cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of somatostatin on pancreatic protein secretion induced by cholecystokinin

Using an in vivo rabbit pancreas preparation, studies were conducted to determine the effect of somatostatin on pancreatic protein secretion induced by the octapeptide of cholecystokinin (OP-CCK) when directly infused intraarterially into the pancreatic parenchyma. Compared to control experiments in which no drugs were given, intraarterial infusion of OP-CCK (30 ng/ml) continuously for 1 hr at a rate of 0.33 ml/min significantly increased (P < 0.005) protein concentration and total protein output in the pancreatic juice without a corresponding change in volume. When given in combination with somatostatin (5 μg/ml) OP-CCK-induced pancreatic protein secretion was markedly inhibited (P < 0.05) without any effect on pancreatic volume output. The observation that volume flow remained unchanged during OP-CCK infusion alone and in combination with somatostatin suggests that the inhibitory effect of somatostatin is mediated through direct inhibition of protein synthesis or release at the level of the pancreatic acinar cell.
Directional organization of eye movement and visual signals in the floccular lobe of the monkey cerebellum.

The floccular lobe of the monkey is critical for the generation of visually-guided smooth eye movements. The present experiments reveal physiological correlates of the directional organization in the primate floccular lobe by examining the selectivity for direction of eye motion and visual stimulation in the firing of individual Purkinje cells (PCs) and mossy fibers. During tracking of sinusoidal target motion along different axes in the frontoparallel plane, PCs fell into two classes based on the axis that caused the largest modulation of simple-spike firing rate. For “horizontal” PCs, the response was maximal during horizontal eye movements, with increases in firing rate during pursuit toward the side of recording (ipsiversive). For “vertical” PCs, the response was maximal during eye movement along an axis just off pure vertical, with increases in firing rate during pursuit directed downward and slightly contraversive. During pursuit of target motion at constant velocity, PCs again fell into horizontal and vertical classes that matched the results from sinusoidal tracking. In addition, the directional tuning of the sustained “eye velocity” and transient “visual” components of the neural responses obtained during constant velocity tracking were very similar. PCs displayed very broad tuning approximating a cosine tuning curve; the mean half-maximum bandwidth of their tuning curves was 170–180 °. Other cerebellar elements, related purely to eye movement and presumed to be mossy fibers, exhibited tuning approximately 40 ° narrower than PCs and had best directions that clustered around the four cardinal directions. Our data indicate that the motion signals encoded by PCs in the monkey floccular lobe are segregated into channels that are consistent with a coordinate system defined by the vestibular apparatus and eye muscles. The differences between the tuning properties exhibited by PCs compared with mossy fibers indicate that a spatial transformation occurs within the floccular lobe.
Web-Based Information Systems Requirement Analysis

Abstract E-commerce application development is a growing aspect of information systems management activities within many organizations. the increasing amount of E-commerce development carried out in organizations implies that a formal methodology for such development is necessary. This article discusses several E-commerce development methodologies and proposes a customer-oriented user requirement analysis approach. A survey was conducted to examine organizations' current practice on Web-based information systems requirement analysis. Findings and recommendations are provided for information systems researchers and practitioners.
The effect of azaserine upon the proline and methyl α-d-glucoside transport systems of rat renal brush-border membranes

Abstract An inhibitory effect of azaserine on Na+ dependent proline and methyl α- d -glucoside transport of the rat renal brush-border membrane vesicles has been demonstrated. The inhibitory effects of azaserine were not the results of the drug disrupting the membrane vesicles as shown in osmolarity studies, nor did it affect the transport systems' affinities for Na+. Azaserine acts as a non-competitive inhibitor for the proline transport system in renal brush- border membranes by lowering 37% and 27% in the V max 1 and V max 2 , respectively, when compared to that of control proline transport system. Azaserine had no effect upon the two K m values for proline uptake. Azaserine inhibition of methyl α- d -glucoside transport systems was characterized by a change in both K m 1 and V max 1 . Data indicate that methyl α- d -glucoside uptake by vesicles in the presence of 7.2 mM azaserine at 22°C resulted in 66% increase in K m 1 value and 44% decrease in V max 1 as compared to that of control vesicles. There was no detectable effect upon the K m 2 and V max 2 of the methyl α- d -glucoside transport system. No effect of the drug was observed when sodium was equilibrated across the membrane, indicating that azaserine altered the driving force exerted by a sodium gradient. Azaserine only slightly affected the relative contribution of the two K m slightly affected the relative contribution of the two K m systems to total proline uptake. Contrary to the observed effect of azaserine upon the proline transport system, azaserine exerted a distinct effect upon the relative contribution to total uptake by the two K m systems in the low methyl α- d -glucoside concentration range. In the presence of 7.2 mM azaserine, the low-affinity, high- K m transport system becomes the major contributor to total methyl α- d -glucoside uptake by isolated renal brush-border vesicles.
High-order unconditionally stable FC-AD solvers for general smooth domains II. Elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic PDEs; theoretical considerations

A new PDE solver was introduced recently, in Part I of this two-paper sequence, on the basis of two main concepts: the well-known Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) approach, on one hand, and a certain ''Fourier Continuation'' (FC) method for the resolution of the Gibbs phenomenon, on the other. Unlike previous alternating direction methods of order higher than one, which only deliver unconditional stability for rectangular domains, the new high-order FC-AD (Fourier-Continuation Alternating-Direction) algorithm yields unconditional stability for general domains-at an O(Nlog(N)) cost per time-step for an N point spatial discretization grid. In the present contribution we provide an overall theoretical discussion of the FC-AD approach and we extend the FC-AD methodology to linear hyperbolic PDEs. In particular, we study the convergence properties of the newly introduced FC(Gram) Fourier Continuation method for both approximation of general functions and solution of the alternating-direction ODEs. We also present (for parabolic PDEs on general domains, and, thus, for our associated elliptic solvers) a stability criterion which, when satisfied, ensures unconditional stability of the FC-AD algorithm. Use of this criterion in conjunction with numerical evaluation of a series of singular values (of the alternating-direction discrete one-dimensional operators) suggests clearly that the fifth-order accurate class of parabolic and elliptic FC-AD solvers we propose is indeed unconditionally stable for all smooth spatial domains and for arbitrarily fine discretizations. To illustrate the FC-AD methodology in the hyperbolic PDE context, finally, we present an example concerning the Wave Equation-demonstrating sixth-order spatial and fourth-order temporal accuracy, as well as a complete absence of the debilitating ''dispersion error'', also known as ''pollution error'', that arises as finite-difference and finite-element solvers are applied to solution of wave propagation problems.
Cross-linking of nucleohistone by nitrous acid

Abstract Treatment of calf-thymus nucleohistone with nitrous acid yields a product from which protein cannot be completely removed and which, on hydrolysis, shows both amino acids and nucleic acid bases. This is proposed to result from covalent cross-linking between histone and nucleic acid, arising from alkylation of DNA by the carbonium ion formed from the action of nitrous acid on amino groups of lysine. Whole nucleohistone, and partially dehistonized nucleohistone, containing argininerich histone, give cross-linking with both KNO2 and NaNO2. DNA-Polylysine and DNA-lysine-rich histone complexes become cross-linked with nitrous acid generated from KNO2 but not from NaNO2. The cross-linking may result in mutations.
On parametric empirical Bayes methods for comparing multiple groups using replicated gene expression profiles

DNA microarrays provide for unprecedented large-scale views of gene expression and, as a result, have emerged as a fundamental measurement tool in the study of diverse biological systems. Statistical questions abound, but many traditional data analytic approaches do not apply, in large part because thousands of individual genes are measured with relatively little replication. Empirical Bayes methods provide a natural approach to microarray data analysis because they can significantly reduce the dimensionality of an inference problem while compensating for relatively few replicates by using information across the array. We propose a general empirical Bayes modelling approach which allows for replicate expression profiles in multiple conditions. The hierarchical mixture model accounts for differences among genes in their average expression levels, differential expression for a given gene among cell types, and measurement fluctuations. Two distinct parameterizations are considered: a model based on Gamma distributed measurements and one based on log-normally distributed measurements. False discovery rate and related operating characteristics of the methodology are assessed in a simulation study. We also show how the posterior odds of differential expression in one version of the model is related to the ratio of the arithmetic mean to the geometric mean of the two sample means. The methodology is used in a study of mammary cancer in the rat, where four distinct patterns of expression are possible. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing heuristics for assistive robotics

Heuristic evaluation is a popular means of quickly identifying likely design problems in an application's human interface [1]. Because of its simplicity, low cost, and broad applicability, this evaluation technique is arguably the one most often used.
A model analysis of the elastic constants of metals and alloy phases

Abstract A lattice energy function using a Mie inverse power interatomic potential and a quadrupole distortion term was fitted to the cohesive energy, lattice parameter, bulk modulus and C 44 of pure metals. Using this function and the fitted parameters, values were then predicted for C 44 and other elastic constants of alloy phases. It was found that the maximum discrepancy in C 44 for B2, C15, and L1 2 type phases was 40%, with the RMS value equal to 25%. It was found that the predicted nearest-neighbor bond angle dependent elastic constants were always smaller than the observed values. It is believed that this result is due to the formation of eovalent bonds in the alloy phases, a phenomenon that is not included in the model. An empirical procedure for correcting the elastic constants to account for eovalent bonding reduces the maximum discrepancy in both shear constants to less than 20%. Evidence is presented in support of this hypothesis. One of the consequences of this work is that ground state superstructures, of heteroelectronic type alloy components that are deduced on the basis of constancy of pair or many body interactions, need not necessarily correspond to the most stable superstructures.
MINIMIZING ABSOLUTE AND SQUARED DEVIATION OF COMPLETION TIMES FROM DUE DATES

This is a study of a single-machine scheduling problem with the objective of minimizing the sum of a function of earliness and tardiness called the earliness and tardiness (ET) problem. I will show that if priority weights of jobs are proportional to their processing times, and if earliness and tardiness cost functions are linear, the problem will be equivalent to the total weighted tardiness problem. This proves that the et problem is np-hard. In addition, I present a heuristic algorithm with worst case bound for the et problem based on the equivalence relation between the two. When earliness and tardiness cost functions are quadratic, I consider the problem for a common due date for all jobs and for different job due dates. In general, the et problem with quadratic earliness and tardiness cost functions and all job weights equal to one is np-hard. I show that in many cases, when weights of jobs are proportional to their processing times, the problem can be solved efficiently. In the published results on the et problem with quadratic earliness and tardiness cost functions other researchers have assumed a zero starting time for the schedule. I discuss the advantages of a nonzero starting time for the schedule.
Communication Policies for Population Control: Nigeria in the African Context

The author explores theoretical arguments for and against birth control as a means of solving social and economic problems in Africa and possible ways of using folk media to spread the idea of family planning in rural Nigeria. The article begins with a general discussion of African population growth statistics citing reasons why both governments and the masses favor large families. The view of the human capital economists that children are valuable as investments (as opposed to the western concept of a consumer expense) is presented. Assuming that population growth in Nigeria should be curtailed at least until economic development catches up folk media and small discussion groups are the best way to indoctrinate the rural people. Mass media are not readily designed in a country with such linguistic fragmentation illiteracy poverty government repression and controls and traditionalism. Conversely discussion groups entertaining men and women separately engaging respected village leaders compatible with local cultural norms will be accepted. Such folk media as puppets plays proverbs songs any formats involving small groups and face to face contact are effective. Even radio plays and videotapes may be used to prompt discussions. The message conveyed must be locally relevant for example depicting soil depletion rather than esoteric to have credibility. It was concluded that development on all levels must be implemented in tandem with national communication policies to control the regions population growth.
Functional O-GlcNAc modifications: Implications in molecular regulation and pathophysiology

AbstractO-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is a regulatory post-translational modification of intracellular proteins. The dynamic and inducible cycling of the modification is governed by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA) in response to UDP-GlcNAc levels in the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP). Due to its reliance on glucose flux and substrate availability, a major focus in the field has been on how O-GlcNAc contributes to metabolic disease. For years this post-translational modification has been known to modify thousands of proteins implicated in various disorders, but direct functional connections have until recently remained elusive. New research is beginning to reveal the specific mechanisms through which O-GlcNAc influences cell dynamics and disease pathology including clear examples of O-GlcNAc modification at a specific site on a given protein altering its biological functions. The following review intends to focus primarily on studies in the last half decade linking O-Glc...
MEASURING SUBSKILLS OF READING: INTERCORRELATIONS BETWEEN STANDARDIZED READING TESTS, TEACHERS’ RATINGS, AND READING SPECIALISTS’ RATINGS

The study examined the convergent and discriminant validity of three methods for assessing three subskills of reading: word analysis, vocabulary, and comprehension. These three subskills were measured by teachers’ ratings, specialists’ ratings, and standardized tests. Correlations of all three skills, each measured by the three different methods, were studied by the multi-trait-multimethod procedure. Although there was some support for convergent validity, the study revealed a total lack of discriminant validity for any of the three subskills of reading.
Characterization of an FeIII-OOH species and its decomposition product in a bleomycin model system

To model the mononuclear FeIII-OOH species identified in the catalytic cycle of the anticancer drug bleomycin, the iron chemistry of the pentadentate ligand N-[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)aminoethyl]pyridine-2-carboxamide (H-PaPy3) has been investigated. The complex [FeIII(PaPy3)OCH3](ClO4) was reacted with H2O2 to form a red species (λmax=480 nm, e=1800 M−1 cm−1) with an S=1/2 EPR signal at g=2.25, 2.17, and 1.95. This species has been identified by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry as [FeIII(PaPy3)OOH](ClO4) and further characterized by resonance Raman and EXAFS analysis. The decomposition of this intermediate leads to the modification of the ligand, as revealed by 1H NMR. One hydrogen atom is substituted by a solvent-derived methoxy group. The substitution at this site is a result of the two-electron oxidation of the ligand following the heterolytic cleavage of the O–O bond of the FeIII-OOH species. This is a plausible mechanism to rationalize related ligand modifications that have been proposed in the decay of activated bleomycin.
Stay or Leave? Race, Education, and Changing Returns to the External Labor Market Strategy, 1976–2009

Since the 1970s, firm-internal opportunities for advancement have waned, and more employees have switched employers to build their career. The author compares the effect of staying and leaving one’s employer and how each career avenue reproduces or alleviates race-based earnings inequality. Using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics 1976–2009, the author finds that racial differences among women are unaffected by external mobility. Among men, the effect of switching depends on education: Since the 1970s, the Black–White gap first widened and then narrowed among male high school graduates. In contrast, the race gap first narrowed and then widened among male college graduates.
Poor retention in care one-year after viral suppression: a significant predictor of viral rebound

Optimal retention in care should be continuously monitored even after suppression to prevent the risk of viral rebound. The purpose of this study is to assess the association between retention in care and viral rebound 12 months after viral suppression. A retrospective medical chart review study was conducted at an academic clinic in Lexington, KY, to determine an association between retention in care and viral rebound. A total of 658 patients, who were virally suppressed at any time between 2003 and 2009, were followed for 12 months after viral suppression. Retention in care was defined as having at least one clinic visit every three months (visit constancy) and viral rebound was defined as a viral load >400 copies/ml. Of the 658 patients included in the study, 43% were less than optimally retained in care and 26% had a viral rebound 12 months after suppression. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the odds of a viral rebound were much greater for suboptimal (odds ratio [OR]: 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-3.63) and poor (OR: 15.1; 95% CI: 6.82-33.41) retainers compared to optimal retainers. The results of the study suggest that retention in HIV care plays a central role in maintaining optimal outcomes such as viral suppression. Interventions that target improvement in retention in care among those who are poorly retained must be set in place in order to reduce the risk of a viral rebound.
Ciliate protozoans as links in freshwater planktonic food chains

THE potential importance of bacteria in freshwater planktonic food webs is recognised1, but the mechanisms of their incorporation are not fully known. Most planktonic bacteria are not attached to particles and are less than 1 µm (refs 2–4) in size—a range inefficiently filtered by crustacean zooplankton5. Daphnia and Diaptomus feed at lower rates on free living bacteria than on algae6,7. Bacterial food sources have been used with varying degrees of success to culture zooplankton8–11. These variations may be due to the unnatural range of concentrations used and the uncontrolled effects of different culture media, laboratory strains and the degree of accessibility to the zooplankton (because of cell clumping and sedimentation). Ciliate protozoan microzooplankton may be important intermediaries which transform ultrafine organic matter, including bacteria, into a particle size range readily available to crustacean zooplankton. Here we present evidence that ciliates are cropped by crustacean zooplankton in the natural environment. We have also measured feeding, filtering, and assimilation rates of Daphnia magna on both a large and small ciliate in the laboratory and have observed feeding behaviour directly. Dissolved organic carbon, bacteria, ciliate protozoans and crustacean zooplankton may represent a significant pathway of carbon flow in the freshwater plankton.
Tris(4-formyl-phen-yl)phosphane oxide tetra-hydro-furan hemisolvate.

The title compound, C21H15O4P·0.5C4H8O, contains an ordered phosphane oxide in a general position and a tetra­hydro­furan solvent mol­ecule disordered about a twofold axis. All three aldehyde substituents are nearly coplanar with their attached benzene rings, with C—C—C—O torsion angles in the range 1.64 (17)–4.24 (19)°. All three have different conformations with respect to the P=O group, one syn, one anti, and one gauche. Two of the aldehyde substituents form inter­molecular C—H⋯O contacts.
Global evaluation of MTCLIM and related algorithms for forcing of ecological and hydrological models

a b s t r a c t We assessed the performance of the MTCLIM scheme for estimating downward shortwave (SWdown) radi- ation and surface humidity from daily temperature range (DTR), as well as several schemes for estimating downward longwave radiation (LWdown), at 50 Baseline Solar Radiation Network stations globally. All of the algorithms performed reasonably well under most climate conditions, with biases and mean abso- lute errors generally less than 3% and 20%, respectively, over more than 70% of the global land surface. However, estimated SWdown had a bias of −26% at coastal sites, due to the ocean's moderating influence on DTR, and in continental interiors, SWdown had an average bias of −15% in the presence of snow, which was reduced by MTCLIM 4.3's snow correction if local topography was taken into account. Vapor pressure (VP) and relative humidity (RH) had large negative biases (up to −50%) under the most arid conditions. At coastal sites, LWdown had positive biases of up to 10%, while biases at interior sites exhibited a weak dependence on DTR. The largest biases in both RH (negative) and LWdown (positive) were concentrated over the world's deserts, while smaller positive humidity biases were found over tropical and boreal forests. Evaluation of the diurnal cycle showed negative morning, and positive afternoon biases in vapor pressure deficit and LWdown related to errors in the interpolation of the diurnal air temperature.
Gas‐liquid chromatographic determination of fenvalerate on woolen cloth

A method is described for the determination of fenvalerate (cyano(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 4-chloro-α-(1-methylethyl)-benzeneacetate) residues on woolen cloth. The fenvalerate was Soxhlet-extracted from the treated fabric with acetone for four hours at a reflux rate of six solvent exchanges per hour. The fenvalerate residue was determined by gas-liquid chromatography with a flame ionization detector. The results were quantitated by comparing integrator counts obtained from extracts of treated samples with those obtained from known standards. The method was sensitive to 0.00054% fenvalerate by weight. Recoveries from fabric treated with 0.00054% to 0.215% averaged 94.8%. The response of the detector was linear over a 400-fold range of fenvalerate concentrations.
Does size matter? The effect of uterine weight on robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy outcomes

The objective of this study was to determine whether uterine weight affects the surgical outcomes of robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy (RH) procedures. The design of this study is retrospective cohort study. The classification of the study design is level II-2 evidence. The study setting is the Henry Ford Health System’s Community Teaching Hospitals. One-hundred and thirty-five patients underwent RH for benign indications at one of two hospitals between January1, 2008, and June 1, 2010. Interventions were scheduled RH without concomitant uro-gynecologic procedures as the intention to treat. Patient demographics, age, height, weight, estimated blood loss (EBL), procedure duration, uterine weight, pathology, length of hospital stay (LOS), and any complications were obtained from a detailed review of electronic medical records. Uterine weight ranged from 47 to 1,290 g ( 500 g, n = 18). Overall, uterine weight was highly correlated with procedure duration (r = .53, P 500 g group. Uterine weight was also moderately correlated with EBL (r = .30, P = .0005). Median EBL increased from 50 ml for uteri 500 g group. This correlation did not persist in the assessment of decrease in peri-operative hemoglobin (r = .09, P = .30). Ninety-one women had a LOS of 1 day (67.4%), 31 women had a LOS of 2 days (23%), and 13 women had a LOS of greater than 2 days (9.6%). Uterine weight was not correlated with LOS (r = .14, P = .10) and was not associated with increased major or minor complications (WRS P = .79) re-admission (WRS P = .35), or blood transfusion (n = 3). RH can be performed on patients with large uteri exceeding 500 g without associated adverse outcomes. Although procedure duration is increased, there is no significant effect on EBL and no increase in the occurrence of complications or length of stay.
Cefdinir: An Expanded-Spectrum Oral Cephalosporin

OBJECTIVE:To review the antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and tolerability of cefdinir, an expanded-spectrum oral cephalosporin.DATA SOURCES:Literature was identified by a MEDLINE search (January 1983–November 1999) of the medical literature, review of English-language literature and bibliographies of these articles, and product information.STUDY SELECTION:Clinical efficacy data were selected from all published trials mentioning cefdinir. Additional information concerning in vitro susceptibility, safety, chemistry, and pharmacokinetic profile of cefdinir was also reviewed.DATA SYNTHESIS:Cefdinir, an oral expanded-spectrum cephalosporin, has a broad spectrum of activity against many gram-negative and -positive aerobic organisms, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Cefdinir is stable to hydrolysis by many common β-lactamases. Cefdinir is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal trac...
Turnover theory at the empirical interface: Problems of fit and function.

There are problems of fit between standard research practices in the domain of turnover research and evolutionary decisional processes like job search. I analyze this problem from methodological, empirical, and conceptual vantage points. Reanalysis of data suggests that the ability to accurately estimate employment opportunity is related to one's temporal positioning within the turnover process. Using cybernetic decision theory as a point of departure, I propose a model conceptualizing employment search processes as a series of decision stages.
Laser in situ keratomileusis for correction of myopia and astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty

Abstract Purpose To determine the safety and effectiveness of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for visual rehabilitation of residual myopia and astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty. Design Prospective, noncomparative case series. Participants LASIK was performed on 23 eyes of 22 patients unable to wear glasses or contact lenses after penetrating keratoplasty due to anisometropia, high astigmatism, and/or contact lens-intolerance. Methods All patients underwent LASIK for visual rehabilitation after penetrating keratoplasty. Uncorrected visual acuity and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, degree of anisometropia, and corneal transplant integrity were recorded before surgery, as well as at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after LASIK surgery. Results The mean spherical equivalent before surgery was −7.58 ± 4.42 diopters (D), which was reduced to −1.09 ± 2.01 D, −0.79 ± 1.84 D, −0.77 ± 1.25 D, and −1.57 ± 1.20 D, respectively, at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after LASIK. The mean cylinder before surgery was 3.64 ± 1.72 D, which was reduced to 1.98 ± 1.15 D, 1.64 ± 1.14 D, 1.48 ± 0.92 D, and 1.29 ± 1.04 D, respectively, at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after LASIK. Spherical equivalent anisometropia was reduced from a mean of 6.88 ± 4.4 D to 1.42 ± 1.05 D at the final examination. Best-corrected visual acuity remained the same or improved in 21 of 23 eyes and decreased by 1 and 3 lines in 2 patients. There were no surgical flap or corneal transplant complications. Conclusions LASIK is a viable treatment alternative for myopia and astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty in patients who are contact lens-intolerant. LASIK is more effective in treating myopia than astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty.
Likelihood-based quadratic analyses for diallel cross and other experiments involving data collected on ordered pairs of sampling units

A parameterization is found for the covariance structure of observations on ordered pairs of sampling units, leading to a simple closed form likelihood function. This helps to simplify statistical inference for models exhibiting such covariance structure in genetics and psychology.
Thermal cycle power conversion for the ARIES-I tokamak reactor

The selection and analysis of a suitable power-conversion system for the Advanced Reactor Innovation and Evaluation Study-I (ARIES-I) tokamak fusion reactor are presented. Two main groups of thermal cycles have been investigated. One group is comprised of the nonconventional Brayton and Rankine dissociating-gas cycles using such reacting gases as nitrogen tetroxide (N/sub 2/O/sub 4/) and nitrosyl chloride (NOCl). The other group consists of the conventional inert-gas Brayton cycle and Rankine steam cycles. The dissociating-gas cycles have the potential to operate at higher temperatures and offer higher conversion efficiency and more compact design. However, because of the severe safety problems associated with the toxicity of N/sub 2/O/sub 4/ and NOCl, a dissociating-gas cycle was not selected. An inert-gas Brayton cycle, although more compact, offers much lower conversion efficiency compared to the Rankine steam cycle. The selected power-conversion system for ARIES-I is, therefore, based on advanced supercritical Rankine steam cycle with double reheat. A gross conversion efficiency of about 48% is predicted. >
‘NON-SYNAPTIC’ MECHANISMS IN SEIZURES AND EPILEPTOGENESIS

The role of ‘non-synaptic’ mechanisms (i.e. those mechanisms that are independent of active chemical synpases) in the synchronization of neuronal activity during seizures and their possible contribution to chronic epileptogenesis are summarized. These ‘non-synaptic’ mechanisms include electrotonic coupling through gap junctions, electrical field effects (i.e. ephaptic transmission), and ionic interactions (e.g. increases in the extracellular concentration of K+). Several lines of evidence indicate that granule cells and pyramidal cells of the hippocampus, and probably other cortical neurons, can generate synchronized electrical activity after active chemical synaptic transmission has been blocked. This synchronized activity is sensitive to alterations in the size of the extracellular space, thus suggesting that electrical field effects and ionic mechanisms contribute to this synchronized activity. Recent studies also indicate that ‘non-synaptic’ synchronization is quite prominent early in development. Electrophysiological data from hippocampal and neocortical slices have led to a re-interpretation of the fast prepotentials (i.e. partial spikes) recorded in cortical pyramidal cells, suggesting that they may not be due to dendritic spike generation. Improvement in freeze-fracture ultrastructural techniques have led to a re-assessment of previous data on gap junctions in the nervous system and opened new approaches to the quantitative analysis and characterization of gap junctions on glia and neurons. Finally, new methods of dye/tracer coupling have the potential to provide a more rigorous basis for evaluating gap junctions and electrotonic communication between neurons in the mammalian central nervous system. Therefore, recent data continue to suggest that gap junctions and electrotonic coupling play an important role in neural integration, although additional studies using new techniques will be needed to address some of the controversial issues that have arisen over the last several decades.
Oral Thresholds and Suprathreshold Intensity Ratings for Free Fatty Acids on 3 Tongue Sites in Humans: Implications for Transduction Mechanisms

Multiple putative free fatty acid (FFA) transduction mechanisms have been identified in the oral cavity. They reportedly differ in their distribution on the tongue and each has a unique range of ligand specificities. This suggests that there should be regional differences in sensory responses to varying FFAs. This was assessed through spatial testing with caproic (C), lauric (L), and stearic (S) FFAs among 35 healthy adults. Stimuli were applied to the fungiform (FU), foliate (FO), and circumvallate (CV) papillae with a cotton-tipped applicator. Oral detection thresholds were measured by an ascending, 3-alternative, forced-choice, sip and spit procedure. Intensity ratings were obtained on the general labeled magnitude scale. Nongustatory cues were minimized by testing with the nares blocked, eyes covered, and by masking tactile cues with the addition of gum acacia and mineral oil to the stimuli vehicle. Thresholds were obtained from nearly all individuals at each site, and the concentration was similar across the 3 FFAs. Absolute intensity ratings differed significantly with C > L > S overall and at the CV and FO papillae. At the FU papillae, the L and S ratings were comparable. Ratings were highest at the FU followed by the CV and then the FO papillae. Slopes of the concentration-intensity rating functions were higher for L compared with C and S at the CV papillae as well as both L and C compared with S at the FO papillae. However, overall, slopes were comparable across sites. These findings strengthen evidence for oral FFA perception in humans by replicating threshold sensitivity findings and documenting monotonic scaling ability for these stimuli. Further, they challenge current views on transduction as sensory responsiveness was observed at tongue sites not predicted to support FFA detection.
A Hardened-by-Design Technique for RF Digital Phase-Locked Loops

A RHBD topology for digital phase-locked loops (DPLLs) has been developed for single-event transient (SET) mitigation. By replacing the vulnerable current-based charge pump with a SET-resistant tri-state voltage-switching charge pump and a low-pass filter, the DPLL single-event susceptibility was considerably reduced, while simultaneously decreasing the lock-in time of the DPLL. The design results in a decreased area requirement with minimal impacts on phase jitter and power consumption. Furthermore, the design eliminates the charge pump as the most vulnerable module and significantly hardens the DPLL
Cardiovascular and Physiologic Effects of Conducted Electrical Weapon Discharge in Resting Adults

Objectives: The TASER is a conducted electrical weapon (CEW) that has been used on people in custody. Individuals occasionally die unexpectedly while in custody, proximal to the application of a CEW. In this study, the authors sought to examine the effects of CEW application in resting adult volunteers to determine if there was evidence of induced electrical dysrhythmia or direct cellular damage that would indicate a causal relationship between application of the device and in-custody death. Methods: Human subjects (N = 66) underwent 24-hour monitoring after a standard CEW application. Blood samples were collected before and after exposure and again at 16 and 24 hours after exposure. A subpopulation (n = 32) had 12-lead electrocardiography performed at similar time intervals. Blood samples were analyzed for markers of skeletal and cardiac muscle injury and renal impairment. The electrocardiograms were read by a cardiologist blinded to the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: There was no significant change from baseline at any of the four time points for serum electrolyte levels and the blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio. An increase in serum bicarbonate and creatine kinase levels was noted at 16 and 24 hours. An increase in serum lactate level was noted immediately after exposure that decreased at 16 and 24 hours. Serum myoglobin level was increased from baseline at all three time points. All troponin levels measured were <0.3 ng/mL, except for a single value of 0.6 ng/mL in a single subject. This subject was evaluated, and no evidence of acute myocardial infarction or disability was identified. At baseline, 30 of 32 electrocardiograms were interpreted as normal. The two abnormal electrocardiograms were abnormal at baseline and remained the same at all four time points. Conclusions: In this resting adult population, the TASER X26 CEW did not affect the recordable cardiac electrical activity within a 24-hour period following a standard five-second application. The authors were unable to detect any induced electrical dysrhythmias or significant direct cardiac cellular damage that may be related to sudden and unexpected death proximal to CEW exposure. Additionally, no evidence of dangerous hyperkalemia or induced acidosis was found. Further study in the area of the in-custody death phenomenon to better understand its causes is recommended.
Efficient Model Update for General Link-Insertion Networks

Link insertion has been proposed as a means of incremental design to improve performance robustness of linear passive networks. In clock network design, links can be inserted between subnetworks to reduce the variability of clock skews introduced by process and environmental fluctuations, thereby improving the network's immunity to PVT variations. Under these scenarios, it is desired to incrementally compute a reduced-order model for the updated network in order to efficiently evaluate the effectiveness of link insertions. In this paper, we present an efficient model update scheme for general link-insertion networks. By updating the Krylov projection subspace used in model order reduction, the proposed scheme can efficiently compute a reduced-order model for the network with inserted links. More generally, we extend the proposed approach to consider the merging of a (small) multiple-input linear network with a much larger network. We demonstrate the usage of the proposed technique for clock networks and general RLC circuits with an arbitrary number of link insertions as well as the more general case where the inserted links are in the form of a linear network.
Source and Magnitude of Ammonium Generation in Maize Roots

Studies with 15N indicate that appreciable generation of NH4+ from endogenous sources accompanies the uptake and assimilation of exogenous NH4+ by roots. To identify the source of NH4+ generation, maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings were grown on 14NH4+ and then exposed for 3 d to highly labeled 15NH4+. More of the entering 15NH4+ was incorporated into the protein-N fraction of roots in darkness (approximately 25%) than in the light (approximately 14%). Although the 14NH4+ content of roots declined rapidly to less than 1 mmol per plant, efflux of 14NH4+ continued throughout the 3-d period at an average daily rate of 14 mmol per plant. As a consequence, cumulative 14NH4+ efflux during the 3-d period accounted for 25% of the total 14N initially present in the root. Although soluble organic 14N in roots declined during the 3-d period, insoluble 14N remained relatively constant. In shoots both soluble organic 14N and 14NH4+ declined, but a comparable increase in insoluble 14N was noted. Thus, total 14N in shoots remained constant, reflecting little or no net redistribution of 14N between shoots and roots. Collectively, these observations reveal that catabolism of soluble organic N, not protein N, is the primary source of endogenous NH4+ generation in maize roots.
National Survey of Central Venous Catheter Flushing in the Intensive Care Unit

Background Evidence is needed on the best solution for flushing central venous catheters. Objective To understand current flushing practices for short-term central venous catheters among critical care nurses before implementation of a randomized, controlled trial comparing physiological saline with heparin solution for flushing to maintain catheter patency. Methods A 6-item survey including demographic data was mailed to 2000 practicing critical care nurses in the United States. An additional 316 surveys were completed at the annual conference of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Results Most (71.5%) of the 632 respondents who completed the survey were staff nurses. Most respondents (64.6%; 95% CI, 60.86%-68.34%) reported using physiological saline exclusively to flush central venous catheters and maintain patency. For heparin-containing solutions, the concentration and volume used varied. The most commonly reported volumes for flushing were 10 mL for saline (63%; 95% CI, 59.18%-66.82%) and 3 mL for heparin (50.2%; 95% CI, 43.5%-56.9%). Conclusion Flushing practices for central venous catheters vary widely. A randomized controlled trial is needed to determine the optimal flushing solution to maintain short-term patency.
The addition of isocyanides to ReS4−: [3 + 1] cycloaddition to SMS

Isocyanides undergo [3 + 1] cycloadditions to ReS4− to give dithiocarboimidate derivatives, Re(S)(S4)(S2CNR)− and Re2S5(S2CNR)22− , which undergo S-atom transfer and, in the case of the monometallic species, N-alkylation.
Candida infection of the subacromial bursa. A case report.

To our knowledge, mycotic infection of the subacromial bursa has not been reported in the literature. We present the case of a patient with the classic symptoms of impingement syndrome who was found to have a Candida infection of the subacromial bursa. The patient was successfully treated with subacromial decompression and acromioplasty to relieve the impingement as well as with empirical antibiotic treatment for the infection. Our patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication. A sixty-five-year-old, right-hand-dominant man was first seen because of progressively increasing pain of more than four months' duration in the right shoulder. He had pain at night, especially when sleeping on the affected side. The patient also reported that the pain limited the range of motion, which restricted his overhead function as well as his ability to reach behind his back. He was barely able to tuck in the back of his shirt, and he had weakness of the affected arm. The patient stated that he had injured the right shoulder while lifting something at work ten months prior to being seen by a physician and that the symptoms had become progressively worse. The patient had been seen by another orthopaedist and was treated unsuccessfully with subacromial injections three times over the course of two months. The subacromial injection consisted of 40 mg of Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate), 4 mL of lidocaine, and 4 mL of 0.25% Marcaine (bupivacaine). All injection medication was withdrawn from single-use vials. The patient's response to each injection was minimal, with some pain relief with motion initially but with a rapid return to the preinjection state of discomfort. We first saw the patient two months after the onset of symptoms. The medical history was important only for a myocardial infarction sixteen years previously. He reported no …
Relational one-class classification: a non-parametric approach

One-class classification approaches have been proposed in the literature to learn classifiers from examples of only one class. But these approaches are not directly applicable to relational domains due to their reliance on a feature vector or a distance measure. We propose a non-parametric relational one-class classification approach based on first-order trees. We learn a tree-based distance measure that iteratively introduces new relational features to differentiate relational examples. We update the distance measure so as to maximize the one-class classification performance of our model. We also relate our model definition to existing work on probabilistic combination functions and density estimation. We experimentally show that our approach can discover relevant features and outperform three baseline approaches.
Sequential Versus Superexchange Electron Transfer in the Photosynthetic Reaction Center

We present a novel expression for the complete electron transfer rate matrix in a three level system, which holds for an arbitrary value of the system free energies and reorganization energies. When the intermediate energy level is sufficiently high we recover the conventional superexchange rate. The relative contribution of the superexchange and the sequential mechanisms in the primary electron transfer process in the photosynthetic reaction center is discussed.
Land Use, Fragmentation, and Impacts on Wildlife in Jackson Valley, Wyoming, USA

The Jackson Valley in northwest Wyoming, USA, contains 4,000 km of public and private land used for agriculture, grazing, forestry, recreation, conservation, and housing (Figure 6-1). The region offers an unusually complete history of changes in land uses and their implications for access to heterogeneity for humans, domestic livestock, and wildlife. Unlike most of the other case studies in this volume that focus on impacts of fragmentation on people and livestock in classically pastoralist systems, this chapter will include a discussion of impacts of fragmentation on wildlife in an area that is increasingly being developed. In this chapter, we will discuss three historical periods: the period before settlement by Europeans, the rise of agriculture, and the emergence of recreation-based economies. For each of these historical periods we will discuss land tenure and use, economic forces, and sources of fragmentation. We will then discuss the consequences of fragmentation for wildlife in the region. We close by describing how the Jackson case (and the more general situation in agricultural areas of western North America) fits the model of progression of land use and land tenure described in this book (see Behnke, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523,
Face and Facework: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Managing Politeness Norms in the United States and Korea

This study compares U.S. Americans’ (n = 222) and Koreans’ (n = 202) perceptions of and management strategies toward potentially impolite situations. The results show that cultural norms significantly determine the perception of the situation and that Koreans are more likely to resort to confrontation across situations than are U.S. Americans. Additionally, individual face needs, situational factors, and culture, as well as interactions, are important predictors of individuals’ management strategies in potentially impolite situations. Practical implications for intercultural communication are discussed.