cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paramedic and EMT Program Performance on Certification Examinations Varies by Program Size and Geographic Location.

Introduction: The quality of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic training program is likely one factor that contributes to a candidate's success on the National Registry Cognitive Examination. However, program pass rates and their associated geographic location have not previously been evaluated. Our objective was to evaluate the performance of EMT and paramedic programs in the United States, pass rates on the National Registry Cognitive Examinations, and relationship to geography.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional evaluation of EMT and paramedic programs' first and cumulative third attempt pass rates on the National Registry Cognitive Examination in 2015. Included were civilian EMT and paramedic programs with >5 graduates testing for certification. Descriptive statistics were calculated for program pass rates, total graduates testing, and pass rates by National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) regions.Results: We included 1,939 EMT programs (6-1,892 graduates testing/program) and 602 paramedic programs (6-689 graduates testing/program). We excluded 262 (11.9%) EMT and 51 (7.8%) paramedic programs with ≤5 graduates testing annually due to unstable estimates of program pass rates. EMT programs in the highest quartile for total number of graduates testing outperformed the lowest quartile in both first attempt (65.7% vs. 61.9%, p < 0.001) and cumulative third attempt pass rates (79.1% vs 72.7%, p < 0.001). This difference was also seen for paramedic programs on first attempt (77.3% vs. 62.5%, p < 0.001) and cumulative third attempt (91.9% vs. 76.9%, p < 0.001). EMT program pass rates for first and cumulative third attempts also varied by NASEMSO region (first: 62-68%; third: 74-78%) with the Great Lakes and West regions outperforming the other regions. Paramedic program pass rates differed by NASEMSO regions as well (first: 65-83%; third: 81-95%) with highest pass rates in the West region.Conclusions Program performance for both EMT and paramedic programs varies by total number of graduates testing and geographic location. Graduates from larger EMT and paramedic programs have higher first and cumulative third attempt pass rates compared to graduates from smaller programs. Additionally, there is variability in program pass rates across NASEMSO regions for both certification levels. Further evaluation is necessary to better understand the variability in program performance in the United States.
Power to the People: Why We Need Full Federal Preemption of Electrical Transmission Regulation

State and federal governments have made significant investments in the development and installation of renewable energy technology. However, further increases in renewable power use have been stymied by the continued mismatch between the national interest in connecting consumers with utility-scale wind and solar installations and state and local control over the siting of electrical transmission lines. Because renewable power potential is often located far from consumers, transmission lines must cross multiple jurisdictions whose local interests have tended to prevent or significantly delay development. This Note analyzes that disconnect, reviews academic and legislative proposals to overcome it, and proposes a way for the federal government to preempt the states in order to streamline construction of the needed infrastructure while maintaining consideration of local concerns and advancing the overarching policy goal of shifting the electrical grid towards renewable power.
Haptic Display of Mathematical Functions for Teaching Mathematics to Students with Vision Disabilities: Design and Proof of Concept

The design and initial implementation of a system for constructing a haptic model of a mathematical function for exploration using a PHANToM are described. A user types the mathematical function as a Fortran arithmetic expression and the system described here carves the trace of the function onto a virtual block of balsa wood. Preliminary work in generating music which describes the function has begun.
Algorithmic Differentiation and Differencing

The sections in this article are 1 An Example 2 Algorithmic Generation of Taylor Coefficients 3 Solution of Initial-Value Problems 4 First-Order Partial Derivatives 5 Gradients in Reverse Mode 6 Code Lists, Programs, and Computational Graphs 7 Differentiation Arithmetics 8 Some Applications of Automatic Differentiation 9 Implementation of Automatic Differentiation 10 Algorithmic Differencing
Test Case Generation as an AI Planning Problem

While Artificial Intelligence techniques have been applied to a variety of software engineering applications, the area of automated software testing remains largely unexplored. Yet, test cases for certain types of systems (e.g., those with command language interfaces and transaction based systems) are similar to plans. We have exploited this similarity by constructing an automated test case generator with an AI planning system at its core. We compared the functionality and output of two systems, one based on Software Engineering techniques and the other on planning, for a real application: the StorageTek robot tape library command language. From this, we showed that AI planning is a viable technique for test case generation and that the two approaches are complementary in their capabilities.
Characteristics and Energetics of Great Egret and Snowy Egret Foraging Flights

Abstract Flight patterns of Great Egrets (Ardea alba) and Snowy Egrets (Egretta thula) arriving at and departing two mixed-species colonies were studied in Wichita, Kansas, in May and June 2007. For 137 short-distance flights (about 200 m) at one colony, flight duration and flight distance were recorded and wing beats were counted. For 90 longer flights (about 1,200 m) at a second colony, flight durations were recorded. From these data, wing-beat frequencies and flight velocities were calculated, then wind vector addition was used to determine air speeds and examine the effects of wind velocity and wind direction on flight patterns. Using published algorithms and data from two of our previous flight line studies, the daily energetic costs of foraging flights were estimated. Flight patterns by Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets showed some similarities. For example, mean air speeds for Great Egrets (9.2 m/s) did not differ from those of Snowy Egrets (8.7 m/s). Differences between species included lower wing-bea...
Preparing Students for Workplace Challenges: Introducing a Module on the ADA

(1994). Preparing Students for Workplace Challenges: Introducing a Module on the ADA. Hospitality & Tourism Educator: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 59-62.
Comparison of L-DACS and FBMC performance in over-water air-ground channels

The demand for air transportation is continuously growing. Likewise, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are proliferating at a tremendous pace. Both current and future air-to-ground (AG) communications systems will be deployed in the L-band (960-1164 MHz), and possibly in other bands. Aiming toward modernization, Eurocontrol recently defined two L-Band Digital Aeronautical Communication Systems (L-DACS). Primary goals of LDACS are high data rate transmission and high reliability. There are two L-DACS technology candidates, LDACS1 and LDACS2. The LDACS1 scheme employs a fairly broadband (0.5 MHz) transmission using Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) together with adaptive coding and modulation. The LDACS2 scheme follows a more traditional approach which is based on GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), i.e., on second generation cellular mobile radio technology. In this paper, we investigate and compare the physical layer characteristics of L-DACS1 and L-DACS2 and then via simulations we illustrate the performance of these two communication systems in an air-to-ground channel. The air-to-ground channel we employ is one based upon a recent extensive measurement campaign. Results for error probability vs. signal to noise ratio are the focus. We also propose a new filterbank multicarrier (FBMC) based air-ground communication air interface which is consistent with previous requirements of L-DACS. We compare the FBMC performance with that of the LDACS schemes and show that FBMC has higher spectral efficiency via better time-frequency localized prototype subcarrier filters. This enables use of some guard subcarriers as data carrying subcarriers, increasing throughput. The BER results of our FBMC based L-DACS system are equivalent to those of L-DACS1 and better than those of L-DACS2. The simulation results also show the sensitivity of L-DACS2 systems to channel phase shifts and show the necessity of channel equalization for L-DACS2 receivers.
Inhibition by cycloheximide of degradation of cytochrome P-450 in primary cultures of adult rat liver parenchymal cells and in vivo

Degradation of cytochrome P-450 was studied in adult rat liver parenchymal cells in primary monolayer culture. In cells incubated in standard culture medium, the amount of cytochrome P-450 decreased at an accelerated rate relative to either the rate of degradation of total protein in the cells or the turnover of cytochrome P-450 in vivo. This change was succeeded by a spontaneous increase in the activity of haem oxygenase, an enzyme system that converts haem into bilirubin in vitro, measured in extracts from the cultured cells. This finding suggests that the rate of cytochrome P-450 breakdown may be controlled by factor(s) other than the activity of haem oxygenase. The decline in cytochrome P-450 and the subsequent increase in haem oxygenase activity was prevented by incubation of hepatocytes in medium containing an inhibitor of protein synthesis such as cycloheximide, puromycin, actinomycin D, or azaserine. The effect of cycloheximide appeared to be due to decreased breakdown of microsomal (14)C-labelled haem. By contrast, cycloheximide was without effect on the degradation of total protein, measured either in homogenates or in microsomal fractions prepared from the cultured cells. These results suggest that the conditions of cell culture stimulate selective degradation of cytochrome P-450 by a process that is inhibited by cycloheximide and hence may require protein synthesis. The findings in culture were verified in parallel studies of cytochrome P-450 degradation in vivo. After administration of bromobenzene, the degradation of the haem moiety of cytochrome P-450 was accelerated in vivo in a manner resembling that observed in cultured hepatocytes. Administration of cycloheximide to either bromobenzene-treated rats or to untreated rats decreased the degradation of the haem moiety of cytochrome P-450. However, the drug failed to affect degradation of haem not associated with cytochrome P-450, suggesting that cycloheximide is not a general inhibitor of haem oxidation in the liver. These findings confirm that the catabolism of hepatic cytochrome P-450 haem is controlled by similar cycloheximide-sensitive processes in the basal steady state in vivo, as stimulated by bromobenzene in vivo, or in hepatocytes under the conditions of cell culture. We conclude that the rate-limiting step in this process appears to require protein synthesis and precedes cleavage of the haem ring.
Star operations and theD+M construction

In this paper, we study star operations on integral domains of the formD+M. In particular, we give an example of a star operation which is not comparable to thet-operation.
Uses of statistical editing of real-time ambulatory electrocardiographic recordings for quantitative ventricular ectopic beat counts

Real-time ambulatory monitoring analyzes each heart beat, counts events, and stores ECG samples for later visual verification. Typically, a physician examines these to determine whether the computer algorithm accurately identified arrhythmias. Physician editing is performed using best clinical judgement. We developed a simple statistical editing procedure for adjusting false positive and false negative computer detections. In 20 subjects having 24-hr monitoring we compared statistically edited ventricular premature beat (VPB) counts and pair/run counts with the unedited monitor counts and with physician assessment using a visual counted gold standard. The agreement of the statistically edited count with the visual standard was 65% for total VPB, 85% for VPB pair/runs, and 90% for a risk score based on ventricular ectopy. Corresponding agreements for unedited monitor count were 15, 25, and 30%, respectively. Physician assessment was not sufficiently precise to allow quantitative count estimates. This study indicates a statistical editing procedure substantially increases the level of agreement between the visual standard and the monitor count of VPB frequency and complexity. Statistically edited data are suitable for quantitative counts of VPB and other arrhythmic events in research and in medical diagnosis and treatment. This editing procedure can be a useful adjunct to any ambulatory monitoring system.
Female sperm storage in reptiles

Internal fertilization and oviparity most likely are symplesiomorphies for modern reptiles, and viviparity has evolved independently numerous times in Sauria and Serpentes. Oviducal sperm storage is known in females of all taxa except Amphisbaenia. However, in Rhynchocephalia and Crocodilia, sperm storage is poorly studied, and specialized sperm storage tubules (Ssts) are unknown. We use the molecular phylogenetic hypothesis [(Chelonia+Archosauria) (Squamata)] to trace evolution of sperm storage characters. Ssts arose independently in Chelonia and Squamata. Turtles possess albumen-secreting glands in the anterior half of the oviduct (the tuba or isthmus), and the most distal of these glands also serve as Ssts; in addition, some turtles possess Ssts in the adjacent segment of the oviduct, the uterus. Squamates lack albumen-secreting glands, and the ancestral state is possession of Ssts in the posterior infundibulum (uterine tube). Secondarily, iguanids have evolved vaginal Ssts. In this paper, we present the first ultrastructural observations on vaginal Ssts in lizards, using Anolis sagrei (Polychrotidae). Proximally, the neck of these simple tubular glands continues the alternation of ciliated and secretory cells lining the lumen of the vagina. However, the epithelial cells of the distal sperm storage area are neither secretory nor ciliated. The Ssts of Anolis are more similar to those of birds more than to infundibular receptacles in snakes and lizards.
Gape size influences seasonal patterns of piscivore diets in three Neotropical rivers

We examined diets of four piscivores, two in the order Perciformes (Cichla temensis and C. orinocensis) and two in the order Characiformes (Boulengerella cuvieri and B. lucius), from the Cinaruco, La Guardia, and Ventuari rivers in Venezuela throughout the wet-dry seasonal cycle. The four piscivores consumed a phylogenetically and morphologically diverse group of fishes, reflecting the overall diversity of fish species in these rivers. At the start of the falling-water period, Cichla consumed large prey, especially the abundant, migratory, fish of the genus Semaprochilodus. As these relatively large prey became depleted during the dry season, Cichla tended to consume smaller prey. For Boulengerella, gape limitation precluded consumption of larger, seasonally abundant, fishes, and so prey sizes were more consistent throughout the seasonal cycle. Our findings show how prey abundance and gape limitations interact to influence seasonal patterns of predator-prey interactions.
Large-gain photorefractive polymers

We describe on-going research to develop photorefractive polymeric materials with improved speed, material stability, and high beam coupling gain. The demonstration of significantly improved two-beam coupling is shown to mark the entry into a gain regime which enables the observation of new effects for the first time, such as beam fanning and self-pumped phase-conjugation. These effects have previously been reserved to a few thick high gain inorganic photorefractive crystals. We discuss how the large beam coupling has forced the reinterpretation of such traditional characterization techniques such as the grating translation method for the determination of the spatial phase of the index grating. Our subsequent material study focuses on several compositional variations to investigate the effect that varying the chromophore and charge transporting polymer has on the photorefractive effect.
Bayesian Quantile Regression for Longitudinal Studies with Nonignorable Missing Data

We study quantile regression (QR) for longitudinal measurements with nonignorable intermittent missing data and dropout. Compared to conventional mean regression, quantile regression can characterize the entire conditional distribution of the outcome variable, and is more robust to outliers and misspecification of the error distribution. We account for the within-subject correlation by introducing a l(2) penalty in the usual QR check function to shrink the subject-specific intercepts and slopes toward the common population values. The informative missing data are assumed to be related to the longitudinal outcome process through the shared latent random effects. We assess the performance of the proposed method using simulation studies, and illustrate it with data from a pediatric AIDS clinical trial.
High speed multi-channel optical sampling technique for analog-to-digital converters

We describe the design and implementation of an eight channel optical sampling technique for analog-to-digital (A/D) converters. A single mode-locked laser source with a pulse reprtition rate of 250 MHz is used to generate eight highly synchronized smapling clocks each running at 500 MHz. The basic sampling circuit consistes of a reversed-biased photodiode which operates as a very fast optoelectronic switch. Actuating the photodiode ON and OFF with mode-locked laser pulses produce sampled RF signals. In the implementation of this A/D architecture, the optical clocks are delayed relative to each other using fixed passive delay lines. The time-shifted clock signals allow for sampling different phases of the input RF signal resulting in an aggregate sampling rate of 4 Gigasamples/sec (GSPS). We shall show the optical clock setup necessary in order to achieve a 4 BSPS rate. We shall also present sampling results for input RF signals with frequencies ranging from 10 to 500. Interleaving of the sampled RF output from different sampling channels will also be demonstrated.
Some differential equations of probability theory in stochastic processes and control systems

The origin, basic assumptions and some characteristics of two types of differential equations that arise in the study of control systems and processes which involve random variables are discussed in this paper. The first group are derived equations that follow from specified probabilistic considerations. These include retrospective and forward Kolmogorov differential equations and a transition rate differential equation. The second group are descriptive equations in the sense that they are taken as defining typical stochastic processes and systems. These include differential equations with an additive random variable, and differential equations describing systems with elements subject to random variation.
Chromosomal analysis of mammalian oocytes matured in vitro with various culture systems

The objective of this study was to evaluate oocyte maturation in vitro. Ten virgin CD-1 mice were used with 3 replications for in vitro with 4 different culture media. Media were minimal essential medium (MEM) with Earl's salt, Waymouth MB 752/1 (MB 752/1), BGjb medium (BGjb), and tissue culture medium-199 (TCM-199). The oocyte chromosomes were C-banded to enable an objective analysis of the chromosome abnormality and number. There was a percentage of blockage at metaphase I (M I), in matured oocytes in all culture media. Metaphase II (M II) was reached by 70.9 to 87.3% of oocytes in 4 different culture media. The frequencies of hyperploid M II oocytes were 0.0, 1.1, 2.8 and 2.6% for TCM-199, MEM, MB 752/1 and BGjb, respectively. A small proportion of oocytes was also found to be polyploid in 4 different culture media. There was an occurrence of premature centromere separation among oocytes. It was concluded that the chromosomes of the oocytes matured in vitro were not all in the normal condition (being at M II). The media used in this study for oocyte maturation caused maturation delay (being blocked at M I), premature centromere separation, polyploidy, and aneuploidy (such as, hyperploid, hypoploid).
Essential roles of bile acid receptors FXR and TGR5 as metabolic regulators

Alterations of bile acid (BA) metabolism in type II diabetes (T2D) have revealed a link between BAs and metabolic homeostasis. The BA receptors farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and G-protein coupled BA receptor 1 (TGR5) both have shown to regulate lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism, rendering them potential therapeutic targets for T2D therapy. Astonishingly, BA signaling is vital as it has known to be a positive factor for beneficial improvements in vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery, in turn making these BA receptors beneficial tools in therapeutic targets for T2D. These metabolic regulators: FXR and TGR5 are essential modulators in the metabolic system, which affect the human machinery and will be the focus of this review.
Altered manifestations of skin disease at sites affected by neurological deficit

Summary Background The contribution of the nervous system to inflammation in general and inflammatory skin disease in particular has been underappreciated. It is now apparent that an intact neural component is required for the conventional clinical manifestations of many inflammatory skin diseases. Objectives To investigate the relationship between nerve damage and skin disease. Methods Previous individual reports since 1966 were collected systematically and the clinical observations described therein were placed within current concepts of neurogenic inflammation. Results We reviewed the literature and identified 23 cases of alterations in the appearance or distribution of skin disorders in patients with acquired central or peripheral neural damage or dysfunction. In 19 cases, near or complete resolution of pre-existing skin lesions occurred in areas directly or indirectly supplied by a subsequently injured nervous system. Exacerbation or new onset of skin lesions occurred in only four cases. The neural deficits described included damage within the peripheral or central nervous system resulting in pure sensory, pure motor or combined sensory and motor deficits. Conclusions These cases highlight the importance of neural innervation and neurogenic inflammation in the development of inflammatory skin disease and prompt further examination of the use of neural blockade as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of inflammatory dermatoses.
Urinary cortisol and muscle mass in Turkana men

To determine the role of cortisol in modulating the effects of energetics on muscle mass in a subsistence society, measures of cortisol and body composition were obtained from a sample of Turkana men. Subjects were 63 settled and 69 nomadic men, ages 24 and older. Urinary cortisol was determined along with measures of muscle mass. Cortisol/creatinine ratio was higher among nomadic men (57.8 +/- 56.8 vs. 34.5 +/- 44.6; P < 0.001). Controlled for age, urinary cortisol was inversely related to arm muscle plus bone area (MPBA) among the nomadic (beta = -0.28; P = 0.04), but not the settled (beta = -0.04; P = 0.78) sample. Urinary cortisol was not related to any other measures of body composition. These results suggest that even in chronically undernourished populations, cortisol may be elevated primarily under conditions of acute nutritional stress. However, the catabolic effects of cortisol on muscle in our results may be confounded by other energetic factors, including energy availability.
The relationship of soil ph to aluminum saturation and exchangeable aluminum in ultisols and oxisols

Abstract For soil acidity assessment purposes, the relationship of either percent Al saturation or exchangeable Al to water pH is often misleading for tropical soils. Published data from studies using Ultisols and Oxisols were used to determine whether relationships between Al saturation or exchangeable Al and pH in 1M KCl and pHo are better criteria to assess soil acidity for these variable charge soils. For Ultisols, a highly significant negative relationship (R2 =0.76∗∗) was found between Al saturation and pH in 1M KCl. For Oxisols, soil acidity assessment appears to be better expressed in terms of actual exchangeable Al rather than Al saturation per se. Exchangeable Al correlated best with pHo (R2 = 0.78∗∗). From a practical standpoint, Oxisols with pHo values higher than 4.0 should not contain exchangeable Al which could be detrimental to plant growth. For Ultisols, a threshold pH value in 1M KCl higher than 4.0 should indicate an Al saturation less than 15%. The above relationships appear to take in...
Regional Prevalence and Distribution of Ischemic Neurons in Dog Brains 96 Hours After Cardiac Arrest of 0 to 20 Minutes

Background and Purpose In this established outcome model of cardiac arrest in dogs, we have used total (summed regional) brain histopathologic damage scores. The present study describes the regiona...
The Influence of Operational Protocol on the Fluid Dynamics in the 12 cc Penn State Pulsatile Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device: The Effect of End‐Diastolic Delay

The success of adult ventricular assist devices (VADs), coupled with the high transplant waiting list mortality of infants (40 %) has prompted Penn State to develop a pediatric version of the clinically successful adult device. While the primary use of this device will be bridge-to-transplant, there has been sufficient clinical data to demonstrate the efficacy of VADs in a bridge-to-recovery setting. However, removing the patient from the device, a process known as weaning, demands operation of the device at a lower beat rate and concomitant increased risk for thromboembolism. Previous studies have shown that the interrelated flow characteristics necessary for the prevention of thrombosis in a pulsatile VAD are a strong inlet jet, a late diastolic recirculating flow, and a wall shear rate greater than 500 s−1. In an effort to develop a strong inlet jet and rotational flow pattern at a lower beat and flow rate; we have compressed diastole by altering the end-diastolic delay time (EDD). Particle image velocimetry was used to compare the flow fields and wall shear rates in the chamber of the 12 cc Penn State pulsatile pediatric VAD operated at 50 beats per minute using EDDs of 10, 50, and 100 ms. While we expected the 100 ms end-diastolic delay to have the best wall shear profiles, we found that the 50 ms EDD condition was superior to both the 10 and 100 EDD conditions, due to a longer sustained inlet jet.
A class of integral operators on spaces of analytic functions

Abstract We determine the spectrum and essential spectrum as well as resolvent estimates for a class of integral operators T μ , ν f ( z ) = z μ − 1 ( 1 − z ) − ν ∫ 0 z f ( ξ ) ξ − μ ( 1 − ξ ) ν − 1 d ξ acting on either the analytic Besov spaces or other Banach spaces of analytic functions on the unit disc, including the classical Hardy and weighted Bergman spaces as well as certain Dirichlet spaces and generalized Bloch spaces. Our results unify and extend recent work by Aleman and Persson, [2] , the current authors, [4] , and Albrecht and Miller, [1] .
Metal oxide composites for lithium-ion battery anodes synthesized by the partial reduction process

A thermochemical process based on the partial reduction of mixed oxides is used to create ultrafine metal-ceramic composites for Li-ion battery electrodes. Mixed oxides containing a more noble metal selected to be capable of alloying with lithium at potentials useful as a Li-ion battery anode are partially reduced to form electrochemically active metal-ceramic composites. Experiments show the differences in microstructure obtained in systems with slow oxygen diffusion (SbVO 4 , AgVO 3 , and Ag 2 V 4 O 11 ), fast oxygen diffusion (Sb 2 Mn 2 O 7 distorted fluorite), and microphase separation (Sn 0.5 Ti 0.5 O 2 rutile). Materials are characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical tests are presented. Reversible charge capacities of 200-350 mAh/g (1100-2200 mAh/cm 3 ) have been obtained in experiments to date.
WRITING AND SPEAKING TO LEARN GEOMETRY

ABSTRACT At Hamline University, students must participate in a number of courses designated as “writing intensive” or “speaking intensive.” This paper discusses the author's experience of teaching an intermediate level geometry course as both writing and speaking intensive. It suggests ways to use both speaking and writing activities to enhance student learning. Student reactions to the course are discussed.
Methamphetamine affects cell proliferation in the medial prefrontal cortex: a new niche for toxicity.

Methamphetamine addicts demonstrate impaired frontal cortical-dependent cognitive function that could result from methamphetamine-induced maladaptive plasticity in the prefrontal cortex. Reduced adult gliogenesis observed in a rodent model of compulsive methamphetamine self-administration could contribute to the maladaptive plasticity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) as excessive methamphetamine intake is associated with loss of gliogenesis. The present study explored the vulnerability of mPFC progenitors to the duration of various sessions of methamphetamine self-administration in limited and extended access schedule of reinforcement. Proliferation of progenitors via Ki-67 labeling and apoptosis via activated caspase-3 labeling were studied in rats that intravenously self-administered methamphetamine in a limited access (1 h/day: short access (ShA)) or extended access (6 h/day: long access (LgA)) paradigm over 4, 13, 22 or 42 sessions, and in rats that experienced 22 sessions and were withdrawn from self-administration for a period of 4 weeks. Four sessions of LgA methamphetamine enhanced proliferation and apoptosis and forty-two sessions of ShA and LgA methamphetamine reduced proliferation without effecting apoptosis. Withdrawal from twenty-two sessions of methamphetamine enhanced proliferation in LgA animals. Our findings demonstrate that proliferation of mPFC progenitors is vulnerable to psychostimulant exposure and withdrawal with distinct underlying mechanisms relating to methamphetamine toxicity. The susceptibility of mPFC progenitors to even modest doses of methamphetamine could account for the pronounced neuroadaptation in the mPFC linked to methamphetamine abuse.
Oceanapiside, an antifungal bis-α, ω-amino alcohol glycoside from the marine sponge Oceanapia phillipensis

The structure of oceanapiside, an antifungal alpha, omega-bis-aminohydroxylipid glycoside from the temperate marine sponge Oceanapia sp., was elucidated by a combination of 2D NMR, chemical degradation/correlation, and MALDI MS-MS spectrometry. Oceanapiside exhibits antifungal activity against Candida glabrata at 10 micrograms/mL (MIC).
Prognostic value of breast cancer aromatase

The estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and intratumoral aromatase content of 127 breast carcinomas were determined. Patients whose tumor contained either estrogen or progesterone receptors had a longer disease-free interval, but no difference in survival was observed. Measurable aromatase activity was detected in 78 of 113 (69%) tumors. There was no relationship between aromatase activity and disease-free interval or survival.
Absence of within-list PI and RI in short-term recognition memory

Tests were conducted for specific retroactive and proactive interference in short-term recognition memory for paired-associates. Ss studied a set of 17 bigram-digit pairs, some bearing an A-B, A-C relation to each other, some an A-B, A-B relation, and some were A-B, D-C control items. Following one study trial, S rated selected pairs (half correct, half incorrect) according to his confidence that the pair had been presented in the study list. Repetition items were recognized better than the others, but the RI and PI items were recognized with the same accuracy as their respective controls. The results suggest that the A-B and A-C pairs are stored independently, and that recognition of either pair is by comparison to a common criterion of strength, independent of other associates to the stimulus term.
Reliable data collection from mobile users with high data rates in wireless sensor networks

Reliably collecting data from mobile sensor nodes is essential with the increasing popularity of integrating mobile nodes into stationary sensor network infrastructure for various scientific and social applications. Existing sensor data collection protocols demonstrate high reliability in stationary sensor networks, but when applied to mobile nodes, the packet acceptance ratio drops significantly. This is because the topology changes due to mobility are not well detected by routing protocols. We present Location-Aware Relay Association Protocol (LRP), a relay association protocol that is independent of any routing protocols and adopts distance measurement techniques to detect topology changes. Instead of reinventing yet another routing protocol, LRP complements it by estimating the distances between a mobile node and its current parent node in the infrastructure network. LRP notifies the routing protocol to trigger route refreshes when a node moves out of the effective communication range of its parent. By continuously adapting to changing topologies in a fast and efficient manner, LRP improves the network reliability and throughput when nodes are moving. In test bed experiments, LRP achieves higher network throughput and lower control overhead than other comparable protocol in data collection applications with high data rate under various mobile environments.
The synthesis of C-21 substituted corticosteroids.

By the reaction of prednisolone and dexamethasone with 2, 2-dimethoxypropane, the synthesis of the 17α, 21-acetonides of these corticosteroids was examined. The utility of the 17α, 21-acetonide function as a protecting group for the labile cortical dihydroxyacetone function is demonstrated. It is particularly valuable for the direct introduction into intact corticoids of C-21 substituents. The synthesis of 21α-methyl and 21-trifluoroacetyl analogs of prednisolone and dexamethasone are described. Condensation of the 17α, 21-acetonides with formaldehyde yields the 21-methylene derivatives 13 and 14, which serve as intermediates for the synthesis of the 21β-nitroethyl derivative 17 and the γ-lactone 19.
Fuzzy convergence: open and proper maps

The notions of open and proper maps are introduced in the category FCS of fuzzy convergence spaces and each is shown to be an extension of the same notion with respect to the embedding functor from the category PCS of probabilistic convergence spaces. Proper maps in FCS are shown to be productive and, moreover, preserve closures of fuzzy sets, regularity and local precompactness. All projection maps in FCS are open and open maps are finitely productive.
How Power Dynamics Impact the Content and Process of Nonprofit CEO Learning

Demands and challenges facing the nonprofit chief executive officer (CEO) are at least as substantial as their compensation and perquisites. Although it is assumed that the CEO must engage in exten...
Biosolids applications affect runoff water quality following forest fire.

Soil erosion and nutrient losses are great concerns following forest wildfires. Biosolids application might enhance revegetation efforts while reducing soil erodibility. Consequently, we applied Denver Metro Wastewater District composted biosolids at rates of 0, 40, and 80 Mg ha -1 to a severely burned, previously forested site near Buffalo Creek, CO to increase plant cover and growth. Soils were classified as Ustorthents, Ustochrepts, and Haploborols. Simulated rainfall was applied for 30 min at a rate of 100 mm h -1 to 3- x 10-m paired plots. Biosolids application rates did not significantly affect mean total runoff (p < 0.05). Sediment concentrations were significantly greater (p < 0.05) from the control plots compared with the plots that had received the 80 Mg biosolids ha -1 rate. Biosolids application rate had mixed effects on water-quality constituents; however, concentrations of all runoff constituents for all treatment rates were below levels recommended for drinking water standards, except Pb. Biosolids application to this site increased plant cover, which should provide erosion control.
Anonymity on QuickSand: Using BGP to Compromise Tor

Anonymity systems like Tor are known to be vulnerable to malicious relay nodes. Another serious threat comes from the Autonomous Systems (ASes) that carry Tor traffic due to their powerful eavesdropping capabilities. Indeed, an AS (or set of colluding ASes) that lies between the client and the first relay, and between the last relay and the destination, can perform timing analysis to compromise user anonymity. In this paper, we show that AS-level adversaries are much more powerful than previously thought. First, routine BGP routing changes can significantly increase the number of ASes that can analyze a user's traffic successfully. Second, ASes can actively manipulate BGP announcements to put themselves on the paths to and from relay nodes. Third, an AS can perform timing analysis even when it sees only one direction of the traffic at both communication ends. Actually, asymmetric routing increases the fraction of ASes able to analyze a user's traffic. We present a preliminary evaluation of our attacks using measurements of BGP and Tor. Our findings motivate the design of approaches for anonymous communication that are resilient to AS-level adversaries.
The Nature of Boundary-Layer Turbulence at a High Subsonic Speed

Simultaneous measurements of velocity, wall-pressure, and wall-shear fluctuations in a turbulent boundary layer at A/oo =0.64 and Re0 108,000 have been analyzed to obtain a description of coherent (or quasiordered) structures present in the flow. A conditional sampling analysis has been applied to the digitized fluctuations to identify the occurence of such events in the data, and to establish the relationship between the fluctuating quantities during individual and ensemble averaged events. It has been determined that the mean period between readily identifiable coherent structures, when scaled by flow velocity and boundary-layer thickness, falls within the range of values obtained by other investigators for the mean period between "bursts" in the wall region of low-speed flows. The development of the velocity fluctuation profile during passage of these structures also seems to show definite similarities to the development of "burst" profiles as depicted by other investigators. The vertical scale of a typical structure is on the order of d* and its duration is on the order of 10 d'/U^. Since our measurements are made outside the wall region of the boundary layer, this flow phenomenon is obviously some aspect of the large-scale outer structure. The correspondence in frequency of occurence and profile development to the wall region "bursts," together with the high degree of correlation between the wall shear and the outer structure, may be an indication of a possible link or interaction between the two flow processes. This is being examined further by repeating the measurements at several lower velocities so that the wall region occupies an increasingly larger fraction of the boundary layer.
Gender differences in responses to news about science and technology

Women and men respond differently to mock news stories about new developments in science and technology, with women associating more risk (p ≤ .05) and less benefit (p ≤ .05) than do men with reported developments overall. Interview data were used to construct a survey instrument designed to probe for differences in underlying attitudes that might explain this outcome. Results from administration of the questionnaire reveal that women are more likely than men to agree with "antiscience" statements. The assertion that women and men can be thought of as members of distinct cultures is invoked to provide a theoretical explanation for the data.
Effects of GABA and glycine receptor antagonists on the activity and PAG-induced inhibition of rat dorsal horn neurons

The effects of bicuculline and strychnine on the activity and periaqueductal gray (PAG)-induced inhibition of rat dorsal horn neurons of the lumbar spinal cord were tested. Extracellular single unit recordings were from 36 dorsal horn neurons near a microdialysis fiber passed through the spinal cord for drug application. The GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline, was tested on 19 cells, whereas the glycine receptor antagonist, strychnine, was tested on 17 cells. Both bicuculline and strychnine increased the background activity and responses to mechanical stimulation (BRUSH, PRESS, and PINCH) of the skin.06 They also significantly blocked the PAG-induced inhibition of responses to peripheral mechanical stimuli. This experiment suggests that the mechanism of PAG-induced descending inhibition of dorsal horn neuron activity involves GABA and/or glycine release in the spinal cord and that there is tonic release of these inhibitory neurotransmitters.
Physical Activity Level Improves After Periacetabular Osteotomy for the Treatment of Symptomatic Hip Dysplasia

Background Hip pain secondary to acetabular dysplasia can prevent participation in recreational activities.
The Social Construction of Female and Male High School Basketball Participation: Reproducing the Gender Order through a Two-Tiered Sporting Institution:

Qualitative interviews explore the meanings increased female participation in basketball have for a sample of basketball players from three high schools. To what extent are post–Title IX female inroads into sport challenging and/or reproducing the gender order? How do girls and boys give meaning to the successes and failures of girls' and boys' basketball teams and athletics? The social processes reproducing a two-tiered basketball institution at the high school level are illustrated (i.e., emphasis on playing differences, undervaluing of girls' contributions, policing of normative gender expectations). This research suggests that both girls and boys are complicit in supporting the gender order. It illustrates how challenges to the gender order signified by females' increased participation in “male-identified” sports are appropriated. Modifiable social processes for gender equity education in sport are identified as important to support Title IX legal access.
A quantitative evaluation of pollution effects on stream communities

1. A quantitative and qualitative biological survey was conducted on the Elkhart and St. Joseph Rivers in the vicinity of Elkhart, Indiana. 2. Water quality tests were inconclusive as to the effects of periodic industrial waste discharge on the receiving stream. 3. A quantitative biological method, the coefficient of similarity, demonstrated the effect of industrial wastes upon the stream communities.
Chemical and lead isotope constraints on sources of metal pollution in street sediment and lichens in southwest Ohio

Abstract Lead isotopic compositions were determined in street sediment and lichen samples to constrain the sources of metal pollution near a coal-fired power plant in SW Ohio. Previous studies of the street sediment found elevated levels of Cr, Cu and Ni, and extremely high levels of Pb and Zn. Although initial investigations suggested the presence of coal-derived pollution, Pb isotopes were employed to investigate the importance of additional sources. Highly variable concentrations of Pb in sieved (
Treating nonhematologic disorders with hematologic stem cells: can this work?

Two articles in this issue address the utility of hematologic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of nonhematologic inherited diseases. The premise is that genetic deficiencies in nonhematologic tissues can be corrected by allogeneic transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells from healthy
Memory training and multiple sclerosis: A case study

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disorder often accompanied by significant cognitive deficits. Some research suggests that recent memory is the most commonly affected cognitive ability in MS. However, there is only one empirical investigation examining the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation in individuals with MS. We report the application of a memory training program to remediate memory deficits in a patient with MS. The program focused on teaching mnemonic strategies to increase list learning ability and ability to recall names of faces. Results suggested that memory training improved visual and verbal memory abilities. The most marked improvement was present on tests assessing verbal memory abilities. These results contribute to a growing body of literature indicating that teaching mnemonic strategies is one method of improving memory functioning in individuals with mild to moderate memory impairment.
GROWTH OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND ENTEROTOXIN A PRODUCTION IN FOODS CONTAINING POLYPHOSPHATES

Effects of pyro-, tripoly- and hexametaphosphates (0.5 and 1%, w/w) on growth of Staphylococcus aureus strain 196E and enterotoxin A (SEA) production were studied in cooked custard and beef at 22 and 30°C. No effect was observed in custard, where cell numbers/g increased from 103 to 108 and SEA reached 4.2 ng/g after 48 h at 22°C, irrespective of treatment. Cell numbers in cooked beef were ca. 109/g after 48 h, and reduced numbers (by 1.5–2 log cycles) were found in samples containing 0.5 and 1% pyrophosphate during incubation at 22%, but not at 30°C. SEA concentrations in beef were 28 ng/g after 48 h at 22°C, and 93 and 184 ng/g after 24 and 48 h, respectively, at 30°C. SEA concentration correlated with amount of growth, and was nondetectable when cell numbers were ± 106/g. Reduction of the meat pH by sodium acid pyrophosphate contributed to the observed inhibitory effect.
Conproportionation Routes to Reduced Lanthanide Halides

A considerable number and variety of novel reduced halides of the rare-earth elements R (lanthanides Ln plus yttrium and scandium) have been found in recent years. These are for the most part good reducing agents, and many are of marginal stability.
125 GeV Higgs boson from t-b-τ Yukawa unification

We identify a class of supersymmetric SU(4) c × SU(2) L × SU(2) R models in which imposing essentially perfect t-b-τ Yukawa coupling unification at M GUT yields a mass close to 122–126 GeV for the lightest CP-even (SM-like) Higgs boson. The squark and gluino masses in these models exceed 3 TeV, but the stau and charginos in some cases can be considerably lighter. We display some benchmark points corresponding to neutralino-stau and bino-wino coannihilations as well as A-resonance. The well-known MSSM parameter tan β is around 46–52.
Nanometer-scale phase separation in mixed composition self-assembled monolayers

Mixed composition monolayers of similar n-alkanethiols on are formed by self-assembly. While the average surface composition of these films accurately reflects the composition of the deposition solution, scanning tunneling microscopy and secondary ion mass spectroscopy measurements show that the films phase separate on the nanometer scale. Scanning tunneling microscopy has been used to follow molecular motions within these films. We discuss our observations in terms of the formation and stability of the phase-segregated domains, and their potential importance in nanoscale applications.
A note on the cost-performance ratios of IBM's 43XX series

Pricing policies of computers with various performance capabilities are usually assumed to be non-linear due to economies-of-scale. This article analyzes the cost-performance ratios of a single IBM product line, the 43XX series and found this performance characteristic to be surprisingly linear but with great deal of individual variation.