cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological field experiments to prevent heroin spread.

Abstract Field research into heroin abuse in Chicago suggests that heroin addiction follows epidemic rather than endemic patterns. During the appearance of a large (macro) or small (micro) epidemic in any given community, spread is primarily from user to user. As the epidemic spreads, it becomes necessary for users to associate with other users to maintain their drug supplies. Because of this association, case-finding is relatively easy. A special epidemiological field team has been developed consisting both of methadone-maintained ex-heroin users from the community and professional researchers. The field team was found to be able to detect rapidly a large percentage of involved persons in a given epidemic; one helpful technique was concentrating on the so-called heroin copping areas within the community. It was found possible to intervene successfully in epidemics by involving a large percentage of identified active heroin users in treatment; to do so, treatment facilities must be attractive and conveniently located. The major contention of these investigations is that the spread of heroin can be investigated and aborted by the utilization of standard epidemiologic principles ordinarily applied to contagious infectious diseases.
Explorations in the "inner sanctum of the photosynthetic process," the water oxidizing system.

This article summarizes the present state of knowledge about the organization of the water oxidizing polypeptide complex of photosynthesis and the mechanism of its operation. Spectacular advances have been made in recent years, but many questions remain to be answered. Among them are those concerned with the organization and binding of the functional Mn, its specific role in the oxidant storage that precedes the formation of one oxygen from two water molecules, and its cooperation with other redox-active constituents. Much is still to be learned also about the function of the individual polypeptides and about the role of the cofactors Ca2+ and Cl−. Differences between the organization of the water oxidizing complexes in green plants and cyanobacteria suggest, furthermore, that in vivo their water oxidizing mechanisms must operate under different, still unrecognized constraints.
The impact of caffeine use on tobacco cessation and withdrawal

Abstract Continuous caffeine consumption with smoking cessation has been associated with more than doubled caffeine plasma levels. Such concentrations may be sufficient to produce caffeine toxicity symptoms in smoking abstinence conditions. To test whether caffeine abstinence influences smoking cessation, 162 caffeine-using smokers were enlisted from American Lung Association smoking cessation programs. Volunteers were randomly assigned by clinic to caffeine-use and caffeine-abstinence conditions and measured for 3 weeks post-smoking cessation, at 6 months and one year. Results showed a significant linear increase in caffeine sputum levels across 3 weeks post-cessation for those who quit smoking and continued using caffeine. Three weeks after cessation, concentrations reached 203% of baseline for the caffeine user. Typical nicotine withdrawal symptoms occurred during the first 16 days of cessation. The caffeine abstainers, but not continued users of caffeine, reported increased fatigue during the first 3 days of cessation. Among complete caffeine abstainers, compared with caffeine users, there was a significant increase in fatigue, a decrease in stimulation, and a marginal increase in caffeine craving immediately following tobacco cessation. There were no differences between the groups on other withdrawal symptoms or in cessation success at 16 days, 6 months, or 12 months.
Role of Pantoea agglomerans in opportunistic bacterial seed and boll rot of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) grown in the field.

Aims: To investigate the aetiology of seed and boll rot of cotton grown in South Carolina (SC). Methods and Results: Bacteria were isolated from diseased locules of cotton bolls collected in a field in SC, USA and tested for the ability to cause comparable disease symptoms in greenhouse grown cotton fruit. Spontaneously generated rifampicin-resistant (Rifr) mutants of the isolates were used in confirmatory pathogenicity tests. Resistance to the antibiotic was both stable and effective in differentiating between an inoculated Rifr strain, rifampicin-sensitive contaminants and/or endophytes. A series of inoculation methods was tested at various boll developmental stages and at different fruiting nodes on the plant. Field disease symptoms were reproduced by inoculating bolls at 2 weeks postanthesis with bacterial suspensions ranging from 103 to 106 CFU ml−1. Pathogenic isolates were categorized as Pantoea agglomerans on the basis of phenotype testing, fatty acid profiling (similarity index = 0·94), and 16s ribosomal DNA sequence analysis (99% nucleotide identity). Conclusions: Pantoea agglomerans isolates from field-collected immature, diseased cotton caused comparable infection symptoms in greenhouse produced cotton fruit. Significance and Impact of the Study: In 1999, significant yield losses in SC cotton resulted from a previously unobserved seed and boll rot that has since been reported in other southeastern states. This study demonstrated a role of P. agglomerans in producing opportunistic bacterial seed and boll rot of cotton.
Dimensions of indigenous heritage discourse and the use of technologies of display in an ethnographic exhibition: a case study of the "Song for the Horse Nation" exhibition (National Museum of the American Indian, New York)

This poster reports on a study of an ethnographic exhibition put together by three indigenous curators and hosted by the National Museum of the American Indian in New York ("A Song for the Horse Nation"). Its aim is to contribute to the scarce Library and Information Science literature on indigenous heritage. The study explores the discourse of indigenous heritage and its actualization in this particular exhibition. It analyzes both the exhibition (artifacts and technologies of display) and the views of the curators expressed through direct communication with the author and the exhibition album. The study identifies two main dimensions of the indigenous heritage discourse: (1) indigenous subjectivity as entitled to self-representation through object display and (2) indigenous history as recovery of meaningful aspects from a violent colonial past in view of community regeneration and a hopeful future. It also shows how these dimensions are conveyed by appropriate technologies of display.
Seasonal Growth Rate Patterns fo Orchardgrass and Tall Fescue on the Appalachian Plateau

Information about the seasonal distribution of forage growth rates and variability among years is needed to design improved grazing systems for the Appalachian Plateau. Growth rate and the influence of weather may depend on regrowth stage. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to develop a method to give separate seasonal growth rate curves for plots in the 1st and 3rd wk of regrowth, and to derive such curves for the Appalachian Plateau. The new method, which required 12 harvest schedules (identical except for starting date), was applied to orchardgrass (L.) and tall fescue (Schreb.) growing on a Gilpin silt loam (Typic Hapludult) near Beckley, WV, in 1986 through 1988. Growth rates were highest in spring each year, especially for plots in the 3rd wk of regrowth. Growth rates of plots in the 1st wk of regrowth showed a clear summer slump only in 1987 (during a prolonged drought). For plots in the 3rd wk of regrowth, periods of very low growth rate (apparently due to drought) occurred in both 1987 and 1988, but timing differed by approximately 4 wk between years. Growth rates in fall were generally less than or equal to summer growth rates, except in comparison to drought periods. Grazing strategies based on the expectation of higher growth rates in fall are unlikely to succeed on the Appalachian Plateau.
Least squares methods to minimize errors in a smooth, strictly convex norm on R m

Abstract An algorithm for computing solutions of overdetermined systems of linear equations in n real variables which minimize the residual error in a smooth, strictly convex norm in a finite dimensional space is given. The algorithm proceeds by finding a sequence of least squares solutions of suitably modified problems. Most of the time, each iteration involves one line search for the root of a nonlinear equation, though some iterations do not have any root seeking line search. Convergence of the algorithm is proved, and computational experience on some numerical examples is also reported.
Synthesis and Electrochemistry of Tetraphenylporphyrins Containing an Antimony-Carbon sigma-Bond.

The following five antimony(V) tetraphenylporphyrins with σ-bonded antimony−carbon bonds were synthesized: [(TPP)Sb(CH3)2]+PF6-, [(TPP)Sb(OCH3)(OH)]+PF6-, [(TPP)Sb(CH3)(OH)]+ClO4-, [(TPP)Sb(CH3)(OCH3)]+ClO4-, and [(TPP)Sb(CH3)(F)]+PF6-. Each compound is stable toward air and moisture and has a high melting point (>250 °C). The electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry of these σ-bonded porphyrins were examined in benzonitrile or dichloromethane containing 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate as supporting electrolyte and the data compared to those for three previously synthesized OEP derivatives containing similar σ-bonded and/or anionic axial ligands. Each porphyrin shows two reversible reductions and up to a maximun of one oxidation within the potential window of the solvent. Spectroelectrochemical data indicate formation of a porphyrin π anion radical upon the first reduction as do ESR spectra of the singly reduced species. However, a small amount of the Sb(III) porphyrin products may be generated ...
Smooth Muscle Cell Hypertrophy versus Hyperplasia in Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is characterized by hypertrophy of the pyloric muscle. It is not clearly understood whether pyloric muscle enlargement is due to hypertrophy (increase in cell size) or hyperplasia (increase in cell number). In the present study, we investigated proliferative activity as well as size and number of smooth muscle cells to understand the mechanism of pyloric muscle enlargement in IHPS. Full thickness muscle biopsy specimens were obtained from 18 IHPS patients at pyloromyotomy and from 11 age-matched controls. Formalin-fixed paraffin sections were immunostained with MAb MIB-1, which stains cells in the proliferating phase of the cell cycle. The proliferative index (PI) was calculated as the percentage of positive cell nuclei. Smooth muscle cell number per bundle and cell size were measured with an image analyzer. The mean PI in IHPS (9.6 +/- 5.7%) was significantly higher than that of controls (1.3 +/- 1.2%) (p < 0.01). There was a significant inverse correlation between PI and age at operation. Smooth muscle cell number per bundle in IHPS (240.6 +/- 129.4) was significantly greater than that of the controls (134.1 +/- 49.8) (p < 0.05). Smooth muscle cell size in IHPS (298.5 +/- 59.0 microm2) was also significantly greater than that of controls (154.3 +/- 21.5 microm2) (p < 0.01). Our findings suggest that hypertrophy-and hyperplasia as well-play important roles in increasing pyloric smooth muscle mass in IHPS.
Use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 as an adjunct for instrumented posterior arthrodesis in the occipital cervical region: An analysis of safety, efficacy, and dosing

Background: There have been few reports on the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2 in posterior spine. However, no study has investigated the dosing, safety, and efficacy of its use in the posterior atlantoaxial, and/or craniovertebral junction. Recent case report of the cytokine-mediated inflammatory reaction, following off label use of rhBMP-2 as an adjunct for cervical fusion, particularly in complex cases, has increased concern about complications associated with the product. Objective: To assess the safety, efficacy, and dosing of rhBMP-2 as an adjunct for instrumented posterior atlantoaxial and/or craniovertebral junction arthrodesis. Materials and Methods: We included all patients treated by the senior author that included posterior atlantoaxial and/or craniovertebral junction instrumented fusion using rhBMP-2 from 2003 to 2008 with a minimum two year follow-up. Diagnosis, levels fused, rhBMP-2 dose, complications, and fusion were assessed. Results: Twenty three patients with a mean age of 60.9 years (range 4 - 89 years) and an average follow-up of 45 months (range 27 to 84 months) met inclusion criteria. The indications for surgery included, atlantoaxial instability (n = 16), basilar invagination (n = 6), and kyphoscoliosis (n = 1). The specific pathologic diagnosis included type 2 dens fracture (n = 7), complex C1 and C2 ring fracture (n = 2), chordoma (n = 2), degenerative/osteoporosis (n = 3), rheumatoid disease (n = 8), and pseudogout (n = 1). The average rhBMP-2 dose was 2.38 mg/level, with a total of 76 levels treated (average 3.3 levels, SD= 1.4 levels). There were no complications. During the most recent follow-up, all patients had achieved fusion. Conclusions: In a series of patients with complex pathology and/or rheumatoid arthritis, 100% fusion rate was achieved with adjunct use of rhBMP-2, with a safe and effective average rhBMP-2 dose of 2.38 mg per level.
Reflection and transmission of GMIR shock at the heliopause and their relation to the 2- and 3-kHz radio emissions

We use Voyager 2 plasma and magnetic field data together with a one-fluid MHD model to study the interactions of the 1991 Global Merged Interaction Region (GMIR) shock with the heliopause. The 1991 GMIR is an extraordinarily large global solar wind structure in radial, longitudinal and latitudinal extents. It has a strong shock at the leading edge. After its penetration through the termination shock, the GMIR shock first propagates through the subsonic solar wind, then interacts with the heliopause. The interaction produces a transmitted shock propagating outward in the interstellar medium, and a reflected shock propagating backward in the subsonic solar wind. We identify the reflected shock and the transmitted shock as the possible source of the radio noise detected at Voyagers. The plasma frequency behind the reflected and the transmitted shock can be, respectively, responsible for the 2- and 3-kHz radio emissions. The two bands of radio noise are emitted from sources on both sides of the heliopause starting at about the same time. If the emission is generated by f(sub p)-radiation then the heliopause is located at R approximately 130 AU. If the emission is generated by 2f(sub p)-radiation the n R approximately 150 AU. Because the relative speed of the interstellar plasma with respect to the sun appears to be sub-Alfvenic, it is very unlikely there is a fast-bow shock of the heliosphere.
The effect of humidity and preloading on the torsional fatigue of aluminium

Since very little work has been done with aluminium in reversed torsion and no work with a torsional preload, the purpose of this investigation was to compare the fatigue life of 2024-T351 aluminium at high (86 to 91%) and low (20 to 25%) relative humidity tested in torsion with a static preload (R=0). For comparison, tests on 2024-T3 aluminium were conducted in completely reversed torsion (R=−1). Tests were also conducted in argon on 2024-T351 aluminium in order to compare low humidity (20 to 25%) with a dry environment. All tests were replicated five times
The Shaping of Storied Selves in David Foster Wallace's The Pale King

Postmortem retrospectives of David Foster Wallace have too often painted him in broad strokes as either a postmodern trickster, enthralled with literary gamesmanship and irony, or, perhaps more commonly, as an apostle of the earnest and the straightforward. This essay attempts to arrive at a more nuanced understanding of Wallace's relationship to sincerity and irony through a reading of his final work, The Pale King, alongside key statements from interviews and published essays. The most well-developed sections of The Pale King portray characters for whom a commitment to sincerity can be just as much a danger as a commitment to irony. For these characters, moving toward adulthood means leaving childish fixations on sincerity behind and calling upon new parts of themselves that may be accessible only through performance, pretense, and artifice.
Modulation of arachidonic acid metabolism in experimental arthritis induced by Salmonella enteritidis. I. Effect of ibuprofen and flurbiprofen on experimental arthritis induced by Salmonella enteritidis.

Oral administration of two nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen and flurbiprofen, can suppress the Salmonella-induced arthritis in rats. The joint swelling index of arthritic paws showed suppression of arthritis in animals treated with the drugs, this effect being greater with flurbiprofen. Measurement of 5 eicosanoids in femoral vein plasma showed increase of arachidonic acid products in Salmonella-treated rats. Inhibition of joint inflammation resulting from treatment with ibuprofen and flurbiprofen is reflected by a decrease in concentration of all 5 eicosanoids which were found in the order: PGE2 > TXB2 > 6-keto-PGF1α > PGE1 > PGF2α. These studies indicate that flurbiprofen is a more powerful anti-inflammatory agent than ibuprofen. However, since the joint disease was not completely cured, optimal intervention is quite likely to require modulation of the lipoxygenase pathway.
Transforming growth factor-α induces sex-specific neurochemical imbalance in the stress- and memory-associated brain structures

Abstract Transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) is a well-known regulator of many developmental processes. However, its role in adult nervous system is yet unclear. Studies have shown that TGFα can regulate stress and memory behavior in adult mice. When TGFα is reduced in Waved-1 ( Wa-1 ) mutant mice, the stress response and memory are impaired predominantly in males and only after puberty. To determine the neurochemical changes resulting from the reduced TGFα levels that could explain the reported behavioral outcomes, biogenic amine and amino acid levels were determined in the brain regions associated with stress and memory. Interestingly, sex-specific alterations in neurochemical levels were detected, including elevated noradrenaline and reduced glutamate levels in striatum of Wa-1 males, increased noradrenaline and reduced serotonin metabolite levels in hippocampus of Wa-1 females, reduced serotonin metabolite levels in cortex and amygdala of Wa-1 females, and reduced noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, glutamate and glycine levels in hypothalamus of Wa-1 females compared to their respective controls. Increased dopamine turnover in cortex and reduced dopamine and serotonin turnover in amygdala were observed in both male and female Wa-1 mice. The data indicate sex-specific alterations of specific neurochemicals as a result of reduced TGFα expression, which may underlie sex-dependent stress response and memory impairment in Wa-1 mice.
Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone radioimmunossay following Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography

Combination oral contraceptive pills provide a reliable, reversible and easy to use method of contraception. During the mid-seventies risks of vascular complications were emphasized when pills containing large concentrations of estrogen were used [l], but these risks were diminished when pills containing lower amounts of estrogens were formulated [2], In view of this dose-response effect, complications could still occur with ‘lower dose pills’ if individuals exhibited differences in steroid metabolism. This possibility has, in fact, materialized in several studies demonstrating marked individual variation in plasma ethinyl estradiol concentrations between healthy women ingesting the same oral contraceptive pill [3-51. Acceptance of data from studies such as these, requires knowing that an accurate and reproducible method of steroid hormone measurement had been used. Previous methods of measuring the steroids commonly contained in oral contraceptive pills [ethinyl estradiol (EE) and norethindrone (NE)] have included spectrophotometric or colormetric techniques [6] requiring pretreatment of the plasma sample prior to hormone assay to separate the steroids due to poor specificity of the assay technique. Use of high-performance liquid chromatography has also been described for this purpose [6].
Positioning prostanoids of the D and J series in the immunopathogenic scheme

Prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)) is produced by a variety of immune and non-hematopoietic cells and appears to function in both an inflammatory and homeostatic capacity. Two genetically distinct PGD(2)-synthesizing enzymes have been identified to date, including hematopoietic- and lipocalin-type PGD synthases (H-PGDS and L-PGDS, respectively). Though the inter-species expression profiles of these two enzymes vary widely, H-PGDS is generally localized to the cytosolic aspect of immune and inflammatory cells, whereas L-PGDS is more resigned to tissue-based expression. PGD(2) activity is principally mediated through two unique G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), designated DP(1) and DP(2). These receptors exhibit overlapping binding profiles, yet their respective agonists elicit generally distinctive responses. Additional to DP receptors, the PGD(2) metabolite 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ(2) (15d-PGJ(2)) binds the nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) and has the facility to initiate a variety of anti-inflammatory phenotypes either through or independent of PPARgamma association. This review highlights the collective relevance of PGD(2) and its respective synthases, receptors, and metabolites in immunopathologic responses.
Purification and Characterization of an Endo-(1,3)-β-d-Glucanase from Trichoderma longibrachiatum

Abstract A laminarinase [endo-(1,3)-β-d-glucanase] has been purified from Trichoderma longibrachiatum cultivated with d-glucose as the growth substrate. The enzyme was found to hydrolyze laminarin to oligosaccharides varying in size from glucose to pentaose and to lesser amounts of larger oligosaccharides. The enzyme was unable to cleave laminaribiose but hydrolyzed triose to laminaribiose and glucose. The enzyme cleaved laminaritetraose, yielding laminaritriose, laminaribiose, and glucose, and similarly cleaved laminaripentaose, yielding laminaritetraose, laminaritriose, laminaribiose, and glucose. The enzyme cleaved only glucans containing β-1,3 linkages. The pH and temperature optima were 4.8 and 55°C, respectively. Stability in the absence of a substrate was observed at temperatures up to 50°C and at pH values between 4.9 and 9.3. The molecular mass was determined to be 70 kilodaltons by sodium dodecyl sulfate-12.5% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the pI was 7.2. Enzyme activity was significantly inhibited in the presence of HgCl2, MnCl2, KMnO4, and N-bromosuccinimide. The Km of the enzyme on laminarin was 0.0016%, and the Vmax on laminarin was 3,170 μmol of glucose equivalents per mg of the pure enzyme per min.
Disulfide bonds and the structure of the chromatin complex in relation to aging.

Abstract Triton X-100 washed nuclei from livers of young-adult and old mice were digested with micrococcal nuclease and pelleted. Supernatants (1SF) were saved and the pellets lysed in a hypotonic EDTA buffer. A second supernatant (2SF) and a final pellet (P) were obtained by recentrifugation (7000 g, 7 minutes). The 1SF/2SF ratio, which has been shown to be an index of the transcriptionally active to inactive chromatin ratio, was lower in older mice. The fraction relatively resistant to solubilization by the nuclease (P) was found by isopycnic sucrose gradient centrifugation to be in a more compact, condensed state when prepared from older mice. Higher amounts of heavy density chromatin were obtained from nuclei of old than young mice by hypotonic lysis plus minimal mechanical shearing. 2-Mercaptoethanol (2ME) treatment brought the density of the material of P from old mice back to the levels of young mice. In both age groups 2ME decreased the densities of mechanically sheared chromatin as well as of the whole Triton X-100 washed nuclei. In nuclease digestion experiments treatment of the nuclei from both age groups with SS reducing agents increased the release of DNA from P into the supernatants. The results are consistent with SS bonds being involved in the condensed structure of chromatin in young and old mice and in the shift of the chromatin complex towards a more compact, condensed state in old age.
THE HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE: HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF THE CONCEPT

(1975). THE HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE: HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF THE CONCEPT. Water International: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 15-21.
Investigation of Autistic Features Among Individuals With Mild to Moderate Cornelia de Lange Syndrome

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a congenital disorder characterized by distinctive facial features, growth retardation, limb abnormalities, intellectual disability, and behavioral problems. Autism has been reported to occur frequently in CdLS, but the frequency of autism in individuals with the milder CdLS phenotype is not well studied. We investigated autistic features by using a screening tool and a diagnostic interview in 49 individuals with the mild to moderate phenotype from a CdLS research database at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), a screening instrument for autistic disorder, was completed for all individuals. For individuals who screened positive and a subset of those that screened negative, the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) was administered. Autistic symptom severity was not significantly different by gender, age groups, and genotypes. There was a significant correlation between higher levels of adaptive functioning and lower scores of autistic symptoms. The estimated prevalence of significant autistic features by ADI-R criteria was 43% in our cohort of individuals with the mild to moderate CdLS phenotype, which suggests that prevalence of autistic disorder may be higher than previously described among individuals with mild to moderate phenotype of CdLS. Clinicians who take care of individuals with CdLS should have a high index of suspicion for autistic features, and refer for further evaluation when these features are present in order to expedite appropriate intervention.
Time-encoded imaging of energetic radiation

Time-encoded imaging (TEI) is a new approach to directional detection of energetic radiation that produces images by inducing a time-dependent modulation of detected particles. TEI-based detectors use single-scatter events and have a low channel count, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining high efficiency with respect to other radiation imaging techniques such as double-scatter or coded aperture imaging. The scalability of TEI systems makes them a very promising detector class for weak source detection. Extension of the technique to high-resolution imaging is also under study. With a prototype time-encoding detector, we demonstrated detection of a neutron source at 60 m with neutron output equivalent to an IAEA significant quantity of WGPu. We have since designed and built a full-scale detector based on the time-encoding concept. We will present results from characterization of very large liquid scintillator cells, including pulse shape discrimination, as well as from studies of the detector system performance in weak source detection scenarios.
Effect of KEPI (Ppp1r14c) deletion on morphine analgesia and tolerance in mice of different genetic backgrounds: when a knockout is near a relevant quantitative trait locus.

We previously identified KEPI as a morphine-regulated gene using subtractive hybridization and differential display PCR. Upon phosphorylation by protein kinase C, KEPI becomes a powerful inhibitor of protein phosphatase 1. To gain insights into KEPI functions, we created KEPI knockout (KO) mice on mixed 129S6×C57BL/6 genetic backgrounds. KEPI maps onto mouse chromosome 10 close to the locus that contains the μ-opioid receptor (Oprm1) and provides a major quantitative trait locus for morphine effects. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in and near the Oprm1 locus identified a doubly-recombinant mouse with C57BL/6 markers within 1 Mb on either side of the KEPI deletion. This strategy minimized the amount of 129S6 DNA surrounding the transgene and documented the C57BL/6 origin of the Oprm1 gene in this founder and its offspring. Recombinant KEPIKO mice displayed (a) normal analgesic responses and normal locomotion after initial morphine treatments, (b) accelerated development of tolerance to analgesic effects of morphine, (c) elevated activity of protein phosphatase 1 in thalamus, (d) attenuated morphine reward as assessed by conditioned place preference. These data support roles for KEPI action in adaptive responses to repeated administration of morphine that include analgesic tolerance and drug reward.
Comments on “Rainfall and Climate Variation over a Sloping New Mexico Plateau during the North American Monsoon”

Comments on Rainfall and climate variation over a sloping New Mexico plateau during the North American monsoon
Evaluation and recommendations for adherence marker development by working groups of the workshop.

Abstract This article summarizes the deliberations on major issues of adherence marker characteristics and recommendations for marker development prepared by three independent working groups after presentation of the invited papers. The groups were composed of workshop attendees invited for balanced representation of major disciplines and experience. As a basis for their deliberation, all of the workshops initially addressed a panel of specific topics designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of adherence marker technology. Deliberations were summarized by group recorders.
Case Studies in Public Administration.

A special committee on research materials has been set up by the Committee on Public Administration of the Social Science Research Council. As the title indicates, this Committee is sponsoring a program for the “collection of data limited in time and place, including the statement of relevant facts involved in an administrative problem, the decision taken with reference thereto, and results arising therefrom.” This program is worthy of the backing and cooperation of all political scientists interested in the field of public administration, and having faith in the possibility of developing a science of public administration.
The non-compact sigma model and dynamical mass generation

Abstract The simplest class of non-linear sigma models with non-compact internal symmetry is analysed. It is shown that dynamical generation of mass with asymptotic freedom behavior is possible in the non-compact model, a condition prerequisite for the generation of composite gauge bosons in supergravity theories. We discuss the features of compact versus non-compact internal symmetries in a field theory.
Normal Swallowing in the Dog: A Cineradiographic Study

Normal dog swallowing dynamics were analyzed and correlated with specific structures. There were oropharyngeal, esophageal, and gastroesophageal phases. The oropharyngeal phase was characterized by food prehension and bolus formation (oral stage), reflex pharyngeal peristalsis (pharyngeal stage), and reflex cricopharyngeal sphincter relaxation (cricopharyngeal stage). The esophageal phase was characterized by primary peristalsis initiated by the oropharyngeal phase and secondary peristalsis which occurred in response to mechanical stimuli from a bolus in the esophagus. There was a post-peristalsis refractory period during which new peristalsis would not occur. Repeated rapid swallowing would, therefore, result in accumulation of ingesta in the esophagus. The gastroesophageal phase occurred when a bolus passed through the gastroesophageal junction, an area which serves as a lower esophageal sphincter. Gastroesophageal reflux was observed as a normal, infrequent event followed by rapid esophageal clearance. Low doses of tranquilizers had no significant influence on swallowing function. The differences observed between sternal and lateral recumbent postures related only to the rate of food consumption which, in turn, influenced esophageal motor response and inhibited gastroesophageal closure. These differences did not adversely affect the autonomous phases of swallowing.
Vote-earning strategies in flexible list systems: Seats at the price of unity

In theory, flexible list systems are a compromise between closed-list and open-list proportional representation. A party's list of candidates can be reordered by voters if the number of votes cast for an individual candidate exceeds some quota. Because these barriers to reordering are rarely overcome, these systems are often characterized as basically closed-list systems. Paradoxically, in many cases, candidates are increasingly earning individual-level preference votes. Using data from Slovakia, we show that incumbents cultivate personal reputations because parties reward preference vote earning candidates with better pre-election list positions in the future. Ironically, the party's vote-earning strategy comes at a price, as incumbents use voting against the party on the chamber floor to generate the reputations that garner preference votes.
Hedonic deficit in anhedonia : support for the role of approach motivation

Anhedonia is defined as the diminished capacity to experience pleasure. However, previous research comparing the response of high and low scorers on the Scale for Physical Anhedonia (Chapman, L. J., Chapman, J.P., & Raulin, M.L. (1976). Scales for physical and social anhedonia. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 85 (4), 374‐382) to positive emotion-eliciting stimuli has not produced consistent support for hedonic deficit in anhedonia. Basing hypotheses on a neurobehavioral model of positive aAect, the present study examined both hedonic experience and the proposed motivational substrates of hedonic experience in anhedonia. Specifically, to examine the linkage between anhedonia, approach motivation, and positive aAect, 339 participants completed measures designed to assess these constructs. A subset of these participants, who were either high or low scorers on the Scale for Physical Anhedonia, also rated their aAective response to positive, negative, and neutral sensory stimuli. Although anhedonia was associated with diminished general positive aAect, diminished intensity of emotional experience, and diminished self-report of approach motivation, it was unrelated to participants’ self-report of emotional experience to sensory stimuli. However, a measure of approach motivation was significantly related to self-report of positive emotional experience to sensory cues and stimuli, suggesting that approach motivation may be a better index of hedonic deficit than a commonly used anhedonia measure. # 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selected systems engineering process deficiencies and their consequences

Abstract The systems engineering process is well established and well understood. While this statement could be argued in the light of the many systems engineering guidelines and that have been developed, comparative review of these respective descriptions reveal that they differ primarily in the number of discrete steps or other nuances, and are at their core essentially common. Likewise, the systems engineering textbooks differ primarily in the context for application of systems engineering or in the utilization of evolved tools and techniques, not in the basic method. Thus, failures in systems engineering cannot credibly be attributed to implementation of the wrong systems engineering process among alternatives. However, numerous system failures can be attributed to deficient implementation of the systems engineering process. What may clearly be perceived as a systems engineering deficiency in retrospect can appear to be a well considered system engineering efficiency in real time—an efficiency taken to reduce cost or meet a schedule, or more often both. Typically these efficiencies are grounded on apparently solid rationale, such as reuse of heritage hardware or software. Over time, unintended consequences of a systems engineering process deficiency may begin to be realized, and unfortunately often the consequence is systems failure. This paper describes several actual cases of system failures that resulted from deficiencies in their systems engineering process implementation, including the Ariane 5 and the Hubble Space Telescope.
An aeronautical-mobile 20/30 GHz satellite-tracking antenna for high data rate satcom

Access to the information superhighway has been extended to aircraft in flight. This was made possible by the development of an aeronautical-mobile, high gain satellite-tracking antenna. The main objective of the antenna development was to provide a demonstration of aeronautical satellite communications that might be deemed commercially viable. This implies a number of related objectives. Video or full graphic applications (common uses of the new information super highway) are the most attractive form of entertainment or computer communications and require a high data rate. A high data rate requires a high-gain antenna with a narrow beamwidth, and that requires a precise satellite tracking system. Installation on an aircraft implies that the antenna must present a minimal aerodynamic impact, so it must not protrude much outside the fuselage. Furthermore, any modifications to a commercial aircraft require a formal, tedious FAA approval, and commercial airliners desire a quick installation so that aircraft down-time is minimized. An antenna design that accommodates a simple installation is very desirable in those regards. An attractively low cost is certainly an objective for commercial viability. We believe that we have achieved all these objectives with the antenna system described.
Carbon nanotube circuits in the presence of carbon nanotube density variations

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are grown using chemical synthesis. As a result, it is extremely difficult to ensure exact positioning and uniform density of CNTs. Density variations in CNT growth can compromise reliability of Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistor (CNFET) circuits, and result in increased delay variations. A parameterized model for CNT density variations is presented based on experimental data extracted from aligned CNT growth. This model is used to quantify the impact of such variations on design metrics such as noise margin and delay variations of CNFET circuits. Finally, we analyze correlation that exists in aligned CNT growth, and demonstrate how the reliability of CNFET circuits can be significantly improved by taking advantage of such correlation.
Modelling temperature-dependent development and survival of Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

1 We conducted a laboratory experiment to quantify the stage-specific effects of temperature on development time and survival of Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a serious economic pest of horticultural crops. Quantification of the relationship between stage development and temperature is required to predict seasonal occurrence of particular life stages and to optimize the timing of monitoring and control tactics. 2 Temperature-dependent survival rate was quantified using an extreme value function and showed a skewed bell shape, due to the vulnerability of the insect to high temperature in all stages. 3 The development times of O. sulcatus decreased with increasing temperature up to 27 °C for eggs and 24 °C for larvae and pupae. The nonlinear relationship between development rate and temperature was described using the Logan model, and enabled us to estimate the optimum temperature for development. 4 The inherent variation of development time was estimated from the cumulative frequency of stage emergence, which was modelled using the cumulative Weibull function. 5 The stage emergence model, which simulated the transition from one stage to the next in relation to temperature and cohort age, was constructed by incorporating stage-specific survival and development rate submodels with the Weibull model of stage frequency. 6 Our results show a difference in optimal temperature regime among developmental stages of O. sulcatus.
Nuclear and mitochondrial markers reveal evidence for genetically segregated cryptic speciation in giant Pacific octopuses from Prince William Sound, Alaska

Multiple species of large octopus are known from the north Pacific waters around Japan, however only one large species is known in the Gulf of Alaska (the giant Pacific octopus, Enteroctopus dofleini). Current taxonomy of E. dofleini is based on geographic and morphological characteristics, although with advances in genetic technology that is changing. Here, we used two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase I), three nuclear genes (rhodopsin, octopine dehydrogenase, and paired-box 6), and 18 microsatellite loci for phylogeographic and phylogenetic analyses of octopuses collected from across southcentral and the eastern Aleutian Islands (Dutch Harbor), Alaska. Our results suggest the presence of a cryptic Enteroctopus species that is allied to, but distinguished from E. dofleini in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Existence of an undescribed and previously unrecognized taxon raises important questions about the taxonomy of octopus in southcentral Alaska waters.
Hermitian operator methods for reaction‐diffusion equations

A variety of time-linearization, quasilinearization, operator-splitting, and implicit techniques which use compact or Hermitian operators has been developed for and applied to one-dimensional reaction-diffusion equations. Compact operators are compared with second-order accurate spatial approximations in order to assess the accuracy and efficiency of Hermitian techniques. It is shown that time-linearization, quasilinearization, and implicit techniques which use compact operators are less accurate than second-order accurate spatial discretizations if first-order approximations are employed to evaluate the time derivatives. This is attributed to first-order accurati temporal truncation errors. Compact operator techniques which use second-order temporal approximations are found to be more accurate and efficient than second-order accurate, in both space and time, algorithms. Quasilinearization methods are found to be more accurate than time-linearization schemes. However, quasilinearization techniques are less efficient because they require the inversion of block tridiagonal matrices at each iteration. Some improvements in accuracy can be obtained by using partial quasilinearization and linearizing each equation with respect to the variable whose equation is being solved. Operator-splitting methods which use compact differences to evaluate the diffusion operator were found to be less accurate than operator-splitting procedures employ second-order accurate spatial approximations. Comparisons among the methods presented in this paper are shown in terms of the L2-norm errors and computed wave speeds for a variety of time steps and grid spacings: The numerical efficiency is assessed in terms of the CPU time required to achieve the same accuracy.
High gain omnidirectional land mobile base station antenna

Measurements and computations made on a 1.5-GHz 5.6-m (18.5-ft) aperture 2 degrees vertical beamwidth antenna with an omnidirectional horizontal pattern are presented. The gain is greater than 16 dBi over a range of 70 MHz. Good agreement between measured and computed patterns provides confidence that the elevation pattern can be used to predict the received field when the antenna is used in an urban multipath propagation environment. >
Discussion Podcast—“Health Services Research Funding and the Foundation for Physical Therapy”

In June, the Foundation for Physical Therapy announced a funding campaign to establish a Center of Excellence that will expand the number of physical therapist investigators in …
The squeaking hip: a phenomenon of ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty.

Background: Early reports on modern ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacements have demonstrated excellent clinical and radiographic results with few cases of catastrophic failure, which, in the case of earlier designs, often had been caused by implant fracture. Several reports, however, have noted the presence of audible squeaking. The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence of squeaking in association with the use of this bearing couple. Methods: During the period from March 2003 to May 2005, three surgeons performed 159 total hip arthroplasties in 143 patients with use of a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing. One hundred and forty-nine hips (131 patients) were available for review after at least one year of follow-up. These patients were followed prospectively with use of the modified Hospital for Special Surgery hip score and a patient-administered questionnaire. Additionally, a control group of sixty hips (forty-eight patients) with a metal-on-polyethylene bearing was matched to the ceramic group on the basis of age, sex, and body mass index to compare the incidence of squeaking and other noises. Radiographic evaluations were performed according to previously established criteria. Results: Fourteen (10.7%) of 131 patients described an audible squeak during normal activities. However, squeaking was reproducible clinically in only four patients, and only one patient complained of squeaking before being presented with the questionnaire. The average Hospital for Special Surgery score improved from 19.8 preoperatively to 38.4 at the time of the latest follow-up, indicating excellent clinical results. Ninety-five percent of the patients had a satisfaction score of ≥8 of 10. Three hips dislocated. One of those three hips squeaked and was revised because of recurrent dislocations. One patient was considering revision because of squeaking. In the matched metal-on-polyethylene cohort, there were no cases of squeaking. Conclusions: The squeaking hip is a phenomenon that is unique to total hip replacements with hard-on-hard bearings. The incidence of squeaking in association with ceramic-on-ceramic bearings may be higher than previously reported as <1% of the patients in the present study reported this finding before being queried. The causes and implications of squeaking are yet to be determined. The use of hard-on-hard bearings offers many advantages in terms of wear reduction, especially for young and active patients. Nonetheless, patients considering ceramic-on-ceramic bearings should be counseled with regard to this phenomenon. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Functions of C5a receptors

The split product of the complement protein, C5, is C5a and is an extremely potent pro-inflammatory peptide that interacts with two C5a receptors, C5aR and C5L2, present on surfaces of phagocytes as well as other cell types. The former is a well-established receptor that initiates G-protein-coupled signaling via mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Its in vivo blockade greatly reduces inflammatory injury. Much less is known about C5L2, occupancy of which by C5a does not initiate increased intracellular Ca2+. There are numerous conflicting reports suggesting that C5L2 is a “default receptor” that attenuates C5a-dependent biological responses by competing with C5aR for binding of C5a. However, there are other reports suggesting that C5L2 plays an active, positive role in inflammatory responses. Better definition of C5L2 is needed if its in vivo blockade, along with C5aR, is to be considered in complement-dependent inflammatory diseases.