cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identifiability analysis of a tractor and single axle towed implement model

The growing trend of model-based design in off-road vehicle engineering requires models that are sufficiently accurate for their intended application if they are to be used with confidence. Uncertain model parameters are often identified from measured data collected in experiments by using an optimization procedure, but it is important to understand the limitations of such a procedure and to have methods available for assessing the uniqueness and confidence of the results. The concept of model identifiability is used to determine whether system measurements contain enough information to estimate the model parameters. A numerical approach based on the profile likelihood of parameters was utilized to evaluate the local structural and practical identifiability of a tractor and single axle towed implement model with six uncertain tire force model parameters from tractor yaw rate and implement yaw rate data. The analysis first considered datasets generated from simulation of the model with known parameter values to examine the effect of measurement error, sampling rate, and input signal type on the identifiability. The results showed that the accuracy and confidence of identification tended to decrease as the quality, quantity, and richness of the data decreased, to the point that some of the parameters were considered practically unidentifiable from the information available. The profile likelihood plots also indicated potential opportunities for model reduction. Second, the analysis considered the identifiability of the model from two datasets collected during field experiments, and the results again indicated parameters that were practically unidentifiable from the information available. Overall, the study showed how different experimental factors can affect the amount of information available in a dataset for identification and that error in the measured data can propagate to error in model parameter estimates.
The Genus Scleria in Colombia

Since the publication of my revision of the American species of the genus Scleria (*), continued field work and herbarium studies have brought to light numerous new distributional records for Colombia. In particular, the explorations of Dr. Jose Cuatrecasas, and of numerous botanists on the. Staff of the Foreign Economic, Administration have resulted in the discovery of several species new to Colombia and at least one new to science.
Retrospective slice prescription compensation improves coronary cross-sectional area measurement by MRI

Background Measurements of coronary cross-sectional area are utilized in vasomotor tone and endothelial function studies, which typically employ breath-held, 2-D multi-slice imaging protocols wherein slices are prescribed orthogonally to a linear vessel segment (Fig 1a) [1],[2]. An ovoid template is then manually fitted to the transverse vessel images (Fig 1b) to measure cross-sectional area. Projection through the slice leads to dependencies between the measured area and the prescription angle (between the slice and the vessel–ideally 0°). This adds bias and reduces repeatability, which is problematic when detecting subtle dilations [3].
Localization of ATP sensitive potassium channels in the rat brain using a novel radioligand, [125I]iodoglibenclamide.

In order to provide a radioligand for the rapid autoradiographic localization of the ATP-sensitive potassium channels we have developed and characterized an 125 I-labelled, iodinated analogue of glibenclamide as a novel radioligand; in this analogue, the chlorine atom of glibenclamide has been replaced with iodine, and we will refer to this molecule in this report as «iodoglibenclamide»
Rich beyond the dreams of Avaris: Tell el- Dab'A and the Aegean world - a guide for the perplexed

The excavations at Tell el-Dabca/Avaris have produced exciting finds for the past 30 years, but none more riveting than the so-called ‘Minoan’ frescoes of the past half-decade. The publication of these fragmentary wall paintings has been commendably fast, but has also involved dramatic changes in the hypotheses put forth by the excavators. The present article attempts to summarize the situation by charting the discoveries announced between 1992 and 1996, and relating these to the changes in opinion of the excavators over that same period of time. Given the bombshell dropped most recently by Bietak, namely that the wall paintings may not be associated with the Hyksos period at all, but rather with the early 18th Dynasty Egyptian reoccupation of the site, it is here suggested that the spate of literature published by secondary authors (i.e. those not immediately involved in the excavation and interpretation of the site) be brought to a temporary halt, until Bietak and his team have completed their exploration of the relevant areas of Tell el-Dabca and have published all of the pertinent data, to both their satisfaction and ours.
Measuring Reactions to Sexual Trauma among Children: Comparing the Children's Impact of Traumatic Events Scale and the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children:

This study examined convergent and discriminant validity between the Children's Impact of Traumatic Events Scale—revised (CITES-R) and the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC) in a sample of 80 sexually abused children. Convergent and discriminant validity between the CITES-R post-traumatic stress measure and the TSCC clinical scales were demonstrated. Also, convergent and discriminant validity for the CITES-R Eroticism scale were supported. More specifically, the CITES-R Eroticism scale was significantly associated with the TSCC Sexual Concerns (SC) scale (particularly the SC Preoccupation subscale), but was unrelated to the other TSCC clinical scales. Partial support for the expected relationships between the CITES-R Social Reactions and Attributions subscales and the TSCC clinical scales was noted. As expected, the CITES-R Social Support subscale was modestly associated with TSCC measures of depression and anger, whereas the CITES-R Negative Reactions by Others subscale was significantly relate...
Deletion of ErbB4 accelerates polycystic kidney disease progression in cpk mice

ErbB4 is highly expressed in the cystic kidneys with polycystic kidney diseases. To investigate its potential role in cystogenesis, cpk mice carrying a heart-rescued ErbB4 deletion were generated. Accelerated cyst progression and renal function deterioration were noted as early as 10 days postnatally in cpk mice with ErbB4 deletion compared to cpk mice, as indicated by increased cystic index, higher kidney weight to body weight ratios, and elevated BUN levels. No apparent defects in renal development were noted with ErbB4 deletion itself. Increased cell proliferation was predominately seen in the cortex of cystic kidneys with or without ErbB4 deletion. However, there was significantly more cell proliferation in the cyst-lining epithelial cells in cpk mice with ErbB4 deletion. TUNEL staining localized apoptotic cells mainly to the renal medulla. There were significantly more apoptotic cells in the cyst-lining epithelial cells in ErbB4-deleted cpk kidneys, with decreased levels of cyclin D1, increased levels of p21, p27, and cleaved caspase 3. Thus, lack of ErbB4 may contribute to elevated cell proliferation and unbalanced cell apoptosis, resulting in accelerated cyst formation and early renal function deterioration. These studies suggest that the high level of ErbB4 expression seen in cpk mice may exert relative cytoprotective effects in renal epithelia.
Performance, Throughput, and Cost of In-Home Training for the Army Reserve: Using Asynchronous Computer Conferencing as an Alternative to Resident Training

Asynchronous computer conferencing (ACC) was investigated as an alternative to resident training for the Army Reserve Component (RC). Specifically, the goals were to (1) evaluate the performance and throughput of ACC as compared with traditional Resident School instruction and (2) determine the cost-effectiveness of developing and implementing ACC. Fourteen RC students took a module of the Army Engineer Officer Advanced Course (EOAC) via ACC. Course topics included Army doctrine, technical engineering subjects, leadership, and presentation skills. Resident content was adapted for presentation via ACC. The programs of instruction for ACC and the equivalent resident course were identical; only the media used for presentation were changed. Performance on tests, homework, and practical exercises; self-assessments of learning; throughput; and cost data wee the measures of interest. Comparison data were collected on RC students taking the course in residence. Results indicated that there were no performance differences between the two groups. Students taking the course via ACC perceived greater learning benefit than did students taking the course in residence. Resident throughput was superior to ACC throughput, both in terms of numbers of students completing and time to complete the course. In spite of this fact, however, ACC was more cost-effective than resident training.
A refreshed write-through mode for a direct view storage tube with an electroluminescent faceplate

A refreshed write-through mode has been demonstrated for a proposed direct view storage tube utilizing an active electroluminescent faceplate. Exploitation of the temporal decay of persistent beam-induced conductivity permits the injection of sufficiently small quantities of electron charge to enhance the electroluminance as a pulsed excitation which decays with time, rather than cause a permanent switching. Experimental results are presented to characterize the performance of a device based on this concept.
Cavernous malformations presenting with seizures: Therapeutic options and outcome

Controversies exist regarding the appropriate initial management of patients with cavernous malformations associated with a seizure disorder. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with simple lesionectomy in the treatment of 82 patients with supratentorial cortical cavernous malformations who presented with seizures. Fifty-five patients had adequate follow up (at least 1 year; mean, 52 months) to assess outcome related to seizure control. Forty (73%) patients had single and 15 (27%) had multiple cavernous malformations. Eighteen (33%) patients underwent surgery within the first 2 months of their initial seizure. Thirty-seven (67%) patients had seizures for more than 6 months before their lesionectomy. All patients were treated with lesionectomy alone as their initial management. Outcomes were evaluated based on Engel's criteria. Seizure outcome was based on the number of seizures pre- and postoperatively, lesion location, and number of lesions. Of the 55 patients with adequate follow up, 69% were seizure free (grade 1) and 13% were almost seizure free (grade II). All 18 patients who were operated on within 2 months of their initial seizure have remained seizure free. Of the patients with chronic epilepsy before surgery, 57% are seizure free, and 17% are almost seizure free. Patients with multiple cavernous malformations and well-localized seizure activity on preoperative testing responded well to lesionectomy. Lesion location was not significant in predicting seizure outcome after surgery. Lesionectomy is a valuable treatment for patients with cavernous malformations associated with epilepsy and represents the best initial treatment option. Patients with chronic epilepsy who fail to become seizure free after lesionectomy may require further epilepsy monitoring and resection. Initial lesionectomy, however, will avoid unnecessary epilepsy surgery in most of these patients.
Intellectual humility and interreligious dialogue between Christians and Muslims

This article addresses the question of whether Christians and Muslims mean the same thing when they speak of humility and the role that attitude might play in Christian–Muslim dialogue. To restrict the focus, current scholarly reflection on humility and its role in dialogue is analyzed in relation to ‘classic’ accounts of the attitude from each tradition, namely Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī's and Bernard of Clairvaux's. On the basis of the analysis and argument, two conclusions are advanced: first, there is an underlying structure common to Christian and Muslim accounts of humility, while there are also differences resulting from theological emphases; second, Christian and Muslim humility have valuable roles to play in Christian–Muslim dialogue, though they are different from the roles envisioned by prominent Christian and Muslim advocates of dialogue. A particular example of confusion in contemporary discussions, it is suggested, is the putative necessary connection between humility and an inclusivist attitude o...
The importance of tissue distribution in pharmacokinetics

In evoking pharmacological and toxicological responses, drugs generally combine either reversibly or irreversibly with action sites on intrastitial macromolecules or organelles, and thereby cause alterations of physico-chemical or biochemical processes in the living animal. These alterations can be evoked by a number of mechanisms. Drugs can either mimic or block the action of normally occurring substances by combining with receptor sites. Drugs can alter the localization of normally occurring substances by interfering with transport mechanisms or changing the number of storage sites. Drugs can change the concentrations of normally occurring substances in tissues by reacting with them directly or by altering the activities of enzymes that catalyze their formation or destruction.
HOLLOW LUNAR SPHERULES AND MICROCRATERING

Craters were generated by micrometer-size, thin-walled hollow glass spheres impacting glass and stainless steel targets to determine morphological features distinguishing craters formed by hollow spheres from those formed by solid projectiles. The craters formed in both targets differed from those formed by solid spherical projectiles in that the central pit is an annular rather than a cup-shaped depression. The existence of an annular crater morphology on a surface exposed to cosmic dust would indicate the presence of thin-walled hollow spherules. Penetrations of thin-walled hollow glass beads by high velocity, solid, micrometer-size spheres are characterized by inward and outward flowing lips showing asymmetries dependent on the angle of impact.
Semiparametric censorship model with covariates

In real applications, we may be confronted with the problem of informative censoring. Koziol-Green model is commonly used to model the possible information contained in the informative censoring. However the proportionality assumption cast by Koziol-Green model (see (1.2) below) is "too restrictive in that it limits the scope of the Cox model in practice" (Subramanian, 2000). In this paper, we try to relax the proportionality condition of Koziol-Green model by modeling the censorship semiparametrically. It is shown that our suggested semiparametric censoring model is an applicable extension of the Koziol-Green model. Through a close connection with the logistic regression, our model assumptions are readily to be checked in practice. We also propose estimation for both the regression parameter and the cumulative baseline hazard function which can incorporate the additional information contained in the semiparametric censorship model. Simulations and the analysis of a real dataset confirm the applicability of the suggested model and estimation.
Distinguishing magmatic from subsolidus epidote: laser probe oxygen isotope compositions

Epidote occurs in four textural varieties in the Mount Lowe intrusion of southern California: euhedra, anhedra, intergrowths and cross-cutting veins. Of these, conspicuous elongate euhedra, which range up to 3 cm in length, meet most of the established textural criteria for magmatic epidote. Equant anhedral grains, which are ˜5 mm in diameter, are texturally ambiguous although rare allanite cores are suggestive of a magmatic origin. Epidote intergrowths with hornblende and biotite also meet certain textural criteria for crystallization from a magma, notably, euhedral faces against biotite. Finally, late-stage veins of epidote cross-cut all phases in the rock and are likely subsolidus. Oxygen isotopic compositions of these four textural varieties of epidote determined using the laser probe indicate that the use of textural criteria alone in establishing epidote parageneses can be misleading. Intracrystalline δ18O variations in the euhedra document both magmatic and subsolidus compositions. Oxygen isotope compositions are bimodal averaging 5.36 ± 0.13‰ (n = 11) and 4.66 ± 0.23‰ (n = 21). These data combined with plagioclase and zircon δ18O values are interpreted to indicate that magmatic oxygen isotopic compositions have been preserved where epidote δ18O is greater than 5‰. Significant portions of each euhedral crystal have been affected by subsolidus exchange and are characterized by epidote δ18O values less than 5‰. Intracrystalline δ18O values of epidote anhedra range from 4.50 to 6.08‰ and thus also document both magmatic and subsolidus compositions. Subsolidus exchange is volumetrically less significant in the anhedra than in the euhedra. Values of δ18O for intergrowths and late-stage cross-cutting veins of epidote average 3.81 ± 0.22‰ and document clearly subsolidus growth. The data confirm that in the Mount Lowe intrusion, large euhedra of epidote are magmatic in origin, consistent with textural evidence. The data also indicate that equant anhedra of epidote are also magmatic in origin and thus the absence of good crystal faces does not necessarily indicate subsolidus growth. The subsolidus origin of intergrowths of epidote with euhedral faces against biotite indicates that well developed crystal faces do not require growth from a magma. Finally, the subsolidus origin of the vein epidote is consistent with textural evidence. The increased resolution available with laser-based oxygen isotope measurements offers an important test for documenting whether epidote is of magmatic or subsolidus origin. Given the barometric significance of magmatic epidote, oxygen isotope compositions can be used to aid in the interpretation of epidote-bearing plutons.
Increasing incidence and excellent survival of patients with early gastric cancer: Experience in a United States medical center

Purpose In Japan, early gastric cancer has an excellent survival rate. In the United States, the disease is less well understood, and it is viewed more pessimistically, although we have previously shown in a small series of patients good short-term survival rates in early gastric cancer as compared with advanced gastric cancer. Our purpose in this study was to determine if the incidence of early gastric cancer and the associated survival rate has changed over a 24-year period. Patients and methods From the records at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, 549 patients were identified who underwent gastric resection for cancer between 1960 and 1984, 69 of whom had early gastric cancer. Survival data were obtained in 63 patients. A comparison of survival rates was conducted between patients with early gastric cancer and the 1980 census figures. Results Over the 24-year period, the total number of resections for gastric cancer at our institution declined. However, the percentage of gastric resections that satisfied the Japanese criteria for early gastric cancer increased from 9 percent between 1960 to 1974 to 17 percent between 1975 to 1984 (p Conclusion Early gastric cancer is being diagnosed with increasing frequency and has an excellent survival rate. These findings are similar to the Japanese experience and argue for an ongoing aggressive approach to endoscopic biopsy of gastric lesions.
My Body is a Temple: Eating Disturbances, Religious Involvement, and Mental Health Among Young Adult Women.

A growing body of the literature outlines the undesirable mental health consequences of eating disturbances. However, little attention has been given to the possible mitigating effects of cultural institutions, such as religion, in the lives of women suffering from such pathologies. Our work contributes to the literature by (a) outlining a series of arguments linking eating disturbances, religion, and mental health; (b) specifying two conceptual models of these relationships; and (c) testing relevant hypotheses using data on a large nationwide sample of young women. Results indicate that religious involvement—organizational, non-organizational, and subjective religiousness—moderates the effects of eating disturbances on mental health, particularly for self-esteem. Study limitations are identified and several promising directions for future research are discussed.
Fano-resonant electrically connected meta-surfaces with high quality factors

We introduce electrically connected Fano-resonant metasurfaces consisting of a periodic array of antennas connected to wires. Possibility of the direct interaction among the antennas by the charge transfer allows for robust high quality Fano resonances.
Effects of speaking rate and word frequency on pronunciations in conversational speech

Automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems typically have a static dictionary of word pronunciations for matching acoustic models to words. In this work, we argue that, in fact, pronunciations in spontaneous speech are dynamic and that ASR systems should change models in accordance with contextual factors. Two variables, speaking rate and word frequency, should be particularly promising for determining dynamic pronunciations, according to the linguistic literature. We analyze the relationship between these factors and realized pronunciations through a statistical exploration of the effects of these factors at the word, syllable, and phone levels in the Switchboard corpus. Both increased speaking rate and word likelihood can induce a significant shift in probabilities of the pronunciations of frequent words. However, the interplay between all of these variables in the realization of pronunciations is complex. We also confirm the intuition that variations in these factors correlate with changes in ASR system performance for both the Switchboard and Broadcast News corpora.
High-Energy Electron Scattering and Nuclear Structure Determinations. III. Carbon-12 Nucleus

The elastic scattering peak in carbon-12 is accompanied by a number of additional peaks corresponding to inelastic scattering of electrons from the various excited levels of the carbon nucleus. Three levels have been investigated by this method and correspond to the three known states at 4.43 Mev, 7.68 Mev, and 9.61 Mev. Angular distributions of the inelastically-scattered electrons have been obtained as well as the angular distribution of the elastically-scattered electrons. The angular distributions of the inelastic peaks fall off less steeply with angle than the elastic peak. By comparing the scattering from carbon with scattering from the proton, and using the theoretical value of the cross section of electrons scattered from the proton, it is possible to obtain "absolute" values for the elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections. From the elastic-scattering curve, information about the size and charge distribution in the carbon-12 nucleus may be derived. The charge distribution lies halfway between a Gaussian and a uniform model. The root mean square radius of the resultant charge distribution is (2.40\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.25)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ cm.
Chemistry and Biology

Chemistry and Biology is entering its second year of operation. It is a unique and timely journal that largely succeeds in serving scientists and teachers by reporting important events in "chemical...
Heating and bonding mechanisms in ultrasonic welding of thermoplastics

An experimental study of the heating and bonding mechanisms in ultrasonic welding is described. Polystyrene specimens were joined under a variety of welding conditions while the temperatures at the interface and within the interior of these specimens were measured. The power input, amplitude of vibrations, and amount of deformation during welding were measured concurrently. In general, the rate of heating at the interface is greatest at the beginning of the weld cycle, but slows markedly after the interface temperature reaches approximately 250°C. The interface temperature peaks well before the weld is completed. Temperatures within the body increase most rapidly at temperatures near the glass transition temperature. Welded specimens were broken on a special testing apparatus under combined torsional and compressional loads to determine the weld strength. The results show that weld strength is dependent on the amount of energy input and the degree to which material flows out of the interface region. Possible mechanisms for heating and bonding during ultrasonic welding are discussed in light of the observed behavior.
Asthma treatment during pregnancy : What can be safely taken?

'Safe' pharmacological therapy for gestational asthma is defined as therapy during which the apparent risks of the drug appear to be lower than the maternal and potential fetal risks of uncontrolled asthma that could result if the drug were not used. Major malformations occur in 2 to 4% of all newborns, 1% of which can be attributed to medication in general. Information regarding the effects of drugs administered during pregnancy may come from animal studies, human case reports, and prospective cohort studies. Based on a review of the available information, it is recommended that mild asthma during pregnancy be managed with inhaled beta 2-agonists, as required; step therapy for moderate asthma would include inhaled sodium cromoglycate (cromolyn sodium), inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate and oral theophylline. Severe gestational asthma should be treated with oral corticosteroids at the lowest effective dosage. The pharmacological management of acute asthma during pregnancy should include nebulised beta 2-agonists and ipratropium bromide, and intravenous methylprednisolone. Intravenous aminophylline would not generally be recommended, unless the patient requires hospitalisation. Optimal medical practice medico-legal considerations demand that the patient's informed consent be obtained for that recommended gestational management programme.
Behavioral, metabolic and histological aspects of lithium and ethanol interaction

Behavioral, biochemical and histological techniques were used to evaluate the possible interaction between a lithium salt and ethanol. Injection of a single dosage of ethanol into mice pretreated with LiCl for 14 days enhanced spontaneous locomotor activity for the initial 60 min of testing compared to respective control. Drinking of 0.4% of LiCl solution for 25 consecutive days induced hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase (L-ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (L-ALDH). The LiCl treatment increased Vmax of both enzymes in the same order and magnitude. The apparent Km of L-ADH was increased by LiCl while that of L-ALDH remained unchanged from respective controls. Organ histopathology indicates decreased germinal activity of the mouse spleen by the LiCl treatment. A mild chronic perivascular inflammation and slight hypercellularity of the myocardium was also noted in the heart of LiCl-treated mice.
Nuclear pore biogenesis into an intact nuclear envelope

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) serve as transport channels across the nuclear membrane, a double lipid bilayer that physically separates the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. New evidence suggests that the multiprotein nuclear pores also play a role in chromatin organization and gene expression. Given the importance of NPC function, it is not surprising that a growing list of human diseases and developmental defects have been linked to its malfunction. In order to fully understand the functional repertoire of NPCs and their essential role for nuclear organization, it is critical to determine the sequence of events that lead to the formation of nuclear pores. This is particularly relevant since NPC number, and possibly composition, are tightly linked to metabolic activity. Most of our knowledge is derived from NPC formation that occurs in dividing cells at the end of mitosis when the nuclear envelope (NE) and NPCs reform from disassembled precursors. However, NPC assembly also takes place during interphase into an intact NE. Importantly, this process is not restricted to dividing cells but also occurs during cell differentiation. Here, we will review aspects unique to this process, namely the regulation of nuclear expansion and the mechanisms of fusion between the outer and inner nuclear membranes. We will then discuss conserved and diverging mechanisms between post-mitotic and interphase assembly of the proteinaceous structure in light of recently published data.
A Power Transitions Perspective on Economic and Educational Equity: An Unfolding Epilogue for the Arab Spring?

The events of the Arab Spring have not unfolded in any final sense. As a result, social forces are moving across North Africa and the Middle East and compelling a close look at the precedent that nations have lived under. As a result of this re-examination, the social roles held by men and women are one of the many issues being looked at closely. The sense of social empowerment that will result and manifest within the national mindset is one that will challenge the precedent of a patriarchal mindset. Utilizing Power Transitions Theory as a lens through which to view Neo-Realism and social change, the argument will be made that it is in the best interests of every citizen within these separate nations to embrace educational and economic equity for women.
Effect of tetrodotoxin on spontaneous potentials at pigeon iris neuromuscular junctions.

Abstract Spontaneous junctional potentials (s.j.p.'s) were continuosly recorded intracellularly from the neuromuscular junctions of the pigeon iris before, during, and after tetrodotoxin (TTX) superfusion. Large potentials (8–18 mV) were observed prior to and during exposure to TTX. TTX (5 × 10−10 to 4 × 10−8 g/ml) produced an increase in frequency of the s.j.p.'s. The maximal effect was obtained after 3–5 min of drug superfusion. The frequency returned to control levels after a 15–30 min washout. After repetitive or prolonged exposure to TTX, there was a decrease in the drug effect (tachyphylaxis). Similar concentrations of TTX blocked the ciliary nerve conduction. In 30% of the cells tested, the s.j.p. frequency increase induced by TTX was associated with depolarization of the muscle fiber (2–10 mV). In a few muscle fibers with an abnormally high control frequency, the application of TTX produced an inhibitory effect. Two mechanisms responsible for these TTX effects are suggested: (1) changes on the membrane potential of nerve terminals; (2) direct influence on the transmitter release.
The Malachowski-Wright-Giemsa stain: a many-splendored thing

“Simple” has never been a descriptor of the widely used Wright-Giemsa stain. Rather, the stain has been characterized sporadically as magical, enigmatic, exquisite, capricious, and fiendishly compl...
1240 STAGES OF FORMATION OF HYALINE MEMBRANES IN CONTROLLED EXPERIMENTS WITH PREMATURE LAMBS

In ten successive pairs of premature (118-122 days) twin fetal lambs endotracheal instillation of natural surfactant in suspension prior to the first breath of one twin prevented the appearance of RDS, and the lungs at autopsy (120 mins. after delivery by C-section) were well-aerated and compliant (Ped.Res. in press). Each control twin (on an alternate basis) received only diluent (water or saline) endotracheally. Each pair of twins was treated identically on volume-respirators (5ml/kg) on room air. All controls died between 23 and 49 minutes, except for two that survived 91 and 97 minutes. The histological development of hyaline membranes proceeded as follows (with some overlap) according to survival time: 1. appearance of shrunken cells with pycnotic nuclei lying free in alveoli; 2. clumping of dead and dying cells in lumina of respiratory and terminal bronchioles; 3. distention of small airways, usually proximal to the epithelial clumps; 4. outpouring of glycogen by bronchiolar epithelial cells; 5. hyaline membranes, initially with extrusion of remaining nuclear debris. Characteristic membranes were present only in animals that survived for more than 90 minutes. Two sets of triplets were studied during the series; each third member was sacrificed prior to the first breath: no lung pathology was found. Of the 10 twins that received NS only one showed two small segments of hyaline membranes; histochemical examination showed that NS had not penetrated into those peripheral units.
An exercise test to evaluate fitness for wheelchair activity

The purpose of this study was to develop a wheelchair ergometer (WERG) test to evaluate fitness for manual wheelchair activity. Thirty able-bodied females participated in a progressive intensity, discontinuous test where exercise bouts were 4 min in duration interspersed with 5-min rest periods. Physiological responses of oxygen uptake (V02), respiratory exchange ratio (R), net mechanical efficiency (ME), pulmonary ventilation (VO) and heart rate (HR) were determined during the final minute of exercise at power output (PO) levels of 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 kpm/min. These responses were generally found to be linearly related to PO, however, net ME initially increased with PO and plateaued at approximately 11 per cent at 90 kpm/min. Criteria for fitness evaluation were based upon: (1) magnitude of physiological responses at each PO level; and (2) the maximal PO level completed.
Response-independent outcome presentation can leave instrumental R-O associations intact

Three experiments investigated the impact on instrumental response-outcome (R-O) associa­ tions of arranging for 0 to occur independently of R. In each experiment, that arrangement re­ sulted in reduced responding. But a transfer test with a separately trained stimulus revealed the continued strength ofthe R-O association. That stimulus augmented equally an R with which it shared an 0, whether or not that R had been decremented by independent presentations of O. These results suggest that response-independent outcome presentation decrements respond­ ing by means other than modifying the R-O association. There is now a good deal of evidence demonstrating that instrumental training results in the formation of an association between the response (R) and reinforcing out­ come (0). In prior reports from this laboratory, two tech­ niques for this purpose have been described: devaluation and transfer. For instance, Colwill and Rescorla (1985) trained rats to make two instrumental responses (lever press and chain pull) with each earning a particular out­ come (solid pellet and liquid sucrose). Subsequent devalu­ ation of one outcome by repeated pairings with LiCI re­ sulted in a highly specific decrease in the likelihood of the response that had earned that outcome. Similarly, Col­ will and Rescorla (1988) reported that after such two­ response and two-outcome training, each R was selectively augmented by a stimulus that had elsewhere been trained with a third response earning its outcome. Both of these results imply the formation of highly specific R-0 associ­ ations during instrumental training. The present paper explores the fate of those previously formed R-0 associations when the relation between the response and outcome is disrupted. They exploit the ability to detect the presence of specific R-0 associations in order to separate changes in the R-0 association from other potential causes of performance loss. Previous reports (e.g., Rescorla, 1991) have explored the impact on R-O associations of simple nonreinforcement of Rand of replacement ofthe original 0 with a novel outcome. Those reports found that neither procedure, both of which might have been expected to undermine the R-O association, had a substantial effect on it. Simple extinction led, of course, to a decrease in the likelihood of the response, whereas substitution of a new outcome yielded continued performance without the continuation ofthe original out­ come. But when the state ofthe original R-O association was assessed by transfer techniques, there was little evi
Adoption and Use of Computer-Based Voice Over Internet Protocol Phone Service: Toward an Integrated Model

This study examines factors influencing adoption and use of computer-based voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phone service and attempts to integrate 2 theoretical approaches: the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the uses and gratifications framework. Using data from an online survey of VoIP users (N = 420), structural equation modeling analyses revealed that perceived ease of use had a significant impact on perceived usefulness. In addition, perceived usefulness had a positive effect on actual VoIP use. The study further discovered that motivations for communication and instrumental use significantly affected perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and actual VoIP use. This study suggests that integration of TAM and uses and gratifications can be fruitful in understanding user acceptance of new communication technologies.
Scaling Law for Pulsar Glitches

If we assume that the change of frequency in pulsar macro-glitches is due to the change in the moment of inertia of the rotating neutron star, then, using the available data, we extract a scaling law for the probability P(E) of a glitch of energy E: P(E) E-α with α ≈ 1.14. We make some comments on the physics of the observation.
Spatially explicit mortality of California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) across a marine reserve network

Studies of marine reserves typically focus upon differences in the size and abundance of target organisms inside versus outside reserve borders, but they seldom provide spatially explicit measurements of how reserves influence mortality rates. This study investigated mortality rates for female California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) at multiple sites inside and outside of three marine reserves at the Santa Barbara Channel Islands, California, USA. Mean total mortality (Z) of female lobsters was lower at sites inside reserves (Z = 0.22 [± 0.05 SE]) than at sites outside reserves (Z = 0.59 [± 0.02 SE]). Mean mortality at all sites inside reserves, and among sites near reserve centres (where Z = 0.17 [± 0.05 SE]), was similar to estimates of natural mortality for other temperate spiny lobster species. Among sites inside reserves, there was a positive relationship between mortality and proximity to reserve borders, but this relationship was absent among sites outside reserves. Mortality estimates were much more variable among sites inside reserves than at sites in fished areas. This variation is probably due to differential emigration rates from the three reserves, as well as site-specific ecological factors that influence population structure, demonstrating the importance of spatially explicit reserve sampling and understanding how ecological heterogeneity influences fisheries models.
Strong Consistency of the Maximum Likelihood Estimator in Generalized Linear and Nonlinear Mixed-Effects Models

Generalized linear and nonlinear mixed-effects models are used extensively in biomedical, social, and agricultural sciences. The statistical analysis of these models is based on the asymptotic properties of the maximum likelihood estimator. However, it is usually assumed that the maximum likelihood estimator is consistent, without providing a proof. A rigorous proof of the consistency by verifying conditions from existing results can be very difficult due to the integrated likelihood. In this paper, we present some easily verifiable conditions for the strong consistency of the maximum likelihood estimator in generalized linear and nonlinear mixed-effects models. Based on this result, we prove that the maximum likelihood estimator is consistent for some frequently used models such as mixed-effects logistic regression models and growth curve models.
Atomic collisions with relativistic heavy ions. V. The states of ions in matter

This paper examines the processes affecting relativistic heavy ions in solid targets. Three pieces of experimental information, the charge states of emergent projectiles, K\ensuremath{\alpha} x-ray production cross sections, and K radiative electron-capture photon cross sections for 82- and 197-MeV/amu Xe projectiles incident on solid targets between Be and U, are examined. A theory incorporating the ground states and a minimal number of excited states of zero-, one-, and two-electron projectiles is formulated which includes capture, ionization, excitation, and decay processes. The requisite cross sections are obtained from calculations and measurements. The present charge-state, x-ray, and radiative capture photon measurements are in good agreement with theory. The relationship between charge-changing cross sections measured using thick and thin targets is examined.
4x4 SUV Energy Efficiency and Mobility: Hybrid-Electric Transfer Case vs Mechanical Driveline System

In this paper, an investigation is performed into the optimization of wheel power distribution between the drive axles of an AWD hybrid-electric SUV. The paper presents a criterion to maximize the vehicle’s slip efficiency through control of the kinematic discrepancy factor. The optimization criterion is combined with a mathematical model of a driveline for an AWD hybrid-electric vehicle using a new hybrid-electric power transmitting unit to control power distribution between the front and rear drive wheels. A technical concept is described for the hybrid-electric power transmitting unit that is functionally fused with a series hybrid-electric transmission. The mode of operation of the power transmitting device is described and simulations are performed for a 4×4 hybrid-electric vehicle of different driveline characteristics to compare the influence of driveline type on vehicle energy efficiency, including battery depletion, and vehicle mobility when traveling on a road or off-road under severe terrain conditions.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
A neutrophil-dependent pathway for the generation of a neutral peptide mediator: partial characterization of components and control by alpha-1-antitrypsin.

A biologically active neutral peptide mediator is cleaved from a plasma protein substrate by an α-1-antitrypsin-inhibitable serine protease apparently residing on the membrane of the human neutrophil. The peptide mediator has an approximate mol wt of 1,000, and is distinguished from the kinin peptides by a neutral isoelectric point, susceptibility to inactivation by trypsin as well as chymotrypsin and activity on the isolated, atropinized, and antihistamine-treated guinea pig ileum with relatively little action on the estrous rat uterus. The neutrophil protease is fully inhibitable by DFP, trypsin inhibitors from lima or soy bean, and α-1-antitrypsin and is associated with the high mol wt fragments of the neutrophil and not the nuclear, lysosomal, or cytoplasmic subcellular fraction. The substrate has an approximate mol wt of 90,000 and is chromatographically separable from kininogen. The exquisite sensitivity of the neutrophil protease to α-1-antitrypsin was established both by inhibition with highly purified α-1-antitrypsin and by the inability of the protease to generate detectable neutral peptide in a homozygous (ZZ) α-1-antitrypsin-deficient patient without heat inactivation of the residual inhibitor. On the other hand, plasma from a (null) α-1-antitrypsin-deficient patient supported neutral peptide generation and revealed an additional factor which inactivated neutral peptide.
Improved efficiency in double-inversion fast spin-echo imaging.

Double-inversion fast spin-echo (FSE) pulse sequences can be designed to provide excellent suppression of blood signal in black-blood MRI. However, because a nonselective inversion is used, these sequences typically have been highly inefficient. In this work it is demonstrated that the efficiency of double-inversion sequences can be greatly improved by a form of interleaving in which all of the slices to be imaged in a single pass are reinverted each time a signal is obtained from any single slice. To date, several studies have demonstrated a high level of blood suppression with these more efficient techniques.
Healthcare utilization of patients with epilepsy in Yuma County, Arizona: Do disparities exist?

The aim of this study was to describe the disparities in healthcare utilization and costs between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients with seizures or epilepsy. We reviewed the insurance status and healthcare resource utilization data from 2005 to 2008 for all patients with seizures and epilepsy seen at the Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC). Charges for medical services provided to Hispanic patients with epilepsy between the ages of 18 and 49 were significantly less than those for non-Hispanic patients with epilepsy (Hispanic: $3167.63 versus non-Hispanic: $5154.36, P<0.001). Taking into account the differences in insurance status, setting of care, and total number of procedures, we still saw a significant difference in charges between the two groups at the outpatient settings. These data differ from currently available data on national and Eastern US Hispanic patients with epilepsy, suggesting that patients in this border community are somehow different from Hispanics elsewhere in the US.
Effects of vibrational nonequilibrium on axisymmetric hypersonic nozzle design

A vibrational nonequilibrium Navier-Stokes computational algorithm is used to determine the flow conditions in several existing nozzles. Vibration freezes near the throat for typical stagnation conditions in these nozzles. The freezing causes the gas to behave as though the ratio of specific heats is constant. It is shown that the thick boundary layers in hypersonic nozzles create problems in their design using classic techniques. As a result, existing nozzles such as the NASA Langley Mach 17 Nitrogen Tunnel may be underexpanded and operate with poor test section conditions. A design technique based on the Navier-Stokes equations including the effects of vibrational nonequilibrium are required for high quality flow.
Efficient refinement of a metal–organic framework MIL-53(Fe) by UV–vis irradiation in aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution

Abstract In analogy to photocatalytic materials, the metal–organic framework MIL-53(Fe) showed up self-cleaning ability under light. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide and with exposure under UVA–vis irradiation, organic impurities were decomposed completely without damage of MIL-53(Fe) structure. The method is efficient and environment-friendly such that all the free and confined 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid in the MOF were decomposed within 1 h at room temperature. The MIL-53(Fe) samples before and after purification were fully analyzed using XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM and TGA measurements.
Tissue-specific targeting of retroviral vectors via ligand-receptor interactions

Abstract The development of retroviral vectors that target specific cell types could have important implications for the design of gene therapy strategies. A chimeric protein containing the polypeptide hormone erythropoietin and part of the env protein of ecotropic Moloney murine leukemia virus was engineered into the virus. This murine virus became several times more infectious for murine cells bearing the erythropoietin receptor, and it also became infectious for human cells bearing the erythropoietin receptor. This type of tissue-specific targeting by means of ligand-receptor interactions may have broad implications to a variety of gene delivery systems.