cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of Optimization Techniques for the Prediction of Muscle Activation Patterns During Isometric Tasks

The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate the modeling potential of proposed optimization cost functions for predicting muscle forces during isometric loading. Models of the muscles about the elbow (eleven muscles) and wrist (five muscles) were constructed. The models accounted for muscle moment arms, physiological cross-sectional area, specific tension, and percent fiber type. Five nonlinear optimization cost functions, a representative sample of those proposed to date, were analyzed: minimizing the sums of muscle force2, stress2, stress3, (normalized force)2, and minimizing fatigue. Several different protocols were implemented, including elbow models which balanced combinations of flexion-extension, supination-pronation, and varus-valgus loads. Theoretical predictions were compared with EMG data of muscle activation changes as a function of load direction and muscle coactivation relationships. Results indicate a strong dependence of muscle coordination predictions on the number of degrees of freedom balanced. The choice of cost function had little influence on the results. The cost functions examined were not able to reliably estimate muscle activation as a function of load direction. Furthermore, specific synergic relationships between muscle pairs could not be accurately represented. An error analysis indicated that the discrepancies between predicted values and actual values could not be explained by errors in physiological measurements, as the differences between these two were relatively insensitive to changes in the anatomical parameters. In short, no particular cost function was found to adequately represent actual muscle activity at the elbow, although predictions at the wrist were more favorable due to differences in the degrees of freedom at the joints.
The rapid rise of reservoir geophysics

In 1980 and again in 1985, on the occasions of the 50th anniversary of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and the 50th anniversary of publication of GEOPHYSICS, special issues of that journal were published. In both those times, as now, the science was flourishing. The science described in those issues was directed toward exploration, but many of the methods were to form the basis for a new application, here called reservoir geophysics. In 1980, oil prices were at record highs, and in 1985 they were about to plummet; at the time of this writing, prices are again at local highs, accompanied by a renewed enthusiasm for the sound application of the science.
Atmosphere's emission fingerprint affected by how clouds are stacked

Clouds, which can absorb or reflect incoming radiation and affect the amount of radiation escaping from Earth's atmosphere, remain the greatest source of uncertainty in global climate modeling.
Software development for design of illuminator systems

Optical design software has been developed which includes the capability to model illumination systems. The software allows one to predict the intensity distribution of radiation at a plane located at some distance from the source. An illumination system comprising an ellipsoidal reflector and a spherical source was modeled and the results of the analysis compared to those achieved experimentally.
Identifying lithium–air battery discharge products through 6Li solid-state MAS and 1H–13C solution NMR spectroscopy

Abstract Discharged lithium–O2 battery cathodes are investigated with different catalysts present including Pd, α-MnO2 and CuO, and containing two different electrolyte solvents, 1:1 ethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate (EC/DMC) and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TEGDME). Solid-state 6Li magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy has been used identify lithium products that are formed in the cathodes and differences between products formed with the different catalysts and solvents. There are significant differences in the products formed in Li–O2 cathodes with the two different solvents, EC/DMC and TEGDME. Due to the small chemical shift range of lithium it is difficult to determine exact speciation from 6Li MAS NMR data alone. Fitting of the 6Li NMR peaks with tested Li-oxide powder standards indicates that Li–O2 cathodes discharged in EC/DMC produce primarily Li2CO3 as a lithium product and those discharged in TEGDME produce mainly Li2O2. Solution 2D correlation 1H–13C NMR spectroscopy techniques allow for determination of side-products produced in Li–O2 cathodes.
A simple method for measuring intestinal solute uptake in vitro

We describe a method of measuring intestinal solute uptake that combines the virtues of simplicity, good tissue viability as reflected in high uptake rates, and reduction of unstirred layers comparable to the best reported for chambers. An everted sleeve of intestine is mounted on a grooved rod stationed immediately over a stirring bar rotating at 1,200 rpm. The effect of edge damage is negligible. The coefficient of variation of uptake measurements is 7%. For mouse intestine andd-glucose at high concentrations an incubation time of 1 min represents a suitable compromise among several competing criteria.l-glucose is used to correct actived-glucose uptake simultaneously for adherent fluid and for passive uptake. The technique's general utility is illustrated by its application to intestines of four species representing four classes of vertebrates.
Audio phase singularity detection for room acoustics parameter estimation

An acoustical measurement method is presented for room acoustical parameter estimation. The proposed method collects the response of sinusoidal test signals and detects the audio phase singularity points as room acoustical features.
Volatile solubilities in magmas: Transport of volatiles from mantles to planet surfaces

The solubility of CO2, CO, CH4, H2, and H2O in melts of NaAlSi3O8 composition was measured at the mantle conditions of pressure (10-20 Kb) and temperature (1200 C). The melt volatiles were found to have dramatically lower H2/H2O and higher CO/CO2 ratios than the fluid, due to large variations in relative solubilities of volatile species in the melt. Partial melting of source regions of either high or low oxygen fugacity (fO2) will result in magmas with intermediate fO2. This means that volcanic gases can be either more, or less reducing than their source regions and that a volcanic gas composition cannot be used to directly estimate either the fO2 or the volatile composition of the source region. The results suggest that volcanic gases will usually lie in the 'neutral' range, with the fO2 values near those of the quartz-fayalite-magnetite buffer. These gases are predominately H2O with minor CO2, CO, CH4, and H2. These conclusions should apply to earth, Mars, and Venus mantles, in which the magmas produced by partial melting have moderate silica contents, but will probably not apply to very low silica magmas, such as kimberlites, because of the very high solubility of CO2 in those magmas.
Metabolism of 4-Aminopiperidine Drugs by Cytochrome P450s: Molecular and Quantum Mechanical Insights into Drug Design

4-Aminopiperidines are a variety of therapeutic agents that are extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450s with CYP3A4 as a major isoform catalyzing their N-dealkylation reaction. However, its catalytic mechanism has not been fully elucidated in a molecular interaction level. Here, we applied theoretical approaches including the molecular mechanics-based docking to study the binding patterns and quantum mechanics-based reactivity calculations. They were supported by the experimental human liver microsomal clearance and P450 isoform phenotyping data. Our results herein suggested that the molecular interactions between substrates and CYP3A4 active site residues are essential for the N-dealkylation of 4-aminopiperidines. We also found that the serine 119 residue of CYP3A4 may serve as a key hydrogen-bonding partner to interact with the 4-amino groups of the studied drugs. The reactivity of the side chain α-carbon hydrogens drives the direction of catalysis as well. As a result, structure-based drug design a...
Microorganisms in deep-sea hydrothermal plumes

The study of hydrothermal vents at oceanic spreading centres has led to a re-evaluation of some basic tenets concerning energy flux through oceanic ecosystems and the sources and sinks for dissolved ions in sea water. Hydrothermal vents vary considerably, from relatively low-temperature (<25 °C) fluid discharges to the spectacular high-temperature (∼350 °C) black smokers1–3. The high-temperature vents give rise to buoyant plumes which can be detected hundreds of kilometres away from ridge crests4,5. In the immediate vicinity of hydrothermal vents, chemoautotrophic bacteria are present in vent fluids6–8, attached to rock surfaces9,10, and as endosymbionts in certain macro fauna11. Deep-sea hydrothermal plumes have not, as yet, been examined for the presence of bacteria. We now report the presence of elevated bacterial biomass in a hydrothermal plume originating from the Juan de Fuca Ridge, and discuss the potential geochemical significance of these microorganisms
Nasal Absorption of Testosterone in Rats

Testosterone levels in the blood were determined in rats following nasal, intravenous, and intraduodenal administration of 25-μg and 50-μg doses. The results indicated that the drug levels after nasal and intravenous administration were similar, whereas intraduodenal administration resulted in considerably lower levels. The bioavailability of the nasally administered drug was calculated to be 99% and 90% at the 25-μg and 50-μg doses, respectively. The intraduodenal bioavailability was only 1% at the dose studied.
Perspectives of faith-based relief providers on responding to the needs of evacuees following Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina was the third deadliest and most costly storm to the United States. Response by spiritual and faith communities played an important role in addressing the needs of evacuees displa...
Regulation of AMPA receptor localization in lipid rafts

Lipid rafts are special microdomains enriched in cholesterol, sphingolipids and certain proteins, and play important roles in a variety of cellular functions including signal transduction and protein trafficking. We report that in cultured cortical and hippocampal neurons the distribution of lipid rafts is development-dependent. Lipid rafts in mature neurons exist on the entire cell-surface and display a high degree of mobility. AMPA receptors co-localize and associate with lipid rafts in the plasma membrane. The association of AMPARs with rafts is under regulation; through the NOS-NO pathway, NMDA receptor activity increases AMPAR localization in rafts. During membrane targeting, AMPARs insert into or at close proximity of the surface raft domains. Perturbation of lipid rafts dramatically suppresses AMPA receptor exocytosis, resulting in significant reduction in AMPAR cell-surface expression.
Evidence for a retinohypothalamic pathway in the golden hamster

Evidence for a direct neural projection from the retina to the hypothalamus in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is presented. In 25 blinded animals degeneration was followed in sections prepared according to the Wiitanen ('69) silver impregnation method. Degenerative axons were found in the optic tract, chiasm, and nerve, terminating in the lateral geniculate body and superior colliculus. A large collateral bundle of degenerating axons was observed curving medially and dorsally to enter the hypothalamus at the level of the mamillary body. This bundle turned diffusely rostrally and terminated on neurons in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. It is proposed that two alternate pathways exist for the effect of photoperiodicity on the reproductive cycle in the hamster, one involving the pineal gland directly and the hypothalamus indirectly, and the other a direct retino-hypothalamic projection.
A TIME DOMAIN BLIND DECORRELATION METHOD OF CONVOLUTIVE MIXTURES BASED ON AN IIR MODEL

We study a time domain decorrelation method of source signal separation from convolutive sound mixtures based on an inflnite impulse response (IIR) model. The IIR model uses fewer parameters to capture the physical mixing process and is useful for flnding low dimensional separating solutions. We present inversion formulas to decorrelate the mixture signals and derive fllter equations involving second order time lagged statistics of mixtures. We then formulate an l1 constrained minimization problem and solve it by an iterative method. Numerical experiments on recorded sound mixtures show that our method is capable of sound separation in low dimensional parameter spaces with good perceptual quality and low correlation coe‐cient comparable to the known infomax method.
Fracture of an epoxy polymer containing recycled elastomeric particles

The fracture behavior of elastomer-modified epoxy was investigated using compact-tension geometry. The elastomeric modifiers included a liquid carboxyl-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile and solid rubber particles of different sizes which were obtained from recycled automobile tires. When used with solid rubber alone, no significant improvement in the fracture toughness was observed. However, when used in combination with the liquid rubber modifier, it was observed that the fracture toughness of these hybrid epoxies was higher than that of those toughened with liquid rubber alone. This synergistic effect is explained in terms of crack deflection and localized shear yielding. Furthermore, we observed a slight improvement in the fracture toughness as the size of the solid rubber particles increased. Although using a combination of both reactive rubber liquids and solid rubber particles as toughening agents had been investigated previously, in this study, the solid rubber particles used were from recycled rubber tires. Therefore, we have clearly demonstrated an application of producing high-quality engineering epoxy systems using toughening modifiers that are relatively low in cost and created higher-value products for recycled solid rubber.
Crisis-Evoked, Crisis-Resolving Speech

In three theo-historical crises, a resolution is wrought through a divine oracle, the speech of Yahweh. In each of the three utterances, Yahweh's speech utters characteristic words of faithfulness, compassion, and fidelity. This characteristic speech appears to be Israel's most trusted form of crisis resolution. Three texts are also considered which show the use of the same terms in the mouth of Israel. The paper suggests that this characteristic speech constitutes the material out of which Israel's "theology" may best be understood.
Here there be monsters

Ancient mariners and early cartographers were right—there are monsters in the ocean depths, with gaping mouths, scimitar teeth and glowing appendages. These aliens have everything a science fiction movie could dream of: luminescent lures, outrageous morphology, bizarre sex habits. Fortunately, most of them are less than 20 cm long. These are the Ceratioidei, deep sea anglerfishes that are the subject of Ted Pietsch’s life’s work and a remarkable new volume, Oceanic Anglerfishes: Extraordinary Diversity in the Deep Sea. Part coffee table book, part technical reference, this beautifully illustrated book describes each species in detail, some from single known specimens. The deep sea anglerfishes are, undoubtedly, one of the most fascinating and highly derived vertebrate groups on the planet. They live in a cold, dark, inhospitable world where extreme conditions have promoted extreme morphological, behavioral, and physiological adaptations (Koslow 2006). Live observations of deep sea anglers are rare; most are described from mangled specimens trawled or dredged from hundreds or even thousands of meters below the ocean surface. They have fantastic names, like the “mischievous dreamers” (Puck pinnata) and “whipnosed sea devils” (Gigantactis spp, one of few in the suborder that are relatively large bodied at up to 40 cm). These fish make their living in a food-poor environment by use of a lure to attract prey—a stalked appendage, called the illicium, tipped with a bioluminescent bulb, the esca (Garman 1899). Escal appendages are highly diverse in size and shape, from single bulbs to filamentous branches, and most can wave to attract prey. The esca are filled with bioluminescent bacteria that are part of a symbiotic relationship that may be species-specific (Haygood and Distal 1993). Pietsch describes and illustrates the esca of all known deep sea anglerfish in detail, expounding on the diversity exhibited in the suborder as an evolutionary model for adaptation. Deep sea anglers have other luminescent structures and remarkable jaw adaptations for engulfing large prey, including members of one family (Thaumatichthyidae, the “snaggle toothed sea devils” and “wonderfishes”) that use their entire face as a net trap, complete with a glowing lure hanging from the roof of their mouths. Anglerfish bodies are generally soft and globular, with few features that can be used for diagnostic Environ Biol Fish (2010) 88:301–304 DOI 10.1007/s10641-010-9637-6
Faster, Cheaper, and More Nimble: Improvements and Innovations in Publishing AMS Journals

The American Meteorological Society (AMS) is committed to continually improving the total author and reader experience associated with AMS journals. This article discusses improvements to the peer-review process, reduction in publication costs, streamlining of article production, incorporation of cutting-edge technologies, and other imminent improvements in AMS publications.
The neuroprotective effect of high-dose methylprednisolone in rat spinal cord hemisection

Multiple studies support a neuroprotective effect for high-dose methylprednisolone (MP) in acute blunt spinal cord injury. We know of no study that addresses the role of MP in prophylaxis for surgical trauma to the spinal cord or for the treatment of non-missile penetrating injuries to the spinal cord. We examined the neuroprotective effect of MP as measured by the retrograde transport of the fluorescent tracer Fluoro-Gold in 20 rats undergoing C-2 hemisection. Mean cell counts of retrogradely labeled rubrospinal neurons were determined 1 week post-injury. The group receiving MP had a significantly higher (P < 0.0001) number of labeled cells (x = 594) compared to controls (x = 387). The highly significant increase in mean cell counts in rats receiving steroids suggests less secondary axonal injury in the MP group. These findings are the first report of a neuroprotective effect of MP in rat spinal cord hemisection. We suggest that MP may be beneficial as prophylaxis during planned or incidental surgical trauma to the spinal cord and after non-missile penetrating injuries to the spinal cord.
Pharmacodynamics of 2',3'-dideoxycytidine: an inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus

The incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and the number of people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is likely to increase into the 1990s and perhaps beyond. Zidovudine, a 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside approved for the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, provides immunologic, virologic, and survival benefits. However, because its hematologic toxicity can be dose-limiting, investigations are ongoing with other 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides. After zidovudine, the first of these agents to be tested was 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC), the most potent inhibitor of HIV reverse transcriptase among the dideoxynucleosides tested thus far. Concentrations of ddC as low as 0.5 microM provide protection against HIV in cultured T cells (and monocytes), even at high multiplicities of infection. Like the other dideoxynucleosides, activation of ddC is dependent on intracellular phosphorylation to its 5'-triphosphate form. Efforts are under way to alter enzymatically the intracellular ratio of ddC-5'-triphosphate to deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphate, its endogenous counterpart. ddC has relatively straightforward pharmacokinetics; it has a plasma half-life of about 1.2 hours and an oral bioavailability of about 87 percent. Approximately 75 percent of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine. Patients treated with ddC have experienced both immunologic and virologic benefit, although long-term high doses are limited by the development of painful peripheral neuropathy. Significant hematologic toxicity is not evident in most patients; low-dose regimens of ddC alone, as well as alternating or in combination with zidovudine, are being tested in an effort to retain antiviral activity while minimizing treatment toxicities.
The NMR spectrum and proton structure of naphthalene in a lyotropic mesophase

Abstract The hydrogen magnetic resonance spectrum of naphthalene has been obtained in an orienting lyotropic liquid crystal solvent based on potassium laurate, and the results of the spectral analysis were used to calculate the proton geometry of the molecule. Vibrational corrections based on a full normal coordinate treatment have been applied to the structure and the effect of different weighting schemes has been investigated. The results are compared with those obtained in thermotropic media and by other structural methods.
Limits of Current Approaches to Diagnosis Severity Based on Criterion Counts: An Example with DSM-5 Alcohol Use Disorder.

Within the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), some diagnoses are now associated with a severity gradient based on the number of diagnostic criteria satisfied. Reasons for questioning the validity of this approach include the implicit assumptions of equal criterion severity and strict additivity of criteria combinations. To assess the implications of heterogeneity of criterion configurations on severity grading, we examined the association between all observed combinations of DSM-5 alcohol use disorder criteria endorsement, at each level of number of criteria endorsed, and multiple validity measures among 22,177 past-year drinkers from Wave 2 of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcoholism and Related Conditions (NESARC). Substantial variability of implied severity across criteria combinations was observed at each level of endorsement, with nontrivial overlap in implied severity across criterion counts. Findings suggest severity indices are at best impr...
Ultrastructural effects of dark-adaptation on eyes of a snail, Helix aspersa.

Pulmonate snails (Helix aspersa) were raised from embryos to adulthood in total darkness. Unique ultrastructural features found in their photosensory cells were: 1. Break up of large aggregations of 800 A photic vesicles into smaller clusters by thick layers of membranes. 2. Increase in lipid droplets and in number and size of lysosomes. 3. Decrease in formation of photic vesicles by Golgi centers. 4. Flattening and bending of the tips of the microvilli. Tentative conclusions: the reduction in number of photic vesicles in dark-adapted snails, by break down and decreased production, supports the hypothesis that the vesicles transport materials (photopigment ?) essential for light-sensitivity of the microvilli.
Ultrasounds produced by rats accompany decreases in intraspecific fighting

Male intruder rats were placed individually into the cage of an established resident on 2 occasions separated by a 7–8 day interval. Residents readily attacked intruders and both animals lost weight during the first encounter. In contrast, no serious fighting occurred on the second encounter, and both intruders and residents maintained their body weight during the 24-hr test. Observation of the intruder's behavior during the first 30 min of each encounter indicated that defensive-submissive postures represent a response to an attack that only temporarily inhibits aggression whereas the emission of 22 kHz calls by the intruder is associated with a relatively permanent decrease in the resident animal's aggressive response.
A search for an ionospheric dynamo current effect of the galactic X-ray ionization

Abstract An ionization contribution from galactic X-ray stars may contribute to a measurable night-time dynamo current modulation which could cause a consistent and measurable sidereal time variation of the geomagnetic field at the Earth's surface. A selection of magnetic records for the period 1964 through 1966 from a group of stations widely distributed in latitude was used to search for a quiet galactic component, Gq of the measured field. If the seasonal contribution to the data has been sufficiently suppressed, the results of the study indicate a diurnal, sidereal time variation in H of about 0.7 to 1.3 γ with opposite phase in the two hemispheres and a maximum value near noon in the north. The Z variation shows 0.4 to 1.3 γ diurnal change with minimum values near noon in both hemispheres.
Corrosion of Austenitic Steel In Sodium Loops

The object of this work was whether it is possible to predict corrosion effects for austenitic steel exposed to liquid sodium with an analytical diffusion model. The analytically predicted corrosion effects will be compared with experimental measurements of corrosion effects achieved in an accurately controlled sodium loop.
Bacillary dysentery: late results and relationship to chronic ulcerative colitis

The results in 140 cases of epidemic dysentery were studied. In forty-five of these cases cultures of the stools yielded the Shigella paradysenteriae and the cases were reviewed sixteen years after the occurrence of the epidemic. A form of chronic ulcerative colitis developed in only one of the cases. The incidence of intestinal ulceration of a chronic type following large epidemics of dysentery during wars is exceedingly small. Intensive cultural and serologic investigations of the lesions of typical chronic thrombo-ulcerative colitis for organisms of the Shigella variety have yielded largely negative results. The results of serologic studies in cases of regional enteritis have been inconclusive in so far as we have data. As a result of these observations we do not feel that there is sufficient evidence to consider the Shigella group of organisms as the cause of chronic thromboulcerative colitis.
Concentración industrial, desarrollo del mercado de capitales y redes financieras basadas en el parentesco: un estudio comparado de Brasil, Mexico y los Estados Unidos, 1840–1930* (1.a parte)

Este articulo aborda la relacion entre el desarrollo del mercado de capital y la estructura industrial durante las primeras etapas de la industrializacion a partir de las experiencias de Brasil, Mexico y los Estados Unidos. En el se arguye que las dos restricciones basicas a la formacion de intermediarios crediticios en America Latina, una mala definicion de derechos de propiedad y la intervencion estatal, produjeron una concentracion mas alta en el textil algodonero de Mexico y Brasil que en el de Estados Unidos.
Further constraints on the African superplume structure

It is well established that there is a large-scale low velocity structure in the lowermost mantle beneath Africa, extending from the Southeastern Atlantic Ocean to the Southwestern Indian Ocean with a volume greater than 10 billion km^3 (>7000 km long, 1000 km across and 1200 km high) [Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 206 (2003) 119]. This low velocity structure is often called the African superplume. Various studies also require sharp boundaries for the plume. However, as for its height and shear velocity reduction, there has been some controversy, especially concerning the velocities at the core–mantle–boundary (CMB). Here, we present an assortment of phases involving S_diff, SKS, S and S_(c)S with both vertical and horizontal paths sampling a 2D corridor through the structure. Travel time and waveform modeling of these seismic phases argues for a model with shear velocity reduction of approximately 3% within the superplume (which is basically a 200 km thick layer low velocity layer beneath the Southern Atlantic Ocean, and a 1200 km high structure beneath South Africa), and against a model of a substantially reduced low velocity layer (up to 10%, 300 km) beneath the superplume. We also analyzed P_diff and the differential times of P_(c)P–P and compared them with Sdiff and S_(c)S–S observations along the same great circle paths. The P-velocity is not very anomalous, at most −0.5%, much smaller than −1% as expected from a thermal anomaly with −3% lower S-velocity [Geophys. Res. Lett. 27 (2000) 421], thus again arguing for a chemical origin which was suggested from the modeling of African superplume sharp sides [Science 296 (2002) 1850].
Comparison of computed tomography and chest radiography in the detection of rib fractures in abused infants

Abstract Purpose Chest radiographs (CXR) are the standard method for evaluating rib fractures in abused infants. Computed tomography (CT) is a sensitive method to detect rib fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare CT and CXR in the evaluation of rib fractures in abused infants. Methods This retrospective study included all 12 abused infants identified from 1999 to 2004 who had rib fractures and both CXR and CT (8 abdomen CTs, 4 chest CTs). CT exams had been performed for clinical indications, and were obtained within one day of the CXR. Studies were reviewed by two pediatric radiologists to determine the number, locations, and approximate ages of the rib fractures. A total of 225 ribs were completely (192) or partially (33) seen by CT, and the matched ribs on CXR were used for the analysis. Results The mean patient age was 2.5 months (1.2–5.6), with seven females and five males. While 131 fractures were visualized by CT, only 79 were seen by CXR (p Conclusions While this study group is small, these findings suggest that CT is better than CXR in visualizing rib fractures in abused infants.
Neonatal Electroencephalogram Does Not Predict Cognitive and Academic Achievement Scores at Early School Age in Survivors of Neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an effective rescue treatment for severe cardiorespiratory failure in term or near-term neonates, although a wide range of neurologic sequelae have been noted in a substantial minority of survivors. The objective of the present study was to determine the value of the neonatal electroencephalogram (EEG) for predicting Wechler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Revised (WPPSI-R), Wide Range Achievement Test, and Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Language scores at early school age in 66 testable survivors of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation who were not severely brain damaged. Technically satisfactory EEG recordings were obtained at least twice following admission to our nursery and prior to discharge. The EEGs were classified and graded according to standard criteria. The developmental test results of those who had only normal or mildly abnormal neonatal EEGs (group 1, n = 9) were compared with those who had at least one moderately or markedly abnormal recording (group 2, n = 57). School-age test and subtest scores were not statistically significantly worse in group 2 versus group 1 infants. No child in group 1 and five children in group 2 had WPPSI-R Full-Scale IQ scores of less than 70. Of the nine children in group 2 who had at least one markedly abnormal neonatal EEG recording (graded as burst suppression or as electrographic seizure), only two had abnormally low WPPSI-R Full-Scale IQ scores. We conclude that EEG recordings obtained during the neonatal course of neonates treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation do not predict cognitive and academic achievement test results in survivors at early school age who were testable and not severely brain damaged.
The use of hypnosis in a course to increase academic and test-taking skills.

Abstract The present study was undertaken to provide additional information on the effects of hypnosis on academic and test-taking skills. Previous research indicated inconclusive results with inadequate experimental design and statistical methodology. The present study used an experimental research design with appropriate statistical analysis. Ss were 93 college students and treatment was administered by prerecorded cassette tapes over a 4-week period during regular class time. Tapes consisted of hypnotic and waking suggestions related to course content and general academic skills. Results indicated hypnotic and waking suggestions did not facilitate academic skill learning significantly more dian class curriculum alone. Pre-post comparisons did indicate significant improvement by all groups on reading, writing, study skills, and spelling variables.
INFLUENCE OF BRAND NAME AND TYPE OF MODIFICATION ON CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED CORN CHIPS: A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS

Abstract In an effort to counteract adverse consumer reaction to genetically engineered foods, the biotechnology industry has shifted attention to deriving and promoting foods that have been genetically modified to have benefits for the consumer. However, is it uncertain whether this strategic shift will be successful at changing consumer perception of biotechnology. To provide an initial investigation into the issue, we surveyed 270 Mississippi State students. Results suggest that these consumers were more accepting of corn chips that had been modified to increase shelf life as opposed to increasing farmer yields; however, willingness-to-pay premiums for these value-added corn chips were extremely small relative to corn chips that contained no genetically engineered corn. Results also suggest students were more accepting of genetically engineered foods when sold by agribusinesses with high levels of brand equity or store loyalty.
Comparison of MSS relative radiometric calibration methods

Landsat Multispectral Scanner (MSS) data has the potential for being widely used in global change studies since it has been collected for nearly twenty years. It is crucial to the success of these studies that MSS data be as radiometrically accurate as possible. In order to assess the quality of relative radiometric correction algorithms, a study was undertaken to compare the two commonly used techniques: use of the internal calibrator, and use of scene statistics. A new technique was developed to quantify the observed differences. Results from this study indicated clear, consistent differences exist between the two commonly used relative calibration methods and suggest that relative radiometric calibration of MSS data can be performed more effectively using the scene statistics approach.
“Substantial Evidence” from a Replicated Secondary Analysis, Followed by a Single Prospective Confirmatory Study:

In the context of a New Drug Application in the United States, the term “substantial evidence” of clinical efficacy is usually understood to mean two well-controlled confirmatory studies in which a statistically significant difference is shown on the primary endpoint(s) in both studies. We examine whether this usual understanding can be safely extended to include data packages based on other combinations of studies. For instance, it is not uncommon in drug development for two simultaneous phase 3 confirmatory studies to be designed on basis of limited phase 2 data and then for those studies to fail to show a statistically significant difference on the primary endpoint, but there is a difference seen in both studies on a secondary endpoint or in a particular subgroup. The standard paradigm would suggest that this “finding” would need to be replicated in two further confirmatory studies with the revised endpoint/study population as primary. However, given the evidence from the original two studies, replication of this “finding” in just one further study may provide “substantial evidence” for the purposes of registering an efficacy claim. We examine this and other similar scenarios in terms of whether accepting such registration packages by the Food and Drug Administration would inflate the statistical risk of accepting a false efficacy claim.
LVT: a layered verification technique for distributed computing systems

This paper presents a layered verification technique, called LVT, for the verification of distributed computing systems with multiple component layers. Each lower layer in such a system provides services in support of functionality of the higher layer. By taking a very general view of programming languages as interfaces of systems, LVT treats each layer in a distributed computing system as a distributed programming language. Each relatively higher-level language in the computing system is implemented in terms of a lower-level language. The verification of each layer in a distributed computing system can then be viewed as the verification of implementation correctness for a distributed language. This paper also presents the application of LVT to the verification of a distributed computing system, which has three layers: a small high-level distributed programming language; a multiple processor architecture consisting of an instruction set and system calls for inter-process message passing; and a network interface. Programs in the high-level language are implemented by a compiler mapping from the language layer to the multiprocessor layer. System calls are implemented by network services. LVT and its application demonstrate that the correct execution of a distributed program, most notably its inter-process communication, is verifiable through layers. The verified layers guarantee the correctness of (1) the compiled code that makes reference to operating system calls, (2) the operating system calls in terms of network calls, and (3) the network calls in terms of network transmission steps. The specification and verification involved are carried out by using the Cambridge Higher Order Logic (HOL) theorem proving system. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Category boundary effect for grapheme perception.

In order to discover whether or not discrimination training is effective in grapheme perception, as it is in phoneme perception, we first sought for a category boundary effect. We found that the discrimination function over the character continuum peaks at the category boundary, as it does over the speech continuum. Our next concern was to check whether or not the same effect could be observed for a noncharacter continuum in which neither grapheme category nor, therefore, training processes were involved. The experimental results indicated that the category boundary effect was not unique to speech sounds but was observed for graphemes as well, and that the effect was the result of linguistic experience.
Induction of Duplex to G-quadruplex Transition in the c-myc Promoter Region by a Small Molecule

A major control element of the human c-myc oncogene is the nuclease-hypersensitive purine/pyrimidine-rich sequence. This double-stranded DNA fragment, corresponding to the 27-base pair segment in the nuclease-hypersensitive element of the c-myc promoter region, forms a stable Watson-Crick double helix under physiological conditions. However, this duplex DNA can be effectively converted to G-quadruplex DNA by a small molecular weight ligand. Both intermolecular and intramolecular G-quadruplex forms can be induced by this ligand. Similar transitional changes are also observed with the duplex telomeric sequence from the Oxytricha species. These results provide additional support to the idea that G-quadruplex structures may play structural roles in vivo and also provide insight into novel methodologies for rational drug design. These structurally altered DNA elements might serve as regulatory signals in gene expression or in telomere dynamics and hence are promising targets for drug action.
Opportunities and constraints for farmers of west Africa to use seasonal precipitation forecasts with Burkina Faso as a case study

Abstract Skill of seasonal precipitation forecasts for west Africa has improved to the point that forecasts may be of value to agricultural users, especially farmers. We studied agricultural production systems in three agro-ecozones of Burkina Faso to establish: (1) farmer interest in and ability to use forecasts; (2) forecast information farmers request; (3) lead-time required for greatest forecast value; (4) needs for forecast dissemination, interpretation, and application; and (5) possible strategies for using climate forecasts to improve crop production and resource management. The three agro-ecozones studied were a cotton-based system in the relatively high rainfall Sudan area of southwest Burkina Faso; a sorghum and millet based system in the low rainfall central plateau; and a cattle-based system in the very low rainfall Sahel area in the north. Potential value of forecasts to farmers differed among the three zones, with greatest apparent value to farmers of the central plateau and least apparent value to cattle herders of the Sahel. While farmers in all three agro-ecozones expressed a strong interest in receiving seasonal precipitation forecasts, they were much more interested in receiving forecasts of when the rains would start and end, and whether there would be interruptions in rains. Our results suggest that if seasonal precipitation forecasts are disseminated, they should be a part of an extension package that includes discussion of the probabilistic nature of the forecasts, potential response strategies, and risk management. Furthermore, farmers may need greater access to basic agricultural technologies, such as plows, new crop varieties, and fertilizers, before they can benefit fully from precipitation forecasts.
The Appearance of Blade Technique in East Asia

中国北部地域の旧石器文化を対象として,その石刃技術の成立期の様相を提示するとともに,朝鮮半島・日本列島の該期の様相との比較を行い,東アジアの石刃技術成立期の特徴の把握を試みた.その結果,中国北部では石刃技術の成立とその石器文化への組み込みをめぐって,北アジアのムスチエ文化の系統を引く文化の流入によるものと,在地の中期旧石器文化の自律的な発展によるもの,という2つの状況を確認できた.また,朝鮮半島・日本列島との比較では,各地域で約3.5万から3万年前に石刃技術が成立し,石器製作技術へ導入されたことが判明した.その状況は,技術や伝統を異にするいくつかの在地的な中期旧石器文化を基礎とし,各地域での自律的な技術発展の結果,石刃技術が成立し,石器製作技術へ組み込まれていったと想定できるものであった.仮に,地域間に石刃技術の伝播が存在していたとしても,それは限定されたものと考えられる.
Hydrotreatment of coal-derived naphtha. Properties of zeolite-supported Ru sulfide catalysts

Abstract A Ru (0.77 wt.%)/zeolite catalyst was prepared and tested for the hydrotreatment of Illinois No. 6 coal-derived naphtha. It was found that this catalyst exhibited significant hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) and hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activities. Furthermore, the nitrogen compounds convert as easily as sulfur compounds, in contrast to most of the hydrotreatment catalysts where the HDS reaction is much more rapid than HDN. A comparison on the basis of nitrogen converted per gram of active metal or on the cost of the catalyst indicates that for HDN, the Ru(0.77)/zeolite is superior to a Ru(0.77)/alumina, a commercial CoMo/alumina or a NiMo/alumina catalyst.
Point defect structure of γ'-iron nitride at 450–550°C

The composition of γ-iron nitride (“Fe4N”) was measured by a thermogravimetric method at 450–550°C at various nitrogen potentials. The composition (wt.-% of nitrogen) limits at 450, 500 and 550°C range from 5.82 to 5.90%, 5.78 to 5.90% and 5.71 to 5.89%, respectively. The results can be described satisfactorily by two thermodynamic relations: (i) a Langmuir-type isotherm that assumes all nitrogen atoms reside at regular, octahedral sites (1/2,1/2,1/2), and (ii) by considering “Fe4N” as a substantially ordered solution of nitrogen in iron with two types of minor disorder: (a) nitrogen vacancies at regular sublattice sites, and (b) interstitial nitrogen atoms which reside at the disordered sites of (1/2,0,0), (0,1/2,0) and (0,0,1/2). At a fixed temperature, it can be shown that the fraction of interstitial nitrogen increases with increasing nitrogen potential, whereas the fraction of nitrogen vacancies decreases with increasing nitrogen potentials. As the temperature is increased from 450 to 550°C, both types of defect increase with the fraction of interstitial nitrogen increasing from 0.21 to 0.35% at the γ/ϵ phase boundary, while the fraction of nitrogen vacancies increased from 1.42 to 3.47% at the α/γ phase boundary. From the nitrogen activity at α/γ equilibrium, the standard enthalpy and entropy of formation of “Fe4N” from α-iron and molecular nitrogen are found to be −9065.2 J mol−1 Fe4N (−2165.6 cal mol−1 Fe4N) and −47.5 J K−1 mol−1 Fe4N (−11.3 cal K−2 mol−1 Fe4N), respectively.
Prokaryotic-eukaryotic cell junctions: attachment of spirochetes and flagellated bacteria to primate large intestinal cells.

The attachment sites of two types of commensal gram-negative bacteria to surface epithelial cells in human rectum and monkey colon were studied by electron microscopy of thin sections and freeze-fracture replicas. Spirochetes and flagellates are known to coexist in the brush border region of primate colonic epithelial cells, but their mode of attachment has not been described in detail. Both elongated, spiral organisms adhere by one end to columnar cell apical surfaces, oriented parallel to host cell microvilli. The attached end of the flagellate scarcely indents the host cell membrane and does not adhere to adjacent microvilli. The attachment site involves a circumferential cuff of bacterial outer membrane which is separated from host cell membrane by a uniform 6-nm gap filled with fibrillar cell coat material. Peroxidase passed freely through this gap. In freeze-fracture replicas, the zone of adherence is marked by a loose band of heterogeneous particles on the inner leaflet of the outer bacterial membrane. The spirochete, in contrast, pushes a long sleeve of host cell membrane into the terminal web cytoplasm and makes close contact with the invaginated columnar cell membrane and with adjacent microvilli. Freeze-fracture reveals that at the point where the spirochete body passes into the columnar cell glycocalyx, a series of irregularly spaced circumferential particle arrays appears on the inner leaflet of the bacterial cell outer membrane. These arrays extend over the entire embedded portion of the organism, but are replaced at the embedded tip by a distinct, closely packed series of circular ridges and grooves. Columnar cell membranes show no intra or submembrane specialization at the attachment sites of either organism. Autoradiographs reveal that radiolabeled glucosamine and N-acetylmannosamine (but not sulfate or fucose) may be incorporated by the bacteria under organ culture conditions, and that maturation of the columnar cell glycocalyx is a crucial factor in bacterial attachment.
The new international economic order, basic needs, and technology transfer: Toward an integrated strategy for development in the future

Conceptual premises and objectives underlying the New International Economic Order are reviewed. New perceptions of development, with respect to basic needs of peoples and the transfer and appropriateness of technology are analyzed. An integrated strategy for development is then encouraged, all within the framework of the NIEO.
Localization of multiple unknown transient radio sources using multiple paired mobile robots with limited sensing ranges

We develop a localization method enabling a team of mobile robots to search for multiple unknown transient radio sources. Due to signal source anonymity, short transmission durations, and dynamic transmission patterns, robots cannot treat the radio sources as continuous radio beacons. Moreover, robots do not know the source transmission power and have limited sensing ranges. To cope with these challenges, we pair up robots and develop a sensing model using the signal strength ratio from the paired robots. We formally prove that the sensed conditional joint posterior probability of source locations for the m-robot team can be obtained by combining the pairwise joint posterior probabilities, which can be derived from signal strength ratios. Moreover, we propose a pairwise ridge walking algorithm (PRWA) to coordinate the robot pairs based on the clustering of high probability regions and the minimization of local Shannon entropy. We have implemented and validated the algorithm under hardware-driven simulation.