cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finite element methods applied to nearly one-way wave propagation

Abstract A numerical method is developed for approximately solving stationary wave propagation problems for which most of the energy propagates in an angle band of less than 90° about a fixed direction. This property often occurs in realistic physical models. The numerical method is based on factoring out the principal propagation direction in the solution and then applying the finite element method. The method is applied to wave propagation in a duct or waveguide and to the exterior scattering problem. It is shown both theoretically and by means of numerical examples that this method requires considerably less grid points and computational cost than standard discretization methods.
Design and validation of a periodic leg movement detector.

Periodic Limb Movements (PLMs) are episodic, involuntary movements caused by fairly specific muscle contractions that occur during sleep and can be scored during nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG). Because leg movements (LM) may be accompanied by an arousal or sleep fragmentation, a high PLM index (i.e. average number of PLMs per hour) may have an effect on an individual’s overall health and wellbeing. This study presents the design and validation of the Stanford PLM automatic detector (S-PLMAD), a robust, automated leg movement detector to score PLM. NPSG studies from adult participants of the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort (WSC, n = 1,073, 2000–2004) and successive Stanford Sleep Cohort (SSC) patients (n = 760, 1999–2007) undergoing baseline NPSG were used in the design and validation of this study. The scoring algorithm of the S-PLMAD was initially based on the 2007 American Association of Sleep Medicine clinical scoring rules. It was first tested against other published algorithms using manually scored LM in the WSC. Rules were then modified to accommodate baseline noise and electrocardiography interference and to better exclude LM adjacent to respiratory events. The S-PLMAD incorporates adaptive noise cancelling of cardiac interference and noise-floor adjustable detection thresholds, removes LM secondary to sleep disordered breathing within 5 sec of respiratory events, and is robust to transient artifacts. Furthermore, it provides PLM indices for sleep (PLMS) and wake plus periodicity index and other metrics. To validate the final S-PLMAD, experts visually scored 78 studies in normal sleepers and patients with restless legs syndrome, sleep disordered breathing, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, narcolepsy-cataplexy, insomnia, and delayed sleep phase syndrome. PLM indices were highly correlated between expert, visually scored PLMS and automatic scorings (r2 = 0.94 in WSC and r2 = 0.94 in SSC). In conclusion, The S-PLMAD is a robust and high throughput PLM detector that functions well in controls and sleep disorder patients.
Diversity in Elementary Schools in Hungary

This article reports on views among Hungarian administrators, teacher educators, mentor teachers and teacher candidates concerning diversity, and explores their related life experiences. The views of 28 participants were examined with Q methodology and follow-up interviews. Results of the Q methodology suggest there were three distinguishing viewpoints. Viewpoint 1 tended to be supportive of diversity issues, Viewpoint 2 appeared to have ethnocentric attitudes, and Viewpoint 3 tended to be culturally sensitive, yet, focused on family responsibilities. Follow-up interviews indicated that the life-experiences of participants associated with the three viewpoints were significantly dissimilar. This investigation provides directions in developing more effective teacher preparation to better address the challenges of increasingly diverse students in Hungary.
Flow equations for parabolic and elliptical weirs

Abstract Steady‐state flow across parabolic and elliptical weirs is addressed. This situation may arise in the cases of actual flow through such cross‐sections, as in an overflow pipe in the side of a vessel, through saturator troughs as employed in the textile finishing industry, or across weirs of these shapes. An exact analytical solution is found in the parabolic case. Specifically, the volumetric flowrate of fluid across a parabolic weir is shown to be directly proportional to the square of the liquid crest height; this result may be useful in certain process or environmental control applications. The solution for the elliptical configuration is a generalization of that presented earlier by Stevens (1957) in his classical paper on circular weirs. Whether the cross‐section is elliptical or circular, the resulting solutions contain the same types of elliptic integrals.
Radioguided Parathyroidectomy for Recurrent Hyperparathyroidism Caused by Forearm Graft Hyperplasia

One of the surgical options for symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism is a total parathyroidectomy with forearm implantation. Recurrence can occur and is most likely caused by hyperplasia of the small fragments of parathyroid tissue implanted in the forearm muscle. Forearm graft hyperplasia can be detected using Tc-99m sestamibi scanning of the forearm, which can show abnormal enhancement at the former graft site. In this report, we present the case of a 49-year-old gentleman with recurrent hyperparathyroidism caused by hyperplasia of forearm graft fragments. Unfortunately, no sutures or clips were placed at his initial surgery to identify the location of the parathyroid tissue in the forearm. Thus, we describe the first reported use of radioguided techniques using Tc-99m sestamibi injection and intraoperative gamma probe to localize parathyroid fragments in the forearm muscle. During our initial exploration, we found that injection of the tracer in the operative arm leads to prohibitively high levels of background activity. During a second exploration, the tracer was injected in the lower extremity, minimizing the background in the forearm and allowing the gamma probe to clearly identify two areas of abnormal parathyroid tissue. The intraoperative radioprobe allowed quick identification and removal of the abnormal parathyroid tissue in a case that was made particularly challenging by the absence of marking sutures.
Identification and Synthesis of Quinolizidines with Anti-Influenza A Virus Activity

Influenza A virus infection causes a contagious respiratory illness that poses a threat to human health. However, there are limited anti-influenza A therapeutics available, which is further compounded by the emergence of drug resistant viruses. In this study, Sophora quinolizidine alkaloids were identified as a new class of anti-influenza A virus agents. Among the tested Sophora alkaloids, dihydroaloperine exhibited the most potent activity with an EC50 of 11.2 μM. The potency of the quinolizidine alkaloids was improved by approximately 5-fold with chemical modifications on the aloperine molecule. These compounds were effective against an H1N1 influenza A virus that was resistant to the two antiflu drugs oseltamivir and amantadine. The identification of the quinolizidine alkaloids as effective and novel anti-influenza A agents may aid in the development of new therapeutics.
Crystal structure of a ubiquitin-dependent degradation substrate: a three-disulfide form of lysozyme.

Abstract Covalent attachment of ubiquitin marks substrates for proteolysis, but features that identify ubiquitination targets such as chicken egg white lysozyme are poorly understood. Recognition of lysozyme first requires reduction of Cys-6 Cys-127, one of its four native disulfide bonds, and Cys-6,Cys-127-carboxymethylated (6,127-rcm) lysozyme can mimic this three-disulfide intermediate. The 6,127-rcm form of lysozyme is known to retain a substantially native-like conformation in solution, and we demonstrate that it is this folded structure that is recognized for ubiquitination. Because native lysozyme is not a substrate, differences between the native and three-disulfide structures must include features responsible for selective ubiquitination. The 1.9-A resolution crystal structure of 6,127-rcm-lysozyme, reported here, affords a view of this ubiquitin-dependent degradation substrate. Two conformers of 6,127-rcm-lysozyme were obtained in the crystal. These differ uniquely from crystal forms of native lysozyme by displacement of the C-terminal residues. The structures suggest that localized unfolding at the C terminus of three-disulfide lysozyme allows the complex of E3 alpha (ubiquitin-protein ligase) and E2 (ubiquitin-carrier protein) to bind to a surface that includes Lys-1 and the putative ubiquitination site Lys-13. From this we infer that the N-terminal and internal substrate recognition sites on the E3 alpha.E2 complex are separated by approximately 20 A.
Infantile hemangiopericytoma: A rare cause of a soft tissue mass

A case of infantile hemangiopericytoma in a neonate is presented. The clinicopathologic characteristics of this tumor are described. This tumor is often confused for other more aggressive malignant tumors and, thus, is likely under-reported and overtreated. These tumors exhibit features suggestive of malignancy such as increased mitotic activity, nuclear pleomorphism, and increased cellularity, yet are clinically unpredictable. A conservative surgical approach is advocated.
A refinement in the technique of perihepatic packing

Early intra-abdominal packing is a lifesaving maneuver for selected patients with major liver injuries. However, the effectiveness of perihepatic packing can be limited by renewed bleeding when laparotomy pads that have become adherent to the injured liver surface are removed. A technique for intra-abdominal packing of complex liver injuries is presented that avoids the bleeding sequelae related to pack removal.
Archaeology as Anthropology Revisited

Anthropology was established in the USA during the middle of the nineteenth century. From the beginning, archaeology was considered a part of the discipline, a notion that continues to this day. However, over the course of the past 160 years, periodically, the place of archaeology within anthropology is questioned. Often, this has a reflection in the growth or shrinking in membership of the Archaeology Division of the American Anthropological Association. I explore these trends and try to explain them in terms of the history of anthropology.
The molecular basis of human 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency

Isolated biotin-resistant 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase (MCC) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder of leucine catabolism that appears to be the most frequent organic aciduria detected in tandem mass spectrometry-based neonatal screening programs. The phenotype is variable, ranging from neonatal onset with severe neurological involvement to asymptomatic adults. MCC is a heteromeric mitochondrial enzyme composed of biotin-containing alpha subunits and smaller beta subunits. Here, we report cloning of MCCA and MCCB cDNAs and the organization of their structural genes. We show that a series of 14 MCC-deficient probands defines two complementation groups, CG1 and 2, resulting from mutations in MCCB and MCCA, respectively. We identify five MCCA and nine MCCB mutant alleles and show that missense mutations in each result in loss of function.
Modeling of the separation of the enantiomers of 1-phenyl-1-propanol on cellulose tribenzoate.

The competitive adsorption isotherms of rac-1-phenyl-1-propanol on cellulose tribenzoate were measured by competitive frontal analysis. The experimental data were fitted to four different isotherm models: Langmuir, Bilangmuir, Langmuir−Freundlich, and Toth. The fittings of the experimental data to all four models were satisfactory. It was excellent in the case of the Langmuir−Freundlich and the Toth models. Overloaded elution profiles calculated with the Toth isotherm were in good agreement with the experimental profiles in all the different experimental conditions investigated. This work extends to the case of binary mixtures the equivalence between the general rate and the lumped pore diffusion models already demonstrated for pure compounds when the ratio between the Stanton and the Biot numbers exceeds 5. The adsorption energy distribution for the Toth isotherm was also calculated.
Actions of substance P on sympathetic neurons

Abstract When applied to the neurons of isolated inferior mesenteric ganglia of guinea pig, substance P consistently caused a membrane depolarization accompanied, in many instances, by intense neuronal discharges. The substance P-induced depolarization or spikings were not abolished by d-tubocurarine and/or atropine or by superfusing the ganglia with a low Ca/high Mg solution. Repetitive stimulation of hypogastric nerves elicited a slow non-chol inergic depolarization which exhibited electrophysiological and pharmacological properties similar to those of substance P-induced depolarization. When ganglion cells were desensitized by continuous application of substance P, preganglionic stimulation failed to induce the slow non-cholinergic depolarization. These results suggest the possibility that the slow non-cholinergic depolarization may be due to the synaptic release of substance P.
The maintenance of sharpness in magnified digital images

Abstract The large amounts of digital image data now becoming available make softcopy imagery exploitation a desirable capability. One aspect of digital imagery exploitation, image magnification, is studied. Two filtering techniques to maintain image sharpness as digital images are enlarged are developed. The most promising technique includes the use of a model of the retina of the eye. An example is presented which illustrates the definition of frequency domain filters to satisfy the objective of sharpness maintenance.
Raman excitation spectra of aggregate modes of 2,2′-cyanine

Abstract Room temperature Raman excitation spectra of two bands attributed to coupling of intramolecular modes of adsorbed, aggregated 2,2′-cyanine with intermolecular, lattice modes are interpreted in terms of resonances with two exciton states. The existence of two exciton states supports the view that two geometrical configurations exist in adsorbed, aggregated 2,2′-cyanine even though they are undetectable by absorption or emission spectroscopies. In addition, the association of the two configurational isomers is made with absorbances that occur in low-temperature glass systems.
Composites research at NASA Lewis research center

Composites research at NASA Lewis is focused on their applications in aircraft propulsion, space propulsion, and space power, with the first being predominant. Research on polymer-, metal-, and ceramic-matrix composites is being carried out from an integrated materials and structures viewpoint. This paper outlines some of the topics being pursued from the standpoint of key technical issues, current status, and future directions.
Rapid Preparation of Pollen and Spore Exines for Electron Microscopy

Modifications in preparation techniques of acetolyzed pollen and spore exines for electron microscopy have reduced preparation time from the conventional 16–71 hr to 4–5 hr or less. These modifications include: (1) reduction of agar concentration from 4% to 0.9%; (2) omission of graded alcohol dehydration, going directly to acetone immersion and resin infiltration; (3) reduction of three steps in resin infiltration to one; (4) polymerization of resin at 80–85 C for 4–5 hr or at 90–98 C for 45–90 min, as opposed to conventional polymerization at 60–80 C for 12–59 hr.
Evidence for bilineal inheritance of physiological indicators of risk in childhood-onset schizophrenia.

Childhood-onset schizophrenia is proposed to be associated with increased genetic loading compared with adult-onset schizophrenia because of its earlier age of onset and generally greater severity of symptoms. Diminished suppression of P50 auditory evoked responses to repeated stimuli and elevated anticipatory saccades during smooth pursuit eye movements are markers of genetic risk that are found in members of families with schizophrenia even in the absence of the full clinical disorder and appear to be transmitted in a single gene autosomal dominant fashion. Adult-onset schizophrenia is generally associated with one parent who demonstrates abnormal P50 sensory gating and elevated anticipatory saccades and one parent who is normal on the physiologic measures (i.e., unilineal inheritance). This study investigates whether childhood-onset schizophrenia is similarly unilineal or is associated with the inheritance of genetic risk factors from both parents (i.e., bilineal inheritance). Ten childhood-onset schizophrenic probands and their parents were studied. Their P50 sensory gating and anticipatory saccades were compared with adult-onset schizophrenic probands and their parents. Bilineality, measured as physiological impairment in both parents, occurred more frequently in childhood-onset probands than in adult-onset probands for both P50 sensory gating deficits (60% versus 13%) and elevated anticipatory saccades (60 versus 0%). Additionally, childhood-onset schizophrenic probands performed more poorly than adult-onset probands on the anticipatory saccade measure. This physiological evidence suggests that childhood-onset schizophrenia may be associated with increased genetic loading because of contributions of genetic risk from both parents.
COMPARISON OF FRACTURE TOUGHNESS TEST PROCEDURES FOR ALUMINUM ALLOYS.

Abstract The Dynamic Tear (DT) test permits the measurement of fracture propagation energy across the toughness spectrum for metals which are definable by linear elastic analyses to those requiring gross plastic strains for fracture. The linear elastic fracture mechanics parameter K ic provides a relationship between critical flaw size and stress level at which crack instability will occur. Unlike the DT test, the K ic toughness test cannot be utilized for fracture under conditions of elastic-plastic or gross plastic strain. A correlation has been developed between the DT test and the K IC parameter for ahuminum alloys. The relationship may also be expressed in terms of β ic -DT and ℷ ic -DT. The K ic values were determined with several specimen types and a comparison of the values for different specimens is provided. The correspondence between K ic and DT serves several purposes. It provides a frame of reference for DT values obtained from frangible metals that fracture under linear elastic conditions. Accordingly, it permits utilization of the inexpensive DT test to approximate the flaw size-stress instability conditions which otherwise must be determined by the more expensive K ic test. Furthermore, through extrapolation, it is possible to utilize the DT test to estimate the critical flaw size under an elastic-plastic strain field.
Well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: from genetics to therapy

Well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) comprise ∼1-3% of pancreatic neoplasms. Although long considered as reasonably benign lesions, PanNETs have considerable malignant potential, with a 5-year survival of ∼65% and a 10-year survival of 45% for resected lesions. As PanNETs have a low incidence, they have been understudied, with few advances made until the completion of their exomic sequencing in the past year. In this Review, we summarize some of the latest insights into the genetics of PanNETs, and their probable implications in the context of prognosis and therapy. In particular, we discuss two genes (DAXX and ATRX) that have collectively been identified as mutated in >40% of PanNETs, and the biological and prognostic implications of these novel mutations. The identification of recurrent somatic mutations within the mTOR signaling pathway and the therapeutic implications for personalized therapy in patients with PanNETs are also discussed. Finally, this Review outlines state-of-the-art advances in the biology of PanNETs that are of emerging translational importance.
Off-Line Signature Verification Using Graphical Model

In this paper, we propose a novel probabilistic graphical model to address the off-line signature verification problem. Different from previous work, our approach introduces the concept of feature roles according to their distribution in genuine and forgery signatures, with all these features represented by a unique graphical model. And we propose several new techniques to improve the performance of the new signature verification system. Results based on 200 persons' signatures (16000 signature samples) indicate that the proposed method outperforms other popular techniques for off-line signature verification with a great improvement.
An Overview of Design Fires for Building Compartments

The worldwide trend of moving towards performance-based codes has brought about a need for computational tools, most of which rely on suitably-defined design fires, to adequately predict the impact of fires on buildings and their occupants. This literature review was carried out to determine the range of methods used to characterize design fires. The methods currently available were found to be largely empirical in nature and unsophisticated. The two main quantities used to describe design fires are the heat release rate (pre-flashover scenario) and temperature-time profiles (post-flashover). The most commonly used pre-flashover design fires are t 2 fires, whereas a host of empirical correlations are available for post-flashover design fires.
Prediction of survival in severely asphyxiated infants

Abstract There is currently no set of evaluations that allows for the accurate prediction of survival or death following severe perinatal asphyxia and the development of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. We hypothesized that low cerebral blood flow velocity, as determined by Doppler ultrasonography, may predict neurologic nonviability in a group of severely asphyxiated infants who exhibited signs of severe encephalopathy. Using the staging system of Sarnat and Sarnat, 11 infants who had had severe perinatal asphyxia were studied at the time that their neurologic examinations met the criteria for stage 3 encephalopathy. Apgar scores, cord or initial blood gases and pH, blood pressure, heart rate, and electroencephalographic findings were similar between those infants who survived (N = 8) and those who died due to cerebral injury (N = 3). Cerebral blood flow velocity, however, was significantly lower in those infants who died (3,288 ± 884 vs 1,051 ± 789 planimeter units/min; P P
Measurements and Marcus theory correlations of heterogeneous electron transfer rates of biphenyl and some of its derivatives using Fourier transform faradaic admittance measurements (FT-FAM)

Abstract Heterogeneous electron transfer rates have been measured for biphenyl and six biphenyl derivatives. Results are reported here. Measurements were performed at both the mercury and platinum electrodes using the solvents acetonitrile and dimethylformamide. One observes facile electron transfer rates under all possible conditions. The rates show remarkably small influence, if any, to variations of steric interaction. Correlation of Marcus theory predictions of k s agrees with experimental data well at Hg and Pt, but with different assumptions, for the image field effect. Marcus theory-experiment agreement regarding solvent effect predictions is mixed. These observations are discussed and possible interpretations are suggested.
Proof of a conjecture of Wong concerning octahedral Galois representations of prime power conductor

Abstract We prove a conjecture of Siman Wong concerning octahedral Galois representations of prime power conductor.
Magnetic and crystallographic characteristics of CeNi5−xMx (M = Fe, Mn) alloys and their hydrides

Abstract Measurements of magnetization and lattice parameters were made on CeNi5−xMx (M = Fe or Mn) ternaries and their hydrides. Replacement of Ni by 10–35% Fe and 15% Mn in CeNi5 expands the lattice and produces a significant change in magnetic properties. Magnetic ordering temperatures determined for the CeNi5−xFex series range from 115 to 290 K. Absorbed hydrogen leads to a large increase in unit cell volume without a change in the crystal structure. Upon hydrogenation the ferromagnetism is suppressed in the Fe-substituted compounds whereas it is enhanced in Mn-substituted compounds. The magnetic characteristics of the CeNi5−xFex system indicate that Fe induces a moment on the neighboring Ni atoms. These moments are dependent on iron content. The existence of Ni moments is indicative of strong coupling between the 3d Fe atoms and the induced Ni moments.
Stimulated comption effect in very compact radio sources

Expressions for the stimulated Compton effect are derived that are complete to order γ/ge/μ, where e is the photon energy in the laboratory system, and γμ=γm 0 C 2 is the electron energy. Explicit formulas are given for the energy flow between a relativistic electron and a radiation field that obeys a power law so that the number of photons is proportional to e−m−1. The amount of energy gained by an electron per second is then numerically calculated for conditions suggested by very compact radio sources as a function of the width of the spectrum, the spectral index, and the electron energy.
An AM-FM Electronic Analog Multiplier

This paper describes an electronic multiplier wherein the input voltages are made proportional to the respective indices of amplitude and frequency modulations of a radio frequency carrier with the aid of feedback stabilization. The desired product of the input voltage is obtained from a Foster-Seeley discriminator whose output is independently proportional to each modulation index after the carrier component is subtracted out. Performance of the AM-FM multiplier is essentially independent of vacuum tube characteristics by virtue of the feedback stabilization and is limited primarily by the stability of the discriminator parameters. Other features of the multiplier are: ease and rapidity of adjustment; conventional AM and FM receiver circuitry; long-time multiplication error of less than 1 per cent of full scale output; usable bandwidth (flat amplitude response and less than 15 degrees phase-shift for highest frequency component) approximately 1 per cent of carrier frequency.
Natural antioxidant dihydroxybenzyl alcohol blocks ritonavir-induced endothelial dysfunction in porcine pulmonary arteries and human endothelial cells.

Background Patients with HIV have an increased incidence of pulmonary artery hypertension. This study was designed to determine if the naturally occurring antioxidant dihydroxybenzyl alcohol (DHBA) could counteract the deleterious effects of ritonavir (RTV), an HIV-protease inhibitor known to impair endothelial function and increase oxidative stress. Material/methods Antioxidant assays were performed on DHBA in a cell free system. Glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC) to determine the effect of DHBA on the level of oxidative stress in cells treated with RTV. Myograph analysis was performed on porcine pulmonary artery (PA) rings after treatment with RTV and/or DHBA. Likewise, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was assessed in porcine PA rings after RTV +/- DHBA using a lucigenin reaction. Immunohistochemical staining for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was also performed in porcine PAs treated as above. Results DHBA demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in a cell free system that surpassed that of vitamin C. Also, treatment with DHBA reduced RTV-induced reduction in endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and eNOS staining and increased superoxide anion levels. Meanwhile, there was a reversal in RTV-induced oxidative stress leading to reduced GSH levels in HPAECs after treatment with DHBA. Conclusions These findings suggest that the naturally occurring antioxidant DHBA reduces the impairment of vasomotor functions caused by RTV in porcine PAs and reduces oxidative stress caused by RTV in HPAEC and porcine PA rings. This study indicates that DHBA may have clinical applications in the prevention or treatment of antiretroviral drugs-associated vascular complications in patients with HIV.
T.P.7

6-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD) has been used as the primary outcome measure for clinical trials in ambulatory patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Unlike the Gower’s Maneuver (G), 10-m walk/run (W/R) and North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) tests, the 6-min Walk Test (6MWT) is not routinely performed in clinic. Prediction of 6MWD with clinical motor function tests would facilitate in-clinic pre-screening of DMD patients for clinical trials, reduce screening failure rates and costs for clinical trials. To predict 6MWD from G, W/R and NSAA data Retrospective review of motor screening data (6WMD, G, W/R and NSAA) for the IGF1, EIM, ataluren, drisapersen and DMD natural history studies at our center. Velocity ( V ) was calculated from the W / R test. Linear regression was use to fit the 6MWD vs the other variables separately. SAS version 9.3 was used for statistical analyses. Study population: N = 107; mean age of subjects is 9.28 ± 2.96 years; all subjects are on corticosteroid treatment (CS); mean age of starting CS is 5.55 ± 1.69 years; mean duration of CS is 3.78 ± 2.68 years; mean 6MWD for this cohort is 399.4 ± 78.2. There are significant correlations between the clinical motor function test results and 6MWD. The correlation coefficients are −0.54, −0.77, 0.76 and 0.75 for G , W / R , V and NSAA vs 6MWD respectively (all p W / R , V and NSAA could be used independently to predict 6MWD: 6MWD = 575–34 ∗ W / R (R2 = 0.60); 6MWD = 172 + 107*V (R2 = 0.57) and 6MWD = 208 + 8*NSAA (R2 = 0.56). Using NSAA and either W / R (R2 = 0.62) or V (R2 = 0.61) in a two-variable regression improves the regression fit slightly. Overall, G , V and NSAA are highly correlated with 6MWD; with greater correlations with W / R , V and NSAA. The NSAA and 10 m walk/run test may be useful tools in clinics to predict 6MWD, thereby enabling time and cost efficient pre-screening of clinic patients for ambulatory DMD trials.
Do Competitive Environments Have an Effect on Managerial Decision Making? An Empirical Investigation of the Newsvendor Problem

Our research aims to extend the literature by empirically investigating a few critical aspects of the Newsvendor decision making problem that have not been studied before. First, we look at the impact of playing the game in a competitive (tournament) environment, where all subjects in the room are ranked by their profits after each round. We also study the impact of incrementally adding "decision support information" on the outcome biases of the tournament participants. Finally, we investigate gender differences in decision making in the tournament newsvendor decision-making game. Our results show that displaying the best performance results per round (beyond telling each subject his own performance ranking) can increase the subjects' performance in terms of order quantities. We find that when we display the best performance results after each round in the competitive environment, subjects reduce their "pull to the center" bias, and gravitate toward the optimal order quantities in both high and low profit conditions as indirect decision support information is provided. We also observe that showing additional direct cues (such as the realized "fill rate" per round, or even plots of the expected profit as a function of the order size) has a negative effect on order quantity in the high profit condition, but helps participants in the low profit case after controlling for the learning-by-doing effect. Significant gender differences are only observed in the high competitive environment.
Effects of postmortem aging and USDA quality grade on Warner-Bratzler shear force values of seventeen individual beef muscles

Forty USDA Select and 40 upper two-thirds USDA Choice beef carcasses were used to determine the effects of postmortem aging on tenderness of 17 individual beef muscles. Biceps femoris-long head, complexus, gluteus medius, infraspinatus, longissimus dorsi, psoas major, rectus femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus, serratus ventralis, spinalis dorsi, supraspinatus, tensor fasciae latae, teres major, triceps brachii-long head, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis muscles were removed from each carcass. Seven steaks (2.54-cm thick) were cut from every muscle, and each steak was assigned to one of the following postmortem aging periods: 2, 4, 6, 10, 14, 21, or 28 d postmortem. After completion of the designated aging period, steaks were removed from storage (2 degrees C, never frozen), cooked to a peak internal temperature of 71 degrees C, and evaluated using Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF). Analysis of WBSF revealed a 3-way interaction (P = 0.004) among individual muscle, USDA quality grade, and postmortem aging period. With the exception of the Select teres major, WBSF of all muscles (both quality grades) decreased with increasing time of postmortem storage. Nonlinear regression was used to characterize the extent (aging response) and rate of decrease in WBSF from 2 through 28 d postmortem for each muscle within each quality grade. In general, WBSF of upper two-thirds Choice muscles decreased more rapidly from 2 to 10 d postmortem than did corresponding Select muscles. Muscles that had greater aging responses generally had greater 2-d WBSF values. The upper two-thirds Choice psoas major, serratus ventralis, and vastus lateralis muscles required similar aging times to complete a majority of the aging response ( or =7 d longer than those for corresponding upper two-thirds Choice muscles. Results from this study suggest that muscle-to-muscle tenderness differences depend on quality grade and aging time and that postmortem aging should be managed with respect to individual muscle and USDA quality grade.
Cheleby: A subnet-level internet topology mapping system

Understanding the topological characteristics of the Internet is an important research issue as the Internet grows with no central authority. Internet Topology mapping studies help better understand the dynamics of the Internet backbone network. Knowing underlying topology, researchers can develop new protocols and services or fine-tune existing ones. In this paper, we first discuss issues in subnet-level Internet topology mapping and present approaches to handle them. Then, we introduce Cheleby, an integrated Internet topology mapping system. Cheleby, first, dynamically probes every observed subnetwork in the Internet using a team of PlanetLab nodes around the world. Then, it utilizes efficient algorithms for resolving subnets, IP aliases, and unresponsive routers in collected data to provide subnet-level topologies. Different from current topology mapping systems, Cheleby not only samples the Internet topology but also processes the collected data to build more complete maps. Sample topologies are provided at http://cheleby.cse.unr.edu.
Interhemispheric transfer time for visual stimulus information varies as a function of the retinal locus of stimulation

Measurements of interhemispheric transfer time (ITT) were obtained from differences in vocal-report latencies for letter stimuli tachistoscopically channeled to the left and right hemispheres. This time was found to vary with the degree of stimulus lateralization (retinal location). Letters proejcted 1.6 deg from fixation into each lateral field yielded an average ITT of 41.4 msec. Stimuli projected 3.9 deg from fixation yielded an average ITT of only 17 msec. The average ITT across retinal loci was 29.2 msec. The data strongly suggest that discrepant estimates of ITT, particularly from vocal reaction-time measures, reflect the differing retinal loci studied. Earlier, seemingly divergent, estimates of ITT were found to be quite consistent with those obtained for comparable loci in this experiment.
Prolonged reversible renal failure with nephrotic syndrome

Steroid nonresponsive nephrotic syndrome in a 15-year-old girl with reversible renal failure required dialysis and aggressive nutritional therapy for 1 year. Severe interstitial edema and foot process fusion were the only processes identified to explain the renal failure. Diabetes-like alterations of the glomerular capillary wall basement membrane may have been an outcome of the intense alimentation.
An invariant manifold approach for studying waves in a one-dimensional array of non-linear oscillators

We consider a one-dimensional linear spring-mass array coupled to a one-dimensional array of uncoupled pendula. The principal aim of this study is to investigate the non-linear dynamics of this large-scale system in the limit of weak non-linearities, i.e. when the (fast) non-linear pendulum effects are small compared to the underlying (slow) linear dynamics of the linear spring-mass chain. We approach the dynamics in the context of invariant manifolds of motion. In particular, we prove the existence of an invariant manifold containing the (predominantly) slow dynamics of the system, with the fast pendulum dynamics providing small perturbations to the motions on the invariant manifold. By restricting the motion on the slow invariant manifold and performing asymptotic analysis we prove that the non-linear large-scale system possesses propagation and attenuation zones (PZs and AZs) in the frequency domain, similarly to the corresponding zones of the linearized system. Inside PZs non-linear travelling wave solutions exist, whereas in AZs only attenuating waves are permissible.
Extensive spinal hyperostosis in a patient receiving isotretinoin--progression after 4 years of etretinate therapy.

Abstract A patient with Darier's disease was discovered to have persistent, asymptomatic cervical and thoracic spinal hyperostoses after receiving isotretinoin for 7 years. The spinal abnormalities have remained asymptomatic but have now progressed following 4 years of etretinate therapy. The development of skeletal abnormalities, in particular spinal hyperostosis, is well-documented in patients receiving the synthetic retinoid, isotretinoin (Accutane, Roaccutane). The occurrence of extraspinal tendon and ligament calcification has been emphasized following long-term therapy with etretinate (Tegison, Tigason), but the relationship between etretinate and spinal hyperostosis is less certain, there being a need for a long-term, prospective, appropriately controlled investigation of patients receiving etretinate. We report a patient with Darier's disease who was discovered to have prominent, asymptomatic cervical and thoracic spinal hyperostoses after receiving isotretinoin for 7 years. Subsequent treatment with etretinate for 4 years did not prevent progression of the spinal abnormalities.
THE MYOFILAMENT ARRANGEMENT IN THE FEMORAL MUSCLE OF THE COCKROACH, LEUCOPHAEA MADERAE FABRICIUS

The structure of the femoral muscle of the cockroach, Leucophaea maderae, was investigated by light and electron microscopy. The several hundred fibers of either the extensor or flexor muscle are 20 to 40 µ in diameter in transverse sections and are subdivided into closely packed myofibrils. In glutaraldehyde-fixed and epoxy resin-embedded material of stretched fibers, the A band is about 4.5 µ long, the thin filaments are about 2.3 µ in length, the H zone and I band vary with the amount of stretch, and the M band is absent. The transverse sections of the filaments reveal in the area of a single overlap of thick and thin filaments an array of 10 to 12 thin filaments encircling each thick filament; whereas, in the area of double overlap in which the thin filaments interdigitate from opposite ends of the A band, the thin filaments show a twofold increase in number. The thick filament is approximately 205 to 185 A in diameter along most of its length, but at about 0.2 µ from the end it tapers to a point. Furthermore, some well oriented, very thin transverse sections show these filaments to have electron-transparent cores. The diameter of the thin filament is about 70 A. Transverse sections exhibit the sarcolemma invaginating clearly at regular intervals into the lateral regions of the A band. Three distinct types of mitochondria are associated with the muscle: an oval, an elongate, and a type with three processes. It is evident, in this muscle, that the sliding filament hypothesis is valid, and that perhaps the function of the extra thin filaments is to increase the tensile strength of the fiber and to create additional reactive sites between the thick and thin filaments. These sites are probably required for the functioning of the long sarcomeres.
Effects of location and spacing of reverse screw and kneading element combination during twin-screw extrusion of starchy and proteinaceous blends

The influence of location and spacing of reverse screw and kneading elements on specific mechanical energy input and product attributes during twin-screw extrusion of rice flour and pink salmon blends was investigated. The incorporation of reverse screw and kneading element combination increased the specific mechanical energy, expansion ratio and water solubility index but decreased bulk density and Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear stress. The opposite trend was observed with increasing fish content, except for shear stress which was little affected either for rice flour or its blends with 30% fish solids. A non-linear relationship existed between WB shear stress and specific mechanical energy for all the screw configurations and feed compositions studied. The WB shear stress and water solubility index were linearly related to bulk density and specific mechanical energy, respectively.
Effects of religiosity on physical activity, fast food intake, and obesity in emerging adults

In adults, relationships between religiosity and positive health behaviors have been established; however, similar studies among emerging adults has not been explored. This study examined the relationship between multiple dimensions of religiosity, physical activity, fast food intake, and obesity among emerging adults. Data are from 1,319 emerging adults participating in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health during Wave IV (ages 18-29). Females were highly religious on all dimensions of religiosity. Path models showed high levels of religious practice encouraged eating less fast food, and more prayer time increased physical activity levels. More religious practice was associated with lower incidence of obesity; increasing time spent in prayer, however, heightened the risk for obesity. Thus, dimensions of religiosity in emerging adults constructed in a different ways with fast food intake, physical activity, and obesity.
Osteoarthritis and cartilage: the role of cytokines.

The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis involves multiple etiologies, including mechanical, biochemical, and genetic factors that contribute to the imbalance in the synthesis and destruction of articular cartilage. It is now well documented that interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α are the predominant proinflammatory and catabolic cytokines involved in disease initiation and progression. Other proinflammatory cytokines may amplify or modulate this process, whereas anti-inflammatory cytokines, which are often detected, paradoxically, in osteoarthritis tissues, may counteract the tissue destruction and inflammation. This review focuses on the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis with special emphasis on how findings in culture and animal models may be reflected in the human disease process.
Relations between the support of a compactly supported function and the exponential-polynomials spanned by its integer translates

The interrelation between the shape of the support of a compactly supported function and the space of all exponential-polynomials spanned by its integer translates is examined. The results obtained are in terms of the behavior of these exponential-polynomials on certain finite subsets ofZs, which are determined by the support of the given function. Several applications are discussed. Among these is the construction of quasi-interpolants of minimal support and the construction of a piecewise-polynomial whose integer translates span a polynomial space which is not scale-invariant. As to polynomial box splines, it is proved here that in many cases a polynomial box spline admits a certain optimality condition concerning the space of the total degree polynomials spanned by its integer translates: This space is maximal compared with the spaces corresponding to other functions with the same support
History of fibromyalgia: past to present

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is now a recognized clinical entity causing chronic and disabling pain. For several centuries, muscle pains have been known as rheumatism and then as muscular rheumatism. The term fibrositis was coined by Gowers in 1904 and was not changed to fibromyalgia until 1976. Smythe laid the foundation of modern FMS in 1972 by describing widespread pain and tender points. The first sleep electroencephalogram study was performed in 1975. The first controlled clinical study with validation of known symptoms and tender points was published in 1981. This same study also proposed the first data-based criteria. The important concept that FMS and other similar conditions are interconnected was proposed in 1984. The first American College of Rheumatology criteria were published in 1990 and neurohormonal mechanisms with central sensitization were developed in the 1990s. Serotonergic/norepinephric drugs were first shown to be effective in 1986.
Graduate Education in the People's Republic of China: New Steps, New Challenges.

This article describes the resumption and development of graduate education in China since the end of the Cultural Revolution, the death of Mao Tse-tung, and the rise of a new Chinese leadership headed by Deng Xiaoping in 1976–1977. Based on field research conducted in China in 1980 and 1981, statistical documentation provided by Chinese education officials at national and local levels, and other primary and secondary source material, this study explores admissions patterns and statistics, admissions requirements, examinations and the continuing controversy in graduate enrollment, the stress on enrollment in science and engineering specialties, the different types of institutions training graduate students, the graduate curriculum and academic dissertations, the new Chinese academic degree system and the methods for conferral of degrees, and teaching and research employment patterns. The study stresses the interrelationship of graduate programs and educational and political debate within China since the mid-1960s, and the important problems Chinese graduate programs and educational administrators face in continuing the development of graduate education.
Dispersion of the genus Procapreolus and the relationships between Procapreolus cusanus and the roe deer (Capreolus)

Procapreolus is a Eurasian genus included 10 species spanning to Late Miocene to the Early Pleistocene. The immigration of this and other taxa from the East to Central Europe marks a new step in evolution in European deer. Procapreolus will be replaced by Capreolus, the roe deer, considered a descendant of the former. Procapreolus cusanus, the younger European taxon (lacking the plesiomorph features of the genus), is shown to own a character in the skull typical of telemetacarpal deer, as modern roe deer and all its relatives do. This result strengthens the relationships between the two taxa and points out the necessity of a better definition of the genus Procapreolus.