cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Morphology And Computer Vision

An algebraic system of operators, such as those of math- ematical morphology, is useful for computer vision because compositions of its operators can be formed which, when their meaningful parts and separate the meaningful parts from their extraneous parts. Such a system of operators and their compositions permit the underlying shapes to be identified and reconstructed as best possible from their distorted noisy forms. As well they permit each shape to be understood in terms of a decomposition, each entity of the decomposition being some suitably simple shape. Since shape is a prime carrier of information in machine vision, there should be little surprise about the importance of mathematical morphology. Morphological operations can simplify image data preserving their essential shape char acteristics and eliminate irrelevancies. As the identification and decomposition of objects, object features, object surface defects, and assembly defects correlate directly with shape, it is only natural that mathematical morphology has an essential structural role to play in machine vision.
Determination of H5N1 vaccine potency using reference antisera from heterologous strains of influenza

Please cite this paper as: Vodeiko and Weir (2011). Determination of H5N1 vaccine potency using reference antisera from heterologous strains of influenza. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(3), 176–187. Background Standardization of inactivated influenza vaccines by hemagglutinin (HA) content is performed by the single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) method. Regulatory agencies prepare, calibrate, and distribute SRID reagent standards necessary for testing of seasonal influenza vaccines, and a similar process is used to produce potency reagents for candidate pandemic influenza vaccines that are manufactured for emergency stockpiles. Objectives Because of the concerns in generating a timely strain-specific potency antiserum for an emerging pandemic virus, we evaluated the feasibility of using heterologous potency reference antiserum as a replacement for a strain-specific (homologous) antiserum in the SRID potency assay for stockpiled H5N1 vaccines. Results The results indicate that a heterologous H5N1 antiserum can be used to determine the accurate potency of inactivated H5N1 influenza vaccines. Additionally, when H5N1 vaccine was subjected to an accelerated stability protocol, both homologous and heterologous antisera provided similar measurements of vaccine potency decline. Limitations to the heterologous antiserum approach to potency determination were shown by the inability of antiserum to recent seasonal H1N1 viruses to work in an SRID assay with the 2009 pandemic H1N1 A/California/07/2009 antigen. Conclusions The data demonstrate the feasibility of using heterologous antiserum for potency determination of at least some candidate vaccines in case of a shortage or delay of homologous antiserum. Further, the results suggest the prudence of stockpiling a broad library of potency reagents including many strains of influenza viruses with pandemic potential to provide an added measure of assurance that reagent production would not be a bottleneck to vaccine production during a pandemic.
Inhibition of carboxyleseterase activity: Can co-administered agents reduce irinotecan and capecitabine activation?

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 2022 Carboxylesterase enzymes are involved in the metabolism of drugs containing ester and amide constituents. The anticancer agents capecitabine and irinotecan (CPT-11) undergo in vivo activation requiring carboxylesterases. The purpose of this study was to develop a simple screening assay to identify drugs that bind to carboxylesterases in order to identify potential drug-drug interactions with capecitabine or irinotecan. Methods: Drugs commonly co-administered with irinotecan or capecitabine were evaluated. Drugs were incubated with purified human carboxylesterases, CES1 and CES2. Inhibition constants (Ki) were determined spectrophotometrically by monitoring conversion of 4-methylumbilliferyl acetate (4-MUA) to 4-methlyumbelliferone at 350 nm in the presence of varying concentrations of inhibitor and purified CES1 or CES2. The data were fit to the equation: %inhibition =[I]/([I]+Ki(1+[S]/Km)) to obtain Ki. Results: Of the drugs tested, loperamide was found to inhibit both CES1 and CES2 to the greatest extent (Ki = 220 μM and 0.16 μM, respectively). Dolasetron mesylate and docetaxel inhibited hydrolysis of 4-MUA to a weaker extent, with Ki’s for CES1 of 0.17 mM and 0.34 mM and for CES2 of 0.22 mM and 0.34 mM, respectively. Atropine and dexamethasone had little effect on 4-MUA hydrolysis. Conclusions: Inhibition of irinotecan or capecitabine activation by concomitantly administered drugs may reduce the efficacy of these agents. This screening assay using 4-MUA is an efficient method for identifying drug interactions with human carboxylesterase. Loperamide was found to inhibit CES1 and CES2, raising the concern that patient self-medication with such over-the-counter medications may adversely effect the patient’s response to irinotecan or capecitabine. Additional studies evaluating nutritional supplements, prescription and over-the-counter medications are warranted.(Research supported by the Purdue Research Foundation and NIH R21 CA93833.)
Statistical Methods for Selecting the Components of a Sensing Array

An electronic nose which uses an array of conductometric chemical sensors has been developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory; the JPL Electronic Nose is to be used as an event monitor in human habitat in a spacecraft. This sensor array is designed to identify and quantify 10–15 organic and inorganic species in air. The earlier generation/version JPL electronic noses consisted of 32 polymer-carbon black composite sensors; the target analytes included volatile organics as well as ammonia. This third generation electronic nose has a new suite of target analytes, and so, a new set of sensors was selected. In addition to volatile organic chemicals, the target analytes include the inorganic species: ammonia, sulfur dioxide and elemental mercury. The most recent array under development has 32 sensors; additional materials were selected in order to detect inorganic species and polymer-carbon black composite sensors were reevaluated. In the development of such a device, we must select sensors suitable for the detection of targeted analytes, and we must be able to evaluate both the sensors and the array response. This chapter will discuss the statistical tools and experimental criteria used to evaluate and select materials in the sensing array.
Improved Test Methods for Determining Corrosion Inhibition by Calcium Nitrite in Concrete

The use of open-circuit potential measurements for determining the extent of corrosion suffers from the inability to assign a corrosion rating with confidence to an observed voltage taken at a given location on a given substrate. We have attacked the problem by using a microprocessor to accumulate multiple readings on a given deck. The solid-state electronics reads, converts, and stores the data faster and with more reliability than is possible with completely manual operation. One problem in field applications is attachment to the rebar mat in order to measure the voltage. We report the usefulness of a two-probe method, which can be used without connecting to the metal framework of the bridge. An area large enough to contain active and passive regions must be surveyed. A new series of reinforced concrete decks has been cast with and without calcium nitrite inhibitor to confirm earlier findings that corrosion can be controlled at an addition rate of 2 percent by weight of cement. Also, the results from the construction of the first highway bridge built with calcium nitrite are reported here.
Novel computational biology methods and their applications to drug discovery

Computational biology methods are now firmly entrenched in the drug discovery process. These methods focus on modeling and simulations of biological systems to complement and direct conventional experimental approaches. Two important branches of computational biology include protein homology modeling and the computational biophysics method of molecular dynamics. Protein modeling methods attempt to accurately predict three-dimensional (3D) structures of uncrystallized proteins for subsequent structure-based drug design applications. Molecular dynamics methods aim to elucidate the molecular motions of the static representations of crystallized protein structures. In this review we highlight recent novel methodologies in the field of homology modeling and molecular dynamics. Selected drug discovery applications using these methods conclude the review.
The Challenges of Growing Strawberries in the Greenhouse

As a floriculturist, when I first decided to grow strawberries (Fragaria · ananassa) in the greenhouse, I thought it would be a snap. After all, I could practice what I preach to my classes in that I would use all the sustainable growing tricks from floriculture, create a production time line and it would be ready, set grow. However, moving a field-grown summer crop into a greenhouse as a winter crop was not the same as moving a winter greenhouse-grown crop outside for the summer. Not only were the plants typically grown in lush field soil, but also the fertilizer recommendations were not directly translatable (i.e., parts per million nitrogen). The pesticides used were not licensed for greenhouses and of course, there were no clues as to schedules of what to do when. Finally, there were the mystery problems that occurred. With high gas prices and the interest in local food production, it seems probable that over the next 5 to 10 years, more and more fruit, vegetables and even nut plants will be moved into greenhouse and high tunnel production. The purpose of this article is to identify the kinds of information needed to make a ‘‘smooth’’ transition from field to greenhouse for alternative crops, like strawberries, grown during nontraditional seasons.
Direct measurement of myocardial viability by manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI) tracks the regenerative effects by human pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hPCMs)

Background Human pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hPCMs) may regenerate the myocardium to restore the cardiac function. Manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI) enters the cardiomyocytes via calcium channel to generate viability signal directly. Persistent engraftment of the hPCMs associated with increased myocardial viability and LVEF suggests regeneration. This study tests the hypothesis that hPCMs regenerate the injured murine myocardium.
Identification of mutator genes and mutational pathways in Escherichia coli using a multicopy cloning approach

We searched for genes that create mutator phenotypes when put on to a multicopy plasmid in Escherichia coli. In many cases, this will result in overexpression of the gene in question. We constructed a random shotgun library with E. coli genomic fragments between 3 and 5 kbp in length on a multicopy plasmid vector that was transformed into E. coli to screen for frameshift mutators. We identified a total of 115 independent genomic fragments that covered 17 regions on the E. coli chromosome. Further studies identified 12 genes not previously known as causing mutator phenotypes when overproduced. A striking finding is that overproduction of the multidrug resistance transcription regulator, EmrR, results in a large increase in frameshift and base substitution mutagenesis. This suggests a link between multidrug resistance and mutagenesis. Other identified genes include those encoding DNA helicases (UvrD, RecG, RecQ), truncated forms of the DNA mismatch repair protein (MutS) and a primosomal component (DnaT), a negative modulator of initiation of replication/GATC-binding protein (SeqA), a stationary phase regulator AppY, a transcriptional regulator PaaX and three putative open reading frames, ycgW, yfjY and yjiD, encoding hypothetical proteins. In addition, we found three genes encoding proteins that were previously known to cause mutator effects under overexpression conditions: error-prone polymerase IV (DinB), DNA methylase (Dam) and sigma S factor (RpoS). This genomic strategy offers an approach to identify novel mutator effects resulting from the multicopy cloning (MCC) of specific genes and therefore complementing the conventional gene inactivation approach to finding mutators.
CFD approach for simulation of bitumen froth settling process – Part I: Hindered settling of aggregates

Abstract Bitumen or heavy oil aggregates are formed when bitumen emulsions, consisting of emulsified water droplets dispersed solids and precipitated asphaltenes, are treated with aliphatic solvents. While settling, the aggregates exhibit zone settling mode with the development of a sharp oil and settling zone interface. Previous research [Long Y, Dabros T, Hamza H. Structure of water/solids/asphaltenes aggregates and effect of mixing temperature on settling rate in solvent-diluted bitumen. Fuel 2004;83:823–32] provides settling experimental data for bitumen aggregate settling and a Richardson–Zaki approximation was proposed by the authors with modified exponents for simulating the settling behavior of aggregates. However, the need for modified exponents and their dependence on aggregates and solvents used was not explained. Since the aggregates exhibit hindered settling, where the settling rate is different from that of individual particles or aggregates, numerous settling models have been proposed to correlate particle swarms to single particle via drag correlations [Richardson JF, Zaki WN. Sedimentation and fluidization: Part I. Trans Inst Chem Eng 1954;32:35–53; John G, Maan RA. Velocity–voidage relationships for fluidization and sedimentation in solid–liquid systems. Ind Eng Chem Proc Des Dev 1977;16:206–14]. The compaction zone, due to high concentrations of solids and the effect of their resultant weight during settling is also often ignored. In this work, the hindered settling behavior of bitumen aggregates is first studied in a CFD framework using two models: (a) modified Richardson–Zaki approximation by Long et al. [Richardson JF, Zaki WN. Sedimentation and fluidization: Part I. Trans Inst Chem Eng 1954;32:35–53] and (b) the Syamlal–O’Brien model [John G, Maan RA. Velocity–voidage relationships for fluidization and sedimentation in solid–liquid systems. Ind Eng Chem Proc Des Dev 1977;16:206–14]. To address the limitations of the two models, a new model is proposed that incorporates the irregular (fractal) structure of aggregates by considering the aggregates as porous liquid-filled solids that are fractal in nature. Results, from the new fractal model, are found to be in good agreement with empirical data.
Harvesting model uncertainty for the simulation of interannual variability

[1] An innovative modeling strategy is introduced to account for uncertainty in the convective parameterization (CP) scheme of a coupled ocean-atmosphere model. The methodology involves calling the CP scheme several times at every given time step of the model integration to pick the most probable convective state. Each call of the CP scheme is unique in that one of its critical parameter values (which is unobserved but required by the scheme) is chosen randomly over a given range. This methodology is tested with the relaxed Arakawa-Schubert CP scheme in the Center for Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Studies (COLA) coupled general circulation model (CGCM). Relative to the control COLA CGCM, this methodology shows improvement in the El Nino―Southern Oscillation simulation and the Indian summer monsoon precipitation variability.
Effects of hippocampal lesion on cardiovascular, adrenocortical and behavioral response patterns in mice

Abstract It was found that animals with a hippocampal lesion developed high blood pressure, low heart rates, and high plasma corticosterone during social interaction in a territorial situation. However, hippocampal animals kept in a nonterritorial situation with minimal social interaction did not show significant cardiovascular or plasma corticosterone changes as compared to unoperated controls or cortically lesioned controls. The socially interacting hippocampal animals failed to develop a social hierarchy and did not respond aggressively to an intruder placed in the colony. The data suggests that the hippocampus is involved in the maintenance of social behavior which in turn may modulate autonomic nervous system activity.
Physical realizations of n ≥ 4 -component vector models. I. Derivation of the Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson Hamiltonians

Certain phase transitions which involve an increase of the unit cell in one or more directions, are described by $n\ensuremath{\ge}4$-component vector models. According to universality, the critical behavior of a system should depend only upon a small number of parameters such as the dimensionality of space, the number of components of the order parameter, and the symmetry of the Hamiltonian. We suggest that it would be of great interest to study these $n\ensuremath{\ge}4$ systems experimentally, and examine the effect of the dimensionality of the order parameter and the anisotropy of the system on the critical behavior. We use the group-theoretical method of landau and Lifshitz to derive the Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson Hamiltonians corresponding to the following $n\ensuremath{\ge}4$ systems: type-II antiferromagnets TbAs, TbP, TbSb ($n=4$), and MnO, MnSe, NiO, and ErSb ($n=8$); type-I antiferromagnet U${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ ($n=6$); type-III antiferromagnet ${\mathrm{K}}_{2}$Ir${\mathrm{Cl}}_{6}$ ($n=6$); sinusoidal magnetic systems Dy${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$ and Tb${\mathrm{Au}}_{2}$ ($n=4$), and Tb${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ and Nd ($n=6$); and an $n=4$ system, Nb${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, which exhibits a structural transition. In the following paper (II) we use the exact renormalization-group technique in $d=4\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ dimensions to study the critical behavior of these Hamiltonians.
Reduced Plasma Oncotic Pressure is Indicative of Injury Severity in Trauma Patients

Trauma is the leading cause of death in people aged 1–44 years old, with hemorrhagic shock accounting for nearly half of these deaths. These fatalities often occur early, within 24 hours, but many are deemed potentially preventable with appropriate resuscitation.1–2 The term “appropriate resuscitation” is somewhat ambiguous and subjective because of the lack of a standardized resuscitation protocol. We attribute this deficiency to our rudimentary understanding of the mechanisms of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Service patterns of adult survivors of childhood versus adult sexual assault/abuse

This analysis compared the characteristics and service patterns of adult survivors of childhood sexual assault/abuse and adult survivors of adult sexual assault/abuse. Utilizing data from sexual assault crisis centers serving survivors in a Midwestern state over a six year period and controlling for revictimization, we describe and compare the demographic characteristics, referral sources, and service patterns of the two groups. Results indicate that paths into service differ for the two groups. Furthermore, adult survivors of childhood sexual assault/abuse obtain significantly more hours of service and service contacts on average than adult survivors of adult sexual assault/abuse. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
A pilot study comparing the efficacy of hard and soft stabilizing appliances in treating patients with temporomandibular disorders.

Abstract Statement of problem. Soft and hard stabilizing appliances have been used to treat temporomandibular disorders. No data exist to suggest whether a hard or soft appliance is beneficial. Purpose. This study compared soft and hard acrylic resin stabilizing appliances in the reduction of masticatory muscle pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders. Materials and methods. Twenty-three patients with at least one clinical sign from the list of diagnostic subgroups of temporomandibular disorders were alternately assigned a hard or soft appliance for temporomandibular disorder treatment. No other temporomandibular disorder treatment (self-care, physical therapy, biofeedback, or muscle or joint injections) was rendered. Each patient was seen by two dentists at each visit. One dentist initially fabricated the appliance and adjusted the appliance on each visit and an examining dentist examined the patient each visit and recorded signs of temporomandibular disorders. The appliance material (soft or hard) was not disclosed to the examining dentist, only to the dentist who fabricated and adjusted the appliance. Patients were examined and appliances were adjusted every 2 to 3 weeks for a minimum of 10 weeks. Masticatory muscles were palpated and charted on each visit. Data were analyzed and subjected to nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. Results. Eighteen of the initial 23 patients, 7 in the hard appliance group and 11 in the soft appliance group finished the study over a 10- to 15-week period. Soft and hard appliances performed the same in reduction of masticatory muscle pain. Conclusion. This study suggests, based on the limited number of participants, that soft and hard stabilizing appliances may be equally useful in reducing masticatory muscle pain in short-term appliance therapy. (J Prosthet Dent 1998;79:165-8.)
Odontogenic Epithelial-Mesenchymal Interactions in Vitro

Epithelial or mesenchymal isolates cultivated on the chicken chorioallantoic membrane singly do not possess the potential for tooth morphogenesis. However, when randomly recombined in vitro, their histogenic interaction relates to tooth formation. After 16 days of continuous culture, surviving recombinants formed an advanced tooth germ. Such structures did not, however, demonstrate uniformity in odontogenesis or in developmental cusp patterns.
Inpatient verbal orders and the impact of computerized provider order entry.

Objective To describe the characteristics of verbal orders at a tertiary care children's hospital. Study design Between August 2003 and January 2004, the computerized provider order entry (CPOE) system was evaluated for the characteristics of verbal orders. The rate of total orders represented by verbal orders and the rate of unsigned verbal orders were examined before, during, and after CPOE implementation. Results After CPOE implementation, a mean of 19,996 ± 521 orders were generated weekly; of these, 2094 ± 65 (10%) were verbal orders. The greatest rates of verbal orders were from psychiatry (74%) units and involved medication orders (38%; 790/2094). The greatest rates of medication verbal orders were psychotherapeutics (24%; 662/2697). Medical physicians had a larger rate of verbal orders than surgical physicians. The rates of verbal orders and unsigned verbal orders were reduced from 23% and 43% before CPOE implementation to 10% and 9% after implementation, respectively. Conclusions Medication orders from physicians to nurses are the primary source of verbal orders in this tertiary care children's hospital. CPOE implementation significantly affected both verbal orders and the rate of unsigned verbal orders. This type of data is important for institutions aiming to decrease verbal orders and associated medical errors.
Further analysis of fiber groups in the optic tract of the cat.

Abstract In adult cats the pattern of conducted compound action potential in the retrochiasmic optic tract after contralateral optic nerve stimulation is described. The usual pattern consists of two early spikes, T1 and T2, followed by a diminishing “tail,” T3. The later components have increasing thresholds to electric stimulation. Optic nerve fiber counts by electron microscopy show no conspicuous humps in a diameter histogram peaking at 1 μ. Using a new arithmetic technique for relating diameter spectrum to recorded action potential, good approximation of morphologic and physiological data was obtained. Physiological studies also show the projection of only T1 and T3 to superior colliculus, T1 being projected in attenuated collaterals of the largest tract fibers. Action potential reconstruction from fiber counts of the colliculus projection confirms this interpretation.
Environmental urban runoff monitoring

Urban stormwater runoff has been a critical and chronic problem in the quantity and quality of receiving waters, resulting in a major environmental concern. To address this problem engineers and professionals have developed a number of solutions which include various monitoring and modeling techniques. The most fundamental issue in these solutions is accurate monitoring of the quantity and quality of the runoff from both combined and separated sewer systems. This study proposes a new water quantity monitoring system, based on recent developments in sensor technology. Rather than using a single independent sensor, we harness an intelligent sensor platform that integrates various sensors, a wireless communication module, data storage, a battery, and processing power such that more comprehensive, efficient, and scalable data acquisition becomes possible. Our experimental results show the feasibility and applicability of such a sensor platform in the laboratory test setting.
Design of a Blast Chamber for Repeated Use

The simplest spherical steel blast containment chamber comprises a spherical shell with a single access port large enough to provide the access required by the application to the interior of the chamber. For small chambers, the access port may approach the radius of the chamber. Such a relatively large port requires a heavy reinforcing ring structure to avoid stress concentrations around the port. The eccentricity caused by the port reinforcement leads to undesirably large localized bending mode stresses following a blast containment event. These stresses can exceed the first-cycle fundamental response to the blast load by a factor greater than two. This paper describes the development of a finite element program to analyze the occurrence of these complex oscillations. This quick-running program provides a means to evaluate design modifications to control unwanted oscillations. This approach leads to the development of safe cost-effective blast containment chamber designs.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
A model to predict soil forces on the plough mouldboard

A model is presented which predicts the force needed to move soil over the mouldboard surface. The model is based on the equations of equilibrium of soil on the mouldboard and encompasses new assumptions pertaining to soil velocities on the mouldboard, the estimation of the direction normal to the mouldboard surface, and the change in direction of the soil internal stresses which create the so-called buckling effect. With prespecified soil paths over a given mouldboard, the model's predictions are compared with experimental measurements and are found to estimate draught with a 10% error. The effects of ploughing depth, soil density, travel speed, and coefficient of soil-mouldboard friction on predicted draught are studied.
An experimental system for automatic identification of personal names and personal titles in newspaper texts

Natural language seems to contain various special-purpose subsystems, e.g., personal titles, personal names, dates, street addresses, place names—each with its own structure which relative to the total structure of language is rather simple. An ability to identify automatically words and word strings belonging to various special-purpose linguistic subsystems (akin to some thesaurus classes) may prove to be very useful since they play an important role in the making of indexes and in various systems for extracting and distributing information. This article describes some of the main problems involved in automatic identification in newspaper texts of words and word strings belonging to two important linguistic subsystems, viz., personal titles and names; lists some of the major rules of an algorithm designed to perform this task; presents statistics concerning the algorithm's accuracy and exhaustiveness obtained in manual application of the algorithm to texts; and suggests some applications for computer programs capable of recognizing personal titles and names. The results obtained indicate that an automatic system capable of accurate and exhaustive identification of personal titles and names in texts requires recognition procedures which are rather complex. It is therefore suggested that along with researching and developing methods for high-quality automatic classification of words in texts, it may be advisable to set up efficient procedures for manual classification and tagging of words in texts, and automatic extraction of data from texts which were recognized either manually or automatically. Such action seems appropriate since automatic extraction of information from manually recognized texts would probably constitute a valuable service, and, when automatic procedures for identifying dates, personal names, personal titles, trade names, company names, chemical formulas, numbers and measure words, and so forth become competitive with manual ones, the data-processing profession will be already in possession of operational computer programs capable of extracting data from recognized exts.
Effect of Forage Maturity on Ration Digestibility and Production by Dairy Cows

Abstract Mixed grass-legume silages harvested at early and late maturities from the same field were evaluated in three trials to determine maturity effects on ration digestibility when forages were fed alone or in complete rations. In situ dry matter disappearance was examined using a rumen-fistulated steer. Rate of disappearance of potentially digestible dry matter was reduced for forage of greater maturity (−.0504h −1 for early versus −.0316 −1 for late cut silage). Nonlactating cows were used to determine forage digestibility. Apparent dry matter (69.2 versus 54.2%), acid detergent fiber (70.8 versus 52.7%), neutral detergent fiber (74.1 versus 55.9%), and crude protein (66.2 versus 45.6%) digestibilities were higher for early cut forage. Ration digestibility and milk production response were also measured. Concentrate to forage ratios necessary to meet energy requirements were 60:40 and 78:22 for diets containing early or late cut forage, respectively. Digestibilities of acid detergent fiber (60.2 versus 42.5%) and neutral detergent fiber (62.0 versus 52.7%) were higher for lactating animals consuming ration containing early cut forage. Milk yield and composition was not affected by diet. For each day of advancing forage maturity, approximately 1% more concentrate was needed in the total ration.
Emotional responses to objective and normative performance feedback

Abstract The effect of objective and normative feedback on emotional responses to tasks was assessed in kindergarten age and 2nd- and 4th-grade children. Children completed a task on which they received objective (few errors vs. many errors) and normative (superior vs. inferior to same-aged peers) feedback. After receiving the feedback they were asked to rate the intensity of their emotional responses (global affect, good, bad, proud, and embarrassed), and their competency on the task. Both objective and normative feedback affected most emotional responses. The effect of the evaluation feedback generally did not vary as a function of the child's grade. Girls' comptency ratings were more affected by normative feedback than boys', but boys were more embarrassed following objective failure than girls.
The Quest for Responsibility.

We moderns attack no new problem when we set out again on the quest for responsibility. We merely use new terms for old ideas. Hundreds of generations have tried to reconcile liberty and law, authority and freedom. These same problems are posed on the oldest Egyptian tablets. Recall also that requirement in an old Greek city that whosoever desired to propose a new law should come into the place of assembly with a rope about his neck. Responsibility, you see! Justinian declared that the affairs which concern all should be decided by all. Such illustrations may be found throughout the pages of history. Calvin and Arminius posed the problem in theological language, using the terms “sovereignty of God” and “free will.” Plantagenets, Tudors, and Stuarts all grappled with the implications of the responsible crown, and with the difficulties of getting taxes without debate in Parliament. Magna Carta, the Declaration of Right, ship money, the Instrument of Government of Cromwell's day, habeas corpus, the Bill of Rights—these are all tokens of a long English struggle for responsibility in government.
Agroecology in context

Agriculture and medicine palpably manifest a culture's world view. Correspondingly, changes in agriculture and medicine may be barometers of change in a culture's overall outlook. “Conventional” industrial agriculture and “modern” surgical/chemical medicine clearly express the Newtonian mechanical model of nature. The modern classical world view represents nature to be an externally related, atomic, reductive, material, and mechanical aggregate. Modern medicine, correspondingly, treats the body as an elaborate mechanism and industrial agriculture regards soil as a substratum for monocultures assembled from fossil fuels, synthetic fertilizers, and chemical pesticides. The nascent agroecology and wellness movements each express and reflect the new paradigm variously emerging from ecology and quantum physics. Ecology and the new physics, each in its own way, represent nature to be an internally related, systemic, integrated, organic whole. Agroecology translates this abstract new vision into a concrete agricultural vocabulary: The farmstead is regarded as an artificial ecosystem with a multiplicity of diverse plant and animal constituents interacting with one another and with environing natural ecosystems in complex and mutually supporting ways.
Scale-band-dependent thresholding for signal denoising using undecimated discrete wavelet packet transforms

The purpose of this paper is to study signal denoising by thresholding coefficients of undecimated discrete wavelet packet transforms (UDWPT). The undecimated filterbank implementation of UDWPT is first considered, and the best basis selection algorithm that prunes the complete undecimated discrete wavelet packet binary tree is studied for the purpose of signal denoising. Distinct from the usual approach which selects the best subtree based on the original (unthresholded) transform coefficients, our selection is based on the thresholded coefficients, since we believe discarding the small coefficients permits to choose the best basis from the set of coefficients that will really contribute to the reconstructed signal. Another feature of the algorithm is the thresholding scheme. To threshold coefficients which are correlated differently from scale to scale and from band to band, a uniform threshold is not appropriate. Alternatively, two scale-band-dependent thresholding schemes are designed: a correlation-dependent model and a Monte Carlo simulation-based model. The cost function for the pruning algorithm is specifically designed for the purpose of signal denoising. We consider it profitable to split a band if more noise can be discarded by thresholding while signal components are preserved. So, higher SNR is desirable in the process of selection. Experiments conducted for 1D and 2D signals shows that the algorithm achieves good SNR performance while preserving high frequency details of signals.
Synthesis and characterization of heavily overdoped Tl2Ba2CuO6+δ thin films

Abstract Heavily overdoped epitaxial superconducting Tl 2 Ba 2 CuO 6+ δ (Tl-2201) thin films with single superconducting transition temperatures as low as 1.5 K (zero resistance) have been successfully synthesized. The films were made by “off-axis” radiofrequency magnetron sputtering and post-deposition annealing with slow cooling. Our investigations showed that the achievement of a single transition can be attributed to an off-axis configuration during sputter deposition, whereas the reduced T c results from a slow-cooling process immediately after annealing at high temperature. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the films are pure 2201 phase with good crystallinity and modulated structure. Such samples are very much desired for detailed investigations of upper critical magnetic fields using conventional laboratory superconducting magnets, or the dc facilities at National Laboratories.
Effects of Four Sets of Instructions on Ability Groups Predetermined by an Intelligence Scale

342 Ss were administered the Kuhlmann-Anderson Test using 4 different sets of instructions to 3 predetermined ability groups within each of 3 grade levels. Analysis of variance considering variatio...
Escherichia coli dimethylallyl diphosphate:tRNA dimethylallyltransferase: a binding mechanism for recombinant enzyme.

Escherichia coli dimethylallyl diphosphate:tRNA dimethylallyltransferase (DMAPP-tRNA transferase) catalyzes the first step in the biosynthesis of the hypermodified A37 residue in tRNAs that read codons beginning with uridine. The enzyme, encoded by the miaA gene, was overproduced and purified to apparent homogeneity in three steps by ion-exchange (DE52 and Mono-Q) and size exclusion chromatography. Affinity-tagged DMAPP-tRNA transferase containing a C-terminal tripeptide α-tubulin epitope also was overproduced and purified to apparent homogeneity in two steps by ion-exchange and immunoaffinity chromatography. Addition of the C-terminal tripeptide α-tubulin epitope to DMAPP-tRNA transferase did not affect the activity of the enzyme. Undermodified tRNAPhe used as substrate in the DMAPP-tRNA transferase-catalyzed reaction was isolated and purified from an overexpressing clone in a miaA deficient strain of E. coli. Active recombinant E. coli DMAPP-tRNA transferase is monomeric. The enzyme transferred the dime...
Problems of Budgeting During “The Great Transformation”

The budget system of Lithuania, one of the nations that recently emerged from the former Soviet Union, is examined. The analysis draws a contrast between the present budget practices and those during the Soviet period, points out the problems that the Soviet budgeting legacy presents to a nation seeking transformation into an independent, market-based political economy, and discusses other budgeting and financial dilemmas brought on by the bedrock reforms taking place in Lithuania and throughout the former USSR.
Slow Dynamics at Quantum Phase Transitions

This paper discusses how slow dynamics can occur in the vicinity of quantum phase transitions. In addition to critical slowing down, there are two additional sources of slow dynamics. Firstly, even for a pure system, there is a phase coherence time which diverges as the temperature tends to zero. This is hard to see from numerical studies in imaginary time and real time dynamics are needed. Secondly, in random systems, Griffiths–McCoy singularities occur at low temperature because of rare regions which are "locally in the wrong phase" due to of statistical fluctuations in the random interactions. These are particularly strong for systems with discrete, e.g., Ising, symmetry. The form of Griffiths–McCoy singularities in real time is not understood.
Improved relations for vibrational relaxation in gases

Abstract Explicit expressions are presented for calculating vibration-to-translation (VT) energy conversion probabilities, essential in molecular laser isotope separation. VT conversions in molecular collisions occur by two mechanisms: (1) high-energy impact transfers prevailing at higher temperatures, and (2) Van der Waals-bonding encounters followed by (pre-)dissociations at lower temperatures. While mechanism (1) has been studied for over fifty years culminating in the Schwartz–Slawsky–Herzberg relation, a useful analytic expression for (2) has so far been lacking. An improved dimer formation theory developed by the author together with molecular pre-dissociation physics now provides a VT conversion relation for mechanism (2), which correctly predicts observations.
Multidisciplinary treatment of a young child with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia

A clinical report of case of a young child with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with unusual radiographic findings is presented. Permanent first molar buds are seen developing in an arch that shows anodontia of all primary and permanent teeth. The multidisciplinary treatment involving esthetic restructuring of teeth, orthodontic movement of primary teeth, and complete and partial removable prosthodontics is discussed. Phased treatment began when the child was 20 months old and dentures were constructed and placed when the child was 38 months old. Successes and limitations of treatment administered at this age are reviewed.
Epizootics and Disease of Coral Reef Fish in the Tropical Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico

A review of the published literature on coral fish epizootics and disease suggest that a variety of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens and several host-ectoparasite relationships can affect coral reef fishes and populations. Biotoxic organisms (e.g., Caulerpa), toxic dinoflagellates (e.g., Gambierdiscus and Prorocentrum), and bacterial infection by Streptococcus iniae have been most commonly cited as the etiologic agents associated with coral reef fish epizootics in the Tropical Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Reports of tumors and related lesions in coral reef fishes are relatively uncommon. A chronic iridoviral disease known as lymphocystis affects angelfish, wrasses, grunts, and many other species that inhabit coral reefs and certain rhabdoviruses are also known to cause mortality in angelfish. Other coral reef fishes, such as snappers and damselfishes seem most susceptible to neurofibrosarcomas and neurofibromas. A variety of protozoan and metazoan ectoparasites are commonly found on coral re...
Increased expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and its receptor in patients with endometriosis.

Objective To investigate the expression and regulation of colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) and its receptor, C-FMS, in endometriosis. Design In vivo and vitro study. Setting University-based academic medical center. Patient(s) Reproductive-age women undergoing surgery for benign conditions. Intervention(s) Peritoneal and endometrial tissue samples were obtained. Main Outcome Measure(s) CSF-1 and C-FMS expression. Result(s) Significantly higher CSF-1 levels were found in peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis compared with control subjects. Ectopic endometriotic tissue had 3.5-fold and 1.7-fold increases in CSF-1 and C-FMS expression, respectively, compared with eutopic tissue. Coculture of endometrial cells from either established cell lines or patient samples with peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) led to increased expression of CSF-1 and C-FMS. A higher but nonsignificant increase in levels of C-FMS and CSF-1 was found in cocultures of endometrial epithelial cells from patients with endometriosis compared with those without endometriosis. Conclusion(s) Increased CSF-1 levels may contribute to endometriosis lesion formation and progression. Elevation in CSF-1 after coculture of endometrial cells with PMCs suggests that endometrial tissue may be a source of peritoneal CSF-1. Increased C-FMS expression in endometrial cells from women with endometriosis cocultured with PMCs suggests that endometrial tissue involved in lesion formation is highly responsive to CSF-1 signaling.
Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency presenting as encephalopathy during adulthood following bariatric surgery

Background Neurological complications following bariatric surgery are rare. Whereas nutritional deficiencies are the most common cause of neurological symptoms, the unmasking of previously subclinical metabolic disorders can also lead to significant morbidity. Objective To characterize the clinical presentation, serum biochemical fluctuations, and functional enzymatic analysis of a case of functional ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency unmasked by a dietary change following bariatric surgery. Design Case report. Setting Tertiary referral center, hospital (inpatient) setting. Patient A 29-year-old woman who presented with intermittent encephalopathy associated with recurrent hyperammonemia. Interventions Clinical, biochemical, and mutational studies. Results The pattern of intermittent hyperammonemia and encephalopathy following oral and parenteral nutrition suggested a urea cycle abnormality. Functional enzymatic assay results showed markedly reduced ornithine transcarbamylase activity in the absence of known coding mutations. Conclusion Previously asymptomatic ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency should be suspected in adult patients who develop recurrent hyperammonemia and encephalopathy following bariatric surgery.
Lexical access and the spelling-to-sound regularity effect

A number of investigators have reported that words that follow spelling-to-sound rules can be recognized faster than words that violate such rules (the “regularity” effect). On occasion, the absence of a regularity effect is reported, however. The first two experiments of the present paper report that a regularity effect can be obtained in a lexical decision task with word sets that previously have been reported not to produce such an effect, when consideration is given to the consistency or inconsistency of the pronunciations of each word’s visually similar ‘neighbors” Subsequent experiments demonstrated that the obtained regularity effect does not vary as a function of mixed- vs. single-case presentation (Experiment 3) or visual quality (Experiment 4) in a lexical decision task. These results are explained in terms of Glushko’s (1979) activation and synthesis model of lexical access. It is argued that the obtained results are incompatible with traditional dual process models of lexical access (which incorporate separate visual and phonological pathways and spelling-to-sound rules) and fully compatible with Glushko’s model. It is concluded that spelling-to-sound regularity is not a property of a word in isolation, but rather a property of a word in the context of visually similar words that are activated in the course of recognition.