cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Stringent Response Induced by Phosphate Limitation Promotes Purine Salvage in Agrobacterium fabrum.

Agrobacterium fabrum induces tumor growth in susceptible plant species. The upregulation of virulence genes that occurs when the bacterium senses plant-derived compounds is enhanced by acidic pH and limiting inorganic phosphate. Nutrient starvation may also trigger the stringent response, and purine salvage is among the pathways expected to be favored under such conditions. We show here that phosphate limitation induces the stringent response, as evidenced by production of (p)ppGpp, and that the xdhCSML operon encoding the purine salvage enzyme xanthine dehydrogenase is upregulated ∼15-fold. The xdhCSML operon is under control of the TetR family transcription factor XdhR; direct binding of ppGpp to XdhR attenuates DNA binding, and the enhanced xdhCSML expression correlates with increased cellular levels of (p)ppGpp. Xanthine dehydrogenase may also divert purines away from salvage pathways to form urate, the ligand for the transcription factor PecS, which in the plant pathogen Dickeya dadantii is a key reg...
Nomenclatural studies toward a World List of Diptera genus-group names. Part VI: Daniel William Coquillett.

The Diptera genus-group names of Daniel William Coquillett are reviewed and annotated. A total of 136 available genus-group names in 53 families of Diptera are listed alphabetically, and for each name giving author, year and page of original publication, originally included species, type species and method of fixation, current status of the name, family placement, and a list of any emendations of it that have been found in the literature. Remarks are given to clarify nomenclatural or taxonomic information. In addition, an index to all the species-group names of Diptera proposed by Coquillett (1,218, of which 1,214 are available names) is given with bibliographic reference (year and page) to each original citation. Appended to this study is a full bibliography of Coquillett’s published works. Name found to be unavailable: Philhelius Coquillett, 1910. Name found not to be preoccupied: Petia Coquillett, 1910 [Tachinidae]. Corrections to and clarifications of type species designations are made for the following: Isostomyia Coquillett, 1906 [Culicidae]; Micraedes Coquillett, 1906 [Culicidae]; Roederiodes Coquillett, 1901 [Empididae]; Stilbometopa Coquillett, 1899 [Hippoboscidae]; Tinolestes Coquillett, 1906 [Culicidae]. Previous First Reviser actions for multiple original spellings missed by previous workers include: Ateloglossa Coquillett, 1899 [Tachinidae]; Boreodromia Coquillett, 1903 [Brachystomatidae]; Mythicomyia Coquillett, 1893 [Mythicomyiidae]. The following are new synonymies of their respective senior synonyms: Acemyia Coquillett, 1897b under Acemya Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, n. syn. [Tachinidae]; Clytiomyia Coquillett, 1897b under Clytiomya Rondani, 1861, n. syn. [Tachinidae]; Linnaemyia Coquillett, 1897b under Linnaemya Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, n. syn. [Tachinidae]; Xanthogramma Schiner, 1860 under Philhelius Stephens, 1841, n. syn. [Syrphidae]. Using Reversal of Precedence (ICZN Code Art. 23.9), Scriptotricha Cockerell, 1889 [Tephritidae] is declared a nomen oblitum and Paracantha Coquillett, 1899f [Tephritidae] is declared a nomen protectum .
Both live and dead Enterococci activate Caenorhabditis elegans host defense via immune and stress pathways

The innate immune response of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been extensively studied and a variety of Toll-independent immune response pathways have been identified. Surprisingly little, however, is known about how pathogens activate the C. elegans immune response. Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium are closely related enterococcal species that exhibit significantly different levels of virulence in C. elegans infection models. Previous work has shown that activation of the C. elegans immune response by Pseudomonas aeruginosa involves P. aeruginosa-mediated host damage. Through ultrastructural imaging, we report that infection with either E. faecalis or E. faecium causes the worm intestine to become distended with proliferating bacteria in the absence of extensive morphological changes and apparent physical damage. Genetic analysis, whole-genome transcriptional profiling, and multiplexed gene expression analysis demonstrate that both enterococcal species, whether live or dead, induce a rapid and similar transcriptional defense response dependent upon previously described immune signaling pathways. The host response to E. faecium shows a stricter dependence upon stress response signaling pathways than the response to E. faecalis. Unexpectedly, we find that E. faecium is a C. elegans pathogen and that an active wild-type host defense response is required to keep an E. faecium infection at bay. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the C. elegans immune response to pathogen infection.
Evolution Versus Creation: A Sibling Rivalry?

In this paper, I argue that evolutionary thinking started as a secular response to the Christianity of the eighteenth century. While I agree that Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was in essence scientific, I argue that Darwin’s supporters often wanted to continue to treat evolutionary thinking as a secular response to religious claims. This continues to the present, and I suggest that evolutionists should be aware of this fact and temper their thinking and behavior accordingly.
Markov Chain Models of Multiple Demes

This chapter presented models that predict the expected solution quality of parallel GAs with multiple populations after any number of epochs and for any choice of deme size, deme count, topology, or migration rate. The basic idea was to model the parallel GAs as Markov chains to determine the number of correct BBs that are present in the demes at the beginning of each epoch. Then, the gambler’s ruin model was used to predict the quality of the solutions.
Hydro­gen bonding in 2-phenyl­imidazoline

The title compound, C9H10N2, crystallizes with two formula units in the asymmetric unit. When viewed along the b axis, the two crystallographically unique mol­ecules form alternating columns along a. Within each column, the mol­ecules are linked by N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds to form infinite chains. Intermolecular C⋯C and C⋯N distances suggest that mol­ecules in adjacent columns are linked primarily by C—H⋯π interactions, with little, if any, π stacking. Metric parameters for the imidazoline fragments are comparable to those of other 2-substituted imidazoline species.
Female Leadership Styles: Insights from Catholic Women Religious on Leading through Compassion

This study focuses on the intersection of Catholic women religious (sisters) and their leadership practices and styles in order to examine traits that can be attributed to effective leadership. In contrast to previous studies that only distributed questionnaires, the researchers interviewed, had verbal conversations with, and transcribed the personal narratives of 119 Catholic women religious. The descriptive as well as qualitative results indicated that these women possessed significant leadership responsibilities, exhibited compassion toward others, guided people to experience personal growth, acted as role models, and aided in creating solutions to social justice issues. The women religious predominantly practiced transformational and servant leadership styles. The findings from these women religious can be applied and extrapolated to the general workforce. Effective leadership should include both transformational as well as servant leadership traits. These traits, often viewed as feminine skills, may be necessary attributes for exceptional leaders.
How Superantigens Bind MHC.

The initiation of an adaptive immune response requires the presentation of self-antigens or foreign Ags to Ag-specific T lymphocytes. Seminal studies by R.M. Zinkernagel and P.C. Doherty ([1][1]) in the 1970s revealed that T cells only respond to their cognate Ag when it is seen in the context of
Current Advances in the Prevention, Risk, and Management of Infection in Patients Receiving Biologic Therapy for Dermatologic Disorders

Biologic agents such as adalimumab, etanercept, golimumab, certolizumab, ustekinumab, brodalumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab, dupilumab, alefacept, rituximab, omalizumab, tildrakizumab, and guselkumab are now indicated in the treatment of dermatologic disorders. This review reports on current prevention, risk, and management of infection in patients receiving biologic therapy for dermatologic disorders. Although risk of infection in patients receiving biologic agents for management of a dermatologic disorder is well-known, it appears to continue to be a low risk. However, optimal prevention and management of some infection risks remain an unmet need. Although the overall risk for infection during biologic therapy for dermatologic disorders appears to remain low, there remains concern about the level of risk for reactivation of tuberculosis, as well as hepatitis B and C, and the risk for other, often uncommon, serious infection remains unknown. Continued pharmacovigilance serves to mitigate risk as well as promote optimal management of dermatologic disorders with biologic agents.
DeepMarks: A Secure Fingerprinting Framework for Digital Rights Management of Deep Learning Models

Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) are revolutionizing various critical fields by providing an unprecedented leap in terms of accuracy and functionality. Due to the costly training procedure, high-performance DNNs are typically considered as the Intellectual Property (IP) of the model builder and need to be protected. While DNNs are increasingly commercialized, the pre-trained models might be illegally copied or redistributed after they are delivered to malicious users. In this paper, we introduce DeepMarks, the first end-to-end collusion-secure fingerprinting framework that enables the owner to retrieve model authorship information and identification of unique users in the context of deep learning (DL). DeepMarks consists of two main modules: (i) Designing unique fingerprints using anti-collusion codebooks for individual users; and (ii) Encoding each constructed fingerprint (FP) in the probability density function (pdf) of the weights by incorporating an FP-specific regularization loss during DNN re-training. We investigate the performance of DeepMarks on various datasets and DNN architectures. Experimental results show that the embedded FP preserves the accuracy of the host DNN and is robust against different model modifications that might be conducted by the malicious user. Furthermore, our framework is scalable and yields perfect detection rates and no false alarms when identifying the participants of FP collusion attacks under theoretical guarantee. The runtime overhead of retrieving the embedded FP from the marked DNN can be as low as 0.056%.
Sensory innervation of the chest wall should not be a puzzle

We have read with interest the letter by Dr Altinpulluk et al [1][1] concerning our recent publication[2][2] in which we made an attempt to determine the mechanism of action for PECS/serratus block according to the most widely used model of sensory innervation of the chest wall. Unfortunately, the
The nature, motives, and perceived consequences of therapist dishonesty.

Honest communication between therapists and clients is an essential part of the process and values of psychotherapy, but the topic of therapist dishonesty has remained virtually unexplored. This st...
Equitable Thresholding and Clustering (ETAC): A novel method for FMRI clustering in AFNI

ABSTRACT This paper describes a hybrid method to threshold FMRI group statistical maps derived from voxelwise second-level statistical analyses. The proposed “Equitable Thresholding and Clustering” (ETAC) approach seeks to reduce the dependence of clustering results on arbitrary parameter values by using multiple sub-tests, each equivalent to a standard FMRI clustering analysis, to make decisions about which groups of voxels are potentially significant. The union of these sub-test results decides which voxels are accepted. The approach adjusts the cluster-thresholding parameter of each sub-test in an equitable way, so that the individual false positive rates (FPRs) are balanced across sub-tests to achieve a desired final FPR (e.g., 5%). ETAC utilizes resampling methods to estimate the FPR, and thus does not rely on parametric assumptions about the spatial correlation of FMRI noise. The approach was validated with pseudo-task timings in resting state brain data. Additionally, a task FMRI data collection was used to compare ETAC’s true positive detection power vs. a standard cluster detection method, demonstrating that ETAC is able to detect true results and control false positives while reducing reliance on arbitrary analysis parameters.
Automatic Detection of Characteristic Waves in Electrocardiogram

The goal of automatic ECG analysis is to assess the clinical status of the heart system as accurately as possible, and the identification of P and T waves plays a significant role in this matter. This works presents original algorithms for the detection of P and T waves. These algorithms are based on the morphological and temporal characteristics of the electrocardiogram. To test and compare the algorithms' performance, we considered the QTDB and MIT-BIH Arrhythmia annotated databases. The developed algorithms obtained a good performance for the detection of both peaks. In particular, in both the QTDB and MIT-BITH database the P wave detection algorithm obtained considerably higher performance than those presented in the literature (QTDB: 95.87% vs 89.05%; MIT-BITH: 84.65% vs 83.36% for Lead 1). The T wave detection algorithm, achieved best performance than those in literature in the QTDB (89.05% vs 87.49%) while in the MIT-BITH database results were almost comparable to those reported in the literature. These findings suggest the high potential of the proposed simple algorithms for P and T wave detection in ECG.
International Currencies and Endogenous Enforcement : An Empirical Analysis

This paper investigates the determinants of the international role of a currency. It argues that standard determinants such as monetary performance and financial openness are at best imperfect indicators of a currency’s stability prospects, because the issuer’s promise of stability is not exogenously enforceable. The paper advocates an enforcement approach to international currencies that make explicit the underlying incentive incompatibilities. Additional enforcement determinants of currency internationalization are identified. The model is estimated using time-series cross-sectional analysis for three data sets. Monetary performance-related standard determinants fail to exhibit explanatory power, whereas the enforcement determinants are strongly significant and robust.
Urban Multi-regional Energy System Planning Considering Integral Energy Operating Optimization

Urban multi-regional energy system generally includes multiple regional energy subsystems, which are uniformly scheduled by the urban multi-regional energy management system. Multiple regional energy subsystems also contain a variety of energy equipment. Compared with the traditional single energy network planning, the types and quantity of equipment are relatively large. Before planning, the configuration of equipment should be considered reasonably. Reasonable system planning can ensure the economy of system establishment and avoid unnecessary loss. This paper focuses on the optimal location and capacity allocation of multiple regional energy subsystems in the urban multi-regional energy system. The improved particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to solve the problem. Finally, the optimal planning scheme is given and is proven effectively.
Efficacy and Safety of Intraoperative Tranexamic Acid Infusion for Reducing Blood Transfusion During Open Radical Cystectomy.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intraoperative tranexamic acid (TA), an antifibrinolytic, in reducing perioperative blood transfusion (PBT) for patients undergoing open radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer. Materials and Methods We instituted a change in our institutional clinical practice starting in April 2013, whereby all patients undergoing open RC were administered intraoperative intravenous TA. Patients with a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) or coronary stent insertion within the year prior to RC did not receive TA. Receipt of a PBT, defined as transfusion of red blood cells during RC or within the postoperative hospitalization, and VTE within 30 days of RC were recorded and compared with a matched cohort of patients treated with RC at our center prior to the initiation of TA utilization. Results A total of 103 patients received TA during open RC between April 2013 and July 2015. These patients were matched 1:2 to historic controls. We found that TA infusion was associated with a significantly decreased rate of PBT, as 32 of 103 (31.1%) patients treated with TA received a PBT, versus 115 of 200 (57.7%) matched controls ( P P = .52). Conclusion We noted that the use of intraoperative TA during open RC was associated with a significant reduction in PBT, and did not significantly increase perioperative VTE risk.
Python at Petascale With PyFR or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Snake

In this work, we make the case for Python as a first-class language for high-performance computing (HPC) applications. Our rationale is based on three trends: an increasing desire for applications to be user friendly; the shift toward such applications becoming primarily consumers of third-party application programming interfaces; and growing use of code generation for performance sensitive kernels. In each instance, we argue why Python is better placed to ride these trends than traditional languages such as C or Fortran. Further, we will also address two additional concerns regarding the suitability of Python: long start-up times and limited support for multithreading. An as exemplar of Python in HPC, we consider the high-order computational fluid dynamics code PyFR. The novel architecture of PyFR is described including examples showcasing its domain-specific language.
Influence of Solute Molecular Diameter on Permeability-Selectivity Tradeoff of Thin-Film Composite Polyamide Membranes in Aqueous Separations

Abstract Fundamental understanding of the reverse osmosis (RO) transport phenomena is necessary for quantitative prediction of contaminant rejection and development of more selective membranes. The solution-diffusion (S-D) model predicts a tradeoff relationship between permeability and selectivity, and this tradeoff trend was recently reported for RO. But the first principles governing the relationship are not well understood for aqueous separation membranes. This study presents a framework to elucidate the underlying factors of the permeability-selectivity tradeoff relationship in thin-film composite polyamide (TFC-PA) membranes. Water and solute permeabilities of membranes with a range of selectivities are examined using six nonelectrolyte solutes of various sizes and dimensions. The permeability-selectivity tradeoff trend, as defined by S-D, was observed for all six solutes. Crucially, the slopes of the tradeoff lines, λ, are found to be related to the solute and solvent (i.e., water) diameters, ds and dw, respectively, by λ = (ds/dw)2 – 1, consistent with the S-D framework established for gas separation membranes. Additionally, the intercepts of the tradeoff lines are shown to be also influenced by ds. These results highlight that solute molecular diameter is a primary influence on the permeability-selectivity tradeoff for the permeants investigated in this study. Furthermore, a transport regime where solute permeation is only very weakly coupled to water transport, in addition to the conventional S-D, is identified for the first time. We demonstrate that the boundary delineating the two transport regimes can be determined by the solute diameter. The relationship between characteristic features of the “additional regime” and solute dimensions are analyzed. The study shows that the general principles of the S-D framework are applicable to TFC-PA membranes and the analysis quantified the principal role of solute size in governing RO transport. The experimental and analytical evidence suggest that nonelectrolyte solute transport can, in principle, be a priori predicted using molecular diameter. Findings of this investigation provide new insights for understanding the transport mechanisms in osmotic membrane processes.
Rearchitecting Linux Storage Stack for µs Latency and High Throughput

This paper demonstrates that it is possible to achieve μs-scale latency using Linux kernel storage stack, even when tens of latency-sensitive applications compete for host resources with throughput-bound applications that perform read/write operations at throughput close to hardware capacity. Furthermore, such performance can be achieved without any modification in applications, network hardware, kernel CPU schedulers and/or kernel network stack. We demonstrate the above using design, implementation and evaluation of blk-switch, a new Linux kernel storage stack architecture. The key insight in blk-switch is that Linux's multi-queue storage design, along with multi-queue network and storage hardware, makes the storage stack conceptually similar to a network switch. blk-switch uses this insight to adapt techniques from the computer networking literature (e.g., multiple egress queues, prioritized processing of individual requests, load balancing, and switch scheduling) to the Linux kernel storage stack. blk-switch evaluation over a variety of scenarios shows that it consistently achieves μs-scale average and tail latency (at both 99th and 99.9th percentiles), while allowing applications to near-perfectly utilize the hardware capacity.
Elevated serotonin alters whole-blood expression of serotonin receptor and metabolism genes in the lactating dairy cow

Abstract Serotonin's role as a hormone has been demonstrated through modulating calcium metabolism, energy homeostasis, and immune function in the preweaned and lactating bovine. Recently, manipulation of the serotonergic axis in calves via administration of 5-hydroxy- l -tryptophan (5-HTP), the serotonin precursor, elicited immunomodulatory effects and regulated serotonin transport and metabolism genes in leukocytes. However, serotonin's ability to modulate whole-blood gene expression in lactating dairy cows is unknown. Our objective was to explore the effect of infusing 5-HTP on whole-blood expression of genes regulating serotonin transport (reuptake transporter), signaling (receptors), metabolism (synthesis and degradation), and cytokines in dairy cows. Twelve lactating multiparous Holstein dairy cows were blocked by parity, milk production, and days in milk in a randomized complete block design and randomly assigned to intravenous infusion of either 1 L of 1.5 mg/kg 5-HTP dissolved in saline (n = 6) or 1 L of saline solution (n = 6) for 3 consecutive days. Whole blood was collected at 48, 56, and 72 h relative to termination of first infusion to analyze whole-blood gene expression. Infusion of 5-HTP increased whole-blood mRNA expression of monoamine oxidase-A and serotonin receptor 7 across the experimental period. Forty-eight hours from termination of first infusion, the mRNA of monoamine oxidase-A, serotonin reuptake transporter, and serotonin receptor 7 were increased in blood relative to the control. Interleukin-8 concentrations and mRNA were unchanged in response to 5-HTP infusion. Collectively, these data suggest that infusion of 5-HTP may alter mRNA of serotonin metabolism, transport, and signaling genes in whole blood of lactating dairy cows.
Analyzing Modes of Assessment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Using a Culturally Sensitive Lens

Despite the increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the professional literature provides evidence to suggest disproportionality regarding the demographic characteristics (e.g., racial, ethnic, socioeconomic status) among individuals who receive ASD diagnoses. Individuals who receive inaccurate diagnoses, or late identification of ASD, likely have decreased opportunities to receive early, evidence-based interventions within school, community, and clinical settings. This article presents an exploration of current issues regarding ASD assessments from a multicultural perspective, including a review of the literature and critical examination of commonly used assessment tools. Authors reviewed best practice guidelines for conducting assessments through a culturally sensitive lens and provide guidance and recommendations for best practices in research and practitioner-based settings. This article presents researchers, clinical practitioners, and school-based professionals with considerations and actionable steps to better inform ASD evaluations from a culturally sensitive perspective. Despite the growth of research surrounding ASD diagnosis, there remains a dearth of unknown information regarding the approach of assessment from a culturally sensitive perspective. Most of the current research underscores disparities and discrepancies in the diagnosis of ASD, yet the causes and maintenance of such issues are neglected in the research. Further research is needed to understand the causes and maintenance of the disparities in ASD assessment. Research advancement will aid practitioners in addressing barriers and work to reduce disparities in the field. Considerations for completing culturally sensitive assessments include close evaluation of the gold standard assessment tools, caregiver comfortability in reporting symptoms, and caregiver knowledge of ASD symptoms.
A protocol for the reduction of applied torque on parent vessel during elastase-induced aneurysm formation using rabbit animal models

Endovascular therapies for intracranial aneurysms requires animal models for testing the safety and effectiveness prior to translation to the clinic. Rabbits combined with the elastase and right common carotid artery (RCCA) ligation methods is currently a widely used animal model for endovascular device testing. However, the injection of elastase utilizing angiocatheters may potentially exerts adverse torque to the parent vessel and the optimal aneurysm creation period has not been well investigated. In this study, we present a modification to the elastase/RCCA-ligation method by replacing the angio-catheter with a butterfly catheter. Formation of saccular aneurysms was introduced in New Zealand white rabbits (n = 6), and were maintained for 2, 4 and 6 weeks. The formed aneurysms exhibited an elongated geometry and were stable during the study period. We found that the modification in the animal surgery procedure provides improved manipulation of the surgical area, prolonged injection of elastase, and effective degradation of the vascular elastic lamina. Compared to the traditional elastase/RCCA-ligation method, the present technique can more effectively reduce unwanted injury to the parent vessel and, therefore, improved stability of the vasculature for testing the efficacy of newly developed endovascular embolization devices.
Galileo and the Interpretation of the Bible

Galileo's understanding of the relationship between science and the Bible has frequently been celebrated as anticipating a modern distinction between the essentially religious nature of scripture and the claims of the natural sciences. Galileo's reference to the remarks of Cardinal Baronius, that the Bible teaches one how to go to heaven and not how the heavens go, has been seem as emblematic of his commitment to the distinction between the Book of Nature and the Book of Scripture. This essay argues that, contrary to the common view, Galileo shares with the theologians of the Inquisition the same fundamental principles of biblical interpretation: principles which include traditional scriptural hermeneutics enunciated by Augustine and Aquinas, as well as those characteristic of Counter-Reformation Catholicism. Although Galileo argues that one should not begin with biblical passages in order to discover truths about nature, he does think that the Bible contains scientific truths and that it is the function of wise interpreters to discover these truths. The dispute with the theologians of the Inquisition occurred because they thought that it was obviously true scientifically that the earth did not move and, on the basis of this view, they read the Bible as revealing the same thing. They reached this conclusion because, like Galileo, they thought that the Bible contained truths about nature. Of course, what these theologians accepted as scientifically true, Galileo denied.
Stunting and the Prediction of Lung Volumes Among Tibetan Children and Adolescents at High Altitude

Abstract Weitz, Charles A., and Ralph M. Garruto. Stunting and the prediction of lung volumes among Tibetan children and adolescents at high altitude. High Alt Biol Med 16:306–317, 2015.—This study examines the extent to which stunting (height-for-age Z-scores ≤ −2) compromises the use of low altitude prediction equations to gauge the general increase in lung volumes during growth among high altitude populations. The forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1) of 208 stunted and 365 non-stunted high-altitude Tibetan children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 20 years are predicted using the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANESIII) and the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLF) equations, and compared to observed lung volumes. Stunted Tibetan children show smaller positive deviations from both NHANESIII and GLF prediction equations at most ages than non-stunted children. Deviations from predictions do not correspond to differences in body proportions (si...
Using the Electromyogram to Anticipate Torques About the Elbow

Processed (i.e., rectified, smoothed) electromyogram (EMG) activity from skeletal muscles precedes mechanical tension by 50–100 ms. This property can be exploited to anticipate muscle mechanical activity. Thus, we investigated the ability of surface EMG to estimate joint torque at future times, up to 750 ms. EMG recorded from the biceps and triceps muscles of 54 subjects during constant-posture, force-varying contractions was related to elbow torque. Higher-order FIR models, combined with advanced EMG processing (whitening; four EMG channels per muscle), provided a nearly identical minimum error of $5.48 \pm 2.21\hbox{\%}$ ${\rm MVC}_{\rm F}$ (flexion maximum voluntary contraction) over the time advance range of 0–60 ms. Error grew for larger time advances. The more common method of filtering EMG amplitude with a Butterworth filter (second-order, 1.5 Hz cutoff frequency) produced a statistically inferior $(p minimum torque error of $6.90 \pm 2.39\hbox{\%}$ ${\rm MVC}_{\rm F}$ , with an error nadir at a time advance of 60 ms. Error was progressively poorer at all other time advances. Lower-order FIR models mimicked the poorer performance of the Butterworth models. The more advanced models provide lower estimation error, require no selection of an electromechanical delay term and maintain their lowest error over a substantial range of advance times.
Further Studies on Oxidative Induction Test on Medical Polymers

We have published previously initial results on the application of the oxidative induction test to a wide variety of medical polymers. This is a continuation and further elaboration on the earlier study. For medical flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds, the traditional measure of degree of degradation by color formation was found to correlate to measured oxidative induction times. Furthermore, three distinct regimes were also detected. In the initial phase of degradation, little color formation was detected for significant decreases in the induction time. This is followed by a nearly linear regime. Finally in the terminal regime, where the stabilizer were nearly exhausted the color increased exponentially. This observation was interpreted by the established mechanism of PVC degradation. In another series with polyolefins, several subtle phenomena were observed that may have utility in either optimizing the stabilization package or predicting long term shelf life. It was found that significant antioxidant losses occurred at typical experimental temperatures above 200°C. Much better shelf life predictions can be obtained by collecting data at lower temperatures. And the inflection point on the activation energy plot corresponded to the antioxidant volatilization temperature.
All-reflection Michelson interferometer: analysis and test for far ir Fourier spectroscopy

The beam splitter of the all-reflection Michelson interferometer consists of a combination of three parallel diffraction gratings. This paper extends the analysis of the instrument to include the effects of lateral errors in the grating adjustment (i.e., displacements parallel to the grating faces and perpendicular to the grooves). Such errors are shown to introduce a phase shift independent of wavenumber and proportional to grating order number. Tests of an instrument designed for Fourier transform spectroscopy in the 500–1000-μm spectral range are reported and shown to be in agreement with the analysis. For wavenumbers which pass through the instrument in 2 or more orders, cross-order interference effects are expected to occur which cause rapid variations in the efficiency vs wavenumber curve. This possibility should be eliminated in the design of a practical instrument. The resolution of the test instrument (1.6 cm−1) was insufficient to reveal this effect.
Do Communication Students Have the “Write Stuff”?: Practitioners Evaluate Writing Skills of Entry-Level Workers

Communication managers have long expressed the sentiment that good writing contributes to a company's bottom line and helps the writer gain momentum up the corporate ladder. However, an alarming number of communication professionals report that entry-level employees possess poor writing skills and even poorer editing skills. This article describes a quantitative study conducted with senior-level communication professionals who report that entry-level workers lack a thorough understanding of the rules of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. In addition, these senior-level professionals feel that colleges and universities do an inadequate job of training future communication workers in writing competency.
Novel computations of a moving boundary heat conduction problem applied to EDM technology

Abstract A computational procedure is presented to solve a model for thermal conduction which properly describes erosion rates for the anodic material in electric-discharge machining (EDM) processes. The shape and size of melt craters obtained by electric sparks in EDM are calculated numerically by use of a model for thermal conduction. The computational procedure is based on the exact solution of the associated problem of 2-D transient conduction in a semi-infinite body subjected to a uniform time-dependent heat flux over a small circular part of its surface. The superposition principle in conjunction with adjustable heat sources is used to cope with the time-dependent boundary conditions. Stability is not a consideration in the present method, which requires less computational time than other methods, particularly for long-time solutions. Because discretization of time or space is not used, the present method can be used to calculate the temperature at any location and time. In contrast, finite-element or finite-difference methods must compute all of the nodal temperatures at each time step. These constraints may lead to schemes that become either inaccurate or unstable, or introduce spurious oscillations in the solution for a domain of a realistic grid-size. The method is in general more complicated to formulate and more tedious to program, but is less costly in the numerical implementation and faster compared to other numerical methods.
Gains from an integrated market for tradable renewable energy credits

Abstract Decoupling the environmental attributes of renewable energy (RE) generation from the physical unit of energy is an innovative mechanism for marketing green or renewable power. The introduction of ‘Tradable Renewable Energy Credits’ (TRECs) allows the green power attributes of energy to be sold or traded separately from the physical unit of energy. Since the green power certificate system removes potential locational and physical bottlenecks, both suppliers and consumers gain flexibility in the marketplace. The TREC is also an efficient tool to meet ‘Renewable Portfolio Standard’ (RPS) required by different states in the US. This paper discusses the RPS requirements for different states and examines the implications of an integrated TREC market. It offers a competitive setting to the consumers to pay for renewable energy and a cost effective tool to support renewable energy generation [Grace and Wiser, 2002]. This paper also highlights some practical difficulties that should be addressed in order to establish an efficient integrated TREC market.
Cerebral electrical fields during petit mal absences.

Abstract The electrical fields of spike-wave complexes were plotted with the aid of a microcomputer in patients suffering from petit mal absences. The maximum positivity as well as negativity of the individual complexes was mainly in the frontal areas. While this observation was quite constant among different patients and different seizures within the same patient, the way in which these maxima were reached varied markedly. Even in the most regular patterns, succesive spike-wave complexes within one seizure could show different origins and different spread of the field. Positive and negative components of the wave and occasionally of the spike could show different areas of onset. The earliest positive change was frequently in one occipital area or at Pz while negativity could be initiated in frontal or posterior head regions. The variability of onset and spread tended to be somewhat more marked for the positive rather than negative component. The spread of the field over the scalp was at times somewhat discontinuous and one or more preliminary peaks could occur which either disappeared or coalesced before the maximum was reached. The findings suggest that several intracortical generators contribute to the formation of the spike-wave complex but the frontal areas play the most crucial role and medial as well as lateral portions appear to be involved.
An electron microscopic study of moderate and virulent virus-cell interactions of the parainfluenza virus SV5

Abstract The multiplication of the parainfluenza virus SV5 was studied in primary rhesus monkey kidney (MK) cells and in a line of baby hamster kidney (BHK21-F) cells. Virus adsorbs to the cell surface and appears to penetrate by phagocytosis. Virus morphogenesis is similar in the two cells; the helical nucleocapsid forms in the cytoplasmic matrix and aligns under regions of cell membrane which acquire viral surface projections. Assembly and release of virus particles at the cell surface occurs by a budding process involving the incorporation into the viral envelope of a unit membrane which is continuous with and morphologically identical to that of the host cell. Both spherical and filamentous virus particles are formed; filaments frequently contain regularly coiled nucleocapsid throughout their length. In MK cells, which yield high titers of infective virus for many days but show little cytopathic effect, a balance appears to exist between synthesis of nucleocapsid and its continuous release within mature virus particles. In contrast, in BHK21-F cells, which produce little virus and disintegrate after extensive cell fusion, large aggregates of nucleocapsid accumulate in the cytoplasm, suggesting a block in maturation at the cell membrane. The present electron microscopic observations support previous studies which suggested that the virulence and yield of SV5 may depend, at least in part, on the response of the cell membrane to the virus.
The effects of adenosine on the development of long-term potentiation

In previous work we found that a brief period of hypoxia occurring within 1-2 min of high-frequency stimulation disrupts the development of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 field of rat hippocampal slices. We now report that extracellular application of adenosine if applied within 1 min but not 5 min after high-frequency stimulation similarly prevents LTP. Adenosine was ineffective if DPCPX (1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentyl-xanthine), a selective antagonist of adenosine A1 receptors, was present. The post-stimulation application mode excludes the possibility that adenosine interferes with NMDA receptor activation and its role in initiating LTP. It suggests instead that changes in intracellular control systems linked to adenosine receptors can during a brief vulnerable period interrupt the biochemical processes leading to the expression of long-term potentiation.
Project Discovery: An Urban Middle School Reform Effort

This study reports on a 5-year project to improve urban, middle-level student achievement through the implementation of two initiatives. First, teachers at a participating New York City middle scho...
The single-copy DNA sequence polymorphism of the sea urchin strongylocentrotus purpuratus

The single-copy DNA sequence difference between individual sea urchins of the species Strongylocentrotus purpuratus has been estimated by comparing the thermal stability of reassociated DNA duplexes from two individuals with that for DNA from an individual. Thermal stability was measured by hydroxyapatite thermal chromatography, S1 nuclease resistance after heating in a solvent which neutralizes the effect of DNA base composition, and spectrophotometric melting. One pair of individuals appear to differ from each other in about 4% of the nucleotide pairs of their single-copy DNA sequence. The differences in DNA sequence among individuals in local populations are not distinguishably smaller than those among populations as far apart as 2000 kilometers along the Pacific coast of North America.
Age Dependent Branching Processes with Two Types of Immigration

Abstract A critical age-dependent (Bellman-Harris) branching process with state-dep endent immigration at 0 is denoted Z(t). At IID times of an independent renewal process, IID {Zi(t)} processes are introduced. Asymptotic moments, and a limit th eorem for the overall process are given.
Rate and temperature effects on the fracture toughness of a rubber-modified epoxy

A series of three-point bend fracture toughness tests was performed at various loading rates and temperatures on both rubber-modified and unmodified epoxy specimens. The fracture toughness of the modified samples was determined to be rate- and temperature-dependent. Using time-temperature superposition, an apparent activation energy was determined by shifting the fracture toughness data along the rate axis for each temperature tested. Surprisingly, this apparent activation energy calculated for the rubber-modified epoxy was found to be within 2% of the value of the activation energy determined for the /3 relaxation peak found from small strain d.m.a, measurements of the unmodified epoxy matrix. This was an unexpected yet interesting correlation. Since shear yielding is the primary mechanism by which this epoxy system is toughened, it can be hypothesized the/3 relaxation may significantly influence the kinetics of yielding and consequently the fracture tougness of the material. Plastic zone geometry and fracture mechanisms were investigated and were found to support this hypothesis.
Looking across communicative genres: a call for inclusive indicators of interdisciplinarity

Disciplines vary in the types of communicative genres they use to disseminate knowledge and citing patterns used within these genres. However, citation analyses have predominately relied on the references and citations of one type of communicative genre. It is argued that this is particularly problematic for studies of interdisciplinarity, where analyses bias the disciplines that communicate using the genre under investigation. This may lead to inaccurate or incomplete results in terms of fully understanding the interrelationships between disciplines. This study analyzes a set of 15,870 references from 97 LIS dissertations, in order to demonstrate the difference in discipline and author rankings, based on the genre under investigation. This work encourages future work that takes into account multiple citing and cited works, especially where indicators of interdisciplinarity are used for the allocation of resources or ranking of scholars.
The effects of long-term acetohexamide treatment on pancreatic islet cell function in maturity-onset diabetes

Abstract Glucose tolerance and insulin output were studied before, during and after a 3 month course of acetohexamide in 20 diabetics who were not controlled by diet alone. Acetohexamide was withdrawn 48 hours before the tests done during the treatment to allow for its elimination from the circulation, since the possible cytotrophic effect of the drug on the pancreatic beta cells, rather than its hypoglycemic effect was to be evaluated. During treatment glucose tolerance was markedly improved in 13 patients. This was associated with an increase in mean insulin output from subnormal to normal levels during the first 2 months of treatment. During the last month of treatment insulin output declined in most patients though the improvement in glucose tolerance was maintained or increased. The greatest improvement in glucose tolerance occurred in those subjects who had had the disease less than 3 months before starting treatment. It is unlikely that the stimulatory effect of the sulphonylureas exhausts the pancreatic beta cells, since in most cases the extra demand imposed on insulin production at the onset of treatment is not maintained after the initial insulin antagonism has been reduced.
Motion Parallax Information for Direction of Rotation in Depth: Order and Direction Components

The work of Hershberger and his associates has demonstrated the effectiveness for judging direction of rotation in depth of several components of motion parallax. Confounding and conflicting results have made the status of two of these transformations, labeled Direction and Order, unclear. A study is reported in which the problems encountered in previous studies have been eliminated. College students correctly judged the direction of rotation of horizontal rows of dots which appeared to rotate in depth, which demonstrates that Direction and Order can, in fact, provide useful information about direction of motion in depth.
New equine antitoxins to botulinum neurotoxins serotypes A and B

Hyperimmune monovalent antitoxins to botulinum neurotoxin serotypes A and B have been produced by immunizing horses with newly developed formalin toxoids. After primary immunization, horses developed acceptable prophylactic antibody titers (1-5 IU/mL). Three horses received additional toxoid booster injections to induce hyperimmune antibody titers with antitoxin-A and antitoxin-B titers reaching peaks of approximately 2000 IU/mL and 150-625 IU/mL, respectively. Titers were quantified throughout the process by antigen-capture ELISA and by in-vivo neutralization. ELISA titers and neutralization titers correlated (R² ∼0.62-0.92), however, unique correlations between in-vitro and in-vivo titers were observed for each horse. Monovalent antitoxin pools were made by combining plasma that had been collected twice via plasmaphoresis several months after primary immunization. Neutralizing units were established for each pool relative to the current US and WHO reference standards. Titers were determined at the L(+)/10 and L(+)/40 toxin dose for Toxin types A and B, respectively, and U.S. and international units were assigned to each monovalent antitoxin. Avidity of the new Anti-A pool was equivalent to the WHO Anti-A reference at the L(+), L(+)/10 and L(+)/30 dose. Each monovalent plasma pool failed to cross-neutralize other botulinum neurotoxin serotypes indicating a high degree of specificity of each antitoxin for the toxin serotype used during immunization.