cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A proposed strategic research program for Alzheimer's disease

This article has recommended four priorities for future AD research in the United States over the next 10 years: 1. Complete the development of transgenic animal models of AD. 2. Integrate studies in aging with molecular biology studies on the genetics of AD in transgenic paradigms. 3. Reexamine the nature and role of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in AD. 4. Investigate the age-dependent role of APP in AD using transgenic and aged nontransgenic animals. These recommendations are derived from my own studies and from a close review of the current literature on AD. There are undoubtedly many intriguing and even promising lines of research possible that are not mentioned here and that might deserve citation. However, with finite resources and limited time, the National Institute of Aging (NIA) should concentrate its funding on those research strategies that are most closely tied to the role of age and aging in AD. In conclusion, it may be useful to think of the future NIA agenda for AD research as a series of concentric rings, somewhat like a target. At the center and of highest priority should be purely aging-related studies, such as those just recommended. At the intermediate rings and of lower priority should be those studies that are less directly age related. Nonaging-related approaches to the study of AD would be placed at the outer-most rings and would receive funding and support from NIA only if they did not detract from critical support for the work adjudged to have higher priority, i.e., the age-related studies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Tremendous growth got you down? How to keep up with new business via a strong infrastructure

Purpose – Sometimes when business is very good, it gets in the way of actualizing a planned strategy. This knocks a company's vision way off base and keeps company personnel from ever getting back to it. This article explores how to keep doing business but not at the expense of your vision and strategy.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on real life work conducted by RCR Associates with its clients. Supporting examples are based on CEO lectures.Findings – Successful companies achieve their growth objectives because their growth is controlled, strategic, methodical and supported by their infrastructures.Practical limitations/implications – Practical implications include identifying critical mistakes that often deter a company from achieving its business objectives.Originality/value – This paper is directed to C‐level executives who are formulating growth strategies for their organizations. This paper outlines key components of a strong infrastructure and mistakes that cause companies to fail.
An Interview With Michael Holcomb, Manager of Enterprise Database and Intelligence Reporting at Caesars Entertainment Corporation

The following interview with Mr. Michael Holcomb, Manager of Enterprise Database and Intelligence Reporting at Caesars Entertainment Corporation, examines big data and analytics at Caesars from an information technology management perspective. Business intelligence (BI) and analytics are essential to this enormous customer-focused enterprise, where it guides decisions in virtually every aspect of the business. The interview describes how Caesars has consolidated its information and analytical processes into a single, integrated source that is accessed by BI experts across the company. It also discusses expectations for continued evolution of analytics as a critical success factor.
Magnetization studies of the high-T c compound Y 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O z

The superconductive state magnetization of the high-T c compound Y1Ba2Cu3Oz has been investigated. Single-phase, polycrystalline samples of this archetype were prepared by solidstate reaction. The onset of the superconductive transition, measured magnetically, was 90.7 K. In addition to low-field dc magnetization results, measurements of the magnetic critical current density J c (H,T) are presented as a function of magnetic field and temperature. The low values of J c, especially at high temperature, are discussed in terms of intergranular supercurrents that flow within individual grains in superconductive layers of reduced dimensionality.
Estimation of prevalence rates of radiogenic leukemias in RFM-U mice.

Murine leukemia can be diagnosed only when the mouse is moribund. Pallor of ears, feet, or nose, ruffled fur, palpable spleen, and shortness of breath indicate terminal leukemia. As a result, no data exist on the prevalence rates of murine leukemias. This lack contrasts strangely with the widespread use of these diseases in experimental cancer research.The morphology of preterminal lesions in irradiated mice has been studied extensively (1), as well as various component processes of the preleukemic state (2); but the available observations do not allow inferences regarding the prevalence rates of overt leukemia.An accidental finding during an earlier experiment with murine leukemia suggested a new approach to this problem.In that experiment (3), we studied correlations between late radiation injury in blood-forming tissues and the percent cumulative probability of leukemia. The latter was determined in groups of mice allowed to live out their natural life span. Out of these groups, clinically nonleukemic ...
Ozone air quality over North America : Part II : An analysis of trend detection and attribution techniques

ABSTRACT Assessment of regulatory programs aimed at improving ambient O3 air quality is of considerable interest to the scientific community and to policymakers. Trend detection, the identification of statistically significant long-term changes, and attribution, linking change to specific clima-tological and anthropogenic forcings, are instrumental to this assessment. Detection and attribution are difficult because changes in pollutant concentrations of interest to policymakers may be much smaller than natural variations due to weather and climate. In addition, there are considerable differences in reported trends seemingly based on similar statistical methods and databases. Differences arise from the variety of techniques used to reduce nontrend variation in time series, including mitigating the effects of meteorology and the variety of metrics used to track changes. In this paper, we review the trend assessment techniques being used in the air pollution field and discuss their strengths and limitations ...
Criteria for Evaluation of Visual Programming Languages

Interest in visual programming languages has increased as graphic support in hardware and software has made display and manipulation of visual images, icons, diagrams, and forms reasonable to consider. In this paper, we present a set of evaluation criteria and associated metrics to judge visual programming languages. The five criteria, visual nature, functionality, ease of comprehension, paradigm support, and scalability, are intended to capture the essence of a general purpose visual programming language. These criteria are supplemented with a set of subjective metrics, resulting in an evaluation method that can be used to assess the quality of an individual visual programming language, or to compare among elements of a set of such languages.
Determining the Drag Coefficient from Vorticity, Momentum, and Mass Budget Analyses

Abstract Data from Period III (19 June–2 July, 1969) of the Barbados Oceanographic and Meteorological Experiment (BOMEX) are used to compute the vorticity budget in the planetary boundary layer. The computed residual, assumed to be the curl of the stress, is then used to obtain an estimate of the drag coefficient. This estimate compares well with results obtained by other BOMEX investigators and in other independent experiments. The top of the planetary boundary layer is assumed to be located at the level where both the stress and stress gradient, computed from the momentum conservation equations, vanish. This is at approximately 1300 m, but tests indicate that the results are rather insensitive to assumed values in the range of 1300 to approximately 1600 m, the base of the trade-wind inversion. Computations for a relatively undisturbed period show a near-balance between anticyclonic vorticity generation by boundary layer divergence and vorticity destruction by friction. However, during a mildly disturbed...
Interparental Conflict and Children’s School Adjustment: The Explanatory Role of Children’s Internal Representations of Interparental and Parent–Child Relationships

This study examined how children's insecure internal representations of interparental and parent-child relationships served as explanatory mechanisms in multiple pathways linking interparental conflict and parent emotional unavailability with the emotional and classroom engagement difficulties the children had in their adjustment to school. With their parents, 229 kindergarten children (127 girls and 102 boys, mean age = 6.0 years, SD = .50, at Wave 1) participated in this multimethod, 3-year longitudinal investigation. Findings revealed that children's insecure representations of the interparental relationship were a significant intervening mechanism in associations between observational ratings of interparental conflict and child and teacher reports on children's emotional and classroom difficulties in school over a 2-year period. Moreover, increased parental emotional unavailability accompanying high levels of interparental conflict was associated with children's insecure representations of the parent-child relationship and children's difficulties in classroom engagement at school entry. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the intrinsic processes that contribute to difficulties with stage-salient tasks for children who are experiencing interparental discord.
Improvement in glycemic control following a diabetes education intervention is associated with change in diabetes distress but not change in depressive symptoms

In diabetes patients, depression is correlated with diabetes-specific emotional distress, and observational studies have suggested that diabetes distress may have a greater impact on diabetes outcomes than depression itself. To examine the relative effects of change in depressive symptoms and change in diabetes distress on change in glycemic control, we conducted a diabetes self-management education intervention in 234 type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients, and measured glycemic control (HbA1c), depressive symptoms (CES-D), and diabetes distress (PAID) at baseline and 6 months. In multiple linear regression, change in depressive symptoms was not associated with change in HbA1c (P = 0.23). Change in diabetes distress was significantly associated with change in HbA1c (P < 0.01), such that a 10-point decrease in diabetes distress (which corresponds to the average change in distress in this study population) was associated with a 0.25% reduction in HbA1c. Change in diabetes distress, and not change in depressive symptoms, was associated with both short- and long-term change in glycemic control for patients with poorly controlled T2DM.
Oxygen consumption during swimming in galapagos marine iguanas and its ecological correlates

1. Oxygen consumption, undulation frequency, and tether force as an index to power output were measured in tethered, swimming marine iguanas. 2. Power output increased linearly with total oxygen consumption and mass-specific oxygen consumption increased linearly with undulation frequency (Figs. 1 and 2). 3. Velocity of free swimming iguanas is a linear function of undulation frequency and of total length (Fig. 3), which allows calculation of the equivalent velocity for tethered iguanas undulating in place on a tether. 4. Cost of transport for swimming iguanas decreases as body mass increases, and can be predicted from the equation ml O2/kg·m=0.31M−0.56, whereM is mass in kg (Fig. 4). 5. The change in cost of transport with body mass correlates with foraging patterns of different size classes of marine iguanas. Small marine iguanas feed on algae on or near shore while adults obtain algae by swimming offshore and diving. 6. Cost of transport during swimming in marine iguanas is higher than for fish and turtles but lower than for ducks or humans (Fig. 5).
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA DIVERSITY, POPULATION STRUCTURE, AND GENDER ASSOCIATION IN THE GYNODIOECIOUS PLANT SILENE VULGARIS

Abstract A highly variable mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) locus is used to assess the population structure of mitochondrial genomes in the gynodioecious plant Silene vulgaris at two spatial scales. Thirteen mtDNA haplotypes were identified within 250 individuals from 18 populations in a 20-km diameter region of western Virginia. The population structure of these mtDNA haplotypes was estimated as θST = 0.574 (± 0.066 SE) and, surprisingly, genetic differentiation among populations was negatively correlated with geographic distance (Mantel r = −0.246, P < 0.002). Additionally, mtDNA haplotypes were spatially clumped at the scale of meters within one population. Gender in S. vulgaris is determined by an interaction between autosomal male fertility restorers and cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) factors, and seed fitness is affected by an interaction between gender and population sex ratio; thus, selection acting on gender could influence the distribution of mtDNA RFL...
Does mechanism matter? Unrelated neurotoxicants converge on cell cycle and apoptosis during neurodifferentiation

Mechanistically unrelated developmental neurotoxicants often produce neural cell loss culminating in similar functional and behavioral outcomes. We compared an organophosphate pesticide (diazinon), an organochlorine pesticide (dieldrin) and a metal (Ni(2+)) for effects on the genes regulating cell cycle and apoptosis in differentiating PC12 cells, an in vitro model of neuronal development. Each agent was introduced at 30μM for 24 or 72h, treatments devoid of cytotoxicity. Using microarrays, we examined the mRNAs encoding nearly 400 genes involved in each of the biological processes. All three agents targeted both the cell cycle and apoptosis pathways, evidenced by significant transcriptional changes in 40-45% of the cell cycle-related genes and 30-40% of the apoptosis-related genes. There was also a high degree of overlap as to which specific genes were affected by the diverse agents, with 80 cell cycle genes and 56 apoptosis genes common to all three. Concordance analysis, which assesses stringent matching of the direction, magnitude and timing of the transcriptional changes, showed highly significant correlations for pairwise comparisons of all the agents, for both cell cycle and apoptosis. Our results show that otherwise disparate developmental neurotoxicants converge on common cellular pathways governing the acquisition and programmed death of neural cells, providing a specific link to cell deficits. Our studies suggest that identifying the initial mechanism of action of a developmental neurotoxicant may be strategically less important than focusing on the pathways that converge on common final outcomes such as cell loss.
A collaborative approach in the treatment of chronic pain

Abstract The impact of chronic pain on patients and their families can be devastating, with significant disruption and progressive deterioration of many life functions and roles. Typically, chronic pain patients have exhausted all standard medical treatment alternatives without finding relief from the pain. For chronic pain patients and their families, this leads to dependency on the health-care system which leaves patients and their families feeling helpless and hopeless in their struggle to survive their pain experiences. Assessment and treatment of chronic pain requires a comprehensive approach based on a multidimensional conceptualisation of pain that addresses cognitive, affective, behavioural, as well as sensory factors in the pain experience. A cognitive-behavioural treatment programme consisting of (a) a comprehensive multidimensional assessment, (b) a reconceptualisation aspect, (c) a skills acquisition phase, (d) a skills application, maintenance, and generalisation component, and (e) relapse pr...
Movements and Densities of the Darters Etheostoma flabellare, E. spectabile, and E. nigrum During Spring Spawning

ABSTRACT Movements and densities of three species of darters were studied in a pool-riffle system during the spring spawning period. A total of 677 Etheostoma flabellare, 212 E. spectabile, and 200 E. niqrum were marked and released during the study. Fifty-one (19%) of 268 marked, recaptured E. flabellare moved from their area of initial capture; values for E. spectabile and E. niqrum were 27 (35%) of 78 and 8(24%) of 33, respectively. Most (70%) movements by E. spectabile were in an upstream direction; movements by E. flabellare and E. niqrum were equally distributed up- and downstream. Density estimates for E. flabellare and E. spectabile in riffles were 4.05 and 1.35/m2, respectively, and for E. niqrum in pools, 2.06/m2. E. spectabile may make upstream spring spawning migrations, while E. flabellare and E. niqrum remain comparatively sedentary. Competitive interactions between migratory and non-migratory darters may act to regulate darter densities in spawning areas.
Thioredoxin Reductase Linked to Cytoskeleton by Focal Adhesion Kinase Reverses Actin S-Nitrosylation and Restores Neutrophil β2 Integrin Function

The investigation goal was to identify mechanisms for reversal of actin S-nitrosylation in neutrophils after exposure to high oxygen partial pressures. Prior work has shown that hyperoxia causes S-nitrosylated actin (SNO-actin) formation, which mediates β2 integrin dysfunction, and these changes can be reversed by formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine or 8-bromo-cyclic GMP. Herein we show that thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is responsible for actin denitrosylation. Approximately 80% of cellular TrxR is localized to the cytosol, divided between the G-actin and short filamentous actin (sF-actin) fractions based on Triton solubility of cell lysates. TrxR linkage to sF-actin requires focal adhesion kinase (FAK) based on immunoprecipitation studies. S-Nitrosylation accelerates actin filament turnover (by mechanisms described previously (Thom, S. R., Bhopale, V. M., Yang, M., Bogush, M., Huang, S., and Milovanova, T. (2011) Neutrophil β2 integrin inhibition by enhanced interactions of vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein with S-nitrosylated actin. J. Biol. Chem. 286, 32854–32865), which causes FAK to disassociate from sF-actin. TrxR subsequently dissociates from FAK, and the physical separation from actin impedes denitrosylation. If SNO-actin is photochemically reduced with UV light or if actin filament turnover is impeded by incubations with cytochalasin D, latrunculin B, 8-bromo-cGMP, or formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine, FAK and TrxR reassociate with sF-actin and cause SNO-actin removal. FAK-TrxR association can also be demonstrated using isolated enzymes in ex vivo preparations. Uniquely, the FAK kinase domain is the site of TrxR linkage. We conclude that through its scaffold function, FAK influences TrxR activity and actin S-nitrosylation.
Vibrational Raman and infrared spectra of chromatographically separated C60 and C70 fullerene clusters

Abstract We report vibrational Raman and infrared spectra for chemically separated C 60 and C 70 fullerenes. Thin film samples were prepared by subliming the chromatographically separated species onto appropriate substrates. The C 60 Raman spectrum shows eight clear lines and two weaker ones. If C 60 in fact that has the proposed buckminsterfullerene structure (as is strongly indicated by recent experiments), the present Raman measurements together with the four observed IR frequencies give a complete set of Raman and infrared active fundamental frequencies for this molecule. A comparison of this set with the calculated spectrum for buckminsterfullerene shows satisfactory agreement.
Effect of Mycoplasma Synoviae on Broiler Performance

Abstract Two trials were conducted to determine the effect of Mycoplasma synoviae (Ms.) on broiler performance. A total of 1,200 males and 1,200 females was used in each trial. At 28 days of age, 75 birds per pen were placed, sexes separate, in 32 pens in a house equally divided by a solid partition. The temperature in the house was maintained at 21° C., and the ventilation rate varied from 28 to 56 liters per minute per bird. A combination vaccine for Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis was given in the water at 28 days of age. All birds were weighed and feed records started 3 days after vaccination. At 32 days of age, all birds in the 16 pens in one section of the house were exposed to an aerosol of a Ms. broth culture. All birds were weighed and feed records terminated at 59 days of age. The four groups, Ms.-free males, Ms.-exposed males, Ms.-free females and Ms.-exposed females, were processed at a federally inspected processing plant at 60 days of age and post-mortem condemnation records obtained. The Ms.-exposed groups had significantly higher condemnations that were due to airsacculitis than the Ms.-free groups. There was a trend for decreased body weight and increased feed conversion ratio for the Ms.-exposed birds.
What Have We Learned Since 1989

This paper is a frankly subjective effort to return to questions posed about the nature of communist rule and the sudden collapse of communism in the light of the intervening two decades. It asks, first, why feelings of elation about the transformations of 1989 faded relatively quickly, second, why the communist system collapsed so clamorously, and, third, how might we best describe its earlier operation. The paper suggests that there will always be a sense of let-down after intensely hopeful political activity. It endeavours to provide a model of social complexity that communist rule with its Marxist archetypes of social development could not really master. But it also rejects the idea that ‘society’ under communism can be judged autonomously apart from the regime that sustained and structured it. Efforts to do so will trivialise the degrees of repression and surveillance. Finally the paper proposes that the nature of communist rule in the decades after Stalin must be described in terms of a ‘life cycle’ metaphor, such as the idea of ‘late style’ provides for artistic creation. It is fruitless to describe an ideal type of transformative political regime that makes no allowance for change over time. Hence, returning to the first enquiry, the paper argues that efforts to reclaim communal fulfilment will always exist or revive alongside efforts at individual emancipation.
Local heat transfer to impinging liquid jets in the initially laminar, transitional, and turbulent regimes

Abstract Transport from small diameter, fully-developed liquid jets impinging normally on a constant heat flux surface has been investigated. This study focuses on jet Reynolds numbers spanning the laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow regimes at the nozzle exit, 300 ⩽ Re ⩽ 7000 . Jet diameters studied include 0.584, 0.315, and 0.246 mm. Both free-surface and submerged jets were studied. Local heat transfer coefficient information was collected, and the radial variation of the Nusselt number is explored. Correlations of stagnation Nusselt number as a function of Reynolds number for laminar and turbulent data are presented. The Nusselt number was observed to correlate approximately with Re 0.5 and Re 0.8 for initially turbulent and laminar jets, respectively. This dependence was observed for both free-surface and submerged jet configurations. The Re 0.8 dependence of the Nusselt number in the laminar regime for free-surface jets is attributed to surface tension-induced jet broadening at the jet exit. For the submerged jet the Nu 0 ∼ Re 0.8 laminar regime functionality is explained by the dominating effects of jet destabilization. The free-surface configuration heat transfer data showed little dependence on nozzle-plate spacing. By contrast, the submerged jet data exhibit the usual potential core behavior for turbulent flow with its well-established dependence on nozzle-to-plate spacing. The Nusselt number was seen to be independent of nozzle-to-plate spacing in the initially laminar jet regime.
Civic engagement for nursing home residents: a call for social work action

Civic engagement has been found to be associated with a number of emotional and physical benefits for older adults. For those residing in nursing homes, however, opportunities for civic engagement are limited. Societal barriers such as ageism and practical issues such as transportation can limit their access to activities that promote civic engagement. In this article, we review past research on civic engagement for older adults and explore the challenges and barriers faced by nursing home residents. We conclude with a call for social work professionals to develop, implement, and evaluate interventions that increase civic engagement opportunities for this undervalued group.
Stability and free vibration analyses of cantilever shear buildings with semi-rigid support conditions and multiple masses

The stability and free vibration analyses of a cantilever shear building with generalized support conditions and with multiple masses (rotational and translational) rigidly attached at both ends and along its height are presented. The proposed model includes the simultaneous effects of: (1) lateral and rotational elastic restraints at the base support; (2) a uniform distributed mass and rotary inertia plus lumped rotary and translational masses rigidly attached at both extremes and along its height; (3) linearly distributed axial load plus the concentrated vertical axial loads caused by the lumped masses; and (4) shear deformations and shear forces induced by the applied axial forces. A parametric study is carried out that shows the importance of all variables included in this work on the stability and dynamic behavior of cantilever shear buildings, particularly the effects of the attached lumped masses and the rotational and translational constraints at the base support. A comparison with results presented by other researchers in previous studies shows that the proposed method and corresponding equations can be very useful in the assessment design of cantilever shear buildings. The main objective is to present readily solutions on the static stability and free vibration of cantilever shear buildings with generalized support conditions and multiple masses rigidly attached. The proposed method and corresponding expressions for the natural frequencies and modal shapes, buckling modes and axial critical loads are extensions of those presented recently by the senior author.
Seasonal changes in some chemical and physical properties of living cells ofPinus ponderosa and their relation to freezing resistance

The causes of seasonal fluctuations in cold hardiness of plants have Iong been sought in chemical and physica l changes wi thin the cells, but in spite of m a n y extensive studies there is still no clear exp lana t ion of what factors produce the condition of hardiness in such plants as the woody evergreens. The concensus of opinion is tha t changes in carbohydra tes and ions which tend to be reflected in osmotic pressure variat ions do not show a very good relat ion to changes in resistance to freezing. This is brought out in a n u m ber of publicat ions specifically concerned wi th conifers which will be discussed later in this paper . Although most of our findings suppor t this concept it became obvious during the course of the work that certain phys ica l changes that could be observed under the microscope were bet ter re la ted to. the main changes in hardiness than the overall ca rbohydra te changes. H o w ever, one sugar, separa ted by the new chromatographic technique, did show some remarkable seasonal changes. It therefore seems worthwhi le to r epo r t on the physica l changes that have been observed to accompany fluctuations: of hardiness as well as the results of the chromatographic separations. As far as we know chromatography has not been employed in such seasonal studies and only a few chromatographic data are available for conifers~ ( B i d w e l l et aL 1952, K a n o and H a t a n o 1955).
Turbulence and inertia effects in bearings

Abstract This article surveys turbulence and inertia effects in bearings. The effects occur for two main reasons—high-speed operation and the use of unconventional lubricants. Experimental and theoretical studies are considered and recommendations are given for future investigation.
Triplet Ground State of 2,5-Dimethylene Five-Member Heterocycles

2,5-Dimethylene five-member heterocycles have been thought to possess exclusively singlet ground states. On the basis of the analysis of charge redistribution upon switching the state multiplicity of π-CASSCF optimized geometries, we calculate that the 2,5-dimethyleneborole dianion should exist in a triplet ground state. Additionally, the 2,5-dimethyleneborole dianion and the analogous 2,5-dimethylenealanacyclopentadiene dianion, 2,5-dimethyleneberyllacyclopentadiene trianion, and 2,5-dimethylenemagnesacyclopentadiene trianion have triplet ground states at the MCQPDT2 level in the CASSCF geometry. Furthermore, we find the upper limit of the S−T gap, |ΔES-T| to be 50 kcal/mol, which correlates with the S−T gap calculated for the parent hexatriene hydrocarbon. The ΔES-T trend approximately follows the group electronegativity scale of Boyd and Boyd derived from the bond critical point model for the heteroatom and protons attached to it. The 2,5-dimethyleneborole dianion and its analogues are members of a new...
Distal rhythm influences whether or not listeners hear a word in continuous speech: support for a perceptual grouping hypothesis.

Due to extensive variability in the phonetic realizations of words, there may be few or no proximal spectro-temporal cues that identify a word’s onset or even its presence. Dilley and Pitt (2010) showed that the rate of context speech, distal from a to-be-recognized word, can have a sizeable effect on whether or not a word is perceived. This investigation considered whether there is a distinct role for distal rhythm in the disappearing word effect. Listeners heard sentences that had a grammatical interpretation with or without a critical function word (FW) and transcribed what they heard (e.g., are in Jill got quite mad when she heard there are birds can be removed and Jill got quite mad when she heard their birds is still grammatical). Consistent with a perceptual grouping hypothesis, participants were more likely to report critical FWs when distal rhythm (repeating ternary or binary pitch patterns) matched the rhythm in the FW-containing region than when it did not. Notably, effects of distal rhythm and distal rate were additive. Results demonstrate a novel effect of distal rhythm on the amount of lexical material listeners hear, highlighting the importance of distal timing information and providing new constraints for models of spoken word recognition.
On inference of network time constants from impulse response data: graph-theoretic Cramer-Rao bounds

We examine the role played by a linear dynamical network's topology in inference of its eigenvalues from noisy impulse-response data. Specifically, for a canonical linear time-invariant network dynamics, we relate the Cramer-Rao bounds on eigenvalue estimator performance (from impulse-response data) to structural properties of the transfer function, and in turn to the network's topological structure. We focus especially on networks with a slow-coherence structure, in which case we find that stimulus and observation in each strongly-connected network component is needed for high-fidelity estimation.
Highly flexible linearizer/channel amplifiers using a microcontroller

The linearizer/channel amplifier (L/CAMP) described in this paper is designed for use on a satellite. It employs an active FET predistortor with a very wideband frequency response and electrically controllable nonlinear characteristics that can be tailored over frequency to adjust for a wide range of power amplifier (PA) nonlinear characteristics. It can be used with either a TWTA or an SSPA. It is the first flight L/CAMP design with a microcontroller-based architecture to provide the ability to be reconfigured for multiple bus interfaces, and include features such as smart channelization, random-access set points and state revision. The Ku-band version operates over a full 2,050 MHz; similar units are under development for the satellite X- and Ka-bands.
O-linked glycan expression during Drosophila development

Mucin-type O-linked glycosylation is an evolutionarily conserved protein modification that is essential for viability in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the exact role of O-glycans and the identity of the crucial apoproteins modified with O-linked N-acetylgalactosamine (O-GalNAc) remain unknown. In an effort to elucidate the O-linked glycans expressed during Drosophila development, we have employed fluorescent confocal microscopy using a battery of lectins and an antibody specific for the GalNAcalpha-Ser/Thr structure (Tn antigen). Confocal microscopy provides high-resolution images of the diversity of glycans expressed in many developing organ systems. In particular, O-glycans are highly expressed on a number of ectodermally derived tissues such as the salivary glands, developing gut, and the tracheal system, suggesting a role for O-glycans in cell polarity and tube formation common to these organs. Additionally, O-glycans are found in the developing nervous system and within subregions of developing tissues known to be active in cell signaling events. This study provides us with temporal and spatial information regarding O-glycan expression as well as a set of reagents for the isolation of glycoproteins from specific developmental stages and organ systems. This information will aid us in identifying the in vivo substrates of the UDP-GalNAc: polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltranferases, in a continuing effort to define the biological role of O-linked glycoproteins during development.
Dorsal unpaired median insect neurons make neurosecretory endings on skeletal muscle

This report presents results of a study in Schistocerca gregaria of large dorsal unpaired median neurons found previously in ganglia of several insects (Crossman et al., 171a; Hoyle, unpublished). Most of these neurons give off a single median neurite that makes a T-branch, providing symmetrical left and right efferent axons. These axons emerge in ganglion nerve trunks and terminate in each of two nerves. They then travel to major skeletal leg muscles. One of the neurons supplies only the extensor tibiae (jumping muscle). The final branches of this neuron parallel the fast axon and supply muscle units that receive the fast axon only. All the muscle fibers in a unit are innervated (multiterminally) by the fast axon, but only a few receive terminals of the dorsal neuron in addition. The endings are of neurosecretory type, containing large numbers of dense core vesicles. Their function is unknown.
The Impact of the New York State Abortion Law on Black and White Fertility in Upstate New York

The availability of abortions on demand, as provided by the new New York State abortion law, had a profound effect on fertility in a large community with previously very restricted access to illegal abortions. Improved family planning and the availability of abbortions as a backup measure combines with a preference for a smaller family size led to a one-third reduction of live births in the short period since the new law became effective. Planning for paediatric and obstetric care had to be adjusted accordingly. The frequently hypothesized or reported secondary effects on illegitimacy or infant mortality could not be observed. The trend towards increasing illegitimacy was slowed down, but not reversed. Infant mortality continued its short-term erratic pattern; the trend towards a higher proportion of teenage pregnancies cancelled the effect that pregnancies at higher risk for infant death are also at higher risk for abortion.
Neurodynamics: A critical survey

Abstract Following a brief introduction to the functional complexity of an individual nerve cell, the current status of neural network dynamics is reviewed. This survey is then used as a basis for suggesting some fundamental difficulties in developing a science of the human mind.
Modified polar format algorithm for processing spaceborne SAR data

This paper describes a modified polar format algorithm for SAR image-formation processing. The algorithm focuses on raw data, assuming a spherical reference surface (ground surface), and, unlike standard polar format algorithms, it assumes spherical rather than planar signal wavefronts. The algorithm, or some variant of it based on the game geometry, is therefore more suitable than the standard polar format algorithm in spaceborne applications for which there is significant curvature of the platform flight track and/or curvature of the Earth surface. The algorithm is described here in the context of spotlight-mode data acquisition.
Introduction: new themes in Ugandan history

Ugandan history has come a long way since it emerged from a lull caused by the political instability in the country in the 1970s and 1980s.1 The four articles in this special collection were first ...
Pain Variability and Its Predictors in Older Adults Depression, Cognition, Functional Status, Health, and Pain

Objectives: The purpose of this secondary data analysis is to determine whether depression, cognition, functional status, health, and pain severity are predictors of day-to-day pain variability in older adults in long-term care settings. Methods: Seventy-seven adults aged 68 years and older were included in the multiple linear regression analyses. Pain severity mean and variability were measured over 30 days of daily self-reported pain levels. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Blessed Memory-Information-Concentration test, Physical Self-Maintenance Scale (PSMS), baseline pain severity, mean of daily health, and mean of daily pain severity were used as predictors. Pain variability was measured by examining intra-individual standard deviations of daily pain scores. Results: Results show that global depression and pain severity are predictors of pain variability in that greater baseline depression and pain severity predicted higher pain variability. Daily mean pain and health were also found to be predic...
The relative permeabilities of quartzites and schists during active metamorphism at mid‐crustal levels

The ‘hot spot’ near Bristol, New Hampshire was an area of high fluid flow during metamorphism. In order to determine the mechanisms of fluid flow through the area, we made a detailed study of the δ18O values of quartz from an outcrop of interlayered quartzites and schists. Results indicate that the permeability of the quartzite was very low in comparison to that of the schist. The δ18qtz values from schist layers are remarkably homogenous (15.5–15.8), in contrast to the δ18qtz values of schist units outside of the hot spot, which vary widely. Quartz veins that cut the quartzites and pinch out in the schists have the same δ18O values (15.7) as quartz from the schists. In the quartzites, δ18qtz values immediately adjacent to the veins and schists are similar to those in the veins and schists, but decrease by ∼1 permil in the centers of the layer. We interpret these results to indicate that fluid flow in the hot spot was mainly through the schists and fractures in the quartzites. The oxygen isotope exchange fronts in the quartzites prove that there was some flow from the the schists and the fractures into the quartzites. Comparisons of the shapes of these exchange fronts with exchange fronts predicted by two different models of fluid flow in rocks indicate that fluid transport in the quartzite was predominantly by advection and that the kinetic rates of isotope exchange were fast relative to the advective velocity of the fluid infiltrating the system. Considering the slow rate of oxygen isotope exchange between quartz and a fluid, this implies that fluid flow from the schist and vein fracture into the quartzite was extremely limited.
Volumetric extent of resection and residual contrast enhancement on initial surgery as predictors of outcome in adult patients with hemispheric anaplastic astrocytoma.

Object To investigate the prognostic significance of the volumetrically assessed extent of resection on time to tumor progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), and tumor recurrence patterns, the authors retrospectively analyzed preoperative and postoperative tumor volumes in 102 adult patients from the time of the initial resection of a hemispheric anaplastic astrocytoma (AA). Methods The quantification of tumor volumes was based on a previously described method involving computerized analysis of magnetic resonance (MR) images. Analysis of contrast-enhancing tumor volumes on T1-weighted MR images was conducted for 67 patients who had contrast-enhancing tumors. Measurements of T2 hyperintensity were obtained for all 102 patients in the study. The presence or absence of preresection enhancement, actual volume of this enhancement, and the percentage of preoperative enhancement as it relates to the total T2 tumor volume did not have a statistically significant relationship to TTP or OS. In addition to age, th...
Effect of Moisture on the Stability of Solid Dosage Forms

AbstractIt has long been known that moisture affects the stability of some drug substances. Aspirin is a classical example. Aspirin is not wet granulated. Even though the water is driven off in a wet granulation, there is still sufficient moisture stress in the process to induce excessive decomposition on subsequent storage. Dry methods (slugging, roller compaction) are therefore resorted to. In other instances, the moisture sensitivity of a drug may warrant using a hard shall capsule approach. This presumes that the drug substance is not particularly hygroscopic, since, otherwise, the capsule shell will provide an unwanted source of moisture.
Reactive grasping using optical proximity sensors

We propose a system for improving grasping using fingertip optical proximity sensors that allows us to perform online grasp adjustments to an initial grasp point without requiring premature object contact or regrasping strategies. We present novel optical proximity sensors that fit inside the fingertips of a Barrett Hand, and demonstrate their use alongside a probabilistic model for robustly combining sensor readings and a hierarchical reactive controller for improving grasps online. This system can be used to complement existing grasp planning algorithms, or be used in more interactive settings where a human indicates the location of objects. Finally, we perform a series of experiments using a Barrett hand equipped with our sensors to grasp a variety of common objects with mixed geometries and surface textures.
Privacy preserving data classification with rotation perturbation

Data perturbation techniques are one of the most popular models for privacy preserving data mining (Agrawal and Srikant, 2000; Aggarwal and Yu, 2004). It is especially convenient for applications where the data owners need to export/publish the privacy-sensitive data. A data perturbation procedure can be simply described as follows. Before the data owner publishes the data, they randomly change the data in certain way to disguise the sensitive information while preserving the particular data property that is critical for building the data models. Several perturbation techniques have been proposed recently, among which the most typical ones are randomization approach (Agrawal and Srikant, 2000) and condensation approach (Aggarwal and Yu, 2004).
Three-dimensionality effects in flow around two tandem cylinders

The flow around two stationary cylinders in tandem arrangement at the laminar and early turbulent regime, ( $\hbox{\it Re}\,{=}\,10^2$ – $10^3$ ), is studied using two- and three-dimensional direct numerical simulations. A range of spacings between the cylinders from 1.1 to 5.0 diameters is considered with emphasis on identifying the effects of three-dimensionality and cylinder spacing as well as their coupling. To achieve this, we compare the two-dimensional with corresponding three-dimensional results as well as the tandem cylinder system results with those of a single cylinder. The critical spacing for vortex formation and shedding in the gap region depends on the Reynolds number. This dependence is associated with the formation length and base pressure suction variations of a single cylinder with Reynolds number. This association is useful in explaining some of the discrepancies between the two-dimensional and three-dimensional results. A major effect of three-dimensionality is in the exact value of the critical spacing, resulting in deviations from the two-dimensional predictions for the vorticity fields, the forces on the downstream cylinder, and the shedding frequency of the tandem system. Two-dimensional simulations under-predict the critical spacing, leading to erroneous results for the forces and shedding frequencies over a range of spacings where the flow is qualitatively different. To quantify the three-dimensional effects we first employ enstrophy, decomposed into a primary and a secondary component. The primary component involves the vorticity parallel to the cylinder axis, while the secondary component incorporates the streamwise and transverse components of the vorticity vector. Comparison with the single cylinder case reveals that the presence of the downstream cylinder at spacings lower than the critical value has a stabilizing effect on both the primary and secondary enstrophy. Systematic quantification of three-dimensionalities involves finding measures for the intensity of the spanwise fluctuations of the forces. This also verifies the stabilization scenario, suggesting that when the second cylinder is placed at a distance smaller than the critical one, three-dimensional effects are suppressed compared to the single-cylinder case. However, when the spacing exceeds the critical value, the upstream cylinder tends to behave like a single cylinder, but three-dimensionality in the flow generally increases.
Clinical decision support with automated text processing for cervical cancer screening.

Objective To develop a computerized clinical decision support system (CDSS) for cervical cancer screening that can interpret free-text Papanicolaou (Pap) reports. Materials and Methods The CDSS was constituted by two rulebases: the free-text rulebase for interpreting Pap reports and a guideline rulebase. The free-text rulebase was developed by analyzing a corpus of 49293 Pap reports. The guideline rulebase was constructed using national cervical cancer screening guidelines. The CDSS accesses the electronic medical record (EMR) system to generate patient-specific recommendations. For evaluation, the screening recommendations made by the CDSS for 74 patients were reviewed by a physician. Results and Discussion Evaluation revealed that the CDSS outputs the optimal screening recommendations for 73 out of 74 test patients and it identified two cases for gynecology referral that were missed by the physician. The CDSS aided the physician to amend recommendations in six cases. The failure case was because human papillomavirus (HPV) testing was sometimes performed separately from the Pap test and these results were reported by a laboratory system that was not queried by the CDSS. Subsequently, the CDSS was upgraded to look up the HPV results missed earlier and it generated the optimal recommendations for all 74 test cases. Limitations Single institution and single expert study. Conclusion An accurate CDSS system could be constructed for cervical cancer screening given the standardized reporting of Pap tests and the availability of explicit guidelines. Overall, the study demonstrates that free text in the EMR can be effectively utilized through natural language processing to develop clinical decision support tools.