cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Switching to Stay Home Instruction: Impacts of the Coronavirus Pandemic on Learner Performance for an Introductory Computer Science Course

The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has caused significant interruptions of the regular approach to teaching. Here, we compare the impacts of Stay Home orders on the student learning outcomes in an introduction to algorithms and data structures university course. We describe an example course modification based on student feedback at the semester's half-time point, and how students performed the remainder of the semester in comparison to a comparable prior semester. We find several differences in the overall participation from the electronic textbook as well as the course overall. We do not find that there is a significant change in the overall course outcomes when contrasting the Spring 2020 course offering with that from the prior semester.
Use of Standardized History and Physical Examination for Neurosurgical Patients Improves Clinical Documentation and Reimbursement.

Background Documentation is the cornerstone of good patient care and vital to proper coding and billing. Consistent and standardized documentation improves communication among physicians and can lead to better reimbursement. By understanding which elements in the neurosurgery history and physical examination are omitted the most often and the effects on the coding level, institutional-specific solutions can be implemented. Methods We performed a retrospective study of neurosurgical patients at a single academic institution who undergone a neurosurgery history and physical examination for an initial inpatient admission from July 2015 to July 2016. The data collected included documentation type (typed, dictated, dynamic documentation without a template, neurosurgery history and physical examination template [NHPT]) and ultimate coding level (1, 2, or 3) determined by a review by a professional coder. Results A total of 609 notes were reviewed. Of the 609 notes, 88 (14.4%) were missing an element of documentation. The most common missing element was the physical examination (40 of 88; 45.5%), followed by a combination (27 of 88; 30.7%), review of systems (14 of 88; 15.9%), and medical, family, and/or social history (7 of 88; 8.0%). The dynamic documentation without template notes had the highest percentage of missing elements (49 of 96; 51.0%), followed by the typed notes (7 of 49; 14.3%) and dictated notes (30 of 268; 11.2%) compared with the NHPT notes (2 of 196; 1.0%). Conclusion The most common missing elements for inpatient neurosurgery documentation were the review of systems and physical examination. The documents with the highest percentage of missing elements were those that used dynamic documentation without a template. We recommend implementing a dedicated NHPT to improve capturing these elements for improved clinical documentation. Such changes could also improve the coding level and subsequent reimbursement.
Fitting the standard genetic code into its triplet table

Minimally evolved codes are constructed here; these have randomly chosen standard genetic code (SGC) triplets, completed with completely random triplet assignments. Such "genetic codes" have not evolved, but retain SGC qualities. Retained qualities are basic, part of the underpinning of coding. For example, the sensitivity of coding to arbitrary assignments, which must be < ∼10%, is intrinsic. Such sensitivity comes from the elementary combinatorial properties of coding and constrains any SGC evolution hypothesis. Similarly, assignment of last-evolved functions is difficult because of late kinetic phenomena, likely common across codes. Census of minimally evolved code assignments shows that shape and size of wobble domains controls the code's fit into a coding table, strongly shifting accuracy of codon assignments. Access to the SGC therefore requires a plausible pathway to limited randomness, avoiding difficult completion while fitting a highly ordered, degenerate code into a preset three-dimensional space. Three-dimensional late Crick wobble in a genetic code assembled by lateral transfer between early partial codes satisfies these varied, simultaneous requirements. By allowing parallel evolution of SGC domains, this origin can yield shortened evolution to SGC-level order and allow the code to arise in smaller populations. It effectively yields full codes. Less obviously, it unifies previously studied chemical, biochemical, and wobble order in amino acid assignment, including a stereochemical minority of triplet-amino acid associations. Finally, fusion of intermediates into the final SGC is credible, mirroring broadly accepted later cellular evolution.
Zinc Finger Nuclease-Mediated Gene Targeting in Plants

The ability to generate DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) at specified locations in a plant’s genome, thereby stimulating the cell’s DNA repair processes, represents a promising means of facilitating genetic modification for both basic studies of gene function as well as applied crop improvement. Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) are engineered restriction enzymes consisting of a nonspecific cleavage domain and sequence-specific DNA-binding domains designed to create site-specific DSBs. Since DSB repair in plants appears to occur primarily via error-prone nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) processes, ZFNs designed to cleave endogenous genes is a path toward targeted mutagenesis. Similarly, ZFN-mediated induction of concurrent DSBs can give rise to targeted deletions of genomic segments between cleavage sites. In addition, homology-directed repair of targeted DSBs allows for site-specific transgene integration into transgenic and endogenous gene loci as well as the creation of specific sequence modifications. The combination of sequence-specific DNA cleavage by designed ZFNs and homology-directed DSB repair at investigator-specified break sites makes precision genome modification a reality. This capability, in combination with rapid advances in genome sequencing and bioinformatics, bodes well for the future of plant functional genomics and crop improvement.
Incubation of nerve endings with a physiological concentration of Aβ1-42 activates CaV2.2(N-Type)-voltage operated calcium channels and acutely increases glutamate and noradrenaline release

We wish to understand the normal function of amyloid-beta peptides (Abeta) and to see if they destabilize neuronal calcium homeostasis [Mattson et al., J. Neurosci. 12 (1992), 376-389]. We observed that a physiological concentration (10 nM) of Abeta1-42 increased both glutamate and noradrenaline exocytosis from rat cortical nerve endings at least in part by activation of N-type Ca2+ channels. Abeta oligomers rather than monomers or fibrils probably are the most active form. Three alternatively-proposed effects of Abeta (reactive oxygen species formation, membrane perforation, and disruption of Ca2+ stores) also were tested by incubating nerve endings with a relatively high (by this study's standards) concentration of Abeta1-42(100 nM). None of the three proposed effects were detected during these incubations. These results support the hypothesis that persistent elevations of Abeta, which normally operates as a modulator of N-type voltage gated calcium channels, could increase internal nerve ending Ca2+ and excitatory neurotransmitter release to produce the early neurotoxic effects that eventually lead to Alzheimer's disease.
Regulation of microsomal UDP-glucuronyltransferase by metal ions. Differential effects of Mn2+ on forward and reverse reactions.

Mn2+ activated UDP-glucuronyltransferase (assayed with p-nitrophenol as aglycone) in assays of the forward reaction. The kinetic mechanism of this activation is an increase in activity at V. The rate of the reverse reaction catalyzed by UDP-glucuronyltransferase (UDP-dependent hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylglucuronic acid) is inhibited by Mn2+. The basis for this inhibition is an increase in KUDP, and a small increase in KNphGICUA. Mn2+ appears to have no effect of the activity of the reverse reaction at saturating concentrations of both substrates. The differential effects of divalent metal ions on rates of the forward and reverse reactions catalyzed by UDP-glucuronyltransferase are due in part to differences in the affinities of UDP-glucuronic acid and UDP for metals. Keq for the formation of UDP-Mn2+ is 8.6 × 103; Keq for the formation of UDP-glucuronic acid-Mn2+ is 4.8x 102. High concentrations of UDP thus can compete for metal ions bound to UDP-glucuronyltransferase, but UDP-glucuronic acid is less likely to do so. This competition for metal ions between the enzyme and substrates accounts for the failure of Mn2+ to increase the activity at V of the reverse reaction. Mn2+-induced inhibition of the reverse reaction, due to an increase of KuDP, reflects that the affinity of the affinity of the enzyme for UDP is greater than that for UDP-Mn2+. On the other hand, formation of a complex between UDP-glucuronic and Mn2+ does not alter the affinity of UDP-glucuronyltransferase for this nucleotide derivative
Integrating Gender into Benefit Incidence and Demand Analysis

This report addresses two questions: To what extent does public spending mitigate or exacerbate gender inequities in welfare in developing countries? How can existing allocations of public expenditure be changed to improve gender equity in the use of services such as health and education? It does this through a detailed review and interpretation of the existing literature and through primary analyses on a large sample of developing country data sets. Regarding the first question, we integrate gender considerations into standard benefit incidence analysis, and address in particular the issue of whether and how gender gaps in benefits vary across the income distribution. The second question is addressed through gender-disaggregated econometric analysis of the demand for public services, including health care, education, and water. The paper also sets out the appropriate methodologies for integrating gender into benefit incidence analysis and for comparing impacts by gender of policies affecting the demand for services. The main lesson drawn from the empirical analysis - as well as from a careful reading of the existing literature - is that gender differences in the use of services, and the response of these gaps to changes in incomes and policies, are not universal and do not always occur where they might be most expected. Therefore, they need to be investigated on a case by case basis.
Digital error correction to increase speed of successive approximation

A digital correction procedure that reduces the conversion time of a standard 12b A/D converter from 12μs to 7μs with but a 15% increase in die area will be presented.
Expressing Different Traffic Models Using the LegoTG Framework

In this paper we demonstrate the ease of generating and modifying background traffic in testbed experiments through the traffic generation framework we developed, called LegoTG. LegoTG is a modular framework for composing custom traffic generation. It makes it easy to combine different traffic generators and traffic modulators (e.g., Delay models), and to port the same background traffic to different topologies. In addition to the framework, we have developed several traffic generation/modulation tools that can be used in LegoTG to generate realistic and highly controllable network and transport-level traffic. We build our demonstration around a series of simple experiments which reinforce how much background traffic matters in experiments and how different traffic models can drastically affect experiment results and research conclusions.
High Energy Photons and Pions in Intermediate Energy Heavy Ion Reactions

Particles produced during the high compression phase of heavy ion collisions can serve as a probe of the nuclear equation of state. This is why the emission of particles like high energy (Eγ > 20 MeV) photons, pi-mesons, kaons, di-lepton pairs, anti-protons,… has attracted so much attention during the last few years. In this chapter attention shall be focussed on the production of pions and high energy photons.
Improving Communication on Intent of Chemotherapy Using QOPI Scores and PDSA Cycles

Using the standardized ASCO Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) guidelines for assessing quality cancer care, we identified communication about intent of chemotherapy as an area needing improvement in our program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS). We organized training in communications on intent of treatment (palliative vs curative) and added optional checkboxes to our electronic templates for progress notes. Afterwards, we conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records of initially often randomly selected patient charts. The first 10 patient charts after 1 month of implementation showed intent of treatment in 80 % of charts compared to 74 % at baseline. We then changed checkboxes from mandatory to optional and reviewed 30 randomly selected patient charts. Intent of treatment was documented in 96.7 % of cases compared to 74 % at baseline. We also assessed patient satisfaction through surveys distributed in clinic. Patient satisfaction scores were close to 100 % for receiving clear information, understanding the reason for which they were receiving chemotherapy, and willingness of oncologists to listen carefully, to take time to answer questions, to explain things clearly, and to spend adequate time with them. In this study, we showed that training in communication of intent of chemotherapy and use of checkboxes in progress note templates could improve competency in communication of intent of therapy in cancer patients.
SEGREGATION AND RECOMBINATION OF NON-MENDELIAN GENES IN CHLAMYDOMONAS

Non-Mendelian genes in Chamydomonas reinhardtii are inherited in a uniparental (UP) fashion. Most zygotes and their progeny receive UP genes only from the mt(+) or maternal parent. However, a few exceptional zygotes are also found in which the mt(-) or paternal UP genome is transmitted. Most of the exceptional zygotes are biparental in that their progeny segregate UP genes transmitted by both parents. As a result, biparental zygotes have been extensively used to study the rules governing UP inheritance. The frequency of biparental zygotes can be greatly increased if the maternal parent is irradiated with ultraviolet light prior to mating. Based principally on studies with ultraviolet-induced biparental zygotes, Sager has argued that a vegetative cell contains two copies of the UP genome and that the progeny of a biparental zygote receive a copy derived from each parent. Results reported in this paper with spontaneous and ultraviolet-induced biparental zygotes do not support the two copy model, but argue for a mulitple copy model with most of the copies normally being transmitted by the maternal parent. A multiple copy model which accounts for both Sager's results and ours is presented.
TH-C-I-611-02: Exposure Rate Limitations for Light Image Intensifiers with Microchannel Plate Amplifiers Used in a Micro-Angiographic Fluoroscope

Purpose: The region-of-interest micro-angiographic fluoroscope (MAF) enables both high-resolution rapid-sequence micro-angiography and fluoroscopy. The critical component is the micro-channel plate (MCP)-based light image intensifier (LII). The effect on maximum detector entrance exposure rate caused by LII nominal working-range limitations will be investigated. Method and Materials: The prototype MAF we built consists of a 350 micron thick columnar CsI(Tl) scintillator coupled by a 2:1 fiber-optical taper to an 18mm diameter variable gain LII with two-stage MCP optically viewed by a 12-bit, 1024×1024, 30fps CCD camera. Pixel value versus exposure (0–870μR) was measured with a LII gain of 492(W/m2)out/(W/m2)in at two different exposure times: 6ms and 30ms. A calculation was made of the maximum entrance MAF exposure rate that results in the maximum LII phosphor screen luminance. The linearity of the MAF was also measured with a higher LII gain of 7,728(W/m2)out/(W/m2)in and a lower lens collection efficiency at an exposure time of 30ms to show the effect of limitations in the LII nominal working range. Results: The MAF with a LII gain of 492(W/m2)out/(W/m2)in demonstrated linear behavior with 30ms exposure times when the maximum exposure rate was 29μR/ms; however, large fluctuations of mean pixel values occurred for 6ms when the exposure rate exceeded 30μR/ms. The calculation at maximum luminance predicted a maximum entrance detector exposure rate of 32.6μR/ms. The MAF used at a higher LII gain of 7728(W/m2)out/(W/m2)in demonstrated a non-linear behavior and average pixel value fluctuations in the exposure range 81–870μR. Conclusion: LII working range limits must be considered in the design of the MAF. The measured instability occurred for exposure rates above the value calculated to result in maximum LII luminance. Higher lens collection efficiency can enable the use of a lower LII gain and increased entrance MAF exposure rate. (Partial support: NIH grants R01NS43924 and R01EB002873)
Endothelial cell pathology as a marker for urticarial vasculitis: a light microscopic study

SUMMARY Various criteria have been used for the diagnosis of urticarial vasculitis, and for the classification of patients with chronic urticaria. In the present study, semithin Epon-embedded sections were obtained from fifteen patients using a method of fixation optimal for the preservation and examination of the dermal microvasculature. This allowed patients to be classified according to the presence or absence of significant endothelial cell pathology. This feature proved a more reliable indicator of associated humoral abnormalities than the nature of the perivascular infiltrate as seen on paraffin-embedded sections. Endothelial cell necrosis per se was a rare event and could not be used as a reliable criterion for the diagnosis of urticarial vasculitis. Most cases showed either endothelial hypertrophy or shrinkage.
Construction of polygonal interpolants: a maximum entropy approach

In this paper, we establish a link between maximizing (information-theoretic) entropy and the construction of polygonal interpolants. The determination of shape functions on n-gons (n>3) leads to a non-unique under-determined system of linear equations. The barycentric co-ordinates ϕi, which form a partition of unity, are associated with discrete probability measures, and the linear reproducing conditions are the counterpart of the expectations of a linear function. The ϕi are computed by maximizing the uncertainty H(ϕ1,ϕ2,…,ϕn)=−∑ ϕi logϕi, subject to the above constraints. The description is expository in nature, and the numerical results via the maximum entropy (MAXENT) formulation are compared to those obtained from a few distinct polygonal interpolants. The maximum entropy formulation leads to a feasible solution for ϕi in any convex or non-convex polygon. This study is an instance of the application of the maximum entropy principle, wherein least-biased inference is made on the basis of incomplete information. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Realistic compilation by program transformation (detailed summary)

Using concepts from denotational semantics, we have produced a very simple compiler that can be used to compile standard programming languages and produces object code as efficient as that of production compilers. The compiler is based entirely on source-to-source transformations performed on programs that have been translated into an intermediate language resembling the lambda calculus. The output of the compiler, while still in the intermediate language, can be trivially translated into machine code for the target machine. The compilation by transformation strategy is simple: the goal is to remove any dependencies on the intermediate language semantics that the target machine cannot implement directly. Front-ends have been written for Pascal, BASIC, and Scheme and the compiler produces code for the MC68020 microprocessor.
Deformation of polyoxymethylene by rolling

The deformation due to rolling of polyoxymethylene (POM) was investigated by using wide and small angle X-ray techniques and electron microscopy. Tensile tests of rolled POM indicate that the yield stress increases along the roll direction. This is accompanied by a decrease in the yield stress perpendicular to the roll direction. Wide angle X-ray data from uniaxially rolled POM, obtained by means of pole figures, indicate that molecular chains tilt preferentially at approximately 30° to the roll direction at low rolling deformation, and align in the roll direction when the sample is rolled to its fullest extent. A lamellar tilt of of about 30° is also observed. Thus, the chains must tilt within the lamellae. When samples are fully rolled, small angle patterns indicate at least partial breakup of lamellae. Biaxial rolling produces no such breakup, but a uniform tilting of lamellae through the entire range of deformation.
Effect of microstructural parameters on the machinability of aligned carbon nanotube composites

The objective of this paper is to understand through parametric studies the effect of microstructural parameters, viz., the carbon nanotube (CNT) orientation with respect to the cutting direction, CNT loading, and level of dispersion within the matrix on the machinability of aligned CNT composites. To this end, a microstructure-based finite element machining model is used to simulate microstructures containing 1.5% and 6% by weight of CNTs. Microstructures with both uniform and nonuniform dispersions of CNTs are simulated. For each of these cases, CNTs having orientations of 0 deg, 45 deg, 90 deg, and 135 deg to the cutting direction are studied. The machining simulations were conducted using a positive rake tool. Chip morphology, cutting forces, surface roughness, and surface/subsurface damages are the machinability measures used for comparison. The results of the parametric studies demonstrate that the CNT orientation, loading, and level of dispersion all play a critical role in dictating the machining response of aligned composites. The results further indicate that the surface morphology of the machined surface can be harnessed to produce the next generation of microfluidic devices. This application demonstrates the feasibility of designing the microstructure of CNT composites by taking into account both their engineering functionality and machinability.
Comparison of laser-based and conventional calibrations of sun photometers

Sun photometers are used to characterize the radiative properties of the atmosphere. They measure both the incident solar irradiance as well as the sky radiance (from scattered incident flux). Global networks of sun photometers provide data products such as aerosol optical thickness derived from these measurements. Instruments are typically calibrated for irradiance responsivity by cross-calibration against a primary reference sun photometer and for radiance responsivity using a lamp-illuminated integrating sphere source. A laser-based facility for Spectral Irradiance and Radiance Responsivity Calibrations using Uniform Sources (SIRCUS) has been developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Sensors can be calibrated in this facility for absolute spectral irradiance and radiance responsivity with combined expanded ( k = 2) uncertainties ranging from 0.15% to 0.25%. Two multi-channel filter radiometers used in the Sensor Intercomparison and Merger for Biological and Interdisciplinary Oceanic Studies (SIMBIOS) program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) were calibrated for radiance and irradiance responsivity using conventional approaches and using laser-illuminated integrating spheres on SIRCUS. The different calibration methods are compared, the uncertainties are evaluated, and the impact on remote sensing applications is discussed.
Mode I failure of laminated polymeric composites

A mechanical model for the prediction of mode I delamination failure of a laminated double cantilever beam (DCB) type specimen is presented. The volume of material ahead of the crack tip that experiences high stresses due to the presence of the crack tip was replaced by a nonlinear elastic spring foundation. The volume undergoing global deformation due to the external loading was replaced by a beam. The spring foundation was characterized by a covalent interatomic force law as a constitutive law and a non-uniform strain distribution throughout the spring length. Experimental data of fracture toughness for PEEK adhesive joints were used to partially characterize the spring foundation. Experimen- tal results from mode I fracture tests performed to verify the current model are presented. The current model matched the experimental results closely for PEEK and BP907 adhesive joints for a wide range of adhesive layer thickness. It also reproduced load vs displacement curves of E7TI/G40 and E719/IM7 composite specimens very closely. The work presented contributes a new fracture model for prediction of delamination of laminated composite structures.
Long term potentiation in the magnocellular medial geniculate nucleus of the anesthetized cat.

Abstract Long term potentiation (LTP) has been suggested as a mechanism in learning. The magnocellular division of the medial geniculate nucleus (MGm) is known to develop discharge plasticity rapidly during behavioral learning. The ability of the MGm also to develop long term potentiation was studied in cats under barbiturate anesthesia. Monosynaptic responses elicited in the MGm by periodic (0.2 Hz) stimulation of the brachium of the inferior colliculus (BIC) developed significant increases in amplitude and decreases in latency, which were maintained for at least 1 h, following brief high frequency stimulation of the BIC. Antidromic] responses recorded in the inferior colliculus were unchanged. These findings provide a link between learning-induced physiological pla plasticity and LTP, and demonstrate that the auditory system can develop long term potentiation.
Design of fault diagnosable and repairable PLA's

Presents a complete fault-tolerant programmable logic array (PLA) design that includes both fault diagnosability and repairability. The proposed PLA design is capable of detecting, locating, and repairing single and multiple stuck-at, bridging, and crosspoint faults. The results of this study show that the total augmented area overhead for both repair and fault diagnosis is nearly 15 to 25 percent over the original PLA, but the chip yield can be improved significantly. >
Assignment problems : A golden anniversary survey

Abstract Having reached the 50th (golden) anniversary of the publication of Kuhn’s seminal article on the solution of the classic assignment problem, it seems useful to take a look at the variety of models to which it has given birth. This paper is a limited survey of what appear to be the most useful of the variations of the assignment problem that have appeared in the literature over the past 50 years. The intention here is not to identify every such paper (of which there have been hundreds) nor to identify the best solution procedure for each variation. Rather, the intention is to identify what these variations are and what they are called so as to make it easier for a researcher trying to develop some variation of the assignment problem for a particular application to find the relevant literature.
Are short-pitch bistable ferroelectric liquid crystal cells surface stabilized?

Abstract Recent papers have described the short-pitch bistable ferroelectric liquid crystal effect (SBF) attributing its bistability to its stripe layer texture [1]. We have studied the bistability of this SBF effect for the short-pitch ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) mixture ZhKS-76 using thin planar aligned cells. Both the SBF texture (the stripe texture) and a uniform texture (uniform tilt layer structure with the extinction direction along the layer normal) were observed in different regions of a given cell when the cell was cooled down slowly from the isotropic phase to the chiral smectic C phase. Upon applying external fields, both regions are characterized by the formation of helix unwinding lines. The stripe area showed zig-zag unwinding lines and the uniform area exhibited straight unwinding lines, both running parallel to the layers. The bistability study shows a similar hysteresis curve and threshold behaviour on switching for both the SBF texture area and the uniform area, although the unif...
An estimated-score approach for dealing with missing covariate data in matched case-control studies

MSC 2000: Primary 62G05; secondary 62-07. Abstract: Matched case-control designs are commonly used in epidemiological studies for estimating the effect of exposure variables on the risk of a disease by controlling the effect of confounding variables. Due to retrospective nature of the study, information on a covariate could be missing for some subjects. A straightforward application of the conditional logistic likelihood for analyzing matched case-control data with the partially missing covariate may yield inefficient estimators of the parameters. A robust method has been proposed to handle this problem using an estimated conditional score approach when the missingness mechanism does not depend on the disease status. Within the conditional logistic likelihood framework, an empirical procedure is used to estimate the odds of the disease for the subjects with missing covariate values. The asymptotic distribution and the asymptotic variance of the estimator when the matching variables and the completely observed covariates are categorical. The finite sample performance of the proposed estimator is assessed through a simulation study. Finally, the proposed method has been applied to analyze two matched case-control studies. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 38: 680-697; 2010 © 2010 Statistical Society of Canada R´ esum´
Some factors related to contraceptive behavior among Wind River Shoshone and Arapahoe females.

During the summer of 1972 in-depth interviews were conducted with 96 Shoshone and Arapahoe Indian women living on the Wind River Reservation in Central Wyoming. All were aged 15-49 and were users of the reservation health service. It was found the women fell into 4 groups: current contraceptive users 42.7%; pregnant or seeking to become pregnant 10.4%; infertile due to menopause or sterilization 18.8%; and fertile never-users 28.1%. The contraceptive users tended to be older married and have as many children as they want. The fertile never-users tended to be in their teens and generally unmarried. When asked why they did not use contraception their answer was because I am not married. It is suggested that general education on contraception be provided the younger women so that when they achieve desired family size they will be informed as to family planning methods. It was found that religious belief against contraception was important to the young never-users but not to the women who had completed their families. In fact 73% of the users said their religion which most identified as Roman Catholicism had no influence on their contraceptive use while 27% said they were aware of church disapproval but used contraception anyway.
Higher education: Paradise lost?

Universities in many cultures and times have had “golden ages” the most recent throughout the Western World lasted from the end of World War II to about 1970. Now the prevailing mood is one of pessimism: the golden age is over. In fact, however, universal access postsecondary education is healthy and continuing to grow in most nations; mass access higher education is generally static; and it is the elite sector of higher education that most suffers a decline in prestige, in faculty morale, in rate of growth of enrollments and financing, in independence, and in other ways. The paper analyzes some of the reasons for the comparative decline of the elite sector, including (1) the historical transition from elite to mass access to universal higher education, (2) the politicization of higher education, and (3) the increasing submergence of higher education under external social controls. The author argues that elite, or “highly selective,” higher education is useful for the creation of knowledge and for training the highly skilled persons needed by modern nations and economies, and suggests that a differentiated system of postsecondary education, such as exists in some countries now, is essential for its survival. Differentiated by function, the different segments are also distinguished by different levels of admission requirements, principles for selection of faculty, levels of financial support, amount of institutional autonomy, and the relative importance of academic freedom. A series of guidelines are suggested for the preservation of an effective highly selective segment.
NMR spin-echo measurements of reversible and irreversible motion of a driven vortex lattice

We report measurements of flux-line motion that is driven by a periodic rocking of the external magnetic field through a small angle in the type-II superconductor NbTi alloy filaments. The effect of the motion is to reduce the height of the Nb NMR spin-echo signal. By investigating a broad range of parameters that characterize the rocking motion and the NMR pulse sequence, the scaling behavior discussed earlier @W. G. Clark, F. Lefloch, and W. H. Wong, Phys. Rev. B 52, 7488 ~1995!# is found to persist into a regime where irreversible flux-line motion causes an additional reduction of the echo height. The earlier model is extended phenomenologically to include irreversible displacements of the axis about which each vortex rocks. A second scaling relation for this mechanism that is seen experimentally is contained in the extended model. The results suggest that the irreversible part of the motion is driven by the rf pulse that forms the spin echo. @S0163-1829~99!08501-X#
Some model theory of Polish structures

We introduce a notion of Polish structure and, in doing so, provide a setting which allows the application of ideas and techniques from model theory, descriptive set theory, topology and the theory of profinite groups. We define a topological notion of independence in Polish structures and prove that it has some nice properties. Using this notion, we prove counterparts of some basic results from geometric stability theory in the context of small Polish structures. Then, we prove some structural theorems about compact groups regarded as Polish structures: each small, nm-stable compact G-group is solvable-by-finite; each small compact G-group of finite N M-rank is nilpotent-by-finite. Examples of small Polish structures and groups are also given.
The DNA/RNA-binding protein MSY2 marks specific transcripts for cytoplasmic storage in mouse male germ cells

During spermatogenesis, male germ cells temporally synthesize many proteins as they differentiate through meiosis and become spermatozoa. The germ cell Y-box protein, MSY2, constituting ≈0.7% of total protein in male germ cells, binds to a consensus promoter element, and shows a general lack of RNA-binding specificity. Combining immunoprecipitation and suppressive subtractive hybridization, we identified populations of germ cell mRNAs that are not bound or bound by MSY2. The former population is enriched in cell growth and ubiquitously expressed mRNAs, whereas the latter population is enriched for stored or translationally delayed, male gamete-specific transcripts. Chromatin precipitation assays reveal that most of the MSY2 target mRNAs are transcribed from genes containing the Y-box DNA-binding motif in their promoters. In transgenic mice, mRNAs encoding exogenous GFP are directed or not directed into the MSY2-bound fraction by promoters containing or lacking the Y-box motif, respectively. We propose that MSY2 marks specific mRNAs in the nucleus for cytoplasmic storage, thereby linking transcription and mRNA storage/translational delay in meiotic and postmeiotic male germ cells of the mouse.
Vascular construction and development in the stems of certain Pandanaceae

By means of serial sections and cinematographic methods the vascular system in the stems of certain Pandanaceae is analyzed, in both mature axes and developing crowns. This serves to establish the three-dimensional basis for the bi- or tri-polar vascular bundles which are apparent in single sections of stems of all species of Pandanaceae which so far have been examined. The basic “R/iap/s-principle”, which characterizes woody monocotyledons, is here expressed in a distinctive way which can be seen as an important developmental variation.
Encoding of Both Positive and Negative Reward Prediction Errors by Neurons of the Primate Lateral Prefrontal Cortex and Caudate Nucleus

Learning can be motivated by unanticipated success or unexpected failure. The former encourages us to repeat an action or activity, whereas the latter leads us to find an alternative strategy. Understanding the neural representation of these unexpected events is therefore critical to elucidate learning-related circuits. We examined the activity of neurons in the lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and caudate nucleus of monkeys as they performed a trial-and-error learning task. Unexpected outcomes were widely represented in both structures, and neurons driven by unexpectedly negative outcomes were as frequent as those activated by unexpectedly positive outcomes. Moreover, both positive and negative reward prediction errors (RPEs) were represented primarily by increases in firing rate, unlike the manner in which dopamine neurons have been observed to reflect these values. Interestingly, positive RPEs tended to appear with shorter latency than negative RPEs, perhaps reflecting the mechanism of their generation. Last, in the PFC but not the caudate, trial-by-trial variations in outcome-related activity were linked to the animals' subsequent behavioral decisions. More broadly, the robustness of RPE signaling by these neurons suggests that actor-critic models of reinforcement learning in which the PFC and particularly the caudate are considered primarily to be "actors" rather than "critics," should be reconsidered to include a prominent evaluative role for these structures.
Stress and strain considerations for composite rod drawing

Abstract Composite rod drawing has been examined from both an experimental and phenomenological approach. Tubes of 304 stainless steel with cores of copper, aluminum, and 304 stainless steel have been drawn to various reductions at constant die angle and coefficient of friction at the die-tube interface. When frictional effects at the core-tube interfae are neglected (an assumption which has been experimentally justified) the analysis shows that the draw stress should follow the standard rod equation with a composite yield criterion. The draw stress data agree well with this theory with the exception of the case of pure sinking. Dimensional measurements of wall thickness have been made and demonstrate that some extrusion of the deformable cores takes place which makes the validity of our neglect of internal frictional forces somewhat surprising.
Quantitative EEG Correlations with Brain Glucose Metabolic Rate during Anesthesia in Volunteers

BackgroundTo help elucidate the relationship between anesthetic-induced changes in the electroencephalogram (EEG) and the concurrent cerebral metabolic changes caused by anesthesia, positron emission tomography data of cerebral metabolism obtained in volunteers during anesthesia were correlated retr
Testing the effectiveness of NBAS intervention with a substance‐using population

The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS; Brazelton, 1984) and the Mother's Assessment of the Behavior of her Infant (MABI; Field et al., 1978) as interventions to enhance mother-infant interaction with low-income, drug-using mothers. It also investigated the ability of mothers' receptivity to predict intervention effectiveness. During the post-partum hospital stay, 54 mother-infant pairs were randomly assigned to one of four levels of intervention: NBAS teaching session along with MABI questionnaires (n = 14), NBAS teaching session only (n = 13), MABI questionnaires only (n = 15), or no intervention (n = 12). Four weeks later, subjects were visited at home and observed by a blind observer during a feeding session. Maternal receptivity was rated both in the hospital and during the home visit. Results showed no differences in mother-infant interaction among intervention groups, and that maternal receptivity was unable to meaningfully predict intervention effectiveness. Le but de cette etude etait de tester l'efficacite de l'echelle d'evaluation du comportement neonatal de Brazelton (“Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale” abrege NBAS; Brazelton, 1984) et l'evaluation des meres du comportement de leur nourrisson (“Mothers' Assessment of the Behavior of her Infant” abrege MAB1; Field et al., 1978) en tant qu'interventions effectuees pour ameliorer L'interaction mere-nourrisson avec des meres pauvres et toxicomanes. Nous avons aussi examine la capacite de la receptivite des meres a predire l'efficacite de L'intervention. Durant l'hospitalisation postpartum, on a assigne au hasard 54 paires meres-nourrissons a l'un des quatre niveaux d'intervention: seance d'enseignement NBAS avec questionnaires MABI (n = 14), seance d'enseignement NBAS uniquement (n = 15), questionnaires MABI uniquement (n = 15), ou pas d'intervention (n = 12). Quatre semaines plus tard, L'on a rendu visite aux sujets a leur domicile et ceux-ci ont ete observes par un observateur pendant que le nourrisson etait nourri. La receptivite maternelle fut evaluee a la fois a L'hǒpital et durant la visite a domicile. Les resultats n'ont montre aucune difference dans l'interaction mere-nourrisson entre les groupes #intervention et ont demontre que la receptivite maternelle ne predisait pas de maniere significative l'efficacite de L'intervention.
Immediate effects of tooth extraction on ridge integrity and dimensions

Objectives This study aims to assess possible immediate post-extraction changes in ridge integrity and width.
Reverse lithotomy: Modified prone position for simultaneous nephroscopic and ureteroscopic procedures in women

Abstract Occasionally there is need for nephroscopic and ureteroscopic access during the same surgical procedure. Patient positioning is problematic and usually the patient must be turned from supine to prone position or vice versa. Simultaneous access is possible by placing the patient in a prone position with the thighs and knees cradled laterally in a “boot” type stirrup. Thus access is afforded to a percutaneous nephrostomy tract and to the urethra for nephroscopic and ureteroscopic procedures, and at the same time adequate operator comfort is maintained. This approach has been used four times in 3 patients and has been a valuable factor in the endoscopic removal of massive renal and ureteral calculi.
A life course built for two: Acting, aging, and soap operas

Abstract Due to their longevity, daytime soap operas provide a rich entertainment text through which to examine representations of, and experiences of, age and aging. Our exploratory, qualitative project explores how veteran soap actors make sense of their own aging process alongside that of their characters’, and how soaps serve as an unexpected cultural resource for negotiating the varied meanings of aging. Drawing on original interview data with soap actors (n = 11) and other industry experts (n = 4), original survey data with long-term viewers (n = 34), and secondary data as reported in the entertainment and popular presses, we examine actors’ use of fictional narratives to make meaning of their progression through the life course. Our analysis is situated at the intersections of gerontology, media studies, and the sociology of work.
Epigenetic Mechanisms of Serotonin Signaling

Histone modifications and DNA methylation represent central dynamic and reversible processes that regulate gene expression and contribute to cellular phenotypes. These epigenetic marks have been shown to play fundamental roles in a diverse set of signaling and behavioral outcomes. Serotonin is a monoamine that regulates numerous physiological responses including those in the central nervous system. The cardinal signal transduction mechanisms via serotonin and its receptors are well established, but fundamental questions regarding complex interactions between the serotonin system and heritable epigenetic modifications that exert control on gene function remain a topic of intense research and debate. This review focuses on recent advances and contributions to our understanding of epigenetic mechanisms of serotonin receptor-dependent signaling, with focus on psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and depression.
Melting temperature of diamond at ultrahigh pressure

Measurements of the melting point of diamond at pressures of around 10 million atm suggest it could be present in crystalline form in the interiors of giant planets. At even higher pressures and temperatures about 50,000 K, diamond melts to form an unexpectedly complex, polymer-like fluid phase. Since Ross proposed that there might be ‘diamonds in the sky’ in 1981 (ref. 1), the idea of significant quantities of pure carbon existing in giant planets such as Uranus and Neptune has gained both experimental2 and theoretical3 support. It is now accepted that the high-pressure, high-temperature behaviour of carbon is essential to predicting the evolution and structure of such planets4. Still, one of the most defining of thermal properties for diamond, the melting temperature, has never been directly measured. This is perhaps understandable, given that diamond is thermodynamically unstable, converting to graphite before melting at ambient pressure, and tightly bonded, being the strongest bulk material known5,6. Shock-compression experiments on diamond reported here reveal the melting temperature of carbon at pressures of 0.6–1.1 TPa (6–11 Mbar), and show that crystalline diamond can be stable deep inside giant planets such as Uranus and Neptune1,2,3,4,7. The data indicate that diamond melts to a denser, metallic fluid—with the melting curve showing a negative Clapeyron slope—between 0.60 and 1.05 TPa, in good agreement with predictions of first-principles calculations8. Temperature data at still higher pressures suggest diamond melts to a complex fluid state, which dissociates at shock pressures between 1.1 and 2.5 TPa (11–25 Mbar) as the temperatures increase above 50,000 K.
Classroom project in analytical and experimental optimization

This paper describes classroom experience with the shape optimization of a lap joint. The project stressed the combination of optimization based on analytical models and experimental improvement of the design obtained based on analysis. Students used a variety of tools for optimizing the designs, ranging from exhaustive evaluation via spread sheet programs to formal optimization. The project shows promise for introducing students to all aspects of design optimization. Improvements in the basic project are suggested on the basis of classroom experience.
Nature of diffusion coefficients and their relation to field emission noise

Abstract Irreversible thermodynamic and Kubo relations for diffusion coefficients of single component interacting systems are discussed. Chemical diffusivity D c defined by Fick's first law is compared to its equilibrium limit; termed hydrodynamic D h , associated with field emission noise measurements of surface density fluctuations. The equivalence of the two diffusivities is ensured by evaluation of the excess entropy production only when the density gradient is small and no phase change occurs.
Raman investigation of palladium oxide, rhodium sesquioxide and palladium rhodium dioxide

Raman spectra were obtained from PdO, Rh2O3 and PdRhO2 thin films formed by oxidizing foil samples. Polarization measurements allow symmetry species assignments to be made for the lines from the corundum phase of Rh2O3 and from PdRhO2, which has a delafossite structure.