cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of buspirone on single unit activity in locus coeruleus and dorsal raphe nucleus in behaving cats

Abstract The effects of administration of the non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic buspirone on the spontaneous and sensory evoked single unit activity of serotonergic (5-HT) neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus and noradrenergic (NE) neurons in the locus coeruleus were examined in freely moving cats. Buspirone (1.0 mg/kg i.p.) strongly suppressed both the spontaneous and evoked activity of 5-HT dorsal raphe nucleus neurons. The spontaneous activity of NE neurons in the locus coeruleus was non-significantly increased by drug administration, while the evoked response was unaffected. These effects occurred during a period of mild behavioral activation. It is suggested that the anxiolytic effects of buspirone administration are not achieved through an action of NE neurons, but may be mediated in part by actions of 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe.
The Variable Effects of Some Task-Based Learning Procedures on L2 Communicative Effectiveness

This study attempted to evaluate the benefits of some task-based procedures used to develop L2 communicative effectiveness in spoken English among a group of advanced proficiency learners. Using three information transfer tasks and intervening discussion sessions, we attempted to investigate the actual communicative outcomes of interaction prompted by the tasks. When the intervening discussion focused on linguistic aspects of task performance, there was a tendency for speakers to adopt a noticeably more egocentric perspective in a subsequent communicative task. When referential aspects of the task were discussed, subsequent communicative performance was characterized by speakers taking their interlocutor's perspective much more into account. It is suggested that L2 communicative effectiveness in an information transfer task will be enhanced when the speaker is led to think primarily about the listener's needs rather than the form of the speaker's message.
Using integer programming to verify general safety and liveness properties

Analysis of concurrent systems is plagued by the state explosion problem. We describe an analysis technique that uses necessary conditions, in the form of linear inequalities, to verify certain properties of concurrent systems, thus avoiding the enumeration of the potentially explosive number of reachable states of the system. This technique has been shown to be capable of verifying simple safety properties, like freedom from deadlock, that can be expressed in terms of the number of certain events occurring in a finite execution, and has been successfully used to analyze a variety of concurrent software systems. In this paper, we extend the technique to the verification of more complex safety properties that involve the order of events and to the verification of liveness properties, which involve infinite executions.
A Design of a Slot Type Pick-Up and Kicker for Stochastic Cooling of a Coasting Beam

A novel analytical approach to a slot type pickup and kicker is presented. Expressions of the coupling field from the particle beam as well as other parameters are substantially different from that obtained by Faltin. This result shows that the design is competitive with other kinds of pickup or kickers.
Current concepts in removable partial denture service

Abstract The contemporary advances and opinions pertaining to materials and to physio logic and biologic factors of removable partial denture service have been discussed. Certain suggestions and recommendations are made in the hope of enhancing this dental health service as well as stimulating and encouraging dentists to render it.
Understanding validity issues in international large scale assessments

Purpose – This policy brief, the third in the AERI-NEPC eBrief series “Understanding validity issues around the world”, discusses validity issues surrounding International Large Scale Assessment (ILSA) programs. ILSA programs, such as the well-known Programme of International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), are rapidly expanding around the world today. In this eBrief, the authors examine what “validity” means when applied to published results and reports of programs like the PISA. Design/methodology/approach – This policy brief is based on a synthesis of conference proceedings and review of selected pieces of extant literature. It begins by summarizing perspectives of an invited expert panel on the topic. To that synthesis, the authors add their own analysis of key issues. They conclude by offering recommendations for test developers and test users. Findings – ILSA programs and tests, while offering valuable information, should be read and u...
Defining stroke risks in sickle cell anemia

Children and young adults with sickle cell anemia at risk for stroke are identified principally by screening for cerebral vasculopathy using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Investigators now show how Bayesian networks can generate useful predictive models and highlight relationships between genes and the occurrence of stroke in those with sickle cell anemia.
Oxygen uptake by entrapped hybridoma cells

Oxygen consumption by hybridoma cells immobilized in 1- and 3.9-mm-diameter calcium alginate beads was measured. The entrapped cells consumed oxygen at about 10 micromol/min per 10(9) cells, regardless of the bead size and cell loading. In contrast, the same cells in suspension culture respire at specific rates of 3-8 micromol/min per 10(9) cells (depending on the cell density). The growth rate of the immobilized cells was significantly reduced, while specific antibody production was comparable to that of free cells.
Association of cinacalcet adherence and costs in patients on dialysis.

AbstractObjective:In addition to negative impacts on clinical effectiveness in treating secondary hyperparathyroidism, low adherence to cinacalcet may have negative impacts on healthcare costs. This study assessed the relationship between medication adherence and healthcare costs among US patients on dialysis given cinacalcet to manage secondary hyperparathyroidism.Methods:Retrospective cohort study of patients who were receiving dialysis with an initial cinacalcet prescription between January 2004 and April 2010 and who survived ≥12 months. Longitudinal, integrated medical, and pharmacy claims data from the MarketScan® database were used to calculate medication possession ratios (MPR) over 12 months and to examine the association of adherence with inpatient, outpatient, emergency room, outpatient medication, and total costs while controlling for patient characteristics, co-morbid medical conditions, and concomitant medication MPR in a multivariate regression model. Patients were dichotomized as adherent ...
Data citation in the wild

Consistent attribution of research data upon reuse is necessary to reward the original data-producing investigators, reconstruct provenance, and inform data sharing policies, tool requirements, and funding decisions. Unfortunately, norms for data attribution are varied and often weak. As part of the DataONE 2010 summer internship program, three interns studied the policies, practice, and implications of current data attribution behavior in the environmental sciences. We found that few policies recommend robust data citation practices: in our preliminary evaluation, only one-third of repositories (n=26), 6% of journals (n=307), and 1 of 53 funders suggested a best practice for data citation. We manually reviewed 500 papers published between 2000 and 2010 across six journals; of the 198 papers that reused datasets, only 14% reported a unique dataset identifier in their dataset attribution, and a partially-overlapping 12% mentioned the author name and repository name. Few citations to datasets themselves were made in the article references section. In multivariate analysis, citation patterns were more correlated with repository (with citations to Genbank being most complete) than journal or datatype. Attribution patterns were found to be steady over time. Consistent with these findings, dataset reuse was difficult to track through standard retrieval resources. Searching by repository name retrieved many instances of data submission rather than data reuse, combing the citation history of data creation articles was time consuming, and searching citation databases for the few early-adopter dataset DOIs and HDLs in reference lists failed due to apparent limitations in database query capabilities and structured extraction of DOIs. We hope these descriptions of the current data attribution environment will highlight outstanding issues and motivate change in policy, tools, and practice. This research was done as open science (http://openwetware.org/wiki/DataONE:Notebook/Summer_2010): ask us about it!
Transient permeabilization induced osmotically in membrane vesicles from Torpedo electroplax: a mild procedure for trapping small molecules

During hypoosmotic stress, membrane vesicles enriched in acetylcholine receptors become more permeable to external tracer molecules. When vesicles are immersed in 3 volumes of water containing 22Na+, 50-70% of 22Na+ equilibration is attained within 90 s. On the other hand, the uptake of 22 Na+ is greatly diminished only 6-10 s after an osmotic shock, and vesicle resealing is completed within 15 s. Furthermore, 90 s after osmotic shock, efflux rates are comparable to those of native vesicles, which also indicates that the vesicles have resealed. During osmotic shock, the entry of molecules into the vesicles increases with the strength of the osmotic shock and also depends on the size of the permeant. With a given strength of osmotic shock, the large molecule [3H]inulin (Mr 5000) is taken up less than the smaller molecules 22Na+ and [3H]sucrose. In addition, alpha-bungarotoxin binding latency of the vesicles is not affected by osmotic shock, indicating that the sideness of the vesicles remains unchanged. The acetylcholine receptors in the vesicles remain functional after osmotic shock. For example, 90 s after 22Na+ and [3H]sucrose are loaded into vesicles by osmotic shock, only 22Na+ is released by dilution in a buffer containing carbamoylcholine (carbamylcholine). Also, the influx of 22 Na+ into previously shocked vesicles can be specifically stimulated by carbamoylcholine. Such stimulations in the shocked vesicles can be blocked by d-tubocurarine or alpha-bungarotoxin, and they can be desensitized by preincubation with carbamoylcholine. These results suggest the possibility of using osmotic shock to load molecular probes into these membrane vesicles, which could provide a powerful tool for studying inner surfaces of the intact vesicles.
Correlations of stomatal conductance with hydraulic, chemical and environmental variables in five urban tree species

Abstract Recent findings suggest that stomatal conductance (gs) may be as closely linked to plant chemical variables as to hydraulic variables. To test this in an urban field setting, we examined seasonal gs in relation to a number of plant and environmental variables in five temperate, deciduous tree species. Stomatal conductance was generally more closely correlated with abscisic acid concentrations in xylem sap than with shoot water potential, shoot osmotic potential, pH of xylem sap or environmental variables. Seasonal gs was mostly poorly correlated with shoot water potential and osmotic potential. Among environmental variables, PPFD accounted for most variability in gs. We tested a model, developed previously in maize, that describes regulation of gs by abscisic acid concentration of xylem sap with leaf water status acting to modify stomatal sensitivity to the abscisic acid signal. This model explained somewhat more variation in gs than abscisic acid concentrations alone. Response surface models, especially those incorporating environmental variables, were most successful at explaining gs. Our findings with urban trees are consistent with the theory of regulation of gs by root-sourced abscisic acid.
Determination of CERES flight models 1 and 2 sensors zero-radiance response variability with elevation and azimuth scan angles on-orbit aboard TERRA Spacecraft

The Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) instrument has scanning thermistor bolometers that measure broadband radiances in the shortwave (0.3 - 5.0 micrometer), total (0.3 - >100 micrometer) and 8 - 12 micrometer water vapor window regions. The CERES Flight models I and II (FM1 and FM2) instruments were launched aboard the Earth Observing System-Terra platform on December 1999. The CERES instrument can operate in fixed as well as rotating azimuth positions with the elevation head moving in full scan or short scan modes. The sensor measurements have shown a dependency on observation geometry during each of these scan modes of operation. The zero radiance offsets of the sensors were measured using end caps (low emittance aluminum targets) on the ground at each elevation observation angle in fixed azimuth scan mode. The Terra spacecraft have conducted two sets of calibration maneuvers viewing the deep space on-orbit in March and April 2003. During these tests where the spacecraft is constantly pitched to view the cold space (3 degree K blackbody), zero radiance offsets were measured for the CERES sensors in all scan modes of operation. This paper describes the procedures used to determine the zero radiance scan offsets for CERES sensors. The measured offset values calculated from ground and in-flight tests for the FM1 and FM2 sensors are also presented.
Quantum electrodynamics of charged boson fields with a spontaneously broken symmetry

We describe the canonical formulation of the theory of a charged scalar field with a spontaneously broken symmetry, interacting with the electromagnetic field. The formulation is carried out in the Lorentz gauge, and the effect of the spontaneous symmetry breaking on the subsidiary condition is studied. The spectrum of states includes four massive observable modes: two that are transversely polarized and stem from the elementary excitations of the electromagnetic field, and two that originate from the excitations of the charged scalar field. There are also two zero-norm photon "ghost" modes which carry neither probability amplitude nor energy, and which do not in any way affect the dynamical behavior of the observable particles.
Gold nanoparticles: Grown in a crystal

Metal nanoparticles can be formed inside protein crystals, creating composite materials with potentially bifunctional catalytic properties.
Self‐interest and Expectations of Altruism in Exchange Situations*

This research focuses on norms concerning altruistic behavior and how information is used in assessing these norms. The research context was situations involving conflicting norms of self-interest versus altruism. Five categories of information were used: (1) ego's stake in the encounter, (2) relationship between ego and alter, (3) audience to the behavior, (4) legitimacy for self-interest behavior, and (5) alter's cost if ego fails to help him. Sex and SES of respondents were analyzed. The first four categories in addition to sex and SES served as between-subjects variables, each with two levels. Cost-to-alter was within-subjects variable and contained 4 levels. There were 16 groups containing 9 subjects with the same combination of sex and SES characteristics, thus, creating a 2×2×2×2×2×2×9×4 design. Respondents were asked to predict ego's behavior in a situation. Analysis of variance showed that altruism behavior was expected under the following conditions of (1) low cost to ego, (2) close relationship between ego and alter, (3) presence of audience to the encounter, and (4) high cost-to-alter. Females predicted more altruistic responses while SES produced no significant differences in predictions.
A Problem-Solving Model for Analyzing Low Student Performance in Technical Courses

The prevalence of low student problem solving and analytical performance in required technical/theoretical courses is lamented by professors and yet also perceived as inevitably linked to the task. To suggest ways to ameliorate the situation, this article develops a framework, called the "ladder of reasoning," to describe individuals' internal processes in the context of nonroutine problem solving and case analysis. The pivotal aspect of this construct is a belief system regulating how to approach the task. The main point is that professors and students tend to use different systems: professors are "reflective," whereas students are "self-protective." It is recommended that professors make explicit and then teach the reflective system to students, to help them perform more effectively.
Selective attention: Noise suppression or signal enhancement?

RTs were obtained to single letter displays when an indicator, designating in which of four possible positions the letter would appear, preceded the display by intervals of 0-150 msec. Prior information, even by as little as 50 msec as to the letter’s position, resulted in reduction in RT. Controls ruled out the possibility that the effect was attributable to changes in fixation, masking, or facilitating effects of a first signal. Instead, the effect appears to reflect characteristics of a central selective attentional mechanism.
On semilinear elliptic equations with indefinite nonlinearities

This paper concerns semilinear elliptic equations whose nonlinear term has the formW(x)f(u) whereW changes sign. We study the existence of positive solutions and their multiplicity. The important role played by the negative part ofW is contained in a condition which is shown to be necessary for homogeneousf. More general existence questions are also discussed.
Simultaneous determination of pharmaceuticals, endocrine disrupting compounds and hormone in soils by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Analytical methods have been developed for simultaneous determination of six different pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) (clofibric acid, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, diclofenac, and triclosan), three endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) (4-tert-octylphenol, 4-n-nonylphenol, and bisphenol A (BPA)) and one estrogenic compound (estrone) in soil matrix. The soils were extracted by different solvents with the help of an ultrasonic treatment at 42 kHz, followed by a solid phase extraction (SPE) as a cleanup procedure. The purified extracts were derivatized with N-methyl-N-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide (MTBSTFA) and then analyzed by GC-MSD (SIM mode). The method was evaluated by testing the following variables: initial spiking levels, extraction solvents, solvent volumes, and soil types (sandy and clay soils). For 5 g of soil, four successive extraction steps with the mixture of acetone-ethyl acetate provided satisfactory recoveries. In the sandy soil, the recoveries of all the compounds were from 63.8 to 110.7% for the spiking level of 100 ng/g dry soil, and from 52.2 to 108.2% for 5 ng/g dry soil, respectively. Result was similar for the clay soil. The precision across all recoveries was high, suggesting that this method has a good reproducibility. The method was successfully employed to soil samples collected from a golf course irrigated with reclaimed wastewater in southern California, and resulted in the detection of clofibric acid, ibuprofen, naproxen, triclosan, bisphenol A, and estrone at ng per gram dry weight concentration levels. The method is robust and simple, and provides straightforward analyses of these current-emerging trace organic pollutants in solid matrices.
Creep crack growth under transient conditions

Abstract The recent advances in time-dependent fracture mechanics concepts for characterizing creep crack growth rate under transient conditions are reviewed. At elevated temperatures, transients in the crack tip stress fields occur owing to stress relaxation during constrained creep due to primary and tertiary creep deformation, cyclic loading and crack growth. A unified crack tip parameter C t which is formulated to account for all types of transient is described and evaluated. The currently available creep crack growth data support the validity of C t . Under steady state conditions, C t reduces to the familiar C ∗ integral.
An efficient method for finding DC solutions for Josephson circuits

The formulation of Josephson circuit equations in the DC state is discussed and a mixed-mode approach that combines the nonlinear solution method of source-stepping and time-domain method of numerical integration is proposed. Since Josephson circuit equations are often multivalued, the mixed-mode algorithm follows the paths of the independent sources, detects ill-conditioned points, and converges to stable points on the characteristic curves of the simulated circuit. The algorithm uses a combination of source stepping and transient calculation with resistive damping. An adaption of method to superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) threshold curve calculation is also discussed. The techniques are suitable and presented in sufficient detail, so that a reader may implement them as part of a general simulation program such as JSIM or SPICE. >
Vitamin B-6 Status Indicators Decrease in Women Consuming a Diet High in Pyridoxine Glucoside

Previous research has shown that the pyridoxine glucoside (PNG) form of vitamin B-6 has a reduced bioavailability compared with pyridoxine, but its effect on vitamin B-6 status has not been assessed. Following an 8-d adjustment period, nine women consumed diets containing a high or low amount of PNG for 18 d each, in a crossover design. The high and low PNG diets provided 1.52 mg/d (8.98 micromol/d) and 1.44 mg/d (8.57 micromol/d) of vitamin B-6, of which 27% and 9% was PNG, respectively. The dietary vitamin B-6 to protein ratio of both diets was 0.017 mg/g. Urinary excretions of 4-pyridoxic acid and total vitamin B-6 were significantly lower (P < 0.05) during the high PNG diet period than when the low PNG diet was consumed. Urinary PNG excretion was equal to about 9% of the total PNG intake during both periods. Plasma total vitamin B-6 (P < 0.01) and red blood cell pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) (P < 0.05) were significantly lower when the high PNG diet was consumed than during the low PNG diet period. Fecal total vitamin B-6 excretion was significantly higher (P < 0.001) when the high PNG diet was consumed. Women consuming a diet containing a higher percentage of the total vitamin B-6 intake as PNG exhibited a decrease in vitamin B-6 status indicators, consistent with the reduced bioavailability of PNG demonstrated in other studies, equal to a loss of 15-18% of the total vitamin B-6 intake. During the determination of Recommended Dietary Allowances, the reduced bioavailability of PNG and its presence in higher amounts in some diets should be considered.
A useful theorem for nonlinear devices having Gaussian inputs

If and only if the inputs to a set of nonlinear, zero-memory devices are variates drawn from a Gaussian random process, a useful general relationship may be found between certain input and output statistics of the set. This relationship equates partial derivatives of the (high-order) output correlation coefficient taken with respect to the input correlation coefficients, to the output correlation coefficient of a new set of nonlinear devices bearing a simple derivative relation to the original set. Application is made to the interesting special cases of conventional cross-correlation and autocorrelation functions, and Bussgang's theorem is easily proved. As examples, the output autocorrelation functions are simply obtained for a hard limiter, linear detector, clipper, and smooth limiter.
Market Disruption, Export Market Disruption, Compensation, and GATT Reform

Abstract This paper analyzes the problem of market disruption as it currently afflicts the exporting countries, chiefly LDCs. Based on the analysis of optimal policy intervention under endogenous uncertainty, developed by Bhagwati and Srinivasan ( Journal of International Economics , November 1976), it develops a complete set of rules by which the developed and less developed countries may abide, under a revised GATT code, when faced by the problem of increased competitiveness of LDC exports to DC markets. These rules include the compensation of LDCs by DCs, in varying degrees, for both potential and actual exercise of import restrictions by DCs.
The Springtime Phytoplankton of Two Calcareous Ponds in Ohio

ABSTRACT Limnological comparisons of two small, calcareous ponds in central Ohio were made during the spring of 1982, with weekly samples of phytoplankton and physicochemical parameters. Golden-brown algae consistently dominated both ponds. Differences in phytoplankton assemblages between the ponds were quantitative (relative abundance) rather than qualitative (genera composition) and probably resulted from differences in alkalinity and silica levels. Although generic diversity of phytoplankton increased during the spring in both ponds, assemblage structure was consistent among weeks because of the continued dominance of the same algal genera. Diversity, multivariate, and other analyses at the genera level were useful and complimentary methods for describing these plankton assemblages. A review of literature, however, suggests that use of higher taxonomic levels may be more useful for examining biotic integrity of lentic ecosystems, because the complexity of biotic and abiotic factors controlling algal co...
Improved ozone profile retrievals from GOME data with degradation correction in reflectance

We present a simple method to perform degra- dation correction to Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) reflectance spectra by comparing the average re- flectance for 60 N-60 S with that at the beginning of GOME observations (July-December 1995) after removing the dependences on solar zenith angle and seasonal variation. The results indicate positive biases of up to 15-25% in the wavelength range 289-370 nm during 2000-2002; the degra- dation also exhibits significant dependence on wavelength and viewing zenith angle. These results are consistent with previous studies using radiative transfer models and ozone observations. The degradation causes retrieval biases of up to 3% (10 DU, 1 DU=2.69◊10 16 molecules cm 2 ), 30% (10 DU), 10%, and 40% in total column ozone, tropospheric column ozone, stratospheric ozone and tropospheric ozone, respectively, from our GOME ozone profile retrieval algo- rithm. In addition, retrieval biases due to degradation vary significantly with latitude. The application of this degrada- tion correction improves the retrievals relative to Dobson and ozonesonde measurements at Hohenpeisenberg station dur- ing 2000-2003 and improves the spatiotemporal consistency of retrieval quality during 1996-2003. However, because this method assumes that the deseasonalized globally-averaged reflectance does not change much with time, retrievals with this correction may be inadequate for trend analysis. In ad- dition, it does not correct for instrument biases that have oc- curred since launch.
EFFECTS OF HIPPOCAMPAL, AMYGDALA, HYPOTHALAMIC AND PARIETAL LESIONS ON A CLASSICALLY CONDITIONED FEAR RESPONSE.

Experiments investigating the effects of limbic system lesions in a modified classical conditioning situation were performed on 68 rats. Pre- and post-operative tests were given to parietal and amy...
Mortality Among Persons in Care With Hepatitis C Virus Infection: The Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS), 2006–2010

Background. The number of deaths in hepatitis C virus (HCV)–infected persons recorded on US death certificates has been increasing, but actual rates and causes of death in these individuals have not been well elucidated. Methods. Disease-specific, liver-related, and non-liver-related mortality data for HCV-infected patients in an observational cohort study, the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS) at 4 US healthcare systems, were compared with multiple cause of death (MCOD) data in 12 million death certificates in 2006–2010. Premortem diagnoses, liver biopsies, and FIB-4 scores (a noninvasive measure of liver damage) were examined. Results. Of 2 143 369 adult patients seen at CHeCS sites in 2006–2010, 11 703 (0.5%) had diagnosed chronic HCV infection, and 1590 (14%) died. The majority of CHeCS decedents were born from 1945 to 1965 (75%), white (50%), and male (68%); mean age of death was 59 years, 15 years younger than MCOD deaths. The ageadjusted mortality rate for liver disease in CHeCS was 12 times higher than the MCOD rate. Before death, 63% of decedents had medical record evidence of chronic liver disease, 76% had elevated FIB-4 scores, and, among those biopsied, 70% had moderate or worse liver fibrosis. However, only 19% of all CHeCS decedents and only 30% of those with recorded liver disease had HCV listed on their death certificates. Conclusions. HCV infection is greatly underdocumented on death certificates. The 16 622 persons with HCV listed in 2010 may represent only one-fifth of about 80 000 HCV-infected persons dying that year, at least two-thirds of whom (53 000 patients) would have had premortem indications of chronic liver disease.
Paraquat and Parkinson's Disease: Response by Dr. Miller, Part II

The letter by Dr LoPachin and Dr Gavin outlines several criticisms of my editorial ‘‘Paraquat: The Red Herring of Parkinson’s Disease Research (Miller, 2007).’’ The major issues noted include the lack of conclusive evidence that 1methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP) þ exerts its toxic effects via complex I inhibition, my failure to recognize the importance of structure activity relationships, and my failure to not cite evidence contradicting my views. I have followed the work that has suggested alternate actions
Comparison of methods for estimating surface area of water-stressed and fully hydrated pine needle segments for gas exchange analysis

A nondestructive technique for repeatedly estimating total surface area of water-stressed pine (Pinus taeda L.) fascicle segments was evaluated. Fascicle radius was measured with a digital caliper and needle surface area calculated on the assumption that the needles were segments of a cylinder. High correlations (r >/= 0.94) were found between surface area estimated in this way and surface area calculated (a) from needle displacement, also on the assumption that needles are segments of a cylinder, and (b) from needle dry weight using a regression between dry weight and surface area estimated from needle displacement. The caliper-radius method gave slightly lower estimates of surface area than the other methods. However, differences among surface area estimates made with the three methods and between estimates made on water-stressed and fully hydrated needles were small relative to variances of leaf gas exchange measurements.
Informed consent for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: The patient's perspective

Objective Whether or not to undergo surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and whether to have open or endovascular repair (EVAR), is a complex decision that relies heavily on patient preferences, and yet little is known about the patient perspective on informed consent in this context. This study explores patients' views on their decision-making processes and the quality of surgeon-patient communication during informed consent for AAA repair. Design of study We conducted in-depth interviews with AAA patients (n = 20) who underwent open AAA repair, endovascular repair, or declined surgery. Data were independently transcribed and analyzed by a team of individuals with diverse backgrounds, using the constant comparative method of analysis and systematic coding procedures. Setting Patients who had seen surgeons from academic, private practice, and VA settings were interviewed. Main outcome measure Patients' opinions regarding the nature, scope, and content of informed consent for AAA repair. Results We identified four central themes characterizing patients' experiences with informed consent for AAA repair: 1) patients did not appreciate the scope of their options; 2) patients demonstrated that they were not adequately informed prior to making a decision; 3) patients differed in the scope and content of information they desired during informed consent; and 4) trust in the surgeon had an impact on the informed consent process. Conclusion Our research highlights the limitations of the informed consent encounter in the current clinical context, and points to several ways in which informed consent could be improved. Adapting the informed consent encounter to incorporate the patient's perspective is critical in order to ensure that the decision regarding AAA repair is consistent with the patient's informed preference.
Conditioned inhibition of fear-potentiated startle and skin conductance in humans

Conditioned inhibition of classical conditioning was investigated with the startle reflex and the skin conductance response (SCR) in humans using a serial presentation of the conditioned inhibitor (X) and of the conditioned stimulus (CS). The unconditioned stimulus (US) was a shock. During conditioning, participants were presented with two different reinforced CS (A, B) and with X preceding A (noted X → A). During X → A, A was not reinforced with the US. During the summation test, B, X → B, and Y → B were presented (Y was a new stimulus that tested the specificity of the inhibitory properties of X). B was not reinforced during the summation test. A, B, X, and Y were lights of different colors. Participants were divided into a low and a high anxious group based on the TPQ (C.R. Cloninger, 1987). In the low anxious group, conditioned startle potentiation and SCR responses to A were inhibited when X preceded A (noted A XA ). This differential responding to A and A XA emerged earlier with the SCR than with startle. During the summation test, the inhibitory properties of X did not transfer to B. In the high anxious group, there was only a differential SCR to A and A XA . X did not inhibit startle potentiation to A.
A 90 nm CMOS Broadband Multi-Mode Mixed-Signal Demodulator for 60 GHz Radios

In this paper, a low-power high-speed fully integrated mixed-signal quadrature demodulator with an embedded multi-gigabit modem in 90 nm CMOS technology is presented. A wide dynamic-range automatic gain control (AGC) is implemented to avoid clipping distortion experienced by the baseband ADCs. By reusing the power detector circuit within the AGC, analog signal processor is introduced to recover OOK modulated signals up to 2.5 Gb/s for an additional power consumption of 7.5 mW. Integrated with ultra-low-power, 3 mW, 3 GS/s, 3-bit ADCs and high-speed digital modem, the system requires neither external synchronization controls nor processing to demodulate BPSK modulated signals up to 3.5 Gb/s and DBPSK modulated signals up to 1.3 Gb/s. The baseband modem incorporates a mixed-signal, timing-recovery loop to sample the symbols at the optimum SNR based on a high-speed Gardner timing-error detector for an additional power consumption of 14 mW. The analog front-end consists of IQ mixers, a 13 GHz QVCO, frequency synthesizers, and a baseband AGC for an overall power consumption of 52 mW. The entire receiver chip occupies an area of 1.275 × 1.19 mm2. To the best of authors' knowledge, this demonstrates the maximum throughput at the minimum power budget and highest level integration among all published wireless multi-gigabit, multi-mode, mixed-signal CMOS receivers.
Spinal cord infarction Etiology and outcome

We reviewed 44 cases of ischemia and infarction of the spinal cord at two university hospitals. Three patients experienced transient ischemic attacks. Etiologies of completed strokes were diverse and included rupture and surgical repair of aortic aneurysms, aortic dissection, aortic rupture and thrombosis, global ischemia, anterior spinal artery embolism, repair and thrombosis of spinal arteriovenous malformations, hematomyelia, epidural hematoma, cervical osteophytosis, celiac plexus block, systemic lupus erythematosus, coagulopathy, and decompression sickness. Motor function improved in 12 patients, was substantial in only one, and occurred largely within the first 2 to 4 weeks. Favorable ambulatory outcome correlated with improving neurologic examinations and relatively preserved strength in hip abductors and knee extensors. More extensive deficits without initial improvement portended a more severe prognosis. Autonomic dysfunction, pain, paresthesia, and depression were common and impeded recovery in some patients. The mean level of deficit was at T-8 and in cases of global ischemia was at T-9, which leads us to dispute the classical view of a midthoracic watershed zone of ischemic vulnerability near T-4.
Acute onset of rash and oligoarthritis.

Copyright © 2009 Via Medica ISSN 1897–3590 Dwudziestodziewiecioletni mezczyzna zostal przyjety do kliniki w celu leczenia rozleglej wysypki. Zmiany o charakterze plam na skorze glowy, w okolicy pepka, zoledzi prącia, dloniach oraz podeszwach stop utrzymywaly sie od miesiąca. Towarzyszyly im obrzeki lewego stawu kolanowego oraz obu czwartych palcow u stop, nasilające sie podczas dźwigania ciezarow. Dwa dni przed przyjeciem do kliniki wystąpily gorączka oraz nocne pocenie. Nie zaobserwowano patologicznych objawow ocznych, zaburzen ze strony przewodu pokarmowego, dyzurii czy wycieku z cewki moczowej. W wywiadzie dotyczącym aktywności seksualnej pacjent podal, ze rok przed pojawieniem sie zmian odbyl niezabezpieczony stosunek seksualny z kobietą, po ktorym pojawil sie bol przy oddawaniu moczu, ktory ustąpil samoistnie. Oprocz zmian o charakterze kandydozy jamy ustnej, ktore ustąpily, pacjent nie podal w wywiadzie wystąpienia zadnych innych schorzen, nie przyjmowal na stale lekow, a w jego rodzinie nie bylo przypadkow luszczycy. Badanie przedmiotowe ujawnilo istnienie pierścieniowych, rumieniowatych zmian o luszczącej sie powierzchni, zajmujących calą skore glowy (ryc. 1). Nie zaobserwowano odchylen w badaniu spojowek oka oraz blon śluzowych krtani i gardla. W obrebie plytek paznokciowych wykazano zmiany hiperkeratotyczne, rogowacenie podpaznokciowe oraz zmiany rumieniowe obrąbka naskorkowego. Nie wykazano punktowych wglebien w plytce paznokciowej. Ponadto stwierdzono obustronny obrzek dystalnych stawow miedzypaliczkowych palcow wskazujących. Wynik badania uwidocznil takze rumieniowate, luszczące sie plamy wokol pepka oraz zlewające sie plamy na podlozu rumieniowym w okolicy krocza i na zoledzi prącia. Podobne zmiany rumieniowe znaleziono w faldach pachowych i pachwinowych; plamy w obrebie konczyn dolnych pokryte byly
Electromagnetic Separators for Recoiling Reaction Products

In nuclear reactions involving light, charged, nuclear particles such as protons, deuterons, and alpha particles, the energy of the emitted particle in the reaction is generally determined by aid of a surface barrier detector or, if better resolution is required, by a magnetic spectrograph. In such reactions it is usually not difficult to also determine the identity of the particle, for instance with a ∆E —E telescope or, when a spectrometer is used, with various kinds of focal-plane detectors. In heavy-ion reactions the identification is much more difficult. The problem is to determine the element number, Z, the mass number, A, and the kinetic energy, E k . In principle that can be done by measurements of time-of-flight T, energy loss, and residual energy, the last two with the aid of a ∆E —E telescope. The resolution, both for Z and A is limited by the ∆E and E resolutions and generally not by timing accuracy. It seems unlikely that a one-unit resolution in Z and A for the heaviest nuclei will be achieved with this method in the near future.
Using Social Media to Analyze Candidate Performance During Televised Political Debates

A network analysis of Twitter discussion during the first presidential debate between President Obama and Mitt Romney was used to examine the process of public opinion formation as the debate was occurring. Hypotheses derived from network theory were tested to determine which mechanisms drive hub formation. Additional questions were examined. What user characteristics are associated with centrality in this kind of network? What roles do journalists and other media figures play? Does sentiment move toward one candidate or the other as the debate progresses? The viability of social networks as a gauge of public opinion is discussed as well as the implications for media.
Retrospective evaluation of intravenous premixed amiodarone use and adverse effects in dogs (17 cases: 2011-2014).

Abstract Objective The goal of this study was to evaluate the number and frequency of adverse effects in a population of clinical canine patients receiving Nexterone. Animals Seventeen canine patients receiving Nexterone (five of which were treated during cardiopulmonary arrest). Methods An electronic records search for canine patients receiving intravenous Nexterone at the Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital was performed and retrospectively evaluated for patient demographic information, pre- and post-treatment values for heart rate, blood pressure and rhythm diagnosis, as well as any documented adverse effects (hypotension, anaphylaxis, vomiting, phlebitis, and death). Data including the underlying cardiac or systemic disease, concurrent medications, as well as the final clinical diagnosis and treatment outcome were also recorded. Results No adverse effects were noted in this population of clinical canine patients receiving Nexterone. The median pre-treatment heart rate and blood pressure values were 160 bpm (range 120–300 bpm) and 105 mmHg (range 60–170 mmHg), respectively. After treatment, the median heart rate was significantly lower (120 bpm; range 68–172 bpm). The median blood pressure similar to the pre-treatment blood pressure (115 mmHg; range 100–150 mmHg). Conclusion In this study of 17 dogs receiving the premixed formulation of injectable Nexterone, no dogs were found to have acute adverse side effects. Nexterone appears to be a safe drug choice for in-hospital treatment of canine arrhythmias. Further studies are needed to assess the efficacy and long-term effects of this medication and the ideal dosing protocol for various arrhythmias.
Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube–Poly(porphyrin) Hybrid for Volatile Organic Compounds Detection

Porphyrins due to their unique and interesting physicochemical properties have been widely investigated as functional materials for chemical sensor fabrication. However, their poor conductivity is a major limitation toward the realization of porphyrin-based field-effect transistor/chemiresistor sensor. The issue of conductivity can be overcome by exploiting the excellent electrical property of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) to make a SWNTs-based hybrid device in which SWNTs would act as a transducer and porphyrin as a sensory layer. The present attempt was to fabricate a SWNTs–poly(tetraphenylporphyrin) hybrid through electrochemical route and to evaluate its potential as a low-power chemiresistor sensor for sensing acetone vapor as a model for volatile organic compounds. Functionalization of SWNTs with porphyrin polymer by the electrochemical method resulted in a fuller coverage of SWNTs surface compared to a partial coverage by adsorption and thereby higher sensitivity. SWNTs were coated with po...
Catalytic Coupling of Cyclopentene Oxide and CO2 Utilizing Bifunctional (salen)Co(III) and (salen)Cr(III) Catalysts: Comparative Processes Involving Binary (salen)Cr(III) Analogs

Previously, the polycarbonate produced from the alternating copolymerization of cyclopentene oxide and carbon dioxide has been demonstrated to readily be recyclable to its monomers, hence affording a sustainable route to the production of this polymeric material. This, in turn, necessitates the development of effective synthetic methods for this copolymer. Coupling reactions of the alicyclic epoxides, cyclohexene oxide (CHO) and cyclopentene oxide (CPO), with CO2 were shown to provide grossly different product selectivities utilizing binary (salen)CrX/PPNX catalyst systems. That is, whereas the coupling of CHO/CO2 affords >99% selectivity for completely alternating copolymers, under identical conditions, CPO/CO2 yields >99% selectivity for cis-cyclopentene carbonate. By way of contrast, employing bifunctional (R,R)-(salen)M(III) catalysts (M = Cr and Co) for the coupling reactions of cyclopentene oxide and carbon dioxide results in the highly selective synthesis of well-controllable, narrowly distributed ...
Organized psychiatry and the death penalty: an introduction to the special section.

The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL) has been formally debating taking an official position on the death penalty since at least 1998. It is clear that there are divergent views on the appropriateness of capital punishment, the involvement of psychiatrists in various stages of death penalty proceedings, the propriety of AAPL’s taking a stand on this (or any) sociopolitical issue, and even the most effective and democratic methodology for assessing the views of the membership on such matters. Twice since 1998, the organization has used a referendum to solicit opinion on this subject. Debate in AAPL’s Council following the first referendum resulted in AAPL’s taking a position calling for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
Investagation on Cockroach Population Density and Seasonal Growth in Dalian City

Objective To grasp the cockroach species density and seasonal dynamic changes in Dalian City.Method From 2005 to 2008,the investigation lasted for 4 years in urban area and unified stick-trap was applied in the surveillance.Result There were three kinds of cockroach in Dalian City i.e.Blattella germanica,Periplaneta japronica and Periplaneta fuliginosa.Among them,Blattella germanica accounted for 97.51%.The period of the cockroach breeding and activity was from July to October.And the density and infestation rate were 5.53,25.30% separately in September.Conclusion Blattella germanica is the dominant species in Dalian City.The density and infestation rate reach a peak in September.In order to control cockroach breeding purposes effectively,an integrated prevention long-term mechanism should be set up.
Apparent Congenital Anterior Urethral Strictures in Brothers

AbstractAnterior urethral strictures of apparent congenital origin are reported in brothers and the literature is reviewed.
New techniques to curtail the tail latency in stream processing systems

This paper presents a series of novel techniques for reducing the tail latency in stream processing systems like Apache Storm. Concretely, we present three mechanisms: (1) adaptive timeout coupled with selective replay to catch straggler tuples; (2) shared queues among different tasks of the same operator to reduce overall queueing delay; (3) latency feedback-based load balancing, intended to mitigate heterogenous scenarios. We have implemented these techniques in Apache Storm, and present experimental results using sets of micro-benchmarks as well as two topologies from Yahoo! Inc. Our results show improvement in tail latency up to 72.9%.
An Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for T-2 Toxin in Biological Fluids.

An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which can detect 0.2 to 1 ng of T-2 toxin per ml in urine, serum and milk was developed. T-2 hemisuccinate was conjugated to polylysine which was then coated to a microtiter plate and incubated with rabbit anti-T-2 antibody and sample extract. The amount of anti-T-2 antibody bound to the plate was then determined by reaction with goat anti-rabbit IgG-peroxidase complex and by subsequent reaction with the substrate. Samples spiked with T-2 toxin were subjected to a simple cleanup procedure by passing them through a reversed-phase Sep-Pak catridge (C18). The recoveries of tritiated T-2 toxin added to the urine, serum and milk samples were between 71 to 90% after the cleanup step. In the ELISA, significant interference was observed when more than 5 μl of sample, without cleanup treatment, were used in each analysis. After cleanup, extracts equivalent to 50 μl of serum, urine or milk per well did not significantly interfere with the assay. The recoveries of T-2 toxin added to serum (1 to 10 ng/ml), urine (0.2 to 10 ng/ml) and milk (0.2 to 10 ng/ml) after cleanup treatment as determined by the indirect ELISA were found to be 51 to 82%, 73 to 82% and 80 to 83%, respectively.