement of wave duration

Abstract Analysis with electronic equipment of electromyographic motor unit interference patterns showed that the rate of zero crossing and the related mean wave duration were independent of force of muscle contraction. The zero crossing rate was increased and the wave duration was decreased, however, in patients with muscle disease. Therefore, measurement of wave duration directly or by zero crossing rate becomes a possible diagnostic technique in the electromyographic examination for detecting myopathic dis-integration of motor unit discharges.
Low bone mineral density in hormone-naïve men with prostate carcinoma

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of low bone mineral density in men with prostate carcinoma and no history of androgen-deprivation therapy. METHODS The authors conducted a cross-sectional study in 41 hormone-naive men with locally advanced, lymph node positive, or recurrent prostate carcinoma and no radiographic evidence of bone metastases. Bone mineral density of the total hip, posterior-anterior (PA) lumbar spine, and lateral lumbar spine was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) using a densitometer. Trabecular bone mineral density of the lumbar spine was determined by quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Bone mineral density results were expressed in standard deviation units relative to young adult men (T score) and relative to age-matched men (Z score). RESULTS Fourteen of 41 men (34%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 20–51%) had T scores < −1.0 at one or more skeletal sites by DXA, 12 of 41 men (29%; 95% CI, 16–42%) had T scores between −1.0 and −2.5, and 2 of 41 men (5%; 95% CI, 1–17%) had T scores < −2.5. Thirty-nine of 41 men (95%; 95% CI, 83–99%) had T scores < −1.0 by QCT, 13 of 41 men (31%; 95% CI 18–48%) had T scores between −1.0 and −2.5, and 26 of 41 men (63%; 95% CI, 47–78%) had T scores < −2.5. T scores for trabecular bone mineral density of the lumbar spine were significantly lower than T scores for either the total hip (P < 0.001) or the PA lumbar spine (P < 0.001). The mean Z score for trabecular bone mineral density of the lumbar spine was −0.7 ± 0.9. Hypogonadism, hypovitaminosis D, and dietary calcium intakes below the Recommended Daily Allowance were observed in 20%, and 17%, and 59% of study participants, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Many hormone-naive men with prostate carcinoma have low bone mineral density. QCT is a more sensitive method than DXA for diagnosing low bone mineral density in this patient population. Trabecular bone mineral density is lower than expected for age and risk factors for osteoporosis are common. Cancer 2001;91:2238–45. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
The sonographic appearance of extramedullary hematopoiesis in the liver.

The sonographic appearance of extramedullary hematopoiesis has been infrequently cited 1,2 and may be confused with more common diagnoses. We present a patient with extramedullary hematopoiesis of the liver detected by ultrasound
Identification of boron in M23X6 precipitates in 316 stainless steel using electron energy loss spectroscopy

AISI 316 stainless steel, which is frequently employed in the power industry, shows considerable increases in high-temperature creep ductility when small quantities of boron are added to it. However, considerable effort by a number of researchers has failed to reveal the exact location of the boron and the mechanism by which it enhances the creep properties. The work presented herein involved the study of two casts of 316 steel with varying boron concentrations. Low-resolution location of the boron was performed by secondary ion mass spectrometry. The boron was mostly segregated to the grain boundaries of the steel. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the grain boundaries were heavily coated with precipitates of the carbide M23X6 (M = metal, X = C, B, N). These precipitates were identified by X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy, in both the TEM and SEM, and convergent-beam electron diffraction in the TEM. Electron energy loss spectroscopy was employed to locate the boron within the carbides. The visibility of the boron K edge was enhanced by a digital filtering technique. Detection of boron in the M23X6 precipitates has made it possible to re-evaluate previous work on this subject and the role of boron in the improvement of the creep ductility of stainless steel is suggested.
Activation of dopamine D1 receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex produces bidirectional effects on cocaine-induced locomotor activity in rats: Effects of repeated stress

We examined the effects of repeated stress and D1 receptor activation in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) on acute-cocaine-induced locomotor activity in rats. Male rats were given 7 days of either handling (Controls) or a variety of stressors. After 8-17 days' withdrawal, rats received an intra-mPFC microinjection of the full D1 agonist, SKF 81297: 0, 0.03, 0.1 or 0.3 microg/side followed by an i.p. saline or cocaine injection (15 mg/kg, i.p.). The target sites were either the dorsal or ventral mPFC. We also divided rats into either high or low responders based on their locomotor response to an acute cocaine injection. In the dorsal PFC, low responder Control and Stress groups demonstrated an augmentation of cocaine-induced increases in activity after SKF 81297, compared with vehicle, microinjection. In contrast, high responder rats demonstrated a suppression of cocaine-induced increases in activity after intra-mPFC SFK 81297 infusion, with an apparent 10 times higher sensitivity in the Stress group. In the ventral PFC, low responder Controls showed no changes after SKF 81297 infusion, while the Stress group showed an increase in cocaine-induced activity in response to SKF 81297. In high responders given SFK 81297 into the ventral mPFC, cocaine-induced activity was suppressed in Controls, while stress pretreatment rendered animals resistant to SKF 81297 effects. These results indicate that D1 receptor activation effects in the mPFC are bidirectional depending on whether rats have a high or low locomotor response to cocaine. Further, daily stress alters the sensitivity of the mPFC to SKF 81297, which is dependent on whether the dorsal or ventral mPFC is targeted.
Identification of limiting noise sources in the microwave-induced nitrogen discharge at atmospheric pressure

The noise from the emission signal of the microwave-induced nitrogen discharge at atmospheric pressure (MINDAP) has been analyzed. Wavelength-scan flicker-ratio, precision measurements, time-trace correlation and noise amplitude spectra were used to determine the individual components of the system noise. Noise spectra are reported with the use of a nebulizer sample introduction system for desolvated and undesolvated aerosol, for varying analyte concentration, and for background emission from nitrogen and water vapor. The analytical system appears to be flicker-noise-limited below about 1 Hz for all measurements made. Only 60 and 120 Hz peaks are detected in the frequency region extending to 700 Hz, and presumably arise from the microwave power supply
Delineating the functions of the nondominant hemisphere.

After more than a century of study, our understanding of the mental functions of the right cerebral hemisphere lags far behind our understanding of those associated with the left hemisphere. The lack of any frequent or clearly identifiable symptom, such as aphasia, is likely to have interfered with the development of any paradigmatic approach to the study of this half of the brain, leading to its designation, by default, as the ‘‘nondominant’’ hemisphere. The accompanying reprint of the article by Brenda Milner (originally 1968) follows in the footsteps of Lissauer [1], Popplereuter [2], and Kleist [3] in providing a methodology for studying right hemisphere functions, based on the study of patients with epilepsy undergoing surgical treatment. The Milner article from 1968 provides an excellent example of her pioneering work on the psychological effects of temporal lobectomy, as it was performed on a generation of patients at the Montreal Neurological Institute through the 1950s and 1960s. In studies of these patients, Milner and her colleagues capitalized on an opportunity to conduct a systematic analysis of lesion effects in human beings undergoing planned surgical resections of various parts of the brain. The results led to the development of a number of scientifically based neuropsychological measures that were validated for use in determining the effects of focal brain lesions. One of the major findings from Milner s laboratory was the identification of material-specific memory deficits resulting from lateralized resection of the temporal lobe [4]. It is now taken for granted that removal of the left (dominant) temporal lobe leads to a specific deficit in verbal learning and retention. In contrast, a resection of the right (nondominant) temporal lobe is associated with a relative preservation of verbal memory, but leads to impairment in memory for nonverbal material. This
Effect of chain length on nanomechanics of alkanethiol self-assembly

The ability to generate nanomechanical cantilever motion from molecular interactions between analytes and immobilized receptors offers a unique platform for chemical and biological sensor development. A fundamental understanding of the origins of nanomechanical motion, however, is essential for developing reliable and reproducible sensors. We have investigated the nanomechanical bending of microfabricated cantilevers during the immobilization of alkanethiols of different chain lengths in the liquid phase. The bending of the cantilevers has been monitored using both piezoresistive and optical readout approaches. Our results suggest that the surface packing density in a liquid medium is largely affected by the length of the chains, which will have a profound influence on sensor sensitivity.
And Never the Twain Shall Meet: Can Response to Intervention and Cognitive Assessment Be Reconciled?.

Arguments between response to intervention (RTI) with curriculum-based measurement (CBM) and traditional, individual psychoeducational assessments encourage a false dichotomy between alternatives that are not mutually exclusive, but complementary. This article discusses strengths and weaknesses of both approaches, touches on current legislative issues, and suggests that judicious, appropriate use of both types of assessment enhances the value of each. Initial identification of students who might need specialized instruction is better done with CBM than with individual psychoeducational assessments. RTI approaches would usually be more efficient than individual assessments and should reduce the need for such assessments. However, when RTI does not solve the problem or there are multiple, severe, and complex referral concerns, individual psychoeducational assessments are still essential. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 901–908, 2006.
Assay of sulfur as triphenylphosphine sulfide by high performance liquid chromatography: application to studies of sulfur bioproduction and sulfur in marine sediments

Abstract A gas chromatographic (GC) method for sulfur assay based on derivatization with triphenylphosphine (TPP)_to form triphenylphosphine sulfide (TPPS) was modified for use with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Sulfur was extracted from samples with CHCl 3 and derivatized with TPP dissolved in HCHl 3 containing 5% (w/v) phenol. Phenol promoted the reaction of TPP with sulfur and inhibited its reaction with oxygen to form TPPO, thus allowing derivatization in air. Air must be excluded in the GC method using toluene to extract and derivatize sulfur. Sulfur was assayed in marine sediments and in mixed cultures of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans with photosynthetic bacteria. Clorobium thiosufatophitum and Chromatium vinosum . Rapid sulfate reduction prevented initial attempts at obtaining sulfur-producing consortia. Sulfur-producing associations with C. vinosum were secured if large inocula of the photosynthetic bacterium were used. The biotechnology of sulfur production is discussed.
Geometric and physical considerations for realistic protein models.

Protein structure is generally conceptualized as the global arrangement or of smaller, local motifs of helices, sheets, and loops. These regular, recurring secondary structural elements have well understood and standardized definitions in terms of amino acid backbone geometry and the manner in which hydrogen bonding requirements are satisfied. Recently, ``tube'' models have been proposed to explain protein secondary structure in terms of the geometrically optimal packing of a featureless cylinder. However, atomically detailed simulations demonstrate that such packing considerations alone are insufficient for defining secondary structure; both excluded volume and hydrogen bonding must be explicitly modeled for helix formation. These results have fundamental implications for the construction and interpretation of realistic and meaningful biomacromolecular models.
Cultural homelessness, multiminority status, ethnic identity development, and self esteem

Abstract This study presents a measure of “cultural homelessness” ( Vivero & Jenkins, 1999 ), a construct developed to explain the experiences of some individuals having early-life immersion in more than one culture. Culturally homeless individuals report pervasive experiences of “being different”: mixed racial, ethnic, and/or cultural heritages within their families of origin and/or between their families and the surrounding sociocultural context, resulting in structural marginality; repeated subjection to contradictory cultural demands; and the acquisition of conflicting frames of reference for their behavior. Ambiguous physical presentation and the complexity of codeswitching across multiple cultural frames of reference at a young age may lead to confused or inappropriate social behavior, resulting in rejection and discrimination by both minority and majority groups, chronic feelings of “not belonging,” self-blame and shame, social and emotional isolation, cultural identity confusion, and the desire to find a “cultural home.” Empirical findings operationalizing this construct show associations of cultural homelessness criteria with gender; risk factors related to multiracial, multiethnic, and multicultural status; ethnic identity; and self esteem.
Isolated Tibial Metastasis from Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive neuroendocrine tumor of the skin with high propensity for local, regional and distant soft tissue metastasis not only at initial presentation but also after timely and satisfactory wide-margin surgery. Bone metastases account for 10% of all cases and have been reported involving the calvarium, facial bones and spine related to the head and neck preferential location of this soft tissue malignancy. Appendicular skeletal dissemination is uncommon with only a few cases reported in the radiological literature. We present a case of isolated tibial metastasis from Merkel cell carcinoma occurring 19 months after a technically adequate head and neck tumor resection and lymphadenectomy.
Section Review: Cardiovascular & Renal: Novel antiplatelet agents: The glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors

Platelets have been shown to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes and the complications associated with percutaneous coronary intervention (abrupt closure and long-term restenosis). Recent efforts to inhibit platelets more fully have led to the discovery of a new class of platelet antagonists, the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors. These agents block the final common pathway for platelet aggregation and are, therefore, more potent than aspirin. Animal data and small clinical trials suggest that these platelet inhibitors may be beneficial in a variety of cardiovascular disease states; large, Phase III trials evaluating these agents in myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty are in progress. This review will focus on the biology of the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor, its inhibitors developed to date, and the clinical trials (completed and in progress) in this area.
Anti-Imperial Rhetoric in the New Testament:

The first of a series of three articles, this essay introduces current scholarship concerned with the use of anti-imperial rhetoric in the New Testament Gospels and the book of Acts. In the first century of the Common Era, if the powerful Roman Emperor was considered a god, what did that mean for the earliest Christians who committed loyalty to ‘another’ God? Was it necessary for the NT authors to employ subversive language, words and symbols, to conceal their true meanings from the imperial authorities in their communications to the first Christian communities? The answers to such key questions can give us a clearer picture of the culture, society and setting in which the NT was written. The purpose of this complex study is to observe how current biblical scholarship views anti-imperial rhetoric and anti-emperor implications found in the NT, assuming such rhetoric exists at all. This initial article reviews recent scholarship with respect to the background of the Roman Empire, current interpretive method...
Technical and system requirements for Advanced Distribution Automation

Advanced Distribution Automation (ADA) will be a revolutionary approach to managing and controlling distribution systems. It will achieve a fully controllable and automated distribution system including the integration of distributed resources to optimise system performance. This paper describes the results of an EPRI roadmap development project that defines the important research and development needs to achieve the completely automated distribution system of the future.
Omni-directional array using a cylindrical configuration of slot-coupled microstrip antennas

A three-dimensional, hexagonal configuration of six sub-arrays of microstrip patch antennas is used to realize an omni-directional antenna. Each sub-array is comprised of two pairs of aperture-coupled and series-fed elements, and includes a hybrid 180 degree rat race coupler. The antenna operates in the C-band and has a 30 degree elevation beamwidth with over 600 MHz of bandwidth. The impact of increasing the ground plane dimension of the sub-arrays is also investigated.
Assessing Risks of Plant-Based Pharmaceuticals: I. Human Dietary Exposure

ABSTRACT Protein-based drugs are the fastest growing class of drugs for the treatment of disease in humans and other animals. However, the current method of producing proteins for pharmaceutical application is predicted to fall short because of population growth and demographic trends. This study characterized human dietary risks using quantitative risk assessment techniques for three pharmaceutical proteins produced in field-grown maize. The three proteins were aprotinin, gastric lipase, and Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit (LT-B). The human dietary risks from the three proteins inadvertently occurring in food were evaluated using three different exposure scenarios so that potential risks could be compared. The three exposure scenarios ranged in conservatism to evaluate the range of risk between the proteins and scenarios. Risk quotients (RQs) were calculated for all three scenarios to integrate exposure and effect (toxicity). The risk assessments revealed that the most conservative sce...
N player Nash cumulant games

In stochastic game theory, the mean of a player's cost function has played a prominent role as a performance index. However, the mean is just one of many other cumulants. In fact, it is the first cumulant, with the second being the variance. The objective of this paper is to begin an N-player, higher order cumulant, stochastic differential Nash game. The problem is defined for a class of nonlinear systems with non- quadratic costs. Then sufficient conditions for the equilibrium solutions are developed. Lastly, for the case of linear systems with quadratic cost functions, the equilibrium solutions are determined with coupled Riccati equations.
Furosemide versus ethacrynic acid in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction Clinical effects of furosemide (F) and ethacrynic acid (EA) continuous infusion on urine output (UO), fluid balance, and renal, cardiac, respiratory, and metabolic function were compared in infants undergoing surgery for congenital heart diseases.
Efficient Low-Voltage Operation of a CW Gyrotron Oscillator at 233 GHz

The gyrotron oscillator is a source of high average power millimeter-wave through terahertz radiation. In this paper, we report low beam power and high-efficiency operation of a tunable gyrotron oscillator at 233 GHz. The low-voltage operating mode provides a path to further miniaturization of the gyrotron through reduction in the size of the electron gun, power supply, collector, and cooling system, which will benefit industrial and scientific applications requiring portability. Detailed studies of low-voltage operation in the TE2,3,1 mode reveal that the mode can be excited with less than 7 W of beam power at 3.5 kV. During CW operation with 3.5-kV beam voltage and 50-mA beam current, the gyrotron generates 12 W of RF power at 233.2 GHz. The EGUN electron optics code describes the low-voltage operation of the electron gun. Using gun-operating parameters derived from EGUN simulations, we show that a linear theory adequately predicts the low experimental starting currents
Discrete one-forms on meshes and applications to 3D mesh parameterization

We describe how some simple properties of discrete one-forms directly relate to some old and new results concerning the parameterization of 3D mesh data. Our first result is an easy proof of Tutte's celebrated ''spring-embedding'' theorem for planar graphs, which is widely used for parameterizing meshes with the topology of a disk as a planar embedding with a convex boundary. Our second result generalizes the first, dealing with the case where the mesh contains multiple boundaries, which are free to be non-convex in the embedding. We characterize when it is still possible to achieve an embedding, despite these boundaries being non-convex. The third result is an analogous embedding theorem for meshes with genus 1 (topologically equivalent to the torus). Applications of these results to the parameterization of meshes with disk and toroidal topologies are demonstrated. Extensions to higher genus meshes are discussed.
ENERGY TRANSFER FROM CAROTENOIDS TO CHLOROPHYLL a IN BLACK LIPID MEMBRANES

— Black lipid membranes (BLM) were prepared from extracts of Chlorella and spinach chloroplasts. Excitation spectra of the 730 nm fluorescence of chlorophyll a in the BLM contained peaks identified as due to carotenoids and which therefore indicate sensitization of the chlorophyll fluorescence by them. The efficiency of this energy transfer was evaluated by comparison of the actual excitation spectra with those corresponding to 0 and 100 per cent transfer efficiency. Efficiencies were of the order of 40–50 per cent in BLM, but only 10 per cent in pigment solutions, when the mean distance between pigment molecules was 23 A in both systems. The fluorescence quantum yield of chlorophyll a in such solutions was only 2 per cent of that found in BLM. Enhancement of energy transfer in BLM is considered to be mainly due to suppression of competing deactivation processes of excited carotenoid states, such as diffusional quenching by ground-state molecules and internal conversion. Favorable orientation of pigment molecules in the BLM constitutes a further enhancement factor.
Characters as groups : A new approach to morphological characters in phylogenetic analysis

A new method for working with morphological characters is described and explored in experiments using human participants. The method uses direct comparison and sorting of images to produce hierarchical character-cladograms. A character-cladogram is a graphical representation of a single character that serves as a hypothesis of phylogeny based on that character. Each dichotomy in the character-cladogram represents a character state. Character states are unnamed, thus avoiding problems that arise through the application of verbal labels. Experiments with human participants are used to explore the conditions under which direct comparison produces reliable (consistent from investigator to investigator) and valid (in agreement with an independent estimate of phylogeny) characters. Participants were drawn from students taking a course in plant diversity at UNC Greensboro, and professional plant morphologists attending the Botany 2004 meetings. The students were randomly assigned to trained and untrained groups. Training was carried out using a method that has been shown to change a participant‘s mode of visual processing from analytic (the mode used by visual novices) to holistic (an additional mode only employed by visual experts). Morphologists (no specialists of the taxonomic group) were included in the study to investigate the effects of disciplinary expertise on the ability to describe character-cladograms. They received no additional training beyond that available to them as disciplinary experts. The results suggest an improvement in both reliability and validity after the training regime. We found no support for the idea that the morphologists differed from untrained students in their ability to produce reliable or valid character-cladograms. Disciplinary expertise may not translate into the ability to make reliable and valid assessments of similarity in an unfamiliar visual domain. Based on these results, we suggest a method for creating morphological characters and character states.
Evidence for Active Maintenance of Inverted Repeat Structures Identified by a Comparative Genomic Approach

Inverted repeats have been found to occur in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. Usually they are short and some have important functions in various biological processes. However, long inverted repeats are rare and can cause genome instability. Analyses of C. elegans genome identified long, nearly-perfect inverted repeat sequences involving both divergently and convergently oriented homologous gene pairs and complete intergenic sequences. Comparisons with the orthologous regions from the genomes of C. briggsae and C. remanei show that the inverted repeat structures are often far more conserved than the sequences. This observation implies that there is an active mechanism for maintaining the inverted repeat nature of the sequences.
Changes in color appearance caused by perceptual grouping

How is chromatic induction affected by perceptual grouping? Chromatic induction has been studied extensively, as has grouping, but only a small number of experiments have connected them. Even fewer reports go beyond weakly controlled qualitative observations. We report here a new and substantial color shift caused by perceptual grouping: a shift in appearance due to chromatic induction in one part of the visual field occurs also in a separate region that belongs to the same group. The color appearance of a test square within various surrounds was measured by asymmetric matching. The test square was at the center of an "hourglass" structure formed by other elements in the surround. The test shifted in color appearance toward the appearance of these other elements, whose color was affected by local chromatic induction. Control experiments ruled out as explanations (I) direct chromatic induction from the other elements into the test area, and (2) the influence of background light occluded by introducing the elements forming the hourglass.
Are Universities Reaping the Available Benefits Internship Programs Offer

Many research studies have examined the benefits student internships offer students and employers, but few looked at the benefits internships might lend to educational institutions. A survey instrument was developed and sent to 619 deans of all U.S. business programs. In all, 29% replied. The results indicate some institutions are gaining the benefits available from internship programs. Of all respondents, 34% reported internships inspired students to open new businesses; 87% reported that the business schools felt a stronger connection to the community; and 81% reported that reputation is affected by internships.
Blood pressure and cognitive impairment in India and the United States: A cross-national epidemiological study

Results: Mean systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were 115 and 75 mm Hg (India) and 141 and 76 mm Hg (United States). Logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, andeducationorliteracywasusedtocalculateoddsratios (ORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cognitive impairment. In Ballabgarh, for every 10 mm Hg increaseinSBPtherewasa10%reductionincognitiveimpairment (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83-0.97), and there was a 13%reductionincognitiveimpairment(OR,0.87;95%CI, 0.76-0.99) with every 10 mm Hg increase in DBP. In the MonongahelaValley,asimilarassociationbetweenDBPand cognitive impairment did not remain significant after adjustment for confounders (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.65-1.06). Conclusions:InbothIndianandAmericansamples,lower DBPwasinverselyrelatedtocognitiveimpairment,although not significantly in the latter. Low BP may be an effect of, or a potential risk factor for, degenerative brain disease. Arch Neurol. 2003;60:1123-1128
Treating Amblyopia in Aphakic and Pseudophakic Children

Introduction Amblyopia is the leading cause of reduced vision in children following cataract surgery. It may develop as a consequence of visual deprivation, anisometropia, or strabismus. Methods: Animal studies as well as clinical series were reviewed focusing on the pathophysiology and treatment of aphakic and pseudophakic amblyopia. Results: Excellent visual outcomes have been reported in children with unilateral congenital cataracts following early cataract surgery, optical correction, and part-time patching of their phakic eyes. Progressive patching regimens may help to preserve the binocularity of children following unilateral cataract surgery. Excellent visual outcomes can also be achieved in children with bilateral congenital cataracts if cataract surgery and optical correction are initiated prior to the onset of nystagmus. Conclusions: Amblyopia is the greatest threat to the vision of children following cataract surgery. Constant vigilance is necessary to treat and prevent amblyopia in these children.
Prevalence and Relatedness of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Strains in the Feces and on the Hides and Carcasses of U.S. Meat Goats at Slaughter

We determined the prevalences of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in feces, hide, and carcasses of meat goats at a U.S. processing plant. Prevalences were 11.1%, 2.7%, and 2.7%, respectively. Sixteen pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) subtypes were identified among 49 E. coli O157:H7 isolates, some of which were present on multiple sample types or collection days.
Realism and Anti-Realism in Kant's Second Critique

This article surveys recent work on Kant's Critique of Practical Reason, with a particular focus on his doctrine of the fact of reason and his doctrine of the practical postulates, assessing the implications of such work for the debate about realism and antirealism in Kant's moral philosophy. Section 1 briefly surveys some salient considerations raised by Kant's first Critique and Groundwork. In section 2, I survey recent work on the Kant's doctrine of the fact of reason and argue that it does not support an anti-realist interpretation of Kant's ethics. In section 3, I argue that recent work on Kant's doctrine of the practical postulates does not support an anti-realist interpretation of Kant's ethics.
Multi-terabit ip lookup using parallel bidirectional pipelines

To meet growing terabit link rates, highly parallel and scalable architectures are needed for IP lookup engines in next generation routers. This paper proposes an SRAM-based multi-pipeline architecture for multi-terabit rate IP lookup. The architecture consists of multiple bidirectional linear pipelines, where each pipeline stores part of a routing table. We address the challenges of realizing such a solution. Two mapping schemes with different granularity are proposed to balance the memory distribution over different pipelines as well as across different stages in each pipeline. Also, IP caching is adopted to facilitate processing multiple packets per clock cycle. Instead of using large reorder buffers and complex logic, a lightweight scheduler and several small output delay queues are developed to preserve the intra-flow packet order. Simulation experiments using real-life data show that the proposed 4-pipeline architecture can store a core routing table with over 200K unique routing prefixes in less than 2 MB of memory, and can achieve a high throughput of up to 18.75 billion packets per second (GPPS), i.e. 6 Tbps for minimum size (40 bytes) packets.
Geometric invariants of the quantum Hall effect

We study the two-dimensional Hall effect with a random potential. The Hall conductivity is identified as a geometric invariant associated with an algebra of observables. Using the pairing betweenK-theory and cyclic cohomology theory, we identify this geometric invariant with a topological index, thereby giving the Hall conductivity a new interpretation.
Mirrored feedback in chronic stroke: recruitment and effective connectivity of ipsilesional sensorimotor networks.

Background. Mirrored feedback has potential as a therapeutic intervention to restore hand function after stroke. However, the functional (effective) connectivity of neural networks involved in processing mirrored feedback after stroke is not known. Objective. To determine if regions recruited by mirrored feedback topographically overlap with those involved in control of the paretic hand and to identify the effective connectivity of activated nodes within the mirrored feedback network. Methods. Fifteen patients with chronic stroke performed a finger flexion task with their unaffected hand during event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Real-time hand kinematics was recorded during fMRI and used to actuate hand models presented in virtual reality (VR). Visual feedback of the unaffected hand motion was manipulated pseudorandomly by either actuating the VR hand corresponding to the moving unaffected side (veridical feedback) or the affected side (mirrored feedback). In 2 control conditions,...
Surgical management for pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum

Summary In summary, surgical management of patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum is dictated by the patient's potential for an eventual two-ventricle repair. This potential is related to the size of the tricuspid valve and right ventricle and, on occasion, to the presence of right ventricular to coronary artery fistulae with accompanying coronary artery obstructive lesions. Neonatal management involves establishing right ventricular to pulmonary artery continuity and carrying out a simultaneous systemic to pulmonary artery shunt in a child with good potential for a two-ventricle repair, a repair that then can often be performed in the first year or two of life. In neonates in whom the tricuspid and right ventricle do not have good growth potential, a systemic to pulmonary artery shunt is performed to provided reliable palliation with an eye toward the Fontan procedure at age 2 to 3 years. A few patients will exhibit a tricuspid valve and right ventricle adequate to handle a portion, but not all, of the returning systemic venous circulation, and in such patients the “ventricle and one-half repair,” routing inferior vena caval blood through the right ventricle while carrying out a bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis to convey superior vena caval blood directly to the pulmonary arteries may be feasible. Patients having a two-ventricle repair would be expected to have an excellent long-term prognosis, similar to that being seen in patients now many years postrepair of tetralogy of Fallot (10). The very long-term results from the Fontan approach are less certain, few of these patients presently being >15 years postrepair. However, the results from our group of 40 patients having a Fontan operation for this condition would indicate that these patients do have an excellent chance to survive the operative procedure and to continue to lead good quality lives into, at least, the early adulthood years.
A Brief Primer on Automated Signal Detection

BACKGROUND:Statistical techniques have traditionally been underused in spontaneous reporting systems used for postmarketing surveillance of adverse drug events. Regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and drug monitoring centers have recently devoted considerable efforts to develop and implement computer-assisted automated signal detection methodologies that employ statistical theory to enhance screening efforts of expert clinical reviewers.OBJECTIVE:To provide a concise state-of-the-art review of the most commonly used automated signal detection procedures, including the underlying statistical concepts, performance characteristics, and outstanding limitations, and issues to be resolved.DATA SOURCES:Primary articles were identified by MEDLINE search (1965–December 2002) and through secondary sources.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:All of the articles identified from the data sources were evaluated and all information deemed relevant was included in this review.DATA SYNTHESIS:Commonly used metho...
The Determination of Lime and Fertilizer Requirements of Soils through Chemical Tests

Publisher Summary The plant nutrient status of the soil is essential in predicting lime and fertilizer needs. Soil tests, along with cropping history, past fertilization practices, and observations on the growing plant provide information that helps greatly in formulating the fertilizer and liming programs. There are four major phases of soil testing: calibration of the test with crop response, the securing of representative samples, chemical testing procedures, and interpretations and recommendations. The soil samples submitted for testing should be representative of the area on which information is desired. Methods for testing soils chemically have been under investigation for a considerable period of time. Tests for pH and/or lime requirement, phosphorus, and potassium are most common and these tests are made in practically all soil-testing laboratories. After the soil test analyses are obtained, the results must be interpreted in terms of fertility levels or possible responses. Data obtained from testing a number of soils from experimental fields make it possible to make recommendations for the various conditions encountered in the farmers' fields. One of the major problems in interpreting soil tests and in making recommendations is the interaction between essential elements in respect to soil and climatic conditions. The primary purpose of most soil-testing programs is to furnish the individual farmer with dependable information about the fertility status of each of his fields.
Using Autonomy, Organizational Design and Negotiation in a Distributed Sensor Network

In this paper we describe our solution to a real-time distributed tracking problem. The system works not by finding an optimal solution, but through a satisficing search for an allocation that is “goodenough” to meet the specified resource requirements, which can then be revised over time if needed. The agents in the environment are first organized by partitioning them into sectors, reducing the level of potential interaction between agents. Within each sector, agents dynamically specialize to address scanning, tracking, or other goals, which are instantiated as task structures for use by the SRTA control architecture. These elements exist to support resource allocation, which is directly effected through the use of the SPAM negotiation protocol. The agent problem solving component first discovers and generates commitments for sensors to use for gathering data, then determines if conflicts exist with that allocation, finally using arbitration and relaxation strategies to resolve such conflicts. We have empirically tested and evaluated these techniques in both the Radsim simulation environment and using the hardware-based system.
Computational Analysis of Aero-Optical Distortions by Flow over a Cylindrical Turret

Large-eddy simulations are performed for a Mach 0.5 flow over a cylindrical turret with turbulent separation over a flat optical window. Optical wave-front distortions induced by the separated shear layer are calculated based on the computed fluctuating-density field, the Gladstone–Dale relation, and ray tracing. The statistical properties of the flowfield and optical distortions are compared with experimental measurements, and reasonable agreement is obtained. It is found that pressure fluctuations in the separated shear layer are the dominate mechanism of optical distortions. The magnitude and correlation length scales of wave-front distortions increase with streamwise aperture size, and the frequency spectra of distortions exhibit a −8/3 slope in the inertial subrange of the turbulent flow. Very little difference in the flow and optical statistics is observed at two different Reynolds numbers, indicating Reynolds number insensitivity. The similarities and differences of the aero-optical characteristics...
Image Acquisition Methods Research in Digital Minorities' Ancient Books Based on TWAIN

Based on the protection technology development of digital minorities' ancient books,the methods of secondary development for scanner at present is analysed and discussed the virtues and defects of scanner secondary programming with TWAIN interface and the basic function can be effected.
Relationship between Vaccine-Induced Antibody Capture of Infectious Virus and Infection Outcomes following Repeated Low-Dose Rectal Challenges with Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac251.

ABSTRACT Antibodies are known to enhance in vitro infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). We measured the ability of antibodies induced by ALVAC-SIV/gp120 vaccination, given with alum or MF59 adjuvant, to capture infectious SIVmac251 and determined the association between capture and infection outcomes following low-dose, repeated rectal challenge of rhesus macaques. We found that capture correlated with the number of transmitted/founder (T/F) variants that established infection, such that animals whose plasma captured more virus were infected with a higher number of T/F strains. Capture also correlated with results of Env binding assays, indicating that greater immunogenicity resulted in greater capture. Although vaccination elicited negligible neutralizing activity against the challenge strain (50% inhibitory dilutions of >1/80 in all cases), animals with low capture and whose plasma, at a fixed dilution, inhibited a higher fraction of virus were infected at a lower rate than animals with high capture and low neutralization ( P = 0.039); only animals with the low capture/high neutralization response profile were protected compared with unvaccinated control animals ( P = 0.026). In a sieve analysis, high capture and low capture were distinguishable on the basis of polymorphisms in the V1 loop of Env at amino acids 144 and 145. Our results indicate that vaccine-induced antibody that binds to and captures infectious virus but does not inhibit its infectivity may enhance the likelihood of infection following rectal challenge with SIVmac251. Higher immunogenicity resulting in better antibody capture but similar anti-infectivity may not improve vaccine efficacy. IMPORTANCE Vaccines generally prevent viral infections by eliciting antibodies that inhibit virus infectivity. However, antibodies, including those induced by vaccination, have the potential to enhance, rather than prevent infection. We measured the ability of vaccine-induced antibodies to capture infectious simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and explored the relationship between virus capture and infection outcomes. We found that capture correlated with the number of SIV variants that established infection, such that animals whose plasma captured more virus were infected with a higher number of unique strains. In addition, animals whose sera had high capture but weak anti-infectivity activity were infected at a higher rate than were animals with low capture and stronger anti-infectivity activity. These results suggest that vaccines that induce antibodies that bind to and capture infectious virus but do not inhibit virus infectivity will not be effective in preventing infection.
Gun violence in Americans' social network during their lifetime.

Abstract Introduction The overall burden of gun violence death and injury in the US is now well understood. However, no study has shown the extent to which gun violence is associated with the individual lives of Americans. Methods We used fatal and non-fatal gun injury rates in 2013 from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) and generally accepted estimates about the size of an American's social network to determine the likelihood that any given person will know someone in their personal social network who is a victim of gun violence during their lifetime. We derived estimates in the overall population and among racial/ethnic groups and by gun-injury intent. Results The likelihood of knowing a gun violence victim within any given personal network over a lifetime is 99.85% (99.8% to 99.9%). The likelihood among non-Hispanic white, black, Hispanic and other race Americans were 97.1%, 99.9%, 99.5% and 88.9% respectively. Conclusion Nearly all Americans of all racial/ethnic groups are likely to know a victim of gun violence in their social network during their lifetime.
New Associate Editor

The Editor-in-Chief welcomes Dr. Hideto Hidaka to the Journal?s editorial board as an Associate Editor. With many years of past and current services in IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society, he brings to the Journal valuable expertise and global professional ties, with a technical focus in memory technology and design, and embedded system design and applications. A brief professional biography is provided. Dr. Peter Gillingham has retired after having served heroically for an extended number of years as an Associate Editor. We thank him for his exemplary service to the Journal.
Consequences of Endophyte-Infected Grasses on Plant Biodiversity

The numbers of endophyte-infected grasses are greater now than at any time in history. The increase results primarily from breeding and disseminating endophyte-infected species of Festuca and Lolium (Bacon and Siegel, 1988; Funk et al., 1994). Alteration of grasslands, introduction of non-native species and changed grazing patterns also contribute to the spread of infected species. Over 15 million hectares of highly infected tall fescue (F. arundinacea) have been planted in the eastern US alone (Ball et al., 1993, Coley et al., 1995). It is reasonable to assume that increases in endophyte-infected grasses may have significant consequences on many plant communities.
Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tears: Surgical Indications and Reconstruction Technique

Injury to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the elbow is a debilitating condition in overhead throwing athletes, particularly baseball pitchers. In order to restore the primary ligamentous restraint against valgus stress at the elbow, MCL reconstruction is increasingly performed in both adolescent and elite throwing athletes in order to return to competition. We describe the pertinent surgical anatomy and indications for ligament reconstruction. Although various surgical techniques have been reported, we describe our preferred reconstruction with the docking technique through a muscle-splitting approach, which allows for secure graft fixation over bone bridges, identification and treatment of intra-articular pathology, and minimization of ulnar nerve-related complications. Excellent outcomes have been reported in approximately 90% of patients following MCL reconstruction with the docking technique.