bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PERFECT RECALL AND PRUNING IN GAMES WITH IMPERFECT INFORMATION1
Authors: Blair Jean R. S. , Mutchler David , van Lent Michael 
Published: April 2007

Games with imperfect information are an interesting and important class of games. They include most card games (e.g., bridge and poker) as well as many economic and political models. Here we investigate algorithms for findi ng the simplest form of a solution (a pure‐strategy equilibrium point) to imperfect information games expressed in their extensive (game tree) form. We introduce to the artificial intelligence community a classic algorithm, due to Wilson, that solves one‐player games with perfect recall. Wilson's algorithm, which we call iMP‐minimax, runs in time linear in the size of the game‐tree searched. In contrast to Wilson's result, Koller and Meggido have shown that finding a pure‐strategy equilibrium point in one‐player games without perfect recall is NP‐hard. Here, we provide another contrast to Wilson's result–we show that in games with perfect recall but more than one player, finding a pure‐strategy equilibrium point, given that such an equilibrium point exists, is NP‐hard.Our second contribution is to present a pruning technique for Wilson's IMP‐minimax algorithm to make the latter more tractable. We call this new algorithm IMP‐alpha‐beta. We provide a theoretical framework (model) and analyze IMP‐alpha‐beta in that model. IMP‐alpha‐beta is of direct value for one‐player, perfect‐recall games. It also has strong potential for other imperfect information games, as it is a natural (but as yet untested) heuristic in those cases.
ON TEMPORAL DEDUCTIVE DATABASES
Authors: Orgun Mehmet A. 
Published: April 2007

This article introduces a temporal deductive database system featuring a logic programming language and an algebraic front‐end. The language, called Temporal DATALOG, is an extension of DATALOG based on a linear‐time temporal logic in which the flow of time is modeled by the set of natural numbers. Programs of Temporal DATALOG are considered as temporal deductive databases, specifying temporal relationships among data and providing base relations to the algebraic front‐end. The minimum model of a given Temporal DATALOG program is regarded as the temporal database the program models intensionally. The algebraic front‐end, called TRA, is a point‐wise extension of the relational algebra upon the set of natural numbers. When needed during the evaluation of TRA expressions, slices of temporal relations over intervals can be retrieved from a given temporal deductive database by bottom‐up evaluation strategies.A modular extension of Temporal DATALOG is also proposed, through which temporal relations created during the evaluation of TRA expressions may be fed back to the deductive part for further manipulation. Modules therefore enable the algebra to have full access to the deductive capabilities of Temporal DATALOG and to extend it with nonstandard algebraic operators. This article also shows that the temporal operators of TRA can be simulated in Temporal DATALOG by program clauses.
Rational Underdevelopment*
Authors: Desmet Klaus , Ortuño Ortín Ignacio 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe propose a two‐region two‐sector model of uneven development, where technological change benefits either the lagging or the leading region. In this framework interregional transfers may lead to persistent underdevelopment; by raising wages, transfers reduce the chance of the backward region adopting a new technology and taking off. Due to uncertainty about which region benefits from technological change, the backward region may rationally choose to remain underdeveloped, while the advanced region continues to pay transfers. The model provides a rationale for cases, such as Italy's Mezzogiorno, where the same rich region subsidizes the same poor region on a continuous basis.
Estimating Mortality in War‐Time Iraq: A Controversial Survey with Important Lessons for Students
Authors: De Maio Fernando 
Published: April 2007

SummaryIn teaching introductory quantitative methods in sociology, I have used a controversial survey of mortality in Iraq before and after the 2003 invasion to highlight to students the power of simple questionnaires, the role of ambiguity in statistics and the place of politics in the framing of statistical results. This brief report summarizes Roberts et al.'s (2004) estimate that the invasion of Iraq resulted in 98,000 (95% CI = 8000–194,000) deaths, as well as the intriguing reaction that the survey received in the press. Statistics teachers should find the Roberts et al. study to be an effective way to introduce students to more controversial – and political – aspects of statistical research.
The inclusion record of fluid evolution, crack healing and trapping from a heterogeneous system during rapid cooling of pegmatitic veins (Dronning Maud Land; Antarctica)
Authors: ENGVIK A. K. , STÖCKHERT B. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractGranitoid (pegmatite and aplite) veins in metamorphic rocks and intrusive syenites of central Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, are flanked by conspicuous light‐coloured alteration halos, which represent the damage zone of fracture propagation. The damage zone is characterized by a high density of sealed or healed microcracks, about 1 order of magnitude above background. Fluid inclusions along healed microcracks in quartz of both pegmatite and alteration halos are inspected by optical and scanning electron microscopy, and their composition is analysed by microthermometry and quadrupole mass spectrometry. The similar inclusion record in the granitoid vein and in the damaged host rock indicates the derivation of the fluids from the hydrous melt phase. The aqueous inclusions bear abundant daughter crystals, mainly silicates, and may represent a hydrous melt. The volatile composition is variable in the system H2O–CO2, with mostly subordinate amounts of N2. Phase separation with partitioning of CO2 into the fluid phase coexisting with the hydrous melt, and possibly immiscibility in the subsolidus range, govern fluid evolution during cooling. The variable CO2/N2 ratio suggests mixing with fluids from an external source in the host rock and vigorous circulation at an early stage of high transient permeability. Experiments have shown that healing of microcracks at high temperatures is a matter of hours to weeks, hence similar in time scale to the cooling of the cm‐ to dm‐thick granitoid veins. In this case, rapid cooling and concomitant crack healing in a system undergoing phase separation causes a broad compositional variability of the inclusions due to necking down, and the underpressure developing in closed compartments precludes a meaningful thermobarometric interpretation.
Gap‐junction blocker carbenoxolone differentially enhances NMDA‐induced cell death in hippocampal neurons and astrocytes in co‐culture
Authors: Zündorf Gregor , Kahlert Stefan , Reiser Georg 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe beneficial or detrimental role of gap junction communication in the pathophysiology of brain injury is still controversial. We used co‐cultures of hippocampal astrocytes and neurons, where we identified homocellular astrocyte–astrocyte and heterocellular astrocyte–neuron coupling by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, which was decreased by the gap junction blocker carbenoxolone (CBX). In these cultures, we determined the cell type‐specific effects of CBX on the excitotoxic damage caused byN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA). We determined in both astrocytes and neurons the influence of CBX, alone or together with NMDA challenge, on cytotoxicity using propidium iodide labeling. CBX alone was not cytotoxic, but CBX treatment differentially accelerated the NMDA‐induced cell death in both astrocytes and neurons. In addition, we measured mitochondrial potential using rhodamine 123, membrane potential using the oxonol dye bis(1,3‐diethylthiobarbituric acid)trimethine oxonol, cytosolic Ca2+level using fura‐2, and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using dihydroethidium. CBX alone induced neither an intracellular Ca2+rise nor a membrane depolarization. However, CBX elicited a mitochondrial depolarization in both astrocytes and neurons and increased the ROS formation in neurons. In contrast, NMDA caused a membrane depolarization in neurons, coinciding with intracellular Ca2+rise, but neither mitochondrial depolarization nor ROS production seem to be involved in NMDA‐mediated cytotoxicity. Pre‐treatment with CBX accelerated the NMDA‐induced membrane depolarization and prevented the repolarization of neurons after the NMDA challenge. We hypothesize that these effects are possibly mediated via blockage of gap junctions, and might be involved in the mechanism of CBX‐induced acceleration of excitotoxic cell death, whereas the CBX‐induced mitochondrial depolarization and ROS formation are not responsible for the increase in cytotoxicity. We conclude that both in astrocytes and neurons gap junctions provide protection against NMDA‐induced cytotoxicity.
Dexamethasone suppresses monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 production via mitogen activated protein kinase phosphatase‐1 dependent inhibition of Jun N‐terminal kinase and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase in activated rat microglia
Authors: Zhou Yan , Ling Eng‐Ang , Dheen S. Thameem 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMicroglial cells release monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) which amplifies the inflammation process by promoting recruitment of macrophages and microglia to inflammatory sites in several neurological diseases. In the present study, dexamethasone (Dex), an anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive drug has been shown to suppress the mRNA and protein expression of MCP‐1 in activated microglia resulting in inhibition of microglial migration. This has been further confirmed by the chemotaxis assay which showed that Dex or MCP‐1 neutralization with its antibody inhibits the microglial recruitment towards the conditioned medium of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated microglial culture. This study also revealed that the down‐regulation of the MCP‐1 mRNA expression by Dex in activated microglial cells was mediated via mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. It has been demonstrated that Dex inhibited the phosphorylation of Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAP kinases as well as c‐jun, the JNK substrate in microglia treated with LPS. The involvement of JNK and p38 MAPK pathways in induction of MCP‐1 production in activated microglial cells was confirmed as there was an attenuation of MCP‐1 protein release when microglial cells were treated with inhibitors of JNK and p38. In addition, Dex induced the expression of MAP kinase phosphatase‐1 (MKP‐1), the negative regulator of JNK and p38 MAP kinases in microglial cells exposed to LPS. Blockade of MKP‐1 expression by triptolide enhanced the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK pathways and the mRNA expression of MCP‐1 in activated microglial cells treated with Dex. In summary, Dex inhibits the MCP‐1 production and subsequent microglial cells migration to the inflammatory site by regulating MKP‐1 expression and the p38 and JNK MAPK pathways. This study reveals that the MKP‐1 and MCP‐1 as novel mediators of biological effects of Dex may help developing better therapeutic strategies for the treatment of patients with neuroinflammatory diseases.
Catecholamines: The Effects of Maternal Fear and Its Treatment on Uterine Function and Circulation
Authors: Levinson Gershon , Shnider Sol M. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT: Catecholamines, epinephrine and norepinephrine, cause characteristic “fight or flight” responses of increased heart rate and blood pressure, vasoconstriction, and other autonomic responses. In animal studies, either injection of Catecholamines or fright causing secretion of these hormones resulted in lower uterine blood flow and fetal bradycardia or acidosis. Anxious human mothers had weaker contractions and longer labors and higher circulating catecholamine levels. In the presence of lower uterine circulation the normal fetus may compensate by extracting the oxygen needed, while the previously compromised fetus is less able to compensate for the reduced blood supply.
How Does Strenuous Maternal Exercise Affect The Fetus? A Review
Authors: Woodward Susan L. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT: The preponderance of studies suggest that in physically fit women, physiologic mechanisms have been developed which increase fetal tolerance to the circulatory and respiratory challenges of strenuous maternal exercise. Ventilatory reserve and cardiovascular changes of pregnancy join to protect the fetus in normal pregnancy, and some of these changes are further developed by physical training. The fetal heart rate response to strenuous maternal exercise may provide early diagnosis of uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI). In UPI, the fetal heart rate responds with tachycardia during the exercise, followed by bradycardia for a prolonged period. In preliminary investigations, fetal breathing movements have been more responsive to maternal exercise than have fetal heart rates.
Grief at Stillbirth: An Annotated Bibliography
Authors: Kirkley‐Best Elizabeth , Kellner Kenneth R. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT: In the last 10 years there has been a proliferation of articles dealing with the emotional aspects of stillbirth. Most of these articles have dealt with supportive care of parents grieving for a stillborn child. Several articles have sought to describe the processes and characteristics of mourning after a perinatal death. Only a few authors have taken on the difficult task of research in this area of grief. As members of the Perinatal Mortality Counseling Program* (PMCP) at Shands Teaching Hospital, Gainesville, Florida, a crisis intervention and information and research team, we have become painfully aware of the need for informed counseling and research which may aid both parents and professionals who encounter stillbirth. Since much of the literature has dealt exclusively with neonatal death, we have compiled an annotated bibliography to acquaint the obstetrical community with the literature particular to stillbirth, the type of perinatal death that obstetricians are most likely to encounter.
Infant Outcome in Relation to Second Stage Labor Pushing Method
Authors: Barnett Mary M. , Humenick Sharron S. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT: To test the hypothesis that long, hard Valsalva pushing during second stage labor may increase fetal acidosis and decrease neonatal Apgar scores, ten women with normal pregnancies and first stage labors were randomly assigned to a long Valsalva pushing group or a short, open glottis pushing group. Neonatal outcomes were measured by umbilical vessel blood gasses. Open glottis pushers showed a non‐significant trend toward longer second stage labors and higher umbilical artery pH. Umbilical vein pH was significantly higher among open glottis pushers. Long Valsalva pushers had less frequent expulsive contractions.Whether women use long Valsalva or open glottis pushes may be only one of several factors which affect neonatal outcome, including not only the length and force of the push but also the condition of the fetus at the onset of pushing, the frequency and length of contractions during second stage, and the speed of delivery after crowning of the fetal head.
Risks from Maternal Exposure to Photographic Chemicals in Pregnancy
Authors: Lappe Marc 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT :The potential effects of photographic developers, fixers, replenishers, bleaches, washes, metallic salts, and radioactive emulsions and chemicals on pregnant women and the fetus are reviewed, mainly in terms of animal findings. Those chemicals which are best avoided, or used only with protective hand, eye, and respiratory protection are discussed, and resources for more information are given. (BIR TH10:3, Fall 1983)
Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Disorders Part I: Technological Capabilities
Authors: Beeson Diane , Douglas Rita 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:The indications, techniques, and results of amniocentesis, sonography, fetos‐copy, and maternal serum screening for alpha‐fetoprotein are described, along with some of the controversies over interpretation of studies. Down syndrome, neural tube defects, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, alpha‐thalassemia, beta‐thalassemia, galactosemia, and Toy Sachs disease are among the genetic disorders for which such diagnosis is sought. The diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and studies of the efficacy and safety of first trimester diagnosis by chorionic biopsy are two directions of future promise. (BIRTH 10:4, Winter 1983)
Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Disorders Part II: Issues and Implications
Authors: Beeson Diane , Douglas Rita , Lunsford Terry F. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTSome of the important issues raised by genetic diagnosis include the psychological implications of parents waiting weeks for test results, aborting a defective fetus, accidentally aborting, learning that a fetus is unaffected, and learning the sex of a fetus. Some ethical and legal controversies and social policy issues are described. (BIRTH 10:4, Winter 1983)
Revelations: A Summary and Analysis of the NIH Consensus Development Conference on Ultrasound Imaging in Pregnancy
Authors: Shearer Madeleine H. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT: The Consensus Development Conference on Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging revealed that neither the energy emitted from an ultrasound transducer, nor the energy absorbed by maternal and fetal tissues has been quantitated. For convenience, the energy is expressed in watts/square centimeter. Although in vitro and animal studies have shown various bioeffects of ultrasound, none obtained under 100 mW/cm2 has been reproducible, and none can be translated reliably to humans. Four randomized controlled trials of ultrasound imaging failed to show harmful effects, and also failed to show benefits of routine screening in terms of infant mortality or morbidity. The panel accordingly recommended that ultrasound imaging be used only with a specific indication, and listed 27 indications. They recommended that women be supplied with information about exposure time, intensity, indication, alternatives, and benefits and risks of an ultrasound scan, if they request the information. The panel also recommended further research on outputs, bioeffects, and efficacy of routine screening by ultrasound during pregnancy.
Unanticipated Cesarean Birth from the Father's Perspective
Authors: May Katharyn Antle , Sollid Deanna Tomlinson 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT: Despite the paucity of research on men's experiences of cesarean birth, fathers' attendance at cesareans has become well‐established in some areas of the U.S. In this study, interviews were conducted with 46 fathers whose wives had an uncomplicated pregnancy culminating in an unanticipated cesarean birth with a healthy neonate and no major complications for mother and child. Interviews were tape recorded, transcribed and analyzed. Of these 46 fathers, 52 per cent attended the cesarean, and 48 per cent did not, primarily because hospital policy prohibited it. Fathers' predominant emotional reaction to the decision for cesarean was relief (52%); 27 per cent described their reactions as acceptance, 10 per cent expressed moderate disappointment, and 11 per cent were strongly disappointed or angry. Most negative reactions centered not on the cesarean itself, but on policies which excluded fathers from attendance arbitrarily, and on staff behaviors which reflected disregard for the fathers'need to feel included in the birth, whether they were permitted to attend the delivery or not. Seventy per cent of these fathers expressed some displeasure at physician or nurse behaviors, expressing disappointment and resentment about being excluded from discussions leading to the decision for the cesarean, having little previous contact with the obstetrician, the nursing staff failing to provide the father with adequate information and support during and immediately after the cesarean, and being denied access to the wife and infant after the cesarean for apparently arbitrary reasons.
Effective Smoking Intervention During Pregnancy
Authors: Nowicki Patricia , Gintzig Linda , Hebel J. Richard , Latham Rebecca , Miller Valerie , Sexton Mary 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT: About one‐third of women enter their pregnancies as smokers. Attempts to help those who do not quit on their own have not been effective. As part of a 3‐year study to test the hypothesis that smoking reduction during pregnancy improves the birthweight of the infant (an hypothesis which was confirmed), a smoking intervention program was developed that resulted in a twofold increase in the percentage of women who stopped smoking cigarettes during their pregnancy. There was no comparative evaluation of the different kinds of intervention activities that were used, but because they were successful in the aggregate, they are described here and a judgment made of the effectiveness of the different components. The main method of contact for the counseling was a single face‐to‐face session at the smoker's home, followed by frequent phone contacts. Although information was given on the risks of smoking during pregnancy, the emphasis was on how to stop through the use of behavioral skills such as developing commitment, self‐monitoring, stimulus control, substitute and incompatible behaviors, and positive associations with not smoking. A series of contacts through mailed information was maintained throughout the pregnancy. The findings have implications for strengthening the intervention activities that are presently offered to pregnant smokers.
The Birth of a First Child: Do Women's Reports Change Over Time?
Authors: Bennett Adrienne 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT: Seventy‐two women who had been interviewed three weeks postpartum in an earlier study were re‐interviewed two years after the birth. There was a significant decrease over time in their ratings of each of the medical and preparation procedures they had had. Those women who had the one child or who were pregnant with a second child showed no change in overall perception of their labor and delivery after the two‐year interval, while those who had had a second child were more negative than at the first interview.Women's recall of the events of their first birth was generally accurate and their pain ratings for all but the second stage labor were not significantly different at the two interviews. The results indicate that “time of interview” is an important factor to take into account in childbirth research.
High Risk Infant: Concerns of the Mother After Discharge
Authors: Goodman June R. , Sauve Reg S. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT: This study was undertaken to determine the concerns of mothers of high risk infants and whether they differed from those of mothers of normal newborn infants. Thirty mothers of high risk infants and those of normal newborns, were interviewed in their homes on two separate occasions, at two weeks and again at six weeks after their infants’ hospital discharge. Following a semi‐structured questionnaire format, the mothers were asked to rate their concerns in several areas and to specify concerns they may have had which were not identified on the questionnaire. Areas in which mothers expressed concerns were: feeding, gastrointestinal problems, sleeping, crying, attachment, rashes, appearance, and concerns about the mother herself, her husband, and other children.Mothers of normal newborn infants expressed worries in those areas already identified by the high risk group but they had fewer concerns and a lower degree of concern. However, no mother of a normal newborn infant was concerned about her infant's appearance and there was a tendency for mothers of normal newborn infants to have a more positive perception of their infants.