cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blindsight depends on the lateral geniculate nucleus

Injury to the primary visual cortex (V1) leads to the loss of visual experience. Nonetheless, careful testing shows that certain visually guided behaviours can persist even in the absence of visual awareness. The neural circuits supporting this phenomenon, which is often termed blindsight, remain uncertain. Here we demonstrate that the thalamic lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) has a causal role in V1-independent processing of visual information. By comparing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and behavioural measures with and without temporary LGN inactivation, we assessed the contribution of the LGN to visual functions of macaque monkeys (Macaca mulatta) with chronic V1 lesions. Before LGN inactivation, high-contrast stimuli presented to the lesion-affected visual field (scotoma) produced significant V1-independent fMRI activation in the extrastriate cortical areas V2, V3, V4, V5/middle temporal (MT), fundus of the superior temporal sulcus (FST) and lateral intraparietal area (LIP) and the animals correctly located the stimuli in a detection task. However, following reversible inactivation of the LGN in the V1-lesioned hemisphere, fMRI responses and behavioural detection were abolished. These results demonstrate that direct LGN projections to the extrastriate cortex have a critical functional contribution to blindsight. They suggest a viable pathway to mediate fast detection during normal vision.
Complications associated with isotretinoin use after rhinoplasty.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between the postoperative use of isotretinoin and the formation of nasal tip deformities after rhinoplasty. A retrospective study investigated a case series of patients who presented with nasal tip deformities subsequent to the use of isotretinoin after rhinoplasty. Patients who had taken isotretinoin after rhinoplasty were identified from a single surgeon’s case log. Clinic charts and operative reports were reviewed. Predisposing factors and time intervals to complications were identified. Three patients were found to have undergone isotretinoin therapy after rhinoplasty. Nasal tip deformities included bossa formation, asymmetry, and prominence of a composite graft. All three patients required subsequent procedures to repair soft tissue nasal tip deformities. In all three cases, isotretinoin was started within 2 years of the primary rhinoplasty. The nasal tip deformities were first observed within 6 months after isotretinoin was started. Three cases are described in which postoperative use of isotretinoin was associated with nasal tip deformities after rhinoplasty. Further studies are needed to investigate this possible causative relationship and to describe the risks involved.
A case revealing the natural history of untreated Lyme disease

The natural history of untreated Lyme arthritis is rarely observed as most cases are successfully treated with antibiotics. This Case Study discusses a patient with Lyme disease who refused antibiotic therapy during the first 4 years of her illness and demonstrates that antibiotic therapy is still likely to be effective, even following a long-term infection with Borrelia burgdorferi.
Comorbidity and temporal relations of alcohol and cannabis use disorders from youth through adulthood

Background Alcohol and cannabis are among the most widely used and abused drugs in industrialized societies. Investigations of patterns in comorbidity and temporal sequencing between alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and cannabis use disorders (CUDs) from childhood to adulthood are important for understanding the etiologies of these disorders.
Electrophysiological properties of neurons in the rat subiculum in vitro

The present study determined the membrane and synaptic properties of neurons in the rat subiculum. Using the in vitro hippocampal slice preparation, intracellular recordings were obtained from 91 subicular neurons. Membrane properties and morphological characteristics were similar to those reported for hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Two categories of subicular neurons were distinguished based on their response to a depolarizing current pulse. One type of neuron showed bursting behavior and the second type was characterized as regular firing. Analysis of the charging functions during hyperpolarizing current pulses yielded a mean τ0 and τ1 for subicular neurons of about 13 ms and 0.60 ms, respectively. Using the model of an equivalent cylinder, the mean dendrite-to-soma conductance ratio (ρ) was estimated at 6.0 and electrotonic length constant (L) at 0.7. There was no difference in these values between bursting and regular firing neurons. Tetrodotoxin-resistant potentials (presumed calcium hump/spike) were evoked from bursting subicular neurons at lower current intensities than CA1 pyramidal neurons. Calcium humps could only be evoked from about half the regular firing subicular neurons. Subicular cells showed an excitatory/inhibitory postsynaptic potential (EPSP/IPSP) sequence in response to electrical stimulation in different layers of the CA1 area. An EPSP could also be evoked from stimulation of the superficial or deep layers of the presubiculum and was attributed to activation of entorhinal fibers of passage. At high stimulation intensity, an antidromic spike was often evoked following stimulation in the presubicular area or CA1 alveus. The evoked EPSPs were blocked by addition of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) to the bathing medium. In magnesium-free, CN-QX bathing solution, a longer lasting depolarization was recorded; this response was blocked by application of a N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist (AP5). Iontophoretic application of glutamate or quisqualate (10 mM) along the soma-dendritic axis of subicular neurons leads to either a short-latency depolarization or a burst of action potentials. Application of 10 mM GABA near the recording site usually produced a hyperpolarization, which, at times, was mixed with a depolarization. Mixed hyperpolarizing/depolarizing responses were observed when GABA was applied to the basal or apical dendritic areas. There were no significant differences in the synaptic properties or responses to drug application between bursting and regular firing neurons. These results indicate that subicular neurons (1) are composed of a heterogeneous population of cell types, (2) have similar electrical properties to other hippocampal principal neurons, (3) receive glutaminergic synapses from CA1 and entorhinal cortical neurons, (4) project to the presubicular area and fornix (via the alveus), (5) are inhibited by local circuit neurons, and (6) display complex responses to GABA.
Beliefs About the Effects of Alcohol on Involvement in Coercive and Consenting Sexual Activities1

This study examined how an alcohol instructional set (intoxicated or sober) and gender affected subjects' b]eliefs about the negative and positive consequences of engaging in coercive and consenting sexual behaviors, as well as subjects' e]xpressed likelihood of involvement in these activities. Participants who responded to an intoxicated set believed they were more likely to be involved in coercive sexual behaviors than those who responded to sober instructions. Males with an intoxicated set also expected fewer negative and more positive consequences from coercive sex than did other participants. For consenting sexual activities, males (regardless of set) rated negative consequences lower, positive consequences higher, and expressed a stronger likelihood of involvement than did females. Efforts to prevent sexual coercion might be enhanced by including a focus on how beliefs about alcohol may affect the expected consequences and occurrence of these acts.
(2E,9E)-Pyronaamidine 9-(N-methylimine), a new imidazole alkaloid from the Northern Mariana Islands sponge Leucetta sp. cf. chagosensis

A new imidazole alkaloid, (2E,9E)-pyronaamidine 9-(N-methylimine) (4), was isolated along with the known compounds pyronaamidine (3) and kealiiquinone (5) from the yellow sponge Leucetta sp. cf. chagosensis collected near the Island of Rota, Northern Mariana Islands. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis allowed the unambiguous assignment of the structure of compound 4, including the position of the exchangeable proton and the geometry of the two imino double bonds. Compound 4 exhibited mild cytotoxicity toward the A-549, MCF-7, and HT-29 human tumor cell lines.
When does it make sense for US retailers to opt for backward integration for global sourcing

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine a US retailer's decision to backward‐integrate its supply channel for global sourcing, based on the framework adapted from transaction cost analysis (TCA).Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual framework was developed based on the past literature. A survey method was employed to collect the data from apparel retail firms engaging in global sourcing. Confirmatory factor analysis and ordinal regression analysis were used to diagnose the quality of data and to test hypotheses.Findings – A retail firm avoids backward integration when facing high volume fluctuation and high country risk combined with asset specificity, while it favors the integration when perceiving high asset specificity, socio‐cultural distance, free‐ride potential, and sourcing volume. Great experience also leads to backward integration not only as a main factor, but also as a moderator reinforcing the effects of asset specificity and uncertainty on integration.Originality/value – Alth...
Performance evaluations, need for cognition, and the acquisition of a complex skill: an attribute–treatment interaction

Abstract We proposed that intermittent evaluations of performance could be used to promote the acquisition of a complex skill. We also hypothesized that trainees low in need for cognition (NFC) would benefit more from intermittent evaluations compared to trainees high in NFC. Accordingly, 106 young adult males participated in 5 h of training in order to learn a complex computer task that simulated the demands of a dynamic aviation environment. Trainees’ performance was assessed either intermittently during training or at the end of training. Results indicated that intermittent performance evaluations enhanced the skill-based learning of trainees low in NFC, whereas intermittent skill evaluations tended to undermine the skill-based learning of trainees high in NFC. The findings are discussed in relation to Deci’s (1975) theory of intrinsic motivation and the need for more research examining attribute–treatment interactions with respect to training and skill acquisition.
Fuzzy model based object delineation via energy minimization

We study the problem of automatic delineation of an anatomic object in an image, where the object is solely identified by its anatomic prior. We form such priors in the form of fuzzy models to facilitate the segmentation of images acquired via different imaging modalities (like CT, MRI, or PET), in which the recorded image properties are usually different. Our main interest is in delineating different body organs in medical images for automatic anatomy recognition (AAR). The AAR system we are developing consists of three main components: (C1) building body-wide groupwise fuzzy anatomic models; (C2) recognizing the body organs geographically and then delineating them by employing the models; (C3) generating quantitative descriptions. This paper focuses on (C2) and presents a unified approach for model-based segmentation within which several different strategies can be formulated, ranging from modelbased hard/fuzzy thresholding to model-based graph cut, fuzzy connectedness, and random walker methods and algorithms. This is an important theoretical advance. The presented experiments clearly prove, that a fully automatic segmentation system based on the fuzzy models can indeed provide the reliable segmentations. However, the presented experiments utilize only the simplest versions of the methodology presented in the theoretical part of the paper. The full experimental evaluation of the methodology is still a work in progress.
Methylene blue–stained autologous blood for needle localization and thoracoscopic resection of deep pulmonary nodules☆

Abstract Background/Purpose: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has used a variety of preoperative techniques to localize deep pulmonary nodules including wires, plain methylene blue, colored collagen, indigo carmine, India ink, and barium. The authors describe their experience with a computed tomography (CT)–guided localization technique using autologous blood stained with methylene blue. Methods: The authors reviewed retrospectively children who had pulmonary nodules localized using CT guidance with a mixture containing 3mL autologous blood stained with 0.3mL methylene blue. Nodules were resected by standard VATS technique. Postoperative chest tube drainage was performed selectively. Results: Nineteen procedures were performed in 17 children (average age, 11 years). Operating time (range, 21 to 171 minutes) varied depending on the number of nodules resected. All resections were diagnostic, and 80% represented malignancy. Lesions averaged 0.9 cm in size (range, 0.3 to 3 cm) with an average pulmonary depth of 0.8 cm (range, 0.1 cm to 1.8 cm). One patient required conversion to an open thoracotomy because of malfunction of the endoscopic stapler. Forty percent of the children received chest tubes, and 53% were discharged home the same day. Conclusion: VATS diagnostic resection of deep pulmonary nodules preoperatively localized with methylene blue stained autologous blood is safe and effective. J Pediatr Surg 37:1729-1731. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
A Newton-CG method for large-scale three-dimensional elastic full-waveform seismic inversion

We present a nonlinear optimization method for large-scale 3D elastic full-waveform seismic inversion. The method combines outer Gauss–Newton nonlinear iterations with inner conjugate gradient linear iterations, globalized by an Armijo backtracking line search, solved on a sequence of finer grids and higher frequencies to remain in the vicinity of the global optimum, inexactly terminated to prevent oversolving, preconditioned by L-BFGS/Frankel, regularized by a total variation operator to capture sharp interfaces, finely discretized by finite elements in the Lame parameter space to provide flexibility and avoid bias, implemented in matrix-free fashion with adjoint-based computation of reduced gradient and reduced Hessian-vector products, checkpointed to avoid full spacetime waveform storage, and partitioned spatially across processors to parallelize the solutions of the forward and adjoint wave equations and the evaluation of gradient-like information. Several numerical examples demonstrate the grid independence of linear and nonlinear iterations, the effectiveness of the preconditioner, the ability to solve inverse problems with up to 17 million inversion parameters on up to 2048 processors, the effectiveness of multiscale continuation in keeping iterates in the basin of attraction of the global minimum, and the ability to fit the observational data while reconstructing the model with reasonable resolution and capturing sharp interfaces.
Registered nurses returning to school for a bachelors degree in nursing: Issues emerging from a meta-analysis of the research

This literature review was conducted to determine what is known about nurses' attitudes and perceptions about returning to school. There are four societal influences making nursing continuing education important: (1) Many nurses are still practicing with an Associate's degree or diploma and few continue their formal education; (2) Recent studies have indicated that there are improved patient outcomes in hospitals which employ higher educated nurses; (3) A poor economy during a nursing shortage means high demand and less incentive for nurses to return to school for higher education; and (4) The worsening faculty shortage means an increased need for nurses to advance their education. Understanding nurses' attitudes and perceptions may help identify gaps in our knowledge, determine ways to foster positive attitudes toward education learning among nurses, and allow us to entice nurses to return to school. It may also identify crucial steps to ensure the provision of quality healthcare.
Not guilty by reason of insanity evaluations: A study of defendants and examiners

Clinical data are known to be influenced by the theoretical, social, and personal preconceptions of clinicians. This study assessed the influence on Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity evaluations of demographic and other characteristics of examiners and defendants. The clinical opinion regarding sanity was measured with the examiner and defendant variables. The data base included all felony defendants who had evaluations (466) done and their examiners in a four-year period in one county (Hamilton County) in Ohio. Results showed clinical opinion was affected by the defendant's age and the examiner's length of professional experience or, in some cases, length of forensic experience.
The experimental compiling system

The Experimental Compiling System (ECS) described here represents a new compiler construction methodology that uses a compiler base which can be augmenttd to create a compiler for any one of a wide class of source languages. The resulting compiler permits the user to select code quality ranging from highly optimized to interpretive. The investigation is concentrating on easy expression and efficient implementation of language semantics; syntax analysis is ignored.
The Onset of Working Memory in Infants

We used an optimized configuration of the delayed-response task to explore the ability of young infants to remember which of 2 locations was correct across 12 trials after a 1- to 2-sec delay. Performance improved with age, particularly after 5.5 months. These findings suggest an onset of appreciable working memory for many infants in the middle of their 6th month.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma presenting as a sacral tumor. Report of two cases.

Primary lymphomas of the sacrum are rare tumors, reported only in a few cases in the literature. The authors describe two patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphomas presenting as a sacral tumor. In the first case a 52-year-old man presented with progressive back pain, bilateral radicular pain, and saddle block anesthesia secondary to a lytic, expansile soft-tissue mass. The mass arose from the sacrum and eroded through the right S-1 to S-4 foramina and extended into the epidural space of the spinal canal. On magnetic resonance imaging, the sacral mass enhanced homogeneously with Gd. In the second case a 64-year-old man presented with left-sided radicular pain, paresthesias, and progressive weakness due to a lytic soft-tissue mass in the left sacral ala extending into the left L-5 and S-1 foramina. Metastatic workup in each patient demonstrated unremarkable findings. In both cases, an open biopsy procedure was performed after nondiagnostic examination of needle biopsy samples. Histopathological examination showed evidence consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in both patients. In the first case the disease was classified as Stage IAE, and the patient subsequently underwent four cycles of cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine/prednisone (CHOP)– and rituximab-based chemotherapy followed by consolidation radiotherapy. In the second case the disease was also classified as Stage IAE, and the patient underwent CHOP-based chemotherapy and consolidation radiotherapy. In both cases radiography demonstrated a decrease in size of the sacral lymphomas. The authors review the clinical, radiological, and histological features of sacral lymphomas. Lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sacral tumors.
A modified HPLC technique for simultaneous measurement of 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in cerebrospinal fluid, platelet and plasma

Abstract A sensitive, reliable and simplified HPLC assay for simultaneous measurement of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), platelets and plasma is described. Perchloric acid is used for one step precipitation of proteins and extraction of 5-HT and 5-HIAA. Precision of the assay has been increased by calibration of the instrument using serotonin-free plasma spiked with known amount of standards and N-w-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine as internal standard. Integration of the peaks and calculations are achieved by a preprogrammed data module using ratio method. As little as 20 pg/ml of serotonin in the deproteinated sample can be detected using this procedure. In a group of surgical patients, plasma 5-HT concentration is (Mean ± S D) 3.4 ± 2.7 ng/ml and that of platelet 748.3 ± 448.3 ng/109 platelets. In CSF, 5-HT is found to be 3.3 ± 3.4 ng/ml and 5-HIAA is 15.1 ± 7.3 ng/ml. A good correlation (r = 0.648, p
Locally Invasive Cutaneous Apophysomyces elegans Infection Acquired From Snapdragon Patch Test

Apophysomyces elegans is an environmental fungus related to other well-known agents of zygomycosis. We report a case of locally invasive A elegans soft tissue infection resulting from the application of a skin patch to test for snapdragon sensitivity. The infection was limited to skin and soft tissue, and treatment consisted of local debridement and liposomal amphotericin B. Outcome was successful.
An end to evil? Philosophical and political reflections

After a long period of neglect and complacency, the problem of evil has powerfully resurfaced in our time. Two events above all have triggered this resurgence: the atrocities of totalitarianism (summarized under the label of “Auschwitz”) and the debacle of September 11 and its aftermath. Following September 11, a “war on terror” has been unleashed and some writers have advocated an all-out assault on, and military victory over, evil. Taking issue with this proposal, the paper first of all examines themeaning of “evil” as articulated by philosophers and theologians through the centuries. Next, the focus is shifted to a particularly trenchant and innovative formulation which recognizes both the reality of evil and the importance of human freedom: Schelling’s famous treatise of 1809. Following, a review of several important readings of this text (from Heidegger to Richard Bernstein), the paper concludes by pleading in favor of moral pedagogy as an alternative to the agenda of military victory.
The role of filler deformability, filler–polymer bonding, and counterface material on the tribological behavior of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)

Abstract Fillers affect the tribological behavior of polymers by decreasing wear in some cases while increasing it in others. This work examines the deformability of fillers and relates this behavior to the effectiveness of fillers in modifying the tribilogical behavior. The tribological behaviors of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) filled with the inorganic fillers Ag 2 S, CuS, ZnF 2 , and SnS were investigated in a pin-on-disk test system. The counterfaces used were tool steel and KBI-10 (a tantalum alloy). Sliding was performed at 1 m/s speed and 0.65 MPa nominal contact pressure. It was found that Ag 2 S and CuS deformed plastically both under static compression and in sliding contact while ZnF 2 and SnS did not. The worn surfaces of the Ag 2 S and CuS filled composites were smooth with little cracking and led to lower wear rates while the composites of ZnF 2 and SnS had wear surfaces with extremely rough topography and deep cracking which led to higher wear rates. The flexure strength of these four composite materials was also measured to get an idea of the bonding between filler particles and polymer matrix. The Ag 2 S and CuS composites had flexure strengths much higher than those of the ZnF 2 and SnS. It was concluded that the ability of filler particles to plastically deform and the quality of bond between the filler and the matrix determined whether the filler would improve or degrade the tribological behavior of PPS in sliding wear.
Two to one images and PFA

We prove that all maps onN * that are exactly two to one are trivial if PFA is assumed.
Unit pricing: a positive response to consumerism

Examines unit pricing of grocery products, a recent business response to the forces of consumerism in the USA, and its effects on the consumer, the retailer and the manufacturer. States that, as a pricing device, unit pricing is not entirely new, as products such as meats, dairy products and many fresh fruits and vegetables have been unit priced for years. Concludes that, before the full impact of unit pricing can be assessed, additional research questions need to be answered.
Curvature invariants, geodesics, and the strength of singularities in Bianchi-I loop quantum cosmology

We investigate the effects of the underlying quantum geometry in loop quantum cosmology on spacetime curvature invariants and the extendibility of geodesics in the Bianchi-I model for matter with a vanishing anisotropic stress. Using the effective Hamiltonian approach, we find that even though quantum geometric effects bound the energy density and expansion and shear scalars, divergences of curvature invariants are potentially possible under special conditions. However, as in the isotropic models in LQC, these do not necessarily imply a physical singularity. Analysis of geodesics and strength of such singular events, point towards a general resolution of all known types of strong singularities. We illustrate these results for the case of a perfect fluid with an arbitrary finite equation of state $w > -1$, and show that curvature invariants turn out to be bounded, leading to the absence of strong singularities. Unlike classical theory, geodesic evolution does not break down. We also discuss possible generalizations of sudden singularities which may arise at a non-vanishing volume, causing a divergence in curvature invariants. Such finite volume singularities are shown to be weak and harmless.
Hard Lessons from Hard Times: Reconsidering and Reorienting the “Managing Decline” Literature

Does the public administration research from the late 1970s and 1980s on managing decline contain useful lessons for today's Great Recession? Do these studies serve our current research needs? Why has decline continued to be a major focus of research in generic management, but not in public administration? The answers to these questions give some clues as to a possible new, revitalized research agenda for our field. Whereas public administration often viewed organizational decline as a self-contained set of problems requiring remedial action, generic management and sociology research on decline tended to view the topic as part of organizational phases and life cycles, linking decline to growth, stability, and change. Viewing decline as part of the organizational life cycle encourages researchers to take a longer view of organizations and their management, and thus its orientation is more strategic than reactive. Three areas of decline studies are identified as relevant irrespective of sector: (1) implications of decline for human resources management, (2) effects of decline on organization structure and design, (3) the relation of strategy and decline.
U.S. high technology industry and international competitiveness

Abstract The failure of many U.S. high technology firms in international markets is commonly traceable to poor management of the technology innovation process. Accelerating rates of market globalization and technological change are causing a convergence of demand preferences across countries and a narrowing of international technology gaps. In turn, these two mediating forces are shortening the duration of international product life cycles. To remain competitive, firms need to speed up and coordinate their innovation systems on a global scale. It remains an open question whether U.S. high technology firms will respond positively to the challenge of a new global industrial system.
Stabilization of autolysis in Bacillus cereus T.

DURING investigations of the tricarboxylic acid cycle in intact, resting vegetative cells of Bacillus cereus T suspended in phosphate buffer, spontaneous autolysis was observed similar to that reported by Kronish et al.1 in 0.05 M tris (hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane (tris) buffer, pH 7.5. Further examination of intact, resting cells was precluded unless the cells could be stabilized, remaining metabolically active for the required duration, usually 2–4 h, and preferably in the absence of agents such as sucrose or polyethylene glycol 4000 (ref. 1).
Ethanol-Induced Cerebellar Ataxia: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms

The cerebellum is an important target of ethanol toxicity given that cerebellar ataxia is the most consistent physical manifestation of acute ethanol consumption. Despite the significance of the cerebellum in ethanol-induced cerebellar ataxia (EICA), the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying EICA are incompletely understood. However, two important findings have shed greater light on this phenomenon. First, ethanol-induced blockade of cerebellar adenosine uptake in rodent models points to a role for adenosinergic A1 modulation of EICA. Second, the consistent observation that intracerebellar administration of nicotine in mice leads to antagonism of EICA provides evidence for a critical role of cerebellar nitric oxide (NO) in EICA reversal. Based on these two important findings, this review discusses the potential molecular events at two key synaptic sites (mossy fiber-granule cell-Golgi cell (MGG synaptic site) and granule cell parallel fiber-Purkinje cell (GPP synaptic site) that lead to EICA. Specifically, ethanol-induced neuronal NOS inhibition at the MGG synaptic site acts as a critical trigger for Golgi cell activation which leads to granule cell deafferentation. Concurrently, ethanol-induced inhibition of adenosine uptake at the GPP synaptic site produces adenosine accumulation which decreases glutamate release and leads to the profound activation of Purkinje cells (PCs). These molecular events at the MGG and GPP synaptic sites are mutually reinforcing and lead to cerebellar dysfunction, decreased excitatory output of deep cerebellar nuclei, and EICA. The critical importance of PCs as the sole output of the cerebellar cortex suggests normalization of PC function could have important therapeutic implications.
Incidence and significance of primary abnormalities of cardiac rhythm in infants at high risk for sudden infant death syndrome.

The exact relationship between cardiac arrhythmias and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is uncertain. Several reports have implicated both ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias in isolated cases, but there have been no studies of the incidence or type of arrhythmias that occur in populations at risk for SIDS. Of 1699 infants at high risk for SIDS, 60 (4%) were found to have a primary cardiac arrhythmia (i.e., not associated with disordered respiration or apnea). The incidence of atrial and ventricular premature beats, supraventricular tachycardia, and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome was similar to the incidence found in normal infants. Primary bradycardia (defined as a heart rate less than 60 for greater than 10 s not associated with abnormal respiration) was the most common arrhythmia, occurring with a frequency and severity not seen in normal infants. Thirty-two infants experienced periodic bradycardia. In 19 of these latter infants, there were symptoms associated with these bradyarrhythmias that necessitated treatment. Heart rates as low as 20 beats/min were recorded. One infant presented with an episode of ventricular fibrillation and on further evaluation was noted to have recurrent bradyarrhythmias. In no infant was there abnormal prolongation of the QT interval.
Power Modulation Study of Chemical Kinetics in rf Discharges

A method for measuring and modeling dominant kinetic rates and mechanisms in situ for an rf plasma has been developed. The coupling of small periodic power ] modulation(1)) of the discharge with transfer function analysis(2) provides a novel way to study the dominant reaction kinetics in the plasma environment. In this paper we review relaxation techniques used previously to study kinetics in the plasma and present a general description of relaxation methods. The theoretical analysis of transferfunctions for plasma power modulation is detailed with examples illustrating how information is assessed. The theoretical analysis is complemented by detailed descriptions of experimental transfer function development using phase-sensitive measurements. This explicit modeling of the transfer function requires knowledge of reaction rate coefficients, stoichiometry, and plasma conditions such as pressure, temperature, and residence time.
Highly conserved T-cell receptor junctional regions. Evidence for selection at the protein and the DNA level.

We previously defined pigeon cytochrome c (pcc)-reactive T-cell clones in terms of antigen and MHC crossreactivity patterns. In this report, we isolated and sequenced the Tcr junctional regions of four additional clones in order to determine the degree of junctional diversity among clones which express identical V and J regions
Interactive chromaticity mapping for multispectral images

Multispectral images record detailed color spectra at each image pixel. To display a multispectral image on conventional output devices, a chromaticity mapping function is needed to map the spectral vector of each pixel to the displayable three dimensional color space. In this paper, we present an interactive method for locally adjusting the chromaticity mapping of a multispectral image. The user specifies edits to the chromaticity mapping via a sparse set of strokes at selected image locations and wavelengths, then our method automatically propagates the edits to the rest of the multispectral image. The key idea of our approach is to factorize the multispectral image into a component that indicates spatial coherence between different pixels, and one that describes spectral coherence between different wavelengths. Based on this factorized representation, a two-step algorithm is developed to efficiently propagate the edits in the spatial and spectral domains separately. The method presented provides photographers with efficient control over color appearance and scene details in a manner not possible with conventional color image editing. We demonstrate the use of interactive chromaticity mapping in the applications of color stylization to emulate the appearance of photographic films, enhancement of image details, and manipulation of different light transport effects.
Age Differences in the Effects of Facilitating and Distracting Context on Recall

Abstract The effect of different types of context on cued recall of nouns embedded in sentences was examined. Younger and older adults studied target nouns embedded in sentences of three types: sentences containing supporting context, sentences with neutral context, and sentences containing context that was distracting to memory of the nouns. In Experiments 1 and 2, supportive sentences facilitated the performance of older adults at least as much as younger adults, and sentences that were distracting disrupted the performance of older but not of younger adults. In Experiment 3, however, when the disruptive nature of the distracting sentences was increased by ensuring that subjects processed the distracting information, there was no age by sentence type interaction. the results suggest that younger adults are better able to ignore distracting information if not required to attend to it, but are almost as disrupted as older adults when forced to attend to distracting information.
Entropy and correlation functions of a driven quantum spin chain

We present an exact solution for a quantum spin chain driven through its critical points. Our approach is based on a many-body generalization of the Landau-Zener transition theory, applied to a fermionized spin Hamiltonian. The resulting nonequilibrium state of the system, while being a pure quantum state, has local properties of a mixed state characterized by finite entropy density associated with Kibble-Zurek defects. The entropy and the finite spin correlation length are functions of the rate of sweep through the critical point. We analyze the anisotropic $XY$ spin-$1∕2$ model evolved with a full many-body evolution operator. With the help of Toeplitz determinant calculus, we obtain an exact form of correlation functions. The properties of the evolved system undergo an abrupt change at a certain critical sweep rate, signaling the formation of ordered domains. We link this phenomenon to the behavior of complex singularities of the Toeplitz generating function.
Novel methods for spectral analysis

Abstract In this review article, various techniques for obtaining estimates of parameters related to the spectrum of an underlying process are discussed. These techniques include the conventional nonparametric FFT approach and more recently developed parametric techniques such as maximum entropy, MUSIC, and ESPRIT, the latter two being classified as signal-subspace or eigenvector techniques. These estimators span the spectrum of possible estimators in that extremes of a priori knowledge are assumed (nonparametric versus parametric) and extremes in the underlying model of the observed process (deterministic versus stochastic) are involved. The advantage of parametric techniques is their ability to provide very accurate estimates using data from extremely short time intervals. Several applications of these novel methods for frequency analysis of very short time data are presented. These include calculation of dispersion curves, and the density of vibrational states g (ω) for many-body systems, semiclassical transition frequencies, overtone linewidths, and resonance energies of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation for few-body problems.
Auditory Brain-stem Response Audiometry in Children

Auditory Brain-stem Response (ABR) Audiometry, also called Brain-stem Evoked Response Audiometry, is an effective procedure for assessing the hear ing of children who cannot or will not perform satisfactorily on behavioral audiotnetric tests. Although ABR audiometry has limitations, it does permit an estimate of hearing status in nearly all children regardless of their age or developmental level.
Drug-induced crystal nephropathy: an update

Background: Several medications that are insoluble in human urine are known to precipitate within the renal tubules. Intratubular precipitation of either exogenously administered medications or endogenous crystals (induced by certain drugs) can promote chronic and acute kidney injury, termed crystal nephropathy. Clinical settings that enhance the risk of drug or endogenous crystal precipitation within the kidney tubules include true or effective intravascular volume depletion, underlying kidney disease, and certain metabolic disturbances that promote changes in urinary pH favoring crystal precipitation. Objective: Identify and review previously described and recently recognized medications that cause crystal nephropathy. Method: A literature review was performed, using PubMed, Ovid, and Google Scholar, focusing on drugs (sulfadiazine, acyclovir, indinavir, triamterene, methotrexate (MTX), orlistat, oral sodium phosphate preparation, ciprofloxacin) that cause crystal nephropathy. Results/conclusion: Sulfad...
Effects of Hydrogen on Fatigue Crack Growth of Iron Aluminides

Three Fe-Al alloys, FAP-Y, FA-129, and Fe-35a%Al, containing 16, 28, and 35a%Al, respectively, have been subjected to fatigue crack growth testing in moist air, in oxygen, and in gaseous hydrogen. In each case hydrogen and air were embrittling. Crack growth rates increased significantly as frequency decreased. Fatigue crack growth results have been compared with those for other structural iron-base alloys. Surprisingly, FAP-Y displays the highest crack growth rate of any alloy examined, except at very low levels of stress intensity range. The mechanisms for embrittlement by hydrogen and by moisture in air are discussed.
An applications of adaptive neural networks for an in-process monitoring and supervising system

The authors report on a monitoring and supervising system for machining operations by using in-process regressions and adaptive feedforward artificial neural networks. The system uses different sensors. It is designed for tool life measurement and prediction, supervision of machining operations, and catastrophic tool failure monitoring. Adaptive feedforward artificial neural networks (AF-ANNs) are used for supervising, and in-process regressions for monitoring machining operations. The supervision of machining operations is studied within the framework of multiple criteria decision making. The decision maker (operator) considers several criteria, such as cutting quality, production rate, and tool life. To make the optimal decision with several criteria, the decision maker's preferences have to be elicited and assessed. The AF-ANN is used to determine the preferences. >
Cord Formation in a Clinical Isolate of Mycobacterium marinum

Cord formation is a characteristic property of the cultured Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex species. We describe a case of Mycobacterium marinum demonstrating robust cord formation. Nontuberculous mycobacteria can form true cords in broth culture but do so rarely, despite the fact that many species contain the cell wall glycolipid that mediates cord formation.
Human plasma ATP concentration.

Background: Human plasma ATP concentration is reported in many studies as roughly 1000 nmol/L. The present study tested the hypothesis that the measured plasma ATP concentration is lower if ATP release from formed blood elements is inhibited during blood sample processing. A second hypothesis was that pretreatment with aspirin to inhibit platelets would reduce the measured plasma concentration of ATP. Methods: Blood was sampled from the antecubital vein in 20 healthy individuals 30 and 60 min after ingestion of aspirin (325 mg) or placebo. Aliquots of each blood sample were added to the usual EDTA/saline solution to inhibit ATP catabolism, or to a new stabilizing solution designed to both stop ATP catabolism and inhibit ATP release from blood elements. The stabilizing solution contained NaCl, EDTA, tricine buffer, KCl, nitrobenzylthioinosine, forskolin, and isobutylmethylxanthine. Plasma ATP was measured with the luciferin–luciferase assay with standard additions in each sample to determine ATP content. Hemoglobin concentration was used as an index of sample hemolysis, and the plasma ATP concentration was corrected for the hemolysis component. Results: Aspirin pretreatment had no effect on plasma ATP concentrations. However, use of the stabilizing solution resulted in mean (SD) ATP concentrations 8-fold lower than the use of EDTA alone [28 (16) vs 236 (201) nmol/L; P <0.001]. Conclusion: When precautions are taken to inhibit ATP release from blood elements during sample preparation, human venous plasma ATP concentration is much lower than previously reported.
A randomized, prospective, double-blind study to investigate the effectiveness of adding DepoMedrol to a local anesthetic injection in postmeniscectomy patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

BackgroundPatients with osteoarthritis of the knee are at risk for poorer outcomes after arthroscopic meniscectomy. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections have been shown to be efficacious both in patients with osteoarthritis and postarthroscopy patients.Hypothesis A postoperative, intra-articular methylprednisolone and lidocaine injection in patients with chondromalacia undergoing meniscectomy will improve patient-rated pain and function compared with control patients.Study Design Randomized, controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.MethodsA total of 58 patients (59 knees) were randomized in a double-blinded fashion to receive either saline plus lidocaine (saline) or methylprednisolone plus lidocaine (steroid) after arthroscopic meniscectomy in which chondromalacia (modified Outerbridge grade 2 or higher) was confirmed. Preoperatively and at follow-up—6 weeks and 6, 9, and 12 months—patients underwent an examination and completed a subjective functioning survey. Scores were calculated using several vali...
Whitening of filtering error using nonuniform sampling

The author reports on a preliminary investigation into the use of nonuniform sampling systems for digital storage and transmission of data. It is shown that, by using a nonuniform sample sequence, with an appropriate anti-aliasing filter, one can whiten the spectrum of the filtering error as well as allow more high frequency information to be captured. The filtering error using this method, although randomized, may also be greater in magnitude than for the standard sampling and reconstruction process. Whether the noise level is increased unacceptably depends on the closeness of the matching of the signals to the sampling scheme. The idea is that, for some audio applications, the added random noise will be less objectionable than the muffling of the sound produced by standard sampling. >
The first engagement of partners in the Euprymna scolopes–Vibrio fischeri symbiosis is a two‐step process initiated by a few environmental symbiont cells

We studied the Euprymna scolopes-Vibrio fischeri symbiosis to characterize, in vivo and in real time, the transition between the bacterial partner's free-living and symbiotic life styles. Previous studies using high inocula demonstrated that environmental V. fischeri cells aggregate during a 3 h period in host-shed mucus along the light organ's superficial ciliated epithelia. Under lower inoculum conditions, similar to the levels of symbiont cells in the environment, this interaction induces haemocyte trafficking into these tissues. Here, in experiments simulating natural conditions, microscopy revealed that at 3 h following first exposure, only ∼ 5 V. fischeri cells aggregated on the organ surface. These cells associated with host cilia and induced haemocyte trafficking. Symbiont viability was essential and mutants defective in symbiosis initiation and/or production of certain surface features, including the Mam7 protein, which is implicated in host cell attachment of V. cholerae, associated normally with host cilia. Studies with exopolysaccharide mutants, which are defective in aggregation, suggest a two-step process of V. fischeri cell engagement: association with host cilia followed by aggregation, i.e. host cell-symbiont interaction with subsequent symbiont-symbiont cell interaction. Taken together, these data provide a new model of early partner engagement, a complex model of host-symbiont interaction with exquisite sensitivity.
Fostering Comprehension Monitoring in Below Average Readers through Self-Instruction Training.

The benefits of self-instruction training on the comprehension monitoring performances of below average and above average readers were examined. Fourth- and fifth-grade students were tested on thei...
If it is stored in my memory I will surely retrieve it: anatomy of a metacognitive belief

Retrieval failures—moments when a memory will not come to mind—are a universal human experience. Yet many laypeople believe human memory is a reliable storage system in which a stored memory should be accessible. I predicted that people would see retrieval failures as aberrations and predict that fewer retrieval failures would happen in the future. After responding to a set of trivia questions, participants were asked whether they would do better, about the same, or worse if they were given a different, but equally difficult, set of questions to answer. The majority of participants said they would do about the same, but more participants said they would do better next time than said they would do worse, although these participants did not actually do better. This finding was especially pronounced when participants were given feedback, suggesting that hindsight bias—the feeling, which emerges when an answer is presented, that one knew it all along—contributed to participants’ belief that they had underperformed on the first set of questions. The finding that metacognitive judgments were influenced by beliefs stands out in a literature full of studies in which beliefs fail to influence judgments.