cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using lexical indices to predict produced and not produced words in second language learners

The paper explores how linguistic indices related to lexical networks and psycholinguistic models of lexical knowledge can be used to predict produced and not produced words in second language (L2) speakers. Two hypotheses are tested in this study. The first addresses how lexical properties thought to be important in word knowledge interrelate with word production. The second addresses which lexical properties are most predictive of word production. To test these hypotheses, a set of 45 frequent nouns and verbs produced by L2 learners were collected. A comparison word list of 45 frequent nouns and verbs produced by native speakers, but not found in the L2 data set were also collected. Polysemy and hypernymy values from the WordNet database along with word meaningfulness, concreteness, familiarity, and imagability values from the MRC Psycholinguistic Database and frequency values from SUBTLEXus were collected for each word. ANOVA analyses of variance and discriminant function analyses were conducted for each data set to examine which lexical indices discriminated between produced and not produced words and how these indices interrelated. The results of the noun analysis indicate that produced nouns are more frequent, more meaningful, and more familiar than not produced nouns. Results from the verb analysis show that produced verbs are more frequent, more meaningful, less specific, and more familiar than not produced verbs. These findings provide evidence for the importance of word properties in lexical production.
Heats of Formation of Simple Perfluorinated Carbon Compounds

The heats of formation of CF3, its cation and anion, CF4, C2F4, and :CFCF3 have been calculated at high levels of ab initio molecular orbital theory. Geometries and frequencies were determined, in general, with second-order perturbation theory. Total energies based on coupled cluster calculations with perturbative triples were determined with basis sets up through augmented quadruple-ζ in quality and were subsequently extrapolated to the complete one-particle basis set limit, so as to further reduce the basis set truncation error. Due to its importance as a standard, CF4 was studied with even larger basis sets. Additional improvements in the atomization energy were achieved by applying corrections due to core/valence correlation, scalar relativistic, and atomic spin−orbit effects. Zero-point energies were based on the experimental fundamentals, when available, and harmonic frequencies obtained from MP2/cc-pVTZ calculations. Missing frequencies for :CFCF3 were calculated at the MP2/DZP level. The calculate...
Visual acuity and the near point of accommodation in cats.

Abstract The near point of accommodation was determined in four cats by measuring visual acuity at viewing distances varying from 125 to 12 cm. The near point of accommodation was taken as the closest viewing distance which just produced a decrement in grating acuity. The values obtained ranged from 25 to 36 cm and are in good agreement with physiological and optical estimates of the near point of accommodation.
Control of postharvest pear diseases using natural saprophytic yeast colonists and their combination with a low dosage of thiabendazole

Abstract Thirty-one morphologically different strains of yeasts and yeast-like fungi, isolated from the surface of pear fruits, were evaluated for biocontrol potential of blue mold on d'Anjou pear fruits. Seven yeast strains (Cryptococcus albidus strain HRB2, C. infirmo-miniatus strain YY6, C. laurentii strain HRA5, Rhodotorula aurantiaca strain YCL5, and R. glutinis strains HRA3, HRA4 and HRB6) reduced incidence of blue mold on pears. C. laurentii HRA5 and R. glutinis HRB6 were most effective for reduction of incidence and severity of blue mold. C. laurentii HRA5 and R. glutinis HRB6 combined with a low dose of thiabendazole (TBZ) (15 μg ml−1) gave significantly better disease control at 5, 10 and 20 °C than either TBZ or the yeast alone and was comparable to disease control achieved using a commercially-recommended high dose of TBZ (525 μg ml−1). C. infirmo-miniatus strain YY6 was most effective for the control of Mucor rot of pears. C. laurentii HRA5, C. infirmo-miniatus YY6, and R. glutinis HRB6 reduced incidence and severity of gray mold of pears and were more effective when combined with a low dose of TBZ. Side rot of Bosc pears was completely controlled by C. laurentii HRA5, C. infirmo-miniatus YY6 and R. glutinis HRB6, whereas TBZ was ineffective. Bull's-eye rot of pears was completely controlled by all yeasts when they were combined with a low dose of TBZ. Populations of C. laurentii HRA5, C. infirmominiatus YY6 and R. glutinis HRB6 in pear wounds increased approximately 1.3 log units within 10 days at −1 °C and 1.7 log units in 2 days at 5, 10 and 20 °C. Addition of cell-free supernatants of yeast cultures to wounds did not suppress decay, and substances inhibitory to fungal germination were not detected on culture plates.
Performance Similarity Based Method for Enhanced Prediction of Manufacturing Process Performance

Full realization of all potentials in predictive and proactive maintenance highly depends on the accuracy of long-term predictions of the remaining useful life of manufacturing equipment. Parametric linear prediction techniques, such as Autoregressive Moving Average modeling (ARMA), are routinely used to trend and predict future behavior of any time series, but are frequently not appropriate for long-term prediction because of the highly complicated and non-stationary nature of manufacturing processes. In this paper, we propose a novel method that is capable of achieving high long-term prediction accuracy by comparing signatures from two degradation processes using measures of similarity that form a Match Matrix. Through this concept, we can effectively include large amounts of historical information into the prediction of the current degradation process. Similarities with historical records are used to generate possible future distributions of features, which is then used to predict probabilities of failure over time by evaluating overlaps between predicted feature distributions and feature distributions related to unacceptable equipment behavior. Experimental results show that the proposed method results in a significant improvement of long-term prediction accuracy compared with ARMA modeling-based prediction.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Role of Proteases in Penetration of Insect Gut by the Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema glaseri (Nematoda: Steinernematidae)

The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema glaseri enters into the host through natural openings and penetrates through the internal walls before entering into the hemocoel. In the present study we found that in addition to mechanical means used for penetration, entomopathogenic nematodes release proteolytic enzymes. When nematodes were treated with protease inhibitors and injected into Galleria mellonella gut, the percentage mortality of G. mellonella was reduced to 17 ± 2 for iodoacetamide and 30 ± 4 for 1,10-phenanthroline-treated nematodes compared to 75 ± 3 for control after 18 hr post anal injection. Treatment of the nematodes with combinations of protease inhibitors and protein synthesis inhibitors did not result in a synergistic effect on G. mellonella mortality. Nematode penetration of G. mellonella gut after their treatment with iodoacetamide and 1,10-phenanthroline was reduced to 13.4 ± 1.1 and 15.6 ± 1.9, respectively, after 12 hr postinjection through the anus. The antibiotic chloramphenicol inhibited the symbiotic bacteria Xenorhabdus poinarii cells and reduced the average viable number retained/100 nematodes to 40 ± 30. Cycloheximide delayed G. mellonella mortality but not gut penetration. This suggests that it might have some toxic effect on the nematodes.
Transducer tolerance theory for structural control

An expression for the mean and variance of a transducer array's modal coefficients is developed to quantify the effect of spatial errors on the transducer structural coupling, and on the transducer augmented plant's input/output frequency response. Transducer elements are modeled spatially via their position, aperture, and shading (e.g., spatial gain weighting). Each of these spatial parameters can be statistically modeled in terms of their mean and variance, assuming statistical independence. Modal coefficients are described via composition integrals of the transducer spatial kernel and the plant mode shapes. The probability density function of each parameter is then assumed to be unimodal, with characteristic scale smaller than any corresponding spatial scale of the modal coefficient's dependence on the parameter. Consequently, the mean values of the modal coefficients are the values of the corresponding integrals evaluated at the mean transducer position, aperture, and shading. The variance of the modal coefficients, derived via a Taylor series expansion to second order about their mean values, is expressed in terms of the partial derivatives of the modal coefficient with respect to the uncertain spatial parameters. This suggests that transducers whose shadings consist of low- order generalized function or modal expansions are less sensitive to spatial parameter variations. Variations in the modal coefficients are mapped to expressions for the mean and variance of transducer-augmented plant transfer functions. Simulation examples are presented that model variations in the input/output transfer functions characteristics of a flexible beam with a mis-registered point actuator, and a mis-registered modally-weighted piezo film sensor distribution. For even slight aperture mis-registrations--0.26% of the beam's length--the modal sensors no longer perfectly `sift out' non-targeted modes, and off-mode contributions grow by nearly an order of magnitude.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Impact of computed tomography-positron emission tomography fusion in staging patients with thoracic malignancies

Abstract Background . Positron emission tomography (PET) has been demonstrated to improve staging in patients with thoracic malignancies. This study evaluates the ability of a new imaging technique to improve the spatial resolution and accuracy of PET. Methods . Patients with known or suspected malignancy (n = 21) who were referred for a dedicated PET scan were also evaluated with a new camera-based PET system, which uniquely allows simultaneous computed tomography (CT) and fusion of the camera-based PET images with the CT images. The dedicated PET scan was obtained 1 hour after intravenous injection of fluorodeoxyglucose. The camera-based PET imaging was fused with the CT images at approximately 2 hours after injection. The camera-based PET and CT-PET fusion images were read independently and blindly by 2 experienced observers and the presence and location of abnormalities was compared with dedicated PET scans. Results . Dedicated PET identified 18 sites in the chest as abnormal. The CT-PET fusion was superior to the camera-based PET alone, concordant with the dedicated PET in 16 of 21 patients compared with 13 of 21 by camera-based PET. The lesions missed by the camera-based PET were less than 1 cm in diameter. Fused CT-PET images provided superior anatomic localization and spatial resolution compared with dedicated PET and camera-based PET. Conclusions . CT-PET fusion images were more accurate than camera-based PET alone. CT-PET fusion improves the spatial resolution compared with dedicated PET and may improve the availability and efficacy of staging of patients with thoracic malignancies.
The Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton

The first functional load-carrying and energetically autonomous exoskeleton was demonstrated at U.C. Berkeley, walking at the average speed of 1.3 m/s while carrying a 34 kg (75 lb) payload. Four fundamental technologies associated with the Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) were tackled during the course of this project. These four core technologies include: the design of the exoskeleton architecture, control schemes, a body local area network (bLAN) to host the control algorithm and an on-board power unit to power the actuators, sensors and the computers. This article gives an overview of one of the control schemes. The analysis here is an extension of the classical definition of the sensitivity function of a system: the ability of a system to reject disturbances or the measure of system robustness. The control algorithm developed here increases the closed loop system sensitivity to its wearer’s forces and torques without any measurement from the wearer (such as force, position, or electromyogram signal). The control method has little robustness to parameter variations and therefore requires a relatively good dynamic model of the system.
Small-scale density irregularities in the nightside Venus ionosphere : comparison of theory and observations

The theory of the lower-hybrid-drift instability is compared with observations of plasma density irregularities. Marginal stability boundaries (gamma = 0) for the lower-hybrid-drift instability and the occurrence of small-scale density fluctuations are presented as a function of magnetic field B and density n. For plasma density gradient scale lengths in the range 2-10 km, 80-85 percent of the density fluctuations lie in the unstable B/n parameter regime (gamma greater than 0). Stability boundaries for the onset of instability at a wavelength for which the Pioneer Venus Orbiter could measure a Doppler-shifted frequency of 100 Hz are presented. The conditions on B and n for instability in this situation are more stringent than those for marginal stability, especially at low densities (n less than or equal to 5000/cu cm). In general, the instability is most likely to be active in regions of low beta: high magnetic field strength and low density, as found in ionospheric holes or troughs.
Constant and variable amplitude fatigue behavior and fracture of A572 steel at 25°C(77°F) and −45°C(−50°F)

Constant amplitude fatigue crack propagation behavior and variable amplitude fatigue crack initiation and propagation behavior and R-curves were obtained at room temperature and −45°C(−50°F) for hot-rolled ASTM A572 steel. Both fatigue crack initiation and propagation resistance were better at the cold temperature. SEM fractographic analysis revealed little difference in the fatigue crack growth modes with ductile striations and secondary cracks occurring at both temperatures. Final R-curve and fatigue fracture surfaces, however, consisted of ductile dimples at room temperatures and transcrystalline cleavage at −45°C(−50°F). The hot-rolled A572 steel was found suitable for −45°C(−50°F) operating temperature despite the fact that this cold temperature is in the lower shelf CVN energy region. Fatigue design based upon room temperature conditions appears to be reasonable for this steel down to −45°C(−50°F).
Is there autoimmunity in Chagas disease

La notion de reaction autoimmune au cours de la maladie de Chagas est recue avec des reserves considerables et du septicisme
Channel model and operational capacity analysis of printed text documents

In today's digital world securing different forms of content is very important in terms of protecting copyright and verifying authenticity. One example is watermarking of digital audio and images. We believe that a marking scheme analogous to digital watermarking but for documents is very important. In this paper we describe the use of laser amplitude modulation in electrophotographic printers to embed information in a text document. In particular we describe an embedding and detection process which allows the embedding of between 2 and 8 bits in a single line of text. For a typical 12 point document this translates to between 100 and 400 bits per page. We also perform an operational analysis to compare two decoding methods using different embedding densities.
A time-domain approach to z-domain model identification

A time-domain parameter-optimization approach to discrete linear-model identification is presented, z-domain transfer functions are sought with outputs closely matching corresponding outputs of observed systems. Optimal transfer-function coefficients are determined through the minimization of mean-square output error. The general technique developed is applied to problems in model reduction and identification in the presence of measurement noise.
Discovery of a Near-Infrared Jetlike Feature in the Z Canis Majoris System

We present near-infrared high-resolution observations of the young binary system Z Canis Majoris using the adaptive optics system at the Keck II telescope. Both components are unresolved at 1.25 and 1.65 μm, although high dynamic range images reveal a previously unknown jetlike feature in the circumstellar environment. We argue that this feature probably arises from light scattered off the walls of a jet-blown cavity, and proper-motion studies of this feature can probe the dynamics of the bipolar outflow. Potentially, the morphology of the dust-laden cavity walls offers a new probe of the momentum profile and collimation of bipolar winds from young stellar objects. We also derive high-precision binary parameters, which when combined with historical data have allowed the first detection of orbital motion. Finally, our observations confirm the high degree of flux variability in the system; the northwest binary component is dominant at the H band, in contrast to all previous observations.
Subdifferentiation of monotone functions from semilattices to distributive lattices

An abstract algebraic interpretation of subgradients of real-valued convex functions is presented, and the definition is extended to modal theory. The main result is that a convex (i.e., monotone) function from a semilattice to acomplete distributive lattice is the join of its set of subgradients.
Anti-sigma factors.

Anti-sigma factors modulate the expression of numerous regulons controlled by alternative sigma factors. Anti-sigma factors are themselves regulated by either secretion from the cell (i.e. FlgM export through the hook-basal body), sequestration by an anti-anti-sigma (i.e. phosphorylation regulated partner-switching modules), or interaction with extracytoplasmic proteins or small molecule effectors (i.e. transmembrane regulators of extracytoplasmic function sigma factors). Recent highlights include the genetic description of the opposed sigma/anti-sigma binding surfaces; the unexpected role of FlgM in holoenzyme destabilization and the finding that folding of FlgM is coupled to sigma28 binding; the first structure determination for an anti-sigma antagonist; and the detailed dissection of two complex partner-switching modules in Bacillus subtilis.
The physics of protein-DNA interaction networks in the control of gene expression.

Protein–DNA interaction networks play a central role in many fundamental cellular processes. In gene regulation, physical interactions and reactions among the molecular components together with the physical properties of DNA control how genes are turned on and off. A key player in all these processes is the inherent flexibility of DNA, which provides an avenue for long-range interactions between distal DNA elements through DNA looping. Such versatility enables multiple interactions and results in additional complexity that is remarkably difficult to address with traditional approaches. This topical review considers recent advances in statistical physics methods to study the assembly of protein–DNA complexes with loops, their effects in the control of gene expression, and their explicit application to the prototypical lac operon genetic system of the E. coli bacterium. In the last decade, it has been shown that the underlying physical properties of DNA looping can actively control transcriptional noise, cell-to-cell variability, and other properties of gene regulation, including the balance between robustness and sensitivity of the induction process. These physical properties are largely dependent on the free energy of DNA looping, which accounts for DNA bending and twisting effects. These new physical methods have also been used in reverse to uncover the actual in vivo free energy of looping double-stranded DNA in living cells, which was not possible with existing experimental techniques. The results obtained for DNA looping by the lac repressor inside the E. coli bacterium showed a more malleable DNA than expected as a result of the interplay of the simultaneous presence of two distinct conformations of looped DNA.
Prostate cancer metastatic to skin

Cutaneous metastases from adenocarcinoma of the prostate are uncommon despite prostate cancer being the second most common malignancy in the American male population. We report bright red “berry-like” cutaneous metastases in a dermatomal distribution from adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The prostate origin of the adenocarcinoma was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining for prostate-specific antigen.
Living Out of the Past: Dilthey and Heidegger on Life and History

This essay examines continuities and transformations in Heidegger's appropriation of Dilthey's account of life and the accompanying picture of history between the end of World War One and Being and Time . The essay also judges the cogency of two conclusions that Heidegger draws in that book about history, viz, that historicity qua feature of Dasein's being both underlies objective history and makes the scholarly narration of history possible. Part one describes Dilthey's account of life, Heidegger's criticism that this account objectifies life, and Heidegger's appropriation of those aspects of Dilthey's account - temporality, movement, and wholes - that do not result from objectification. Part two focuses on how Heidegger reworks the idea that life is movement by reconceptualizing movement as a happening (and not a stream) and by replacing Dilthey's lived experiences with actions. Part three examines how Heidegger takes over from Dilthey the idea that something is historical if and only if the past is par...
Development and properties of neural networks

Abstract Recent progress in a theory of the development of neural networks and their application to visual cortex is discussed. We find, that under proper assumptions, distributed memories display some of the features of animal memory. We discuss a mechanism, consistent with known neurophysiology, by which these memories develop and modify with experience. This mechanism is applied to the problem of the development of orientation selectivity and ocular dominance in visual cortex. The proposed mechanism of synaptic evolution is based upon the competition of incoming patterns rather than converging afferents. It is found that neurons develop maximal selectivity with respect to their signal environment, and under a variety of rearing conditions develop orientation tuning curves and ocular dominance comparable to that found in experiment. Finally, we describe a model first-order anatomy of visual cortex in which we implement this form of synaptic modification.
Replication of Human Tracheobronchial Hollow Airway Models Using a Selective Laser Sintering Rapid Prototyping Technique

Exposures to toxic or pathogenic aerosols are known to produce adverse health effects. The nature and severity of these effects often are governed in large part by the location and amount of aerosol deposition within the respiratory tract. Morphologically detailed replica hollow lung airway casts are widely used in aerosol deposition research; however, techniques are not currently available that allow replicate deposition studies in identical morphologically detailed casts produced from a common reference anatomy. This project developed a technique for the precision manufacture of morphologically detailed human tracheobronchial airway models based on high-resolution anatomical imaging data. Detailed physical models were produced using the selective laser sintering (SLS) rapid prototyping process. Input to the SLS process was a three-dimensional computer model developed by boundary-based two-dimension to three-dimension conversion of anatomical images from the original National Institutes of Health/Nationa...
The economic multiplier of environmental life support: Can capital substitute for a degraded environment?

Abstract This paper analyzes the effects of environmental degradation on the long-run growth path of an economy. It seeks to answer the following question: does the effect of environmental degradation on economic activity increase or decrease over time? To answer this question, I use a neoclassical growth model to calculate an environmental life support multiplier. This multiplier compares the short- and long-run effects of environmental degradation on economic activity. The value of the multiplier indicates that the effect of a reduction in environmental life support on economic activity increases by a factor of 2–3 over time. Such results indicate that it is not possible to substitute capital for environmental life support and maintain material well-being.
Micromethod for the estimation of anesthetics derived from aminobenzoic acid; procaine hydrochloride and tetracaine hydrochloride combined in cartridges for dental anesthesia.

From a 1-ml. sample, total anesthetic is computed from the ultraviolet absorption of the extracted anesthetic bases in strongly acid solution. The minor constituent, tetracaine hydrochloride, is determined by simultaneously diazotizing the procaine and nitrosating the tetracaine. A salt, soluble in water, is produced from the procaine diazonium chloride by coupling it quantitatively with Chicago acid. The nitroso-tetracaine is then extracted from the alkaline medium with chloroform and determined spectrophotometrically.
Influence of chest wall distortion and esophageal catheter position on esophageal manometry in preterm infants.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of chest wall distortion on esophageal manometry by measuring simultaneous esophageal pressure changes at two sites in preterm infants. Fourteen infants were studied (mean ± SD: birth weight, 1340 ± 260 g; age, 8.5 ± 4 d). Esophageal pressure was measured through two water-filled catheters, one placed just above the cardia (Pes1) and the other at the level of the carina (Pes2). Chest wall distortion was measured by inductance plethysmography, and inspiratory and expiratory flow by pneumotachography. No significant differences were found between the peak to peak esophageal pressure changes measured through the lower and higher catheters during both airway occlusion (18.7 ± 4.4 versus 18.3 ± 2.6 cm H2O) and spontaneous breathing (9.4 ±1.8 versus 9.0 ± 1.8 cm H2O), although half of the infants had significant chest wall distortion. Mean pulmonary compliance and resistance measures calculated from the two pressures for individual infants showed small differences consistent with the difference between Pes1 and Pes2. For the whole group of 14 infants, however, these differences were not significant. The pressure changes from the lower and higher measuring sites for each breath were analyzed using linear regression. The weighted average of the mean slopes of the 14 infants was significantly different from 1.0 (mean ± SD: 0.92 ± 0.10, range: 0.75-1.10; p < 0.05). In some of the infants, the slopes for different breaths were not consistent, but varied from breath to breath. Neither this breath to breath variability in the relationship between Pesl and Pes2, nor the mean slopes were related to the degree of chest wall distortion. The results indicate that esophageal pressure measurements in preterm infants are not as dependent on the position of the catheter tip and the degree of chest wall distortion as previously suggested. A tip positioned between the cardia and the level of the carina transmits pleural pressure changes reliably.
Impact of Interruptions on White Collar Workers

Abstract:An interruption is a randomly occurring, discrete event that breaks the continuity of cognitive focus on a primary task and typically requires immediate attention and demands action. This article investigates the effect of the timing of an interruption and source on both demanding and non-demanding tasks. Time logs of daily work activities from 21 white collar workers were analyzed. The findings show that interruptions have a negative impact on worker performance when they occur at the middle or end of the current/primary task. In addition, results show that the majority of the interruptions were externally generated (78%) rather than internally generated. The more demanding the tasks that were interrupted, the greater the negative impact on the overall performance. Suggestions for reducing the impact of interruptions are also discussed.
MTS: A REVIEW

MTS is a software package from Automatic Forecasting Systems designed to estimate vector ARIMA models on IBM PCs and PC-compatibles. As special cases it can estimate univariate ARIMA models and transfer function models. It is designed to run on IBM PCs configured with a minimum of 320K memory and two floppy drives. A math co-processor is highly recommended but not required. The program is menu-driven. The menus allow the user to carry out data manipulations (data entry, data corrections, transformations, etc.) and the Box-Jenkins identification, estimation, and forecasting steps. Like AFS's univariate AUTOBJ program, the user can identify, estimate, and forecast his own model, or allow the program to select a model automatically. The menus are easy to use. Mistakes are easily corrected by recalling the last menu to make necessary changes. Data are input into the program in separate free-format ASCII files. The program has a special utility to convert PRN or DIF files for input. Some data transformations can be carried out within MTS. Differencing the data, Box-Cox transformations (i.e. log or power transformations) are executed from menus in the identification, estimation, and forecasting modules. It is possible to carry out other scaling operations within the program, but the procedure is cumbersome. Most users will probably carry out all data transformations in a spreadsheet such as 123 or Quattro, and then write the transformed data into PRN files which can then be directly read into the program. The identification module prints out autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation matrices. Point estimates are printed next to the '+ - ' matrices advocated by Tiao and Box (1981). The joint significance of the elements in the matrices is printed, and the program offers some advice about the likely form of the model. Estimation is not carried out via maximumlikelihood. Given the large number of parameters in vector ARMA models, maximumlikelihood estimation would push most PCs over the brink. MTS uses a method of moments
Carvedilol affects the physiological and behavioral response to smoked cocaine in humans

The noradrenergic system is implicated in mediating some of the physiological effects of cocaine. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether treatment with an adrenergic blocker, carvedilol, which would be expected to attenuate the physiological effects of cocaine, would also attenuate the subjective and behavioral response to cocaine in humans. Twelve crack cocaine users participated in this double-blind, placebo-controlled outpatient study. Acute treatment with 50 mg of oral carvedilol attenuated the smoked cocaine-induced increases in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The number of cocaine self-administrations was lower under 25 mg carvedilol treatment condition compared with 50 mg carvedilol or placebo treatment conditions. The subjective responses to smoked cocaine deliveries were not affected by carvedilol treatment. These results suggest that acute treatment with carvedilol attenuates the physiological effects of smoked cocaine. The effects of carvedilol on cocaine self-administration need to be studied further.
Eos: instance-level aspects for integrated system design

This paper makes two contributions: a generalization of AspectJ-like languages with first-class aspect instances and instance-level advising, and a mapping of the mediator style for integrated system design into this space. We present Eos as a prototype language design and implementation. It extends C# with AspectJ-like constructs, first-class aspect instances and instance-level advising. These features enable a direct mapping of mediators to aspect instances, with modularity improved, insofar as components need not declare, announce, or register for events.
Performance and stability of different cathode base materials for use in microbial fuel cells

Abstract Metal supporting materials are increasingly being used as base materials for microbial fuel cell (MFC) cathodes. However, the potential for corrosion may limit their use as base materials of MFCs during scale-up and long-term operation. In this study, the electrochemical performance, power generation in MFCs, hydrostatic pressure tolerance, and stability of activated carbon (catalyst) cathodes with carbon cloth or different size metal mesh as base materials are investigated. Electrochemical testing results show that the finest stainless steel mesh (250 × 250 openings per inch) outperforms carbon cloth cathodes by 10–40% at current densities ranging from 6 to 11.2 A m−2 over the typical cathode operating range of 0.1 V–0 V. When tested in MFCs, however, carbon cloth based cathodes out perform all stainless steel mesh cathodes by as much as 34%, reaching 1.72 W m−2; probably due to the corrosion and salt build-up on the surface of the stainless steel mesh cathodes. Carbon cloth cathodes also maintained high static pressure heads of 1.9 m. The high electrochemical performance, hydrostatic pressure tolerance, and corrosion resistance of carbon cloth suggest that carbon fiber based materials may be more suitable than metal based materials for use as MFC cathodes base material for some applications.
The Importance of Fat Free Mass Maintenance in Weight Loss Programmes

Obese individuals have excess total body mass, a condition resulting from an overaccumulation of both fat and fat free mass (FFM). Research has been focusing on the need to maintain FFM during weight loss because of its integral role in metabolic rate regulation, preservation of skeletal integrity and maintenance of functional capacity. It has been suggested that FFM loss should compose no more than 30% of total weight loss. Because skeletal muscle in the obese has been shown to consist of an increased amount of low density muscle tissue, impaired strength: size ratio, less capillarisation, decreased mitochondrial density, and consequently impaired work capacity, it may be necessary to stratify FFM into essential and less essential FFM categories. With this categorisation, more specific quantification of FFM loss and maintenance can be made. While FFM influences several physiological functions, it may be that a minimal loss of FFM from the obese state is not only unavoidable, but actually desirable if the loss is in the form of less essential FFM.
ATP-gated K(+) channel openers enhance opioid antinociception: indirect evidence for the release of endogenous opioid peptides.

The ATP-gated K(+) channel openers - diazoxide, levcromakalim and morphine - enhance K(+) efflux by opening ATP-gated K(+) channels, thereby inducing cell hyperpolarization. Hyperpolarization decreases intracellular Ca(2+) levels, which leads to a decrease in neurotransmitter release contributing to the antinociceptive effects of the drugs. Previous findings implicate the release of endogenous opioids as the mediator of the antinociceptive effects of ATP-gated K(+) channel openers. Diazoxide and levcromakalim, administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.), produced dose-dependent antinociception as determined by the tail-flick method ?ED(50) 44 microg/mouse [95% confidence limits (CLs) from 28 to 68 microg/mouse] for diazoxide?. Glyburide (10 microg/mouse), an ATP-gated K(+) channel antagonist, attenuated the effects of diazoxide, levcromakalim and morphine. Diazoxide- and levcromakalim-induced antinociception were both antagonized by CTOP (D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr amide), a mu-opioid receptor selective antagonist, and ICI 174,864 (N, N-diallyl-Tyr-Aib-Aib-Phe-Leu), a delta-opioid receptor antagonist, but were differentially attenuated by the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist, nor-Binaltorphimine. Combinations of inactive doses of the K(+) channel openers and opioid receptor agonists produced significant antinociceptive enhancement. Diazoxide (2 microg/mouse) shifted morphine's dose-response curve 47-fold, while levcromakalim (0.1 microg/mouse) shifted the curve 27-fold. The dose-response curve of kappa-opioid receptor agonist U50,488H (trans-(+/-)-3, 4 Dichloro-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl] benzeneacetamide methane sulfonate) was shifted 106-fold by diazoxide in a parallel manner, while levcromakalim administration increased the potency of U50,488H by 15-fold. Diazoxide shifted the dose-response curve of the delta-opioid receptor agonist, DPDPE [(D-Pen(2,5))-enkephalin], leftward in a non-parallel manner, while DPDPE was 6-fold more potent when combined with levcromakalim. We hypothesize that endogenous opioids mediate ATP-gated K(+) channel opener-induced antinociception and enhancement of opioids.
Psychosocial Predictors of Dementia Caregiver Desire to Institutionalize: Caregiver, Care Recipient, and Family Relationship Factors

Several factors influence dementia caregiver desire to institutionalize; however, little is known about differences in caregivers who desire institutionalization versus those who do not. The current study compares predictors of desire to institutionalize in dementia caregivers. Seventy-two caregivers completed the Desire to Institutionalize Scale (DIS) and several psychosocial measures, including burden, dementia knowledge, self-efficacy, depression, health, care recipient daily functioning and memory/behavior problems, family functioning, and social support. Based on DIS responses, caregivers were divided into No DI versus DI groups. DI caregivers had significantly higher burden, greater dementia knowledge, more family dysfunction, and decreased social support compared with No DI caregivers. Findings emphasize the importance of caregiver and family relationship variables in DIS, suggesting potentially modifiable targets for caregiver interventions. Dementia knowledge was associated with higher DIS, suggesting that educational programs alone may not be helpful to delay institutionalization.
Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of estrogen receptor ligand treatment in mice☆

Demyelination and neurodegeneration is a major contributor in the progression of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Thus, the development of therapies that are neuroprotective has elicited considerable interests. Estrogens and estrogen receptor (ER) ligand treatments are promising treatments to prevent MS-induced neurodegeneration and a multicenter phase II clinical trial of estriol as a beneficial therapy in MS is underway. Here, we discuss studies performed in our laboratory that examined the effects of ER ligands in the inflammatory/demyelinating disorder experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of MS. Administration of estriol or 17beta-estradiol reduced clinical severity and this clinical disease improvement was associated with favorable changes in cytokine production. There was a significant decrease of neuronal pathology in gray matter along with myelin and axon preservation in white matter of spinal cords of mice with EAE. In subsequent experiments, we contrasted the results of ERalpha versus ERbeta ligand treatment. While ERalpha ligand treatment was anti-inflammatory, ERbeta ligand treatment was not. ERbeta ligand treatment nevertheless reduced demyelination and preserved axon numbers in white matter and prevented neuronal abnormalities in gray matter. Clinically, ERalpha ligand treatment abrogated the disease at the onset, while ERbeta ligand treatment had no effect at disease onset, but promoted recovery. Thus, unlike ERalpha ligand treatment, ERbeta ligand treatment was protective at the level of the target organ, independent of anti-inflammatory effects in the peripheral immune system. ERbeta ligand treatment should be considered as a potential neuroprotective agent for MS and other neurodegenerative diseases, particularly since breast and uterine cancer are mediated through ERalpha.
Upper and lower bounds to the natural frequencies of vibration of clamped rectangular orthotropic plates

Abstract The Rayleigh-Ritz technique, using clamped beam eigen functions, has been employed to determine the upper bounds for the eigen values for a clamped orhtotropic plate. The decomposition technique after Bazely and Fox has been used to estimate the lower bounds for the first few natural frequencies. The estimates for the upper bounds have been evaluated for all modes by not imposing any restriction on the symmetry conditions. Variations of the first two natural frequencies for various rigidity and aspect ratios which can be of some use to the designers are presented. Also the upper and lower bounds for the first few natural frequencies are tabulated. Comparison of the results for special cases with other reported data have been made whenever such results are available.
The Scanning Fizeau Interferometer: An Automated Instrument For Characterizing Optical Surfaces

Recently there has been increased interest in the measurement of the microtopography of optical surfaces. The information generated may be used either to predict the scattering characterisitics of a particular surface or to relate surface quality to damage thresholds. Previously, surface profiles have been measured by a variety of techniques including electro-mechanical profilometry and multiple beam interferometry. Surface profiles may also be measured using a scanning Fizeau interferometer. The instrument is similar to conventional Fizeau interferometers, with the exception that the interference pattern is temporally modulated by vibrating the test sample. A detector scanned across the modulated interference pattern produces an ac signal, with a phase that is directly proportional to the profile of the surface under test. An instrument based on this principle has been constructed and is capable of generating profiles of surfaces with rms roughnesses of approximately 20 A. The advantages and limitations of the instrument are discussed. Experimental results are presented.
Photoemission investigation of Sb/GaAs(110) interfaces

Abstract The Sb/GaAs(110) interface prepared at room temperature (RT) and low temperatures (LT, 150 and 80 K) has been studied using photoelectron spectroscopy (PES). At both RT and LT, Sb overlayer grows on GaAs(110) surface in Stranski-Krastanov mode, and similar Fermi level pinning patterns as well as the final pinning positions have been observed, which is drastically different from that at other metal/GaAs interfaces (e.g. Al/GaAs). The effects of annealing on the Sb/GaAs interface has also been studied. A large movement of the Fermi level towards the valence band maximum (VBM) for p-type GaAs and essentially no movement for n-type GaAs after Sb/GaAs interface annealing have been observed, thereby casting doubt on the prior explanation solely on the basis of Sb/p-GaAs annealing study [J. Vacuum Sci.Technol. B 5 (1987) 1048; Phys. Rev. B 36 (1987) 1328]. The findings are discussed in terms of various models of Schottky barrier formation.
The National Synchrotron Light Source basic design and project status

Abstract A summary description and the basic design parameters of the National Synchrotron Light Source, a facility for the generation of intense synchrotron radiation in the VUV and X-ray range is presented, the parameters of the sources are given, the presently planned facility beam lines are tabulated and the status of the project is indicated.
Rapid degradation of [3H] leucine-enkephalin by intact neuroblastoma cells

Abstract Enkephalin, a brain peptide with morphine-like activity, is rapidly degraded by N4TG1 neuroblastoma cells which contain opiate receptors. The enzymic activity is temperature dependent and it is maximal at 37°C with an apparent Km of 5 × 10 −5 M. The enzyme can be inhibited by bacitracin and puromycin with apparent Ki values of 3.2 × 10 −5 M and 2.3 × 10 −7 M, respectively. Digesting intact cells with trypsin greatly diminishes the ability of the cells to degrade enkephalin and suggests that the degradative enzyme is probably localized at the cell surface. Opiates such as morphine and naloxone as well as leu- and met-enkephalin and D-Ala 2 -substituted analogs at very high concentrations (10 −5 M) have no effect upon enzymic activity despite the fact that they totally block binding of the labeled enkephalin to receptors. The data strongly suggest that there is no correlation between receptor occupancy and rate of enkephalin degradation.
Teaching Leadership in the EMBA: Where to Begin

An examination of the role of a corporate leader versus the role of a corporate manager makes clear the distinct differences. The lines are often blurred in discussion of these executive levels of corporate governance, and individuals in the corporate settings often seek leadership roles without a clear understanding of what the leadership with the capital “L” entails. In addition, individuals seek leadership roles out of the need to be rescued from a management position and are seeking leadership for the wrong reasons. A careful and lengthy process of personal evaluation is a mandate for individuals seeking leadership. Leadership is not a venue for the many, but only for the few and requires more than management expertise.
The effect of longitudinal viscosity on the flow at a nozzle throat

Abstract : An inviscid transonic theory appears to be inadequate to describe the flow near the throat of a converging-diverging nozzle during the transition from the symmetrical Taylor (1930) type of flow to the subsonic-supersonic Meyer (1908) flow. A viscous-transonic equation taking account of heat conduction and longitudinal viscosity has been developed previously. An exact nozzle type of similarity solution of the viscous-transonic equation, similar to the inviscid solution of Tomotika and Tamada (1950), has been found. This solution does provide a description of the gradual transition from the Taylor to the Meyer flow and shows the initial stages in the development of a shock wave downstream of the nozzle throat. The solution provides a viscous shock like transition from an inviscid supersonic accelerating flow to an inviscid subsonic decelerating flow. (Author)
Ultrasound-guided venous access for pacemakers and defibrillators.

Ultrasound-Guided Lead Placement. Introduction: Ultrasound guidance is widely recommended to reduce the risk of complications during central venous catheter placement. However, ultrasound guidance is not commonly utilized for implanting leads for cardiac rhythm management devices. Methods and Results: We describe our technique of ultrasound-guided pacemaker implantation, including a novel pull-through technique that allows percutaneous guidewire insertion prior to the first incision. We review the literature and recent advances in ultrasound imaging technology that may facilitate the adoption of ultrasound guidance. Conclusions: Ultrasound guidance provides a safe and rapid technique for extrathoracic subclavian or axillary venous lead placement. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 370-374, March 2013)