cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unpacking the Black Box: Demystifying Ecological Models Through Interactive Workshops and Hands-On Learning

Environmental management decisions increasingly rely on ecological models to forecast outcomes of management actions. Models are becoming increasingly complex through the integration of processes from multiple disciplines (e.g., linking engineering and ecological models). These models are often viewed as mysterious, baffling black boxes, which can lead to mistrust, misinterpretation and/or misapplication of model results. Numerical models have historically been developed without decision makers, coordinating partners, or stakeholders playing active roles in model development, which further complicates communication. Ultimately, mistrust of models and associated outputs can lead to poor decision-making, increase the risk of ineffective decisions, and lead to litigation over decisions. Improved ecological model development practices are needed to increase transparency, include stakeholders and decision makers throughout the entire modeling process from conceptualization through application, and overcome common communication barriers. Building from participatory modeling and prototyping methods, we have developed a workshop approach for applied ecosystem modeling problems that cultivates a foundational understanding of ecological models through hands-on, interactive model development. In this workshop environment, interdisciplinary and interagency working groups co-develop models in real-time which demystifies technical issues and educates participants on the modeling process. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize a repeatable mediated modeling workshop and identify its utility in overcoming major communication challenges of integrated modeling for complex environmental problems. The workshop approach informs modeling teams of the complexity facing decision-makers, creates a sense of model ownership by participants, builds trust among partners, and ultimately increases “buy-in” of the eventual decision.
Two-Dimensional Material Tunnel Barrier for Josephson Junctions and Superconducting Qubits

Quantum computing based on superconducting qubits requires the understanding and control of the materials, device architecture, and operation. However, the materials for the central circuit element, the Josephson junction, have mostly been focused on using the AlOx tunnel barrier. Here, we demonstrate Josephson junctions and superconducting qubits employing two-dimensional materials as the tunnel barrier. We batch-fabricate and design the critical Josephson current of these devices via layer-by-layer stacking N layers of MoS2 on the large scale. Based on such junctions, MoS2 transmon qubits are engineered and characterized in a bulk superconducting microwave resonator for the first time. Our work allows Josephson junctions to access the diverse material properties of two-dimensional materials that include a wide range of electrical and magnetic properties, which can be used to study the effects of different material properties in superconducting qubits and to engineer novel quantum circuit elements in the future.
Chronic femoral diaphyseal osteomyelitis with radiographs initially concerning for Paget disease of the bone

Chronic osteomyelitis can be difficult to diagnose given its similar radiographic appearance to other lesions. This case report describes a 48-year-old woman, who presented with left thigh pain and on radiography a large disorganized sclerotic lesion involving nearly the entire femoral diaphysis, concerning for Paget disease or malignancy. Biopsy suggested chronic osteomyelitis but did not identify a causative organism. Treatment with antibiotics led to resolution of pain and improvement of biochemical markers. This case exemplifies the role of radiographic imaging in the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis and the possible utility of antibiotics for culture-negative chronic osteomyelitis. We review imaging modalities for the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis and Paget disease.
Does higher technical efficiency induce a higher service level? A paradox association in the context of port operations

Abstract Researchers and practitioners are benchmarking technical efficiency of ports and exploring the drivers of high efficiency. Paradoxically, this study argues that high technical efficiency (TE = 1) is not always essential, but an optimal level needs to be achieved while balancing the port service level. This study applies data envelopment analysis (DEA) and free disposal hull (FDH) methods to perform efficiency rankings of 38 container terminals from 17 different ports in 12 Asian countries. Four terminals are technically efficient (TE = 1) in all frontier approaches, thereof one Bangladeshi, one Chinese, one Indian and one Vietnamese. Furthermore, this study presents a case study combining qualitative and quantitative data analysis to investigate the characteristics of a port hosting high technically efficient container terminals. The finding suggests that ports with growing throughput, not investing actively in infrastructure and equipment, become high technically efficient over time, but the higher their technical efficiency, the lower their service level.
idem: An R Package for Inferences in Clinical Trials with Death and Missingness

In randomized controlled trials of seriously ill patients, death is common and often defined as the primary endpoint. Increasingly, non-mortality outcomes such as functional outcomes are co-primary or secondary endpoints. Functional outcomes are not defined for patients who die, referred to as "truncation due to death", and among survivors, functional outcomes are often unobserved due to missed clinic visits or loss to follow-up. It is well known that if the functional outcomes "truncated due to death" or missing are handled inappropriately, treatment effect estimation can be biased. In this paper, we describe the package idem that implements a procedure for comparing treatments that is based on a composite endpoint of mortality and the functional outcome among survivors. Among survivors, the procedure incorporates a missing data imputation procedure with a sensitivity analysis strategy. A web-based graphical user interface is provided in the idem package to facilitate users conducting the proposed analysis in an interactive and user-friendly manner. We demonstrate idem using data from a recent trial of sedation interruption among mechanically ventilated patients.
On comparing locations of two-parameter exponential distributions using sequential sampling with applications in cancer research

In this paper, we develop testing procedures for hypotheses regarding the difference of location parameters from two independent two-parameter exponential populations with unknown but proportional ...
Performing Gender: A Creative Drag and Burlesque Course in Higher Education

Performing Gender is an interdisciplinary course studying the history, media, and creation of drag and burlesque performance. This article outlines the academic, emotional, and transformative journ...
Bidirectional relationships between sleep and biomarkers of stress and immunity in youth.

Abstract Insufficient sleep during childhood can lead to physical and mental health issues. In adults, sleep disturbances have been associated with altered levels of stress hormones and inflammatory cytokines, but data in youth is lacking. The aim of this study was to explore relationships between objective measures of sleep and salivary biomarkers in children and adolescents. Participants (N = 55, aged 8–16 years, 53% female) wore an actigraph sleep monitor in their home for seven nights and completed sleep diaries and the School Sleep Habits Survey (SSHS). Participants also donated first waking saliva samples, which were later assayed for α-amylase (sAA), cortisol, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β. While sAA was not associated with objective sleep it did show a positive association with self-reported sleep disturbance. Morning cortisol levels were associated with objective sleep variables, including minutes spent awake the night before sampling, and sleep efficiency and awakenings the night after sampling. Morning IL-6 was associated with prior night sleep efficiency and minutes spent awake the night after saliva sampling. Likewise, IL-1β levels were associated with sleep duration and sleep onset latency during the nighttime sleep period prior to and after saliva sampling. These results align with other data to indicate objective elements of sleep are related to salivary cortisol, IL-6, and IL-1β in youth. Thus, quality of sleep on the night prior to sampling should be considered when investigating levels of salivary mediators in children.
Katz on a Hot Tin Roof: The Reasonable Expectation of Privacy Doctrine is Rudderless in the Digital Age, Unless Congress Continually Resets the Privacy Bar

Technology evolves so quickly now, while courts plod along trying to force-fit new digital advancements into old precedents. Those old precedents never quite fit. But Congress, that need not await a case or controversy, and therefore can act much more quickly as or even before technological advancements emerge, can enliven the Katz reasonable expectation of privacy doctrine by resetting the privacy bar. After all, if Congress were to make a specific digital mining approach illegal, we all would have a reasonable expectation of privacy in that protected material, no matter how easy it might be for computer programmers, internet marketers, ISPs, or government agencies to access and store that material. If Congress is proactive, as exemplified by the EU approach, Courts do not have to analogize new technologies to pagers or telephone booths to determine whether the subject enjoys objective and subjective expectations of privacy in that new technology. Thus, the reasonable expectation of privacy doctrine is rudderless in the digital age – unless Congress continually steps in to reset that privacy bar. This article (1) provides an abbreviated history of constitutional privacy protection and the Katz reasonable expectation of privacy doctrine, (2) assesses the impact of technology (and user agreements) on reasonable expectations of privacy, and (3) posits some legislative and court-driven alternatives to the Katz reasonable expectation of privacy doctrine in the digital age. Although there have been a number of commentators focusing on courts’ tenuous grasp on reasonable expectation of privacy in the digital age, the author is among the few suggesting the solution’s core lies almost entirely in the legislative branch, and does not predominantly lie in the courts.
Soft, Conductive, Brain-Like, Coatings at Tips of Microelectrodes Improve Electrical Stability under Chronic, In Vivo Conditions.

Several recent studies have reported improved histological and electrophysiological outcomes with soft neural interfaces that have elastic moduli ranging from 10 s of kPa to hundreds of MPa. However, many of these soft interfaces use custom fabrication processes. We test the hypothesis that a readily adoptable fabrication process for only coating the tips of microelectrodes with soft brain-like (elastic modulus of ~5 kPa) material improves the long-term electrical performance of neural interfaces. Conventional tungsten microelectrodes (n = 9 with soft coatings and n = 6 uncoated controls) and Pt/Ir microelectrodes (n = 16 with soft coatings) were implanted in six animals for durations ranging from 5 weeks to over 1 year in a subset of rats. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to assess the quality of the brain tissue–electrode interface under chronic conditions. Neural recordings were assessed for unit activity and signal quality. Electrodes with soft, silicone coatings showed relatively stable electrical impedance characteristics over 6 weeks to >1 year compared to the uncoated control electrodes. Single unit activity recorded by coated electrodes showed larger peak-to-peak amplitudes and increased number of detectable neurons compared to uncoated controls over 6–7 weeks. We demonstrate the feasibility of using a readily translatable process to create brain-like soft interfaces that can potentially overcome variable performance associated with chronic rigid neural interfaces.
A Choice between Second Chances: An Analysis of How Students Address Course Failure

Purpose: On average, one in five high school students in North Carolina fails at least one core, required course every year. After failure, students have two options to regain course credit: repeat...
Community voice, vision, and resilience in post-Hurricane Katrina recovery

Abstract Hurricane Katrina has mobilized community-based environmental justice organizing and advocacy and injected a strong social justice analysis of extreme weather events and disaster recovery. Using interviews and observations with New Orleans activists and organizations, we examine three community and advocacy-based rebuilding and organizing projects that arose as a result of diminished local and federal government infrastructure and regulatory engagement: 1) a labor-environment coalition which rebuilt a single neighborhood block as a demonstration project that also provided safety and health training; 2) activists' analyses of sludge toxicity in diverse neighborhood and point source locations; and 3) community organizing to address the re-opening of public schools on contaminated land. This leads us to a broader examination of neighborhood activism regarding rebuilding, barriers and opportunities posed by political and state entities, and the connection between environmental hazards and public heal...
A two-dimensional topic-aspect model for discovering multi-faceted topics

This paper presents the Topic-Aspect Model (TAM), a Bayesian mixture model which jointly discovers topics and aspects. We broadly define an aspect of a document as a characteristic that spans the document, such as an underlying theme or perspective. Unlike previous models which cluster words by topic or aspect, our model can generate token assignments in both of these dimensions, rather than assuming words come from only one of two orthogonal models. We present two applications of the model. First, we model a corpus of computational linguistics abstracts, and find that the scientific topics identified in the data tend to include both a computational aspect and a linguistic aspect. For example, the computational aspect of GRAMMAR emphasizes parsing, whereas the linguistic aspect focuses on formal languages. Secondly, we show that the model can capture different viewpoints on a variety of topics in a corpus of editorials about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We show both qualitative and quantitative improvements in TAM over two other state-of-the-art topic models.
A combined delay and throughput proportional scheduling scheme for differentiated services

The proportional differentiation model is a newly introduced approach for differentiated services networks. This paper proposes and evaluates a scheduling mechanism for the combined control of delay and throughput metrics, according to the proportional differentiation model. The scheme is based on the well known Little's law. A moving window averaging mechanism and an active queue management scheme are simultaneously, and respectively used to achieve control over the relative throughputs as well as the relative delays between classes. The scheme does way with measurement of the actual packet delays, and state information is minimized. Some feasibility bounds are presented, and a simulation study shows the effectiveness of this scheme.
Wave Interference Functions for Neuromorphic Computing

Neuromorphic computing mimicking the functionalities of mammalian brain holds the promise for cognitive capabilities enabling new intelligent applications. However, research efforts so far mainly focused on using analog and digital CMOS technologies to emulate neural activities, and are yet to achieve expected benefits. They suffer from limited scalability, density overhead, interconnection bottleneck and power consumption related constraints. In this paper, we present a transformative approach for neuromorphic computing with Wave Interference Functions (WIF). This is a framework using emerging nonequilibrium wave phenomenon such as spin waves. WIF leverages inherent wave attributes for multidimensional, multivalued data representation and communication, resulting in reduced connectivity requirements and efficient neural function implementations. It also yields a compact implementation of an artificial neuron. Moreover, since WIF computation and communication are in the spin domain, extremely low-power operation is possible. Our evaluations indicate upto 57× higher density, 775× lower power and 2× better performance when compared to an equivalent 8-bit 45-nm CMOS neuron. Our scalability study using arithmetic circuits for higher bit-width neuron implementations indicate upto 63× density, 884× power and 3× performance benefits in comparison to a 32-bit CMOS equivalent design at 45 nm.
The Hong Kong-Zhu Hai-Macau Bridge: Stakeholder’s Perception of Future Impacts on the Greater Pearl River Delta

This research looked at the impacts of megaprojects on their host regions through a case study of the Hong Kong-Zhu Hai-Macau Bridge (HZMB). The purpose of the present study was to analyze stakeholders’ perceptions of the future impacts of the HZMB’ on the Greater Pearl River Delta (GPRD). The research specifically focused on megaprojects’ impacts on the tourism industry and economic development in general. The research results were aimed to address the two research objectives of the study, which were to examine the future impacts of the HZMB on regional economic and tourism development, and the HZMB’s potential impacts on stakeholders.
Workshop on the Growth of Continental Crust

Constraints and observations were discussed on a fundamental unsolved problem of global scale relating to the growth of planetary crusts. All of the terrestrial planets were considered, but emphasis was placed on the Earth's continental crust. The title of each session is: (1) Extraterrestrial crustal growth and destruction; (2) Constraints for observations and measurements of terrestrial rocks; (3) Models of crustal growth and destruction; and (4) Process of crustal growth and destruction.
Analysis: Immobilized Glucose Oxidase in Implantable Glucose Sensor Technology

Glucose oxidase has had a central role in previous glucose sensing methods and is key to the development of certain new glucose sensors. The immobilized enzyme is specific for glucose and sufficiently long-lived for many sensor applications, but new glucose sensing applications may place increased demands on the enzyme.
α 1 AND α 2 MEDIATED RENAL VASOCONSTRICTION IN FETAL (F) AND ADULT (A) SHEEP: ONTOGENY OF POST-JUNCTIONAL α ADRENOCEPTORS

It has been suggested by others that renal hemodynamic response to a adrenoceptor stimulation is greater in newborns than adults (Am J Physiol 226:796, 1974). To further characterize the development of a adrenoceptors, the renal vascular response to specific α1 and α2 adrenoceptor stimulation using Phenylephrine (Phe) (α1) and Guanabenz (Gb) (α2) was determined in chronically catheterized F (132-140 days gestation; term 145 days) and A. Phe (4.5×10−8M to 3.6×10−7M) or Gb (6.2× 10−7M to 5×10−8M) was infused intrarenally and % changes in renal blood flow (%ΔRBF) were measured using a Doppler flow probe. α2 mediated renal vasoconstriction was of smaller magnitude in F than A (p<.001 ANOVA); ED50F/ED50A 5.3:1. However, α1 mediated vasoconstriction was different only at the highest dose of Phe tested. (*p<0.01, F vs. A, Newman-Keuls) In conclusion: 1) this study does not confirm previous observations of increased α-adrenoceptor activity during development, 2) post-synaptic α2 adrenoceptors are functional in F, and 3) the F response to α2 stimulation is less than A while α1 response tends to be similar, suggesting a difference in the ontogeny of α1 and α2 adrenoceptors.
Synthesis and Characterization of 1‐Nitroguanyl‐3‐nitro‐5‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole

The synthesis of 1-nitroguanyl-3-nitro-5-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ANTA-NQ) (1) with good yield and high purity is described. DSC analysis showed that the material displays good thermal stability. An X-ray crystallographic analysis confirms the structure of this material, as well as displays intramolecular hydrogen bonding. A gas pycnometry density for this material was measured to be 1.79 g cm−3. The heat of formation of this material was also measured. These data, along with the molecular formula were used as inputs to calculate the detonation velocity and detonation pressure using the Cheetah thermochemical code. The sensitivity of this material towards impact, spark and friction was also measured, as well as its vacuum thermal stability. The 3-azido derivative 2 was also prepared and its properties are described as well. The above data show that (ANTA-NQ) may be a high performing material with low sensitivity and good thermal stability.
Semiquantitative analysis of the cellular preservation quality of Normosol and Carbowax solutions for thyroid fine-needle aspiration specimens.

The present study was designed to compare cytomorphologic features and diagnostic value of thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens stored in Saccomano's (Carbowax® solution) fixative and Normosol® solutions. Equivalent amounts of aspirate material obtained from nonlesional areas of 17 freshly resected thyroidectomy specimens were placed in room temperature Carbowax® solution and refrigerated Normosol® solution for a time period of up to 60 hr. Millipore® filter preparations were made from both fluids for each of the 17 thyroidectomy specimens. Slides were examined by three independent observers who rated the quality of cellular preservation based on a four-part semiquantitative scale. Statistical analysis of the data obtained from the scores of the three observers showed no statistically significant difference in the quality of specimen preservation. Normosol® preserved specimens consistently rated superior to Carbowax® in nuclear detail, lack of obscuring background artifact, and diagnostic value. These findings, along with a considerably less cost, make refrigerated Normosol® an attractive alternative for the short-term storage of FNA specimens placed in fluid. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2000;22:319–322. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of selenium on growth rate of canine mammary carcinoma cells in athymic nude mice.

Abstract A canine mammary tumor cell line established from a carcinoma of the solid type was used in this study. In 2 separate experiments, athymic nude mice were inoculated subcutaneously with 5 × 10 6 viable tumor cells. All tumor-bearing mice received subcutaneous injections thrice weekly of 2 μg/g body wt of selenium as sodium selenite or phosphate buffered saline. Control, non-tumor-bearing mice were injected with either selenium or buffer. Selenium administration did not significantly alter the growth of non-tumor-bearing mice. However, body weight of tumor-bearing mice was reduced approximately 10%. The average volume of tumors in selenium treated mice was reduced 76% in experiment I and 74% in experiment II. (Supported in part by grant No. 81-7 from the American Cancer Society, Illinois Division, Inc., and USDA Grant No. 5901-9-0243.)
Homologous Confined Filament Eruptions via Magnetic Breakout

We describe magnetohydrodynamic simulations of a bipolar active region embedded in the Sun's global background field and subjected to twisting footpoint displacements concentrated near its polarity inversion lines to produce strong magnetic shear. The dipole moments of the active region and background field are antiparallel, so that the initially potential magnetic field contains a coronal null. This configuration supports magnetic breakout eruptions in our simulations that exhibit three novel features. First, the eruptions are multiple and homologous: the flare reconnection following each eruption reforms the magnetic null, setting the stage for a subsequent episode of breakout reconnection and eruption driven by the ongoing footpoint motions. Second, the eruptions are confined; that is, their rapidly rising, moderately sheared field lines do not escape the Sun but instead come to rest in the outer corona, comprising a large coronal loop formed by reconnection during the rise phase. Third, the most strongly sheared field lines of the active region are quite flat prior to eruption, expand upward sharply during the event, and lose most of their shear through reconnection with overlying flux, while lower lying field lines survive the eruption and recover their flat configuration within a few hours. These behaviors are consistent with filament disappearance followed by reformation in place. We also find that the upward motion of the erupting sheared flux exhibits a distinct three-phase acceleration profile. All of these features of our simulations—homology, confinement, reformation, and multiphase acceleration—are well established aspects of solar eruptions.
Accumulation of calcium in bean cultivars differing in seed size

Accumulation of Ca, Mg and K, the principal cations in dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) seed, was studied under field and greenhouse conditions. ‘Cran-09’, a cranberry bean and ‘Norstar’, a navy bean, were grown to maturity under greenhouse conditions. ‘Cran-09’ had a seed weight of 605 mg, a seed Ca concentration of 1·2 g kg-1 and a Ca harvest index of 0·032. The corresponding three parameters in ‘Norstar’ were a seed weight of 161 mg, a seed Ca concentration of 2·2 g kg-1 and a Ca harvest index of 0·064. The difference in seed Ca concentration was not due to increased absorption of Ca by ‘Norstar’, but rather was due to a larger proportion of Ca in plant tops being diverted to the seed component. The larger seed Ca concentration in ‘Norstar’ was compensated to some extent by a smaller seed K concentration. In contrast to Ca, cultivar had relatively little effect on harvest indices for Mg, K, N and P. The average seed Ca concentration in six navy bean cultivars grown under field conditions was 90% more than that of three kidney and three cranberry bean cultivars. © 1997 SCI.
Effect of Dexamethasone on the Synthesis of Specific Proteins in Fetal Rabbit Lung in Vivo and in Organ Culture

Lung tissue from fetal rabbits at 24 days' gestation was maintained in organ culture in defined medium. This system has been used to study the effect of dexamethasone on general protein synthesis and on the synthesis of specific proteins by fetal rabbit lung in vitro. Glucocorticoid treatment had no effect on the overall incorporation of labeled amino acids into protein. However, it increased the incorporation of f35S] methionine into 5 of the nearly 400 proteins catalogued by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. When tissue was taken from fetuses at 20 and 22 days' gestation, it was found that the effect of dexamethasone on the incorporation of [35S] methionine into some of these five peptides was dependent on the gestational age of the animals at the time of sacrifice. When dexamethasone was administered for 2 consecutive days to pregnant rabbits beginning on gestational day 25, two-dimensional gels of [35S] methionine-labeled slices of fetal lungs revealed several glucocorticoid-specific changes, some ...
Patterns of eye care use and expenditures among children with diagnosed eye conditions

Purpose Little is known about use and expenditure patterns of children’s eye-care services and about possible disparities in care among children. This report describes the use and expenditure patterns of eye care and non–eye care services for children under 18 years old in the United States. Methods Levels of use and expenditure were estimated using self-reported information from the nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys (1996-2001) for 48,304 subjects under 18 years old from randomly selected households in the United States. Means presented for children with and without diagnosed eye conditions were adjusted for child and family characteristics using generalized linear models. Results Children with diagnosed eye conditions had higher levels of use and expenditure than children without diagnosed conditions. Families of children with diagnosed eye conditions incurred higher out-of-pocket expenditures. Black children and children living below 400% of the federal poverty level had lower levels of use and expenditure, indicating that they received fewer and less intensive services. Conclusions Children with diagnosed eye conditions experienced higher overall use of health care. Some groups of children appear to be underserved. Estimates of use and expenditure patterns, stratified by socioeconomic factors, will be needed to plan for future delivery of children’s eye and vision care services and to assess progress toward Healthy People 2010 goals.
Mechanisms underlying hypoxia-induced neuronal apoptosis

In vivo models of cerebral hypoxia-ischemia have shown that neuronal death may occur via necrosis or apoptosis. Necrosis is, in general, a rapidly occurring form of cell death that has been attributed, in part, to alterations in ionic homeostasis. In contrast, apoptosis is a delayed form of cell death that occurs as the result of activation of a genetic program. In the past decade, we have learned considerably about the mechanisms underlying apoptotic neuronal death following cerebral hypoxia-ischemia. With this growth in knowledge, we are coming to the realization that apoptosis and necrosis, although morphologically distinct, are likely part of a continuum of cell death with similar operative mechanisms. For example, following hypoxia-ischemia, excitatory amino acid release and alterations in ionic homeostasis contribute to both necrotic and apoptotic neuronal death. However, apoptosis is distinguished from necrosis in that gene activation is the predominant mechanism regulating cell survival. Following hypoxic-ischemic episodes in the brain, genes that promote as well as inhibit apoptosis are activated. It is the balance in the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes that likely determines the fate of neurons exposed to hypoxia. The balance in expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes may also account for the regional differences in vulnerability to hypoxic insults. In this review, we will examine the known mechanisms underlying apoptosis in neurons exposed to hypoxia and hypoxia-ischemia.
Automated job analysis using upper extremity biomechanical data and template matching

Abstract Spectral analysis of upper limb kinematic measurements has been previously demonstrated useful for quantifying physical stress in repetitive motion tasks. The method requires manually separating the data into segments corresponding to individual tasks or work elements, computing power spectra, and averaging. This study investigated using signal pattern recognition to help further automate the analysis by separating the data through identification of stereotypical patterns for cyclical tasks. Joint angles for five industrial jobs were continuously measured using electrogoniometers attached to the wrist, elbow and shoulder of the dominant limb. A multimedia computer system enabled the analyst to review the videotape and interactively indicate element breakpoints. The breakpoints were also automatically identified using a template matching (TM) algorithm. The algorithm identified the cycle terminal points within 0.997 s (S.D.=2.762 s) of the human analyst's reference breakpoint. Analysis using TM breakpoint identification resulted in average differences in the spectra of 9.3° for RMS joint deviation, 14.1° for mean joint angle, and 0.445 Hz for repetition frequency. This study concludes that signal pattern recognition had potential applications in automated job analysis. The current implementation could be useful for indicating approximate breakpoints, and interactively fine-tuning the breakpoint selection as a means for reducing the time required to perform an analysis. Relevance to industry Job analysis involving large quantities of upper limb biomechanical data can be tedious and prohibitively time-consuming. Automated computerized methods can help make these analyses more practical for use in industry. The current algorithm and implementation can be used as an interactive assistive tool to help reduce the time to do an analysis, and may lead to better automated analysis methods.
Partition of Sr, Ba, Ca, Y, Eu/2+/, EU/3+/, and other REE between plagioclase feldspar and magmatic liquid - An experimental study

Plagioclase feldspar/magmatic liquid partition coefficients for Sr, Ba, Ca, Y, Eu2+, Eu3+ and other REE have been determined experimentally at 1 atm total pressure in the temperature range 1150–1400°C. Natural and synthetic melts representative of basaltic and andesitic bulk compositions were used, crystallizing plagioclase feldspar in the composition range An35–An85. Partition coefficients for Sr are greater than unity at all geologically reasonable temperatures, and for Ba are less than unity above approximately 1060°C. Both are strongly dependent upon temperature. Partition coefficients for the trivalent REE are relatively insensitive to temperature. At fixed temperature they decrease monotonically from La to Lu. The partition of Eu is a strong function of oxygen fugacity. Under extreme reducing conditions DEu approaches the value of DSr.
Teratogenic development in chicken embryos associated with a major deletion in the rRNA gene cluster

A new strain of chickens (mPNU) that segregates a severely deleted rDNA cluster was studied. Individuals heterozygous (+/p2) and homozygous (p2/p2) for the deletion were found to have 56 and 27%, respectively, of the normal complement of rRNA genes (290 copies/cell). Morphogenesis, cellular rRNA levels, and nucleolar sizes, were investigated and compared in normal +/+, +/p2, and p2/p2 embryos. Cellular rRNA contents were similar among the three genotypes at stage X, but subsequently during gastrulation, p2/p2 levels were reduced to 56% and eventually to 43% of +/+. Viability and morphogenesis were normal in p2/p2 embryos until the initial primitive streak stage of gastrulation. However, further development was abnormal and characterized by disrupted axis formation. In +/+ and +/p2 embryos, rRNA levels and nucleolar sizes increased during early development; however, the profile of these increases differed temporally and quantitatively between the genotypes. The +/p2 embryos, at the full streak stage of gastrulation, exhibited reduced rRNA levels and nucleolar sizes (80% of +/+), yet the +/p2 embryos developed normally. These studies establish a minimum copy number requirement lower than previously demonstrated, that is, a rDNA genotype with only 56% of the normal gene complement (∼160 genes) is compatible with early embryonic viability. Also, a rRNA threshold was detected: rRNA levels that were 56% of +/+ failed to support normal gastrulation; however, even under the circumstance of reduced rRNA levels (43% of control), some aspects of gastrulation apparently continue (cell migration and invagination). The teratogenic development of p2/p2 embryos is a biological consequence unique from that found in other metazoan models of rDNA-deficiency, and will be useful as a model to investigate mechanisms of vertebrate gastrulation and axis formation.
Interfacial scattering and electrodynamics due to roughness at silver surfaces

Abstract The effect of roughness on the reflectivity of metallic silver at various metal-liquid and metal-air boundaries is discussed. Experimental spectra are examined in cases of (1) roughened silver foils in contact with isopropanol and air; (2) electrochemically oxidized silver surfaces; and (3) small particle (latex sphere) roughened surfaces. Differences in scattered light distributions and changes in silver metal reflectance under these varied conditions have been analyzed, assuming the applicability of a classical first-order roughness theory. New information on the stochastic nature of either metallic or oxidized surface nonuniformities and on height and width correlations of surface corrugations is obtained.
Inhibition of Salmonella gallinarum by culture filtrates of Leuconostoc citrovorum.

Abstract Salmonella gallinarum was inhibited at an acidic pH by a metabolite produced by Leuconostoc citrovorum . The primary inhibitor was found to be acetic acid, although lactic acid was slightly inhibitory.
Rice fermentation in ecuador

Fermented rice, or “Sierra rice”, of Ecuador, is distributed and consumed exclusively in the Andean Sierra. Fermenting precooks the rice, thus reducing the cooking time in the Andean Highlands. “Sierra rice” is the only type used in preparation of “dry rice”, which is considered indispensable to all meals.
Surface topography of phytochrome A deduced from specific chemical modification with iodoacetamide.

Phytochromes are a photoreversible photochromic light switch for photomorphogenesis in plants. The molecular structure and functional mechanism of phytochromes are not fully understood. On the basis of complete mapping of total tryptic digest of the iodoacetamide-modified oat phytochrome A (phyA), the molecular surface topography of phyA was probed by specific chemical modification of cysteine residues with [14C]iodoacetamide. Under native conditions, only two cysteines (Cys-158 and Cys-311) of eleven half-cystines of the N-terminal chromophore binding domain were modified to a significant extent. In the C-terminal domain, six cysteine residues (Cys-715, Cys-774, Cys-809, Cys-869, Cys-961, Cys-995) were readily accessible to iodoacetamide. Among the reactive cysteine residues, only cysteine-311 displayed reactivity that was dependent on the photochromic form (Pr ⇆ Pfr) of the photoreceptor. Surprisingly, the modification of Cys-311 in the vicinity of the chromophore attachment site (Cys-321) did not have ...
Assessing elemental validity: the transfer and use of mathematical knowledge for teaching measures in Ghana

This paper reports on a validation study that investigates the utility of US-developed mathematical knowledge for teaching measures in Ghana. Using three teachers as cases this study examines the relationship between teachers’ mathematical knowledge for teaching responses and their reasoning about their responses. Preliminary findings indicate that although the measures could be used in Ghana with adaptation to determine teachers with high mathematical knowledge, the validity of the findings are influenced by other issues such as the cultural incongruence of the item contexts.
Fetal diagnosis of left-ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy in identical twins with discordant congenital heart disease.

Left-ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is characterized by prominent myocardial trabeculae with deep intratrabecular recesses. Associated with ventricular dysfunction, LVNC can present in isolation or in conjunction with structural heart defects (i.e., “nonisolated” LVNC). Although it was once considered to be difficult and unreliable, successful detection of this condition by way of fetal echocardiography has been well documented. We present what is to our knowledge the first prenatal diagnosis of LVNC in monochorionic-monozygotic twins. Nonisolated LVNC was identified in twins A and B at 23 weeks’ gestation. A noncompaction-to-compaction ratio >2 was documented in both cases. Discordance for congenital heart disease was observed in the twins: Twin A presented with pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum, critical tricuspid stenosis, and severe right-ventricular hypoplasia, whereas twin B presented with mild mitral valve dysplasia. Despite an initially complicated postnatal course for twin A, this case shows that it is feasible to achieve good outcomes with accurate prenatal detection and aggressive postnatal management.
Differential perceptions of multidisciplinary team members: Seriously emotionally disturbed vs. socially maladjusted

The difficult task of distinguishing between students with serious emotional disturbance (SED) and those with social maladjustment (SM) continues to present a problem for educators. Although many researchers in the field of special education and school psychology have strong opinions about the feasibility of differentially identifying these groups of students, very little information is available about how this distinction is actually made by educators in the field. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that multidisciplinary team (MDT) members, specifically school psychologists, special educators, and school principals, consider in making the distinction between SED and SM students and the degree of confidence they have in their ability to make this distinction. Although no significant difference in reported confidence was found between the three groups of professionals, there was a moderate degree of disagreement between the groups on the behavioral or background descriptors that differentially characterize SED and SM students, especially in regard to the diagnosis of conduct disorder. Overall, school psychologists tended to differ from special educators and principals in the number of descriptors identified as important and the relative number of respondents that endorsed each descriptor. Implications for special education decision making and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Case Study on Speed Failure Causes in a Microprocessor

In this article, we identify the underlying speed paths and perform a detailed analysis on the effects of multiple input switching, cross-coupling noise, and localized voltage drop on microprocessor. We employ cycle-wise clock shrinks on a tester combined with a CAD methodology to unintrusively identify and analyze these speed paths. Understanding the causes of speed failures can help designers make better power and performance tradeoffs.
A Pollen Profile from the Grassland Province

Hackberry Lake near Valentine, Nebraska, has deposited about 5 meters of sediment in little more than 5000 years. Its mass pollen spectrum shows over 50 percent grass and about 12 percent tree pollen, but the mass spectrum for the lowest meter shows less than 30 percent grass and over 20 percent tree pollen. This suggests a cooler and more humid climate at inception of the lake than later, and raises interesting questions requiring further research.
Poor performers: Supervisors' and subordinates' responses

Abstract Forty-one groups with appointed supervisors and either two or three subordinates worked on a clerical task for three 10-min sessions and received feedback on their performance. Supervisors evaluated subordinate performance and provided feedback for the subordinates. Four variables were manipulated in a two-phase study. These were: the supervisor's power over subordinate pay (high power and low power), the degree of interdependence between supervisors and their subordinates (high and low), the nature of feedback to subordinates (general, specific with a focus upon quantity, and specific with a focus upon quality), and the level of subordinate performance reported to the supervisor (high and low). It was found that the responses of supervisors toward subordinates were influenced by both the level of subordinate performance and by the degree of interdependence. Subordinates, on the other hand, were influenced by the leader's power as it interacted with the nature of the feedback and by the nature of the feedback. These feedback influences were entirely upon attitudes and beliefs; they did not influence performance on the task after feedback.
Studies on the enzyme chondroitinase: product structure and ion effects.

Abstract The enzyme, chondroitinase, from a Proteus vulgaris strain has been further purified by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. This preparation was free of chondrosulfatase activity and produced a single detectable product after exhaustive digestion of chondroitin sulfate. Evidence that the purified product of the enzymic digestion of chondroitin sulfate was a disaccharide that was unsaturated α,β to the carboxyl group of the uronic acid moiety has been presented. The influence of various compounds on the chondroitinase-chondroitin sulfate system was studied. It appears that cations affect the enzymic and non-enzymic rate of chondroitin sulfate depolymerization by influencing the physical configuration of the substrate molecule. Anion effects have been interpreted as an enzyme activation. Ionic strength experiments on the effect of substrate concentration on reaction rate and on heparin inhibition of chondroitinase action have been reported.
Regression-based process monitoring with consideration of measurement errors

Multivariate process monitoring and fault detection is an important problem in quality improvement. Most existing methods are based on a common assumption that the measured values of variables are the true values, with limited consideration of the various types of measurement errors embedded in the data. On the other hand, research on measurement errors has been conducted from a pure theoretical statistics point of view, without any linking of the modeling and analysis of measurement errors with monitoring and fault detection objectives. This paper proposes a method for multivariate process monitoring and fault detection considering four types of major measurement errors, including sensor bias, sensitivity, noise and dependency of the relationship between a variable and its measured value on some other variables. This method includes the design of new control charts based on data with measurement errors, and identification of the maximum allowable measurement errors to fulfill certain fault detectability ...
Prepregnancy weight, weight gain, and birth weight☆

The effect of maternal weight gain on birth weight in 2946 live births with delivery after 37 weeks' gestation was studied at Moffitt Hospital, University of California (San Francisco), between September, 1980, and December, 1983. The sample was stratified into four categories according to prepregnancy weight for height with use of a body mass index. To study the effect of maternal weight gain on infant birth weight, multiple regression analysis, controlled for selected covariables, was carried out on the entire sample and on each prepregnancy weight group. For the entire sample, both pregravid body mass and weight gain significantly influenced birth weight. For the underweight, ideal weight, and moderately overweight women, each kilogram of maternal weight gain significantly increased birth weight. This study supports recent evidence for the association between maternal weight gain and birth weight, but only for women whose prepregnancy weights are 135% of ideal or less. These results suggest that recommendations for a minimum weight gain for obese women are unnecessary.