cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
See, feel, act: Hierarchical learning for complex manipulation skills with multisensory fusion

Humans are able to seamlessly integrate tactile and visual stimuli with their intuitions to explore and execute complex manipulation skills. They not only see but also feel their actions. Most current robotic learning methodologies exploit recent progress in computer vision and deep learning to acquire data-hungry pixel-to-action policies. These methodologies do not exploit intuitive latent structure in physics or tactile signatures. Tactile reasoning is omnipresent in the animal kingdom, yet it is underdeveloped in robotic manipulation. Tactile stimuli are only acquired through invasive interaction, and interpretation of the data stream together with visual stimuli is challenging. Here, we propose a methodology to emulate hierarchical reasoning and multisensory fusion in a robot that learns to play Jenga, a complex game that requires physical interaction to be played effectively. The game mechanics were formulated as a generative process using a temporal hierarchical Bayesian model, with representations for both behavioral archetypes and noisy block states. This model captured descriptive latent structures, and the robot learned probabilistic models of these relationships in force and visual domains through a short exploration phase. Once learned, the robot used this representation to infer block behavior patterns and states as it played the game. Using its inferred beliefs, the robot adjusted its behavior with respect to both its current actions and its game strategy, similar to the way humans play the game. We evaluated the performance of the approach against three standard baselines and show its fidelity on a real-world implementation of the game.
Surface Turbulent Fluxes during Persistent Cold-Air Pool Events in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah. Part I: Observations

AbstractThe land surface is coupled to the atmospheric boundary layer through surface turbulent fluxes. Persistent cold-air pools (PCAPs) form in topographic depressions where cold, dense air fills...
Early-phase platform trials: A new paradigm for dose finding and treatment screening in the era of precision oncology

Applications in early-phase cancer trials have motivated the development of many statistical designs since the late 1980s, including dose-finding methods, futility screening, treatment selection, and early stopping rules. These methods are often proposed to address the conventional cytotoxic therapeutics for neoplastic diseases and cancer. Recent advances in precision medicine have motivated novel trial designs, most notably the idea of master protocol (eg, platform trial, basket trial, umbrella trial, N-of-1 trial), for the evaluation of molecularly targeted cancer therapies. In this article, we review the concepts and methodology of early-phase cancer trial designs with a focus on dose finding and treatment screening and put these methods in the context of platform trials of molecularly targeted cancer therapies. Because most cancer trial designs have been developed for cytotoxic agents, we will discuss how these time-tested design principles hold relevance for targeted cancer therapies, and we will delineate how a master protocol may serve as an efficient platform for safety and efficacy evaluations of novel targeted therapies.
Microscopic calculations of nuclear level densities with the Lanczos method

A new method for computing the density of states in nuclei making use of an extrapolated form of the tridiagonal matrix obtained from the Lanczos method is presented. It will be shown that the global, average properties of the entire Lanczos matrix can be predicted from just four Lanczos iterations. The extrapolated Lanczos matrix (ELM) approach provides for an accurate computation of the density of states described within the configuration space, which, in some cases, is sufficient to accurately calculate the density of states at, or near, the neutron separation energy. Comparisons between theory and experiment are shown for $^{57}\mathrm{Fe}, ^{74}\mathrm{Ge}$, and $^{76}\mathrm{Ge}$. In addition, we show results for the $J$-dependence of moments and the level density for these three nuclei.
Applying machine learning in science assessment: a systematic review

Machine learning (ML) is an emergent computerised technology that relies on algorithms built by ‘learning’ from training data rather than ‘instruction’, which holds great potential to revolutionise...
Cascades: war, crime, peace, and crime prevention: reaction essay

In “Cascades: War, crime, peace and crime prevention,“ Braithwaite has offered a significant theoretical contribution. As in his prior work, this theory integrates several theoretical perspectives....
Increasing Student Interests in Power Engineering by 3dsMax and Unity3D

This research paper introduces a new learning tool to increase student interests in power engineering. Insufficient visualization of the real power system operation and boring theory knowledge cause a general lack of interest in power systems. This paper realized the design of 3D virtual power system using 3ds Max and Unity3D software. Microgrid system, one significant example of a power system, is selected to demonstrate the 3D visualization. The built 3D visualization of microgrid can vividly show the details and function of each component in the Microgrid. Therefore, it can greatly increase students' enthusiasm for learning the power engineering. Moreover, the first time application of Unity3D in the microgrid system laid the foundation for the feasibility of virtual technology in the application of engineering education to further attract more students in all engineering areas.
Microstructural classification of unirradiated LiAlO2 pellets by deep learning methods

Abstract Microstructural features and defects can greatly impact material properties and performance in a wide range of application areas. Recognition and characterization of microstructural features is essential to the understanding and prediction of material performance under various operational conditions, including irradiation. In this work, we tested a collection of Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN) architectures that have been optimized for image segmentation and selected the best performer to obtain pixel-level classification of the main microstructural features in unirradiated LiAlO2 pellets, including grains, grain boundaries, voids, precipitates, and zirconia impurities. LiAlO2 is an important material that is used as a tritium producer for the Tritium Sustainment Program. While LiAlO2 pellets have been employed in tritium-producing burnable absorber rods (TPBARs) for years, comprehensive microstructural analysis of unirradiated LiAlO2, and therefore time-dependent tritium release from the material during irradiation, has not been established. A full understanding of unirradiated LiAlO2 microstructure and how it evolves as a result of neutron irradiation is necessary to produce an integrated performance model to predict in-reactor behavior as well as to target strategic experiments. This work aims at developing a fast and quantitative analysis method to classify various microstructural features in unirradiated LiAlO2 pellets that are visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Given classification results obtained, statistical analysis was then carried out to evaluate the performance of the DCNN classification and to describe the properties of the microstructural features as a whole, based on standard aggregation and spatial point-process methodology. Our results show improved performance over a baseline heuristic approach. Also, the computational efficiency of the computer-aided analytical method allows for quantitative characterization of a larger volume of SEM images than was previously possible using manual segmentation.
Role of defects in the sensing mechanism of CNTFET gas sensors

In nanotechnology, understanding the effect of interfaces and defects becomes critically important in determining a material's properties and device performance. Many one-dimensional and two-dimensional materials exhibit excellent physical, electrical, thermal, and optical properties, making them highly desirable for a wide array of applications. However, their low dimensionality also means their performance can be susceptible to defects in the material and the interfaces they form with other device components. Carbon nanotubes are often used in sensing applications, typically, in a field-effect transistor configuration (CNTFET). The interface between the contact electrode metal and the nanotube forms a Schottky barrier, which plays an important role in both transistor and sensor characteristics. Modifications to this interface by the environment can modulate the barrier and produce a change in device characteristics. Transistor operation can also be modified by the presence of defects in the carbon nanotube sidewall structure. This paper explores how defects in single-wall carbon nanotubes can affect the sensing mechanism of CNTFET gas sensing devices. Gas exposure measurements were performed on as-grown near pristine (low defect) nanotube devices and compared with plasma irradiated, highly defective nanotube devices. By utilizing selective passivation to isolate structural components that contribute to the sensing mechanism, the study shows that the presence of defects, and their relative densities, has a critical role in gas sensing performance. Recognizing the presence of these defects, even in as-grown nanotubes, can help reconcile seemingly contradictory results in the literature regarding the gas sensing mechanism. This work represents an important step toward understanding the effect of both interfaces and defects for carbon nanotube sensor development.
Formal Verification of Completion-Completeness for NCL Circuits

Ensuring completion-completeness is required for delay-insensitivity when utilizing bit-wise completion to pipeline NCL circuits comprised of input-incomplete logic functions. Hence, this work presents an automated formal method to detect NCL circuits that are not completion-complete.
Denial of Service (DoS) Attack Detection: Performance Comparison of Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms

Denial of Service (DoS) is one of the common attempts in security hacking for making computation resources unavailable or to impair geographical networks. In this paper, we detect Denial of Service (DoS) attack from publicly available datasets using Logistic regression, Naive Bayes algorithm and artificial neural networks. The results from our experiments indicate that the accuracy, ROC curve and balanced accuracy of artificial neural network were higher than Naive Bayes algorithm and logistic regression for slightly imbalanced distribution dataset.
Transcriptional heterogeneity and tightly regulated changes in gene expression during Plasmodium berghei sporozoite development

Despite the critical role of Plasmodium sporozoites in malaria transmission, we still know little about the mechanisms underlying their development in mosquitoes. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the gene expression profiles of 16,038 Plasmodium berghei sporozoites isolated throughout their development from midgut oocysts to salivary glands, and from forced salivation experiments. Our results reveal a succession of tightly regulated changes in gene expression occurring during the maturation of sporozoites and highlight candidate genes that could play important roles in oocyst egress, sporozoite motility, and the mechanisms underlying the invasion of mosquito salivary glands and mammalian hepatocytes. In addition, the single-cell data reveal extensive transcriptional heterogeneity among parasites isolated from the same anatomical site, suggesting that Plasmodium development in mosquitoes is asynchronous and regulated by intrinsic as well as environmental factors. Finally, our analyses show a decrease in transcriptional activity preceding the translational repression observed in mature sporozoites and associated with their quiescent state in salivary glands, followed by a rapid reactivation of the transcriptional machinery immediately upon salivation.
Turf Wars: Arming Congress's Gang (of Eight)

This Note explores how Congress can respond to a president who withholds non-covert intelligence operations from the congressional intelligence committees in violation of the National Security Act. This Note proposes a novel solution for Congress: the elevation of the Gang of Eight into a joint permanent select committee that is authorized to file suit on behalf of Congress. Congressional lawsuits are likely to be challenged on the basis of standing. Gang of Eight lawsuits could empower congressional leaders to meet a court’s standing analysis, allowing Congress to reassert its role in overseeing the intelligence community.
Communicating about Retirement Preferences: Testing the Moderating Role of Age, Marital Quality and Communal Coping in the Theory of Motivated Information Management

Americans are increasingly uncertain about when and how they will retire. Couples may address this uncertainty together as they prepare for and envision retirement over the course of many years (e....
Social-Media-Analysen in der Automobilindustrie

Kapitel 5 beinhaltet erste Ergebnisse der empirischen Untersuchung und weist am Ende jedes Abschnitts ein Zwischenfazit auf. Social-Media-Analysen in der deutschen Automobilindustrie werden rekonstruiert, indem diese Studie zunachst die angewandte Praxis von Social-Media-Analysen nachzeichnet. Es waren zwei Varianten der Methode auszumachen und drei Arten der methodischen Umsetzung und praktischen Durchfuhrung zu erkennen. Samtliche Optionen der Praxis stellt diese Arbeit gesondert vor. Daraufhin geht es um Social-Media-Analysen als Methode. Dargestellt wird dies, indem zunachst deren Charakteristika gezeigt werden, um anschliesend sowohl die Vorteile als auch die Nachteile der Methode der Social-Media-Analysen zu beschreiben. Am Ende des Kapitels werden Social-Media-Analysen auf andere Methoden bezogen und mit diesen verglichen. Nach einer Gegenuberstellung mit der Marktforschung richtet sich der Blick gesondert auf die jeweiligen Potentiale beider. Ferner werden die spezifischen Herausforderungen der Methode der Social-Media-Analysen zusammengefasst und es wird die festzustellende Tendenz beschrieben, die Methode nicht fur sich alleine sprechen und stehen zu lassen.
Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Summary Spasticity is the most common movement disorder of persons with cerebral palsy, and is attributable to the insufficient release of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the spinal cord. The goals of treating spasticity vary, depending on its severity and on the extent of the muscles involved, and should be identified before treatment begins. While surgical/orthopaedic management of spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form of therapy, drug treatment is used to delay or supplement those treatments. The 3 orally administered medications most commonly used to treat spastic cerebral palsy are baclofen, diazepam and dantrolene. These drugs reduce spasticity significantly more than placebo, but their relative ineffectiveness has resulted in an interest in more invasive pharmacological treatments, including intramuscularly administered botulinum toxin and intrathecally administered baclofen. Botulinum toxin acts by preventing the release of acetylcholine from synaptic vesicles at the neuromuscular junction. It significantly reduces hypertonia in the injected muscles for 2 to 4 months and has virtually no systemic adverse effects. Continuously administered intrathecal baclofen significantly reduces spasticity in the upper and lower extremities of approximately 80% of patients with cerebral spasticity and improves their ability to transfer positions. It is appropriate therapy for patients with suboptimal underlying strength, who rely on some spasticity to stand and be mobile Future evaluation of the active enantiomer, L-baclofen, is anticipated.
Crack healing in silicon nitride due to oxidation

The crack healing behavior of a commercial, MgO-containing, hot pressed Si3N4 was studied as a function of temperature in oxidizing and inert annealing environments. Crack healing occurred at a temperature 800 C or higher due to oxidation regardless of crack size, which ranged from 100 microns (indentation crack) to 1.7 mm (SEPB precrack). The resulting strength and apparent fracture toughness increased at crack healing temperature by 100 percent and 300 percent, respectively. The oxide layer present in the crack plane was found to be highly fatigue resistant, indicating that the oxide is not solely silicate glass, but a mixture of glass, enstatite, and/or cristobalite that was insensitive to fatigue in a room temperature water environment.
Sequential and Parallel Branch-and-Bound Search under Limited-Memory Constraints

Branch-and-bound (BB these cost bounds vary from processor to processor, and decrease from an initial larger value to the true cost bound for the iteration. Further, to minimize unnecessary node expansions that can occur because of the asynchronous operation and because of the initial loose upper bounds, we propose an efficient load balancing technique. This technique distributes work of earlier iterations with higher priority among processors. As a result, different processors are likely to execute IES* iterations that are as close to each other as possible, and also the individual cost bounds for the same IES* iteration in different processors approach the true cost bound rapidly. This decreases the possibility of unnecessary work in parallel IES*, thus leading to an efficient parallelization.
Constitutional Change and Democracy in Indonesia: Low-Quality Democracy and Its Discontents

By the time of the 2009 elections or earlier, most close observers believed Indonesian democracy to be consolidated. By then, it seemed clear that no significant group in the country threatened the democratic order. Yet there was a price to be paid for gradualism in the creation of a constitutional democracy. The post-1998 changes did not entail complete uprooting of the personnel or the practices of the previous regime. And so there was unfinished business with respect to the armed forces, corruption, the rule of law, and ethnic and religious tolerance. As I shall point out after a review of these deficiencies, some of them have connections to fundamental aspects of the new political system. Their amelioration could actually alter the shape of that system. THE QUALITY-OF-DEMOCRACY ISSUE Within a few years of the democratic transition, it had become customary to refer to Indonesia as a low-quality democracy. The bill of particulars for this indictment was far-reaching. Indonesia had “an extremely weak rule of law”; a surfeit of corruption and a lack of transparency; local elites that thwarted the rights of ethnic minorities in various regions; grave defects in religious liberty and the oppression of certain religious minorities, in violation of the constitution; military leaders who openly condoned the army’s murder of a nonviolent separatist; human rights violations by the armed forces that were habitually unpunished; legislators willing to accept bribes in exchange for their support of legislation; gangsters occasionally able to win local office, with help from voter intimidation by thugs, some of them affiliated with political parties; restricted access of citizens to the political process; and generally “weak popular participation” – to name just a few commonly cited defects.
Managing Diversity in Postneoliberal Ecuador

Resumen Este articulo examina los derechos indigenas durante el gobierno de Rafael Correa, (2007 hasta el presente) en Ecuador. Dicho trabajo sostiene que este gobierno esta llevando a cabo un proceso de reforma del estado que conlleva una centralizacion en la toma de decisiones y un enfasis en la extraccion de recursos naturales con la finalidad de financiar un estado mas fuerte. Dicho proceso esta reduciendo la autonomia de los movimientos indigenas y ha ocasionado choques con sus organizaciones debido a que importantes recursos naturales, estan localizados en los territorios en los que habitan. Los academicos que han estudiado los regimenes post-neoliberales en sus primeros anos, sostuvieron que la ciudadania post-multicultural se caracterizaba por combinar lo ganado en el periodo neo-liberal -el reconocimiento y la participacion-, con un mayor enfasis en la redistribucion. Trabajos mas recientes, han senalado las exclusiones derivadas de formas particulares de entender la etnicidad, asi como de la falta de autonomia de la sociedad civil en estos regimenes centralizados. En el caso de Ecuador, la ciudadania post-neoliberal ha dado lugar al retorno de un tipo de indigenismo que construye a los indigenas como receptores pasivos de las politicas gubernamentales.
Marlin: a memory-based rack area network

Disaggregation of hardware resources that are traditionally embedded within individual servers into separate resource pools is an emerging architectural trend in hyperscale data center design, as exemplified by Facebook's disaggregated rack architecture. This paper presents the design, implementation and evaluation of a PCIe-based rack area network system called Marlin, which is designed to support the communications and resource sharing needs of disaggregated racks. By virtue of being based on PCIe, Marlin presents a memory-based addressing model for both I/O device sharing among multiple hosts and inter-host communications. That is, when a node communicates with other nodes or accesses resources in the same rack, it uses memory read and write operations. In the area of inter-node communications, Marlin offers hardware-based remote direct memory access (HRDMA) as a first-class communications primitive between servers within a rack. In addition, Marlin supports socket-based communications for legacy network applications and cross-machine zero memory copying for applications designed specifically to take full advantage of memory-based communications. Empirical measurements on a fully operational Mar-lin prototype based on 4-lane Gen3 PCIe technology show that the one-way kernel-to-kernel latency is 8.5μsec and the end-to-end sustainable TCP throughput is 19.6 Gbps.
Linking Community Profiles, Gene Expression and N-Removal in Anammox Bioreactors Treating Municipal Anaerobic Digestion Reject Water

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) requires 60% less oxygen and no external organic carbon compared to conventional biological nitrogen removal (BNR). Nevertheless, full-scale installations of anammox are uncommon, primarily owing to the lack of well-established process monitoring and control strategies that result in stable anammox reactor performance. The overarching goal of this study was to develop and apply molecular biomarkers that link microbial community structure and activity to anammox process performance in a bioreactor fed with actual anaerobic digestion centrate from a full-scale operational wastewater treatment facility. Over long-term operation, Candidatus "Brocadia sp. 40" emerged as the dominant anammox population present in the reactor. There was good correspondence between reactor nitrogen removal performance and anammox bacterial concentrations. During the period of reactor operation, there was also a marked shift in biomass morphology from discrete cells to granular aggregates, which was paralleled by a shift also to more stable nitrogen removal and the succession and establishment of bacteria related to the Chlorobi/Bacteroidetes superfamily. Based on batch assays, hydrazine oxidoreductase (hzo) expression and concentrations of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region (ISR) were good quantitative biomarkers of oxygen- and nitrite-mediated inhibition. When applied to a continuous anammox reactor, both molecular biomarkers show promise as monitoring tools for "predicting" reactor performance.
Analyzing and Predicting Polymer Fluid and Blend Properties Using Minimal Pure Component Data

We find that it is possible to use a sparse data set, consisting of as few as three data points per fluid, and produce a quantitative description of both pure component and blend behavior. Making use of isothermal compressibilities (κT) and thermal expansion coefficient data (αP) for a variety of polymer fluids, as well as experimentally determined critical temperatures for several blends, we apply the lattice Born−Green−Yvon (BGY) theory to the analysis and characterization of polymeric fluids and blends. In particular, we focus on polystyrene (PS), poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME), polybutadiene (PB), and poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) as well as the mixtures PS/PVME, PS/PB, and PS/PPO. In the first section of the paper we use the analytic expressions derived from the lattice BGY theory to analyze experimental data for the two mechanical coefficients. In the second portion of the paper we investigate the accuracy and consistency of the predictions made with each set of characteristic parame...
Spin decoherence in an iron-based magnetic cluster

Abstract Continuous wave (cw) and pulsed high frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (HF-EPR) measurements were performed on an Fe-based magnetic cluster: Fe 7 O 4 (O 2 CPh) 11 (dmem) 2 , abbreviated Fe 7 . The cw EPR results show that two different molecular species exist in the crystal, with slightly different zero-field-splitting parameters. The spin decoherence time, T 2 , was measured at high magnetic fields and low temperatures, which makes it possible to obtain high spin polarization and to significantly reduce decoherence due to electron spin flip-flop processes. Theoretical fitting of T 2 versus temperature shows that, for crystalline samples of this molecule, spin flip-flop fluctuations represent the main source of spin decoherence at low temperatures, as reported also for the Fe 8 single-molecule magnet [Phys. Rev. Lett. 102 (2009) 087603]. Moreover, it is found that T 2 is position dependent within the EPR line, a model for which is given. We also note that this is the third example of an Fe-based cluster that exhibits a measurable decoherence time, and only the second involving a crystal.
Estimates of Parameters of a Censored Regression Sample

Abstract Winsorization and trimming using stratified and pooled procedures are proposed for linear regression analysis. The regression model assumes an equal number of observations at each value of an equally spaced independent variable. In the null case, the error variable is normally distributed. Efficiencies of estimates are obtained analytically for the stratified procedure and by Monte Carlo methods for the pooled procedure. Means and variances of estimates are obtained analytically for the untreated sample and by Monte Carlo methods for the Winsorized and trimmed samples for both location and scalar contamination. Winsorization and trimming show increased efficiency over the standard method.
Vibrational spectrum and barrier to internal rotation for CF3CFO

Abstract The vibrational spectrum of CF3CFO has been investigated over the range 3900-35 cm−1 with small grating spectrometers. All fundamental frequencies have been assigned to approximate vibrational modes and the torsional vibration has been located at 50 cm−1. The principal moments of inertia of the molecule have been estimated from assumed bond angles and distances to be 130, 206, and 248 a.m.u.A2, and the reduced moment of inertia for the CF3 group to be 29·5 a.m.u.A2. From these values the threefold barrier to internal rotation is calculated to be 1390 ± 210 cal/mole or 486 ± 75 cm−1 on the basis of a harmonic potential function. The harmonic force constant for torsion has been calculated as 0·0275 x 105 dyn/cm.
Nucleophilic acceleration of the cleavage of β-cyclodextrin trans-cinnamate by amines

Abstract The cleavage of β-cyclodextrin trans -cinnamate ( 1 ) was accelerated by amines such as quinuclidine and piperidine by 27- and 13-fold, respectively. The reaction involves complex formation of 1 with the amines, and proceeds via nucleophilic attack by the neutral amine, which was shown by the production of amide in the reaction of 1 with piperidine. Quinuclidine exhibited real catalysis of hydrolysis without production of amide. The present finding indicates that the rates of the rate-determining deacylation step in the cyclodextrin-accelerated hydrolyses of phenyl esters can be made larger than the rates of uncatalyzed hydrolyses by an amine such as quinuclidine, resulting in the use of cyclodextrin as a true catalyst and as a better enzyme model.
Linearization of polynomial flows and spectra of derivations

We show that a polynomial flow is a solution of a linear ordinary differential equation. From this, we draw conclusions about the possible dynamics of polynomial flows. We also show how point spectra of derivations associated with polynomial vector fields can be used to identify p-f vector fields.
Degradation of human calcitonin in human plasma

Abstract The degradation in vitro of human calcitonin (HCT) in plasma from normal subjects and patients with disorders of calcium metabolism was studied. As measured by radioimmunoassay, the hormone was stable at 37°C in phosphate buffer for 24 hr but progressively disappeared when incubated in normal human plasma. The loss was temperature and pH dependent, being maximal at 37°C between pH 6.0 and 7.0. Under these conditions 125 I-HCT appeared to be degraded to at least one labeled fragment that behaved on polyacrylamide gels as if it were smaller than 1000 daltons. The rate of formation of this fragment correlated well with the rate of loss of immunoreactive HCT. Compared to plasma from normal individuals, plasma from patients with hypercalcemia due to causes other than hyperparathyroidism degraded HCT significantly more rapidly. The mean loss of HCT in 5 hr in plasma from nine such patients was 54% ± 17% (± 2 SEM), compared to 22% ± 5% in plasma from 22 healthy volunteers ( p
Absence of fractionation of mercury isotopes during trophic transfer of methylmercury to freshwater fish in captivity.

We performed two controlled experiments to determine the amount of mass-dependent and mass-independent fractionation (MDF and MIF) of methylmercury (MeHg) during trophic transfer into fish. In experiment 1, juvenile yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were raised in captivity on commercial food pellets and then their diet was either maintained on unamended food pellets (0.1 μg/g MeHg) or was switched to food pellets with 1.0 μg/g or 4.0 μg/g of added MeHg, for a period of 2 months. The difference in δ202Hg (MDF) and Δ199Hg (MIF) between fish tissues and food pellets with added MeHg was within the analytical uncertainty (δ202Hg, 0.07 ‰; Δ199Hg, 0.06 ‰), indicating no isotope fractionation. In experiment 2, lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) were raised in captivity on food pellets and then shifted to a diet of bloater (Coregonus hoyi) for 6 months. The δ202Hg and Δ199Hg of the lake trout equaled the isotopic composition of the bloater after 6 months, reflecting reequilibration of the Hg isotopic composition of ...
Multidimensional HRMAS NMR: a platform for in vivo studies using intact bacterial cells

In vivo analysis in whole cell bacteria, especially the native tertiary structures of the bacterial cell wall, remains an unconquered frontier. The current understanding of bacterial cell wall structures has been based on destructive analysis of individual components. These in vitro results may not faithfully reflect the native structural and conformational information. Multidimensional High Resolution Magic Angle Spinning NMR (HRMAS NMR) has evolved to be a powerful technique in a variety of in vivo studies, including live bacterial cells. Existing studies of HRMAS NMR in bacteria, technical consideration of its successful application, and current limitations in studying true human pathogens are briefly reviewed in this report.
Rapid and slow release phenytoin in epileptic patients at steady state: Assessment of relative bioavailability utilizing Michaelis-Menten parameters

The bioavailability of phenytoin from rapid release capsule and oral solution formulations relative to that of a slow release capsule formulation was assessed in five patients who had participated in a three-way crossover study performed at steady state. The subjects then underwent dosage adjustment utilizing the slow release formulation, and estimates of their Michaelis-Menten parameters thus obtained were utilized in calculating the relative bioavailabilities. In addition, expected changes in steady-state plasma phenytoin concentrations were calculated assuming initial levels of 15 mg/liter, with increases and decreases in bioavailability of 10%. The consequences of such alterations in the extent of phenytoin absorption or average content of the dosage form may be clinically significant, particularly where the initial phenytoin level is equal to or greater than the patient's operative Km.
Shank Color and Barred Plumage in Columbian-Colored Chickens

Abstract MANY females produced from crosses of barred columbian, (B S e), males and red, e, females develop a greenish shank coloration by the broiler age of 8 to 12 weeks after hatching. This greenish shank coloration, often designated as “willow,” may vary in incidence from 12 to 80% of the females at the broiler age. It is observed much less frequently in males. Apparently the greenish tone is due to melanic (black) pigment being deposited in the lower layers of the skin and scales. A similar greenish shank coloration is known to be produced by the wild type allele (id+) of the gene which inhibits dermal melanin production in the shanks. For a review of the effect of the Id gene the reader is referred to Hutt (1949). That the id+ is not involved in the results reported here is indicated from the following data. Sixteen Barred Plymouth Rock males …
Gone Yesterday, Here Today: Consumer Issues in the Agenda‐Setting Process

How do consumer problems become transformed into consumer issues? One view is that consumer problems go through three stages. First, they are publicized by the mass media, then they arouse public opinion, and only then are they addressed by public policymakers. A second, less unidirectional view holds that the process is sometimes reversed, with issues originating from policymakers. This article attempts to specify the media, public, and policy agendas so that the two views can be assessed. Evidence from the period of 1960–1987 supports the view that consumer issues began on the policy agenda but then followed the unidirectional pattern of media to public opinion to government.
When Walmart Enters: How Incumbent Retailers React and How This Affects Their Sales Outcomes

The authors examine incumbent retailers’ reactions to a Wal-Mart entry and the impact of these reactions on the retailers’ sales. They compile a unique dataset which represents a natural experiment consisting of incumbent supermarket, drug, and mass stores in the vicinity of seven Wal-Mart entries and control stores not exposed to the entries. The dataset includes weekly store movement data for 46 product categories before and after each entry and allows them to measure reactions and sales outcomes using a before-and-after-with-control-group analysis. They find that, overall, incumbents suffer significant sales losses due to Wal-Mart entry, but there is substantial variation across retail formats, stores, and categories both in incumbent reactions and in their sales outcomes. Moreover, they find that a retailer’s sales outcomes are significantly affected by its reactions, and the relationship between reactions and sales outcomes varies across retail formats. These findings provide valuable insights on how retailers in different formats can adjust their marketing mix to mitigate the impact of Wal-Mart entry.
D C generator in superconducting circuits

Abstract A generator for high direct currents in a superconducting circuit is described. It operates within a liquid helium bath by establishing a small temperature gradient across a thermoelectric alloy. The generator is very useful for energizing superconductive magnet systems.
Room temperature micro-hydrogen-generator

A new compact and cost-effective hydrogen-gas generator has been made that is well suited for supplying hydrogen to a fuel-cell for providing base electrical power to hand-carried appliances. This hydrogen-generator operates at room temperature, ambient pressure and is orientation-independent. The hydrogen-gas is generated by the heterogeneous catalytic hydrolysis of aqueous alkaline borohydride solution as it flows into a micro-reactor. This reactor has a membrane as one wall. Using the membrane keeps the liquid in the reactor, but allows the hydrogen-gas to pass out of the reactor to a fuel-cell anode. Aqueous alkaline 30 wt% borohydride solution is safe and promotes long application life, because this solution is non-toxic, non-flammable, and is a high energy-density (≥2200 W-h per liter or per kilogram) hydrogen-storage solution. The hydrogen is released from this storage-solution only when it passes over the solid catalyst surface in the reactor, so controlling the flow of the solution over the catalyst controls the rate of hydrogen-gas generation. This allows hydrogen generation to be matched to hydrogen consumption in the fuel-cell, so there is virtually no free hydrogen-gas during power generation. A hydrogen-generator scaled for a system to provide about 10 W electrical power is described here. However, the technology is expected to be scalable for systems providing power spanning from 1 W to kW levels.
Antagonists of bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide as adjuncts to agonists of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in the treatment of experimental prostate cancer

Background. Palliative methods for treatment of advanced prostatic carcinoma, including those based on luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonists, cannot prevent the ultimate growth of hormone-independent cells, and the duration of disease remission in patients with prostate cancer is limited. New therapeutic approaches combining androgen ablation therapy with other compounds must be explored. Various studies suggest that bombesin or gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) act as autocrine growth factors and may play a role in the initiation and progression of some cancers, including those of the prostate. Methods. The effects of treatment with bombesin/ gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor antagonist [D-Tpi6, Leu13ψ(CH2NH)Leu14]BN(6–14)(RC-3095), an agonist of LH-RH[D-Lys6]-LH-RH and their combination were investigated in the androgen-dependent Dunning R-3327H rat prostate cancer model. Both analogs were administered by continuous subcutaneous infusion from osmotic minipumps for 7 weeks. Results. Tumor volumes and weights were significantly reduced by treatment with RC-3095, compared with those of controls. In rats that received [D-Lys6]-LH-RH, there was a greater decrease in tumor weight and volume than that produced by RC-3095, and the weights of testes, ventral prostate, and seminal vesicles also were reduced. The combination of RC-3095 and [D-Lys6]-LH-RH had the greatest inhibitory effect on tumor growth. Histologic parameters demonstrated a significant increase of the ratio of apoptotic to mitotic indices in the groups treated with [D-Lys6]-LH-RH or the combination. Serum LH and testosterone levels were greatly depressed by [D-Lys6]-LH-RH or the combination. Specific high-affinity binding sites for bombesin/GRP, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and insulin-like growth Factor I (IGF-I) were found on the tumor membranes. The concentration of receptors for EGF was significantly reduced by treatment with the bombesin/GRP antagonist RC-3095. Conclusions. Combination therapy of LH-RH analogs with bombesin antagonists such as RC-3095 might be considered for improvement of hormonal therapy of prostate cancer.
Management of cholelithiasis in pediatric patients who undergo bone marrow transplantation

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and proper management for asymptomatic cholelithiasis in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Methods: The authors reviewed retrospectively the records of 575 children who underwent bone marrow transplantation at a University bone marrow transplantation unit (BMT) unit between February 1991 and October 1999. Of these patients, 235 underwent abdominal ultrasonography for evaluation of jaundice, sepsis, abdominal pain, or metastasis. To identify risk factors for cholelithiasis, the authors stratified the patients based on their disease and treatment regimen. Finally, the authors analyzed the natural history and management of BMT children with cholelithiasis. Results: The authors identified 20 cases of cholelithiasis (8.5%) in the 235 BMT patients who underwent ultrasonography. Children who underwent BMT to treat bone marrow failure showed a significantly increased risk of cholelithiasis compared with children treated for malignancy (27% v 7.4%; P Conclusions: Cholelithiasis occurs at a high incidence in pediatric bone marrow transplant patients. Children undergoing BMT for bone marrow failure are at higher risk of having gallstones than those being treated for malignancy. Finally, these data support a strategy of nonoperative management for asymptomatic cholelithiasis in this highly selected group of patients. J Pediatr Surg 36:86-90. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Teacher immediacy for affective learning in divergent college classes

This study examines immediacy salience and teacher nonverbal immediacy as potential indicators of student affective learning across different types of course content. Divergent courses were defined on a continuum ranging from P to T‐Type. P‐Type courses focus primarily on people‐oriented content, while T‐Type classes include content which is product or task‐oriented. Two research questions were addressed which were based on the logic that there is little reason to expect that teacher behaviors that are judged effective in one type of course content will be so in a very different type of course. Tests of the research questions in both P and T‐Type classes included multiple regression, commonality, and canonical correlation analyses. Results indicated that the actual magnitude of the impact of teacher immediacy on student affective learning and students’ perceptions of the importance of immediacy for instruction are a function of the type of course content taught. The findings are discussed in terms of affe...
Real-time detection of brain events in EEG

Evoked responses or event related potentials in human EEG have been mostly studied with off-line analog recording and averaging. It is shown here that, at least in some situations, it is possible to detect and classify individual evoked responses or "single epochs" with surprising reliability. To do so, however, requited thinking a new not only the data processing but the whole experimental strategy. The classification is done in real-time by treating the experiments as a signal detection problem in which the computer, in the position of impartial observer, assigns classes to incoming epochs accogding to a predetermined decision rule. Since data collection and processing are interleaved, each classification outcome can be a factor in experiment control as well as in subject feedback. The discrimination performance, expressed in terms of mutual information, is shown to be both a practical index for procedure optimization and a concise and specific descriptor for the experiment results.
An acousto-optical deflection system for use with multi-laser arrays in optical memories

Abstract Proposals have been made to utilise arrays of GaAs lasers in optical computer memories. For fast, random access to data the use of acousto-optical deflectors seems feasible. The number of lasers for use with each deflector is normally severely limited, because of the bandwidth limitation which is inherent in acousto-optic devices. This note describes a technique whereby the bandwidth limitation can be largely overcome, so that light from many lasers can be deflected by a single deflector.
Phonetic variability and prosodic structure in mothers

Spontaneous speech acoustics are highly variable. Such variability may be problematic for infants relying on phonological form to solve the segmentation problem. In the present study, acoustic measures of vowel duration and a computer model of speech segmentation were used to evaluate the problem of phonetic variability for a rhythm-based speech segmentation strategy. The specific questions under study were (1) whether or not mothers realized disyllabic vowel duration patterns consistently in spontaneous infant-directed speech, and (2) whether or not these patterns were distinctive enough in the context of an utterance to provide a useful cue for speech segmentation. Data from four English-speaking mothers indicated that the trochaic-like duration pattern may interact with phrase-position and with grammatical category, but when the resulting patterns are consistent, they provide useful segmentation cues for spontaneous infant-directed speech.
Endolaser treatment of the ciliary body for uncontrolled glaucoma.

Abstract We used vitrectomy and transvitreal endophotocoagulation of the ciliary processes to treat 18 eyes with severe glaucoma that could not be managed successfully by medical therapy and conventional glaucoma surgery. Lensectomy was performed in the two phakic eyes in the series because of cataractous lens changes. A pars plana vitrectomy was done in each eye and a fiberoptic probe used to apply transvitreal blue-green argon laser photocoagulation directly to the ciliary processes. Treatment of more than 180° was necessary for sufficient lowering of the intraocular pressure. Postoperative intraocular pressure was equal to or less than 20 mmHg in 14 of 18 eyes, although nine of the 14 successful cases required postoperative medical therapy. Complications included transient vitreous hemorrhage (2 eyes), transient choroidal detachment (2 eyes), and hypotony (1 eye).
Correlation of soil test nitrogen with potato yields

Abstract Yield response of Idaho Russet Burbank potatoes to nitrogen fertilizer was related to soil test for inorganic N (NO3 ‐ and NH4 +) in a total of 27 field experiments over a 3‐year period using polynomial correlation and regression analysis. Nitrate plus ammonium nitrogen content in the surface foot of soil was found to be useful in predicting yield response of potatoes to applied nitrogen. Correlations between yield and extractable N were considerably better when the data from each cropping system were analyzed separately than when all locations were analyzed as one group. Additional improvement was obtained by including extractable ammonium nitrogen and nitrogen in the second foot of soil respectively. The best correlation with yield was found using (NO3 ‐ + NH4 +)‐N in the surface foot following grain and the top two feet following non‐grain crops with R2 values of 0.875 and 0.821 respectively.
The biology of skin grafts. Skin grafts as pharmacologic agents.

† Background.— Skin grafting is commonly used to treat nonhealing wounds. However, how skin grafts help to heal wounds is not entirely known. Why epithelium from grafted skin is able to migrate and cover these wounds, while epithelium at the edge of nonhealing wounds is unable to, is a long unanswered biologic question. Observations.— The recent use of cultured epithelial allografts has rekindled interest in the biology of skin grafts. Replaced, even in chronic wounds, by recipient epithelium, cultured epithelial allografts appear to work by providing a potent stimulus to healing imparted by the graft itself. Based on this, we have reassessed how skin autografts help to heal wounds and hypothesize that, in a similar fashion, autografts may work not only by replacing tissue but also by providing a stimulus for healing. Conclusions.— We suggest that skin grafts may work not only as tissue replacement but as pharmacologic agents that provide a stimulus for healing. We believe that, someday, it may be possible to augment the stimulatory properties of donor skin to speed healing of the recipient wound. ( Arch Dermatol. 1993;129:481-483)