cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bounding the effect of noise in multiobjective learning classifier systems

This paper analyzes the impact of using noisy data sets in Pittsburgh-style learning classifier systems. This study was done using a particular kind of learning classifier system based on multiobjective selection. Our goal was to characterize the behavior of this kind of algorithms when dealing with noisy domains. For this reason, we developed a theoretical model for predicting the minimal achievable error in noisy domains. Combining this theoretical model for crisp learners with graphical representations of the evolved hypotheses through multiobjective techniques, we are able to bound the behavior of a learning classifier system. This kind of modeling lets us identify relevant characteristics of the evolved hypotheses, such as overfitting conditions that lead to hypotheses that poorly generalize the concept to be learned.
Majorization versus power majorization

Установлено, что степ енная мажоризация ве кторов не влечет мажоризацию. Э то дает ответ на вопрос, поста вленный Клаузингом [1]. Приведенная констру кция содержит контрп ример с размерностью 42.
Alcoholism: An Introduction

Alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine are the most widely used drugs in Western civilization, alcohol being the most potent and destructive of the three. Probably reflecting this, there is a great deal of information available on the epidemiology, the natural history, and the treatment of alcohol-related disorders; thus, this drug is used as a prototype for the discussion of other pharmacologic agents. Information on alcohol is presented in two chapters: Chapter 3 covers the pharmacology of alcohol, definitional problems surrounding this drug, the epidemiology of drinking patterns and problems, the natural history of alcoholism, and some data on etiology; Chapter 4 is an overview of treatment of acute problems.
The impacts of performance relative to analyst forecasts and analyst coverage on firm R&D intensity

Taking an agency theory perspective of managers as risk averse and self-interest seeking and focusing on externally generated analyst forecasts as the performance target, we propose that managers tend to cut R&D expenses when they are under pressure to meet analyst forecasts, especially when they face an increase in employment risk after missing the forecasts. We further argue that analyst coverage can serve as an external monitoring mechanism to help contain this agency problem. We test these arguments with data from a sample of U.S. manufacturing firms during the period of 1979 to 2005. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavior of Neurospora sitophila mating-type alleles in heterozygous duplications after introgression into Neurospora crassa

In Neurospora sitophila , strains of opposite mating type can form stable A + a heterokaryons ( Mishra, 1971, Genetics 67: 55–59 ). In Neurospora crassa , however, both A + a heterokaryons and heterozygous A/a duplications (partial diploids) usually exhibit a strong vegetative incompatibility reaction that prevents normal growth. N. sitophila mating-type alleles were introgressed into N. crassa by recurrent backcrosses to determine whether the mating-type genes were in fact different in the two species. In the N. crassa genetic background, the alleles originating from N. sitophila ( A S and a S ) were indistinguishable from those of N. crassa ( A C and a C ), using as a criterion their incompatibility behavior in heterozygous duplications obtained from crosses involving a duplication-producing chromosome rearrangement, In ( IL → IR ) H4250 . Vegetative incompatibility is equally strong for A S / a S , A C / a C , A S / a C , and A C / a S . The vegetative incompatibility in N. crassa is completely alleviated by an unlinked suppressor gene tol (tolerant), both for A S / a S and for A C / a C . Mating-type genes of the two species thus appear to be functionally identical.
Nonlinear interaction of magnetic field and convection

The interaction between convection in a horizontal fluid layer heated from below and an ambient vertical magnetic field is considered. The analysis is based on the Boussinesq equations for two-dimensional convection rolls and the assumption that the amplitude A of the convection and the Chandrasekhar number Q are small. It is found that the magnetic energy is amplified by a factor of order R½m, where Rm is the magnetic Reynolds number. The ratio between the magnetic and kinetic energies can reach values much larger than unity. Although the magnetic field always inhibits convection, this influence decreases with increasing amplitude of convection. Thus finite amplitude onset of steady convection becomes possible at Rayleigh numbers considerably below the values predicted by linear theory.
A procedure for lengthening the phallus in boys with exstrophy of the bladder.

Abstract A surgical procedure is described in which the two corpora and their attachments are brought to the midline with preservation of nerve and blood supply. Early clinical experience in three patients has indicated that a very satisfactory increase in the visible length of the penis can be accomplished without loss of sensation or erectile ability.
Ergonomic Considerations in Trucking Delivery Operations: An Evaluation of Hand Trucks and Ramps

Truck drivers who perform customer deliveries routinely use ramps and two-wheeled hand trucks to unload product from the trailer. During this activity, drivers exert high hand forces when maneuvering the hand truck down the ramp and are exposed to an elevated risk of slips and falls due to increased frictional requirements at the shoe-ramp interface. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of hand truck design, hand truck load, and ramp characteristics on musculoskeletal stresses experienced by drivers when going down ramps. Hand forces and working postures were recorded with motion analysis hardware and software while an experienced driver performed ramp delivery operations using various combinations of hand truck (three types, two braked, one unbraked), product load (three levels, 37, 78, 151 kg), and ramp (four types, three planar surfaces with slopes ranging between 19.1° and 21.6° and one stepped surface with a slope of 19.2°) in a full-factorial design. Hand forces were reduced by more than...
Spectrum of right heart involvement in patients with ventricular tachycardia unrelated to coronary artery disease or left ventricular dysfunction

Abstract We studied 41 patients with clinically symptomatic ventricular tachycardia in the absence of coronary artery disease or left ventricular dysfunction to define the extent of right and left heart derangement and their relation to electrophysiologic and clinical data. Individual echocardiographic measurements as well as global assessment scores of the right and left heart demonstrated a wide spectrum of right heart echocardiographic abnormalities. There was much less variation in the left heart, with the majority of patients being close to normal. There was an association between the right heart score, the clinical presentation of arrhythmia, the response to programmed electrical stimulation, and the recurrence of arrhythmia ( p
The anatomy of the median ocellus of Limulus

The median ocellus of Limulus consists of irregular groups of large photoreceptor cells which form a cup-shaped retina around the ocellar lens. Each group is surrounded and penetrated by guanophores and glia. The photoreceptor cells have extensive rhabdomeric regions, both along infoldings of cell membranes and between cells. Five-layered junctions occur between rhabdomeric microvilli. An occasional arhabdomeric (AR) cell is associated with a group of photoreceptors. Fine dendritic branches of the AR cell penetrate the rhabdomeric regions and form five-layered junctions with photoreceptor rhabdomeres. Axons of photoreceptor cells, and of at least some AR cells, gather at the proximal side of the cup to form an optic nerve.
Comparison of the Johnson-Ettinger Vapor Intrusion Screening Model Predictions with Full Three-Dimensional Model Results

The Johnson−Ettinger vapor intrusion model (J−E model) is the most widely used screening tool for evaluating vapor intrusion potential because of its simplicity and convenience of use. Since its introduction about twenty years ago, the J−E model has become a cornerstone in guidance related to the potential for significant vapor intrusion-related exposures. A few papers have been published that claim it is a conservative predictor of exposure, but there has not been a systematic comparison in the open literature of the J−E model predictions with the results of more complete full three-dimensional descriptions of the phenomenon. In this paper, predictions from a three-dimensional model of vapor intrusion, based upon finite element calculations of homogeneous soil scenarios, are directly compared with the results of the J−E model. These results suggest that there are conditions under which the J−E model predictions might be quite reasonable but that there are also others in which the predictions are low as w...
REVIEW ■ : Reorganization of Sensory Systems of Primates after Injury:

The orderly representations of sensory surfaces in the brains of adult mammals have the capacity to reor ganize after injuries that deprive these representations of some of their normal sources of activation. Such reorganizations can be produced by injury that occurs peripherally, such as nerve damage or amputation, or after injury to the CNS, such as spinal cord damage or cortical lesion. These changes likely are mediated by a number of different mechanisms, and can be extensive and involve the growth of new connections. Finally, some types of reorganizations may help mediate the recovery of lost functions, whereas others may lead to sensory abnormalities and perceptual errors. NEUROSCIENTIST 3:123-130, 1997
Nine-year results of a volunteer lay network photoscreening program of 147 809 children using a photoscreener in Iowa.

Purpose To present the largest cohort of preschool children screened by the MTI PhotoScreener over a 9-year period from a single, statewide vision screening effort. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants We included 147 809 children screened between May 1, 2000, and April 30, 2009 by a photoscreening program. Methods Retrospective review of results from the Iowa photoscreening program using the MTI PhotoScreener. The photographs were taken by volunteers from local Lions clubs and sent to the University of Iowa for interpretation. Children who failed the photoscreening were referred to local eye care professionals, who preformed a comprehensive eye evaluation and forwarded the results to the Iowa KidSight program. Main Outcome Measures Number of screenings, referral rate, positive predictive value (PPV), follow-up rate, and associated costs per year are described. Results Over the 9 years of the continuously operating program, 147 809 children underwent photoscreens to detect amblyopic risk factors at 9746 sites. Because of abnormal photoscreen results, 6247 children (4.2%) were referred. Of the children, 24.3% were evaluated by local ophthalmologists and 76.7% were seen by local optometrists. Between 2000 and 2009, the follow-up rate ranged from a low of 36.1% to a high of 89.5%, with an overall program follow-up rate after the addition of the follow-up coordinator of 81.3%. The overall PPV of the MTI PhotoScreener was 94.2%. Taking into account overall operating budget including salaries and associated costs, the cost of screening 1 child has been reduced to $US9 per child. Conclusions The addition of a part-time follow-up coordinator to the photoscreening program produced 89.5% follow-up rate when screening 147 809 children for amblyopia risk factors over a 9-year period. Financial Disclosure(s) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article.
Human-aided hierarchical drug delivery control system

This paper describes the development and analysis of a human-aided supervisory adaptive control system and its application to a representative drug delivery system. This system will control both anesthesia and the infusion of multiple drugs to control simultaneously depth of anesthesia and several hemodynamic states. Whereas many hemodynamic states are directly measurable, a neural network based procedure is developed for measuring anesthetic depth. Fuzzy control concepts are used for anesthetic control, while an expert system will be used to select the proper (adaptive or fuzzy) controllers for the drug infusion rates.
Recent trends in mortality and causes of death among persons with spinal cord injury.

DeVivo MJ, Krause JS, Lammertse DE Recent trends in mortality and causes of death among persons with spinal cord injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1999;80:1411-19. Objective: To identify and quantify trends in mortality and causes of death among persons with spinal cord injury. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Model spinal cord injury care systems and Shriner's Hospitals spinal cord injury units throughout the United States. Patients: A total of 28,239 consecutive persons admitted to the model system or to a Shriner's Hospital within 1 year of injury. Main Outcome Measure: Length of survival and cause of death. Results: Among persons who were admitted to the model system within 1 day of injury, the odds of dying during the first postinjury year were reduced by 67% for persons injured between 1993 and 1998 relative to persons injured between 1973 and 1977 after adjusting for trends in age, gender, race, neurologic level of injury, Frankel grade, ventilator status, etiology of injury, sponsor of care, and model system where treatment occun'ed. However, mortality rates after the first anniversary of injury, which had also been declining from 1973 to 1992, increased 33% for persons injured between 1993 and 1998 relative to persons injured between 1988 and 1992. Respiratory disease was the only cause of death after the first anniversary of injury for which the relative odds increased meaningfully during the latest time period (76% increase over 1988-1992 compared to all other causes). Conclusion: While great improvements in life expectancy have been achieved since the Model SCI Systems program began, current data support the need for renewed efforts to improve the prevention and treatment of the complications of spinal cord injury. © 1999 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medi- cine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Sex ratio manipulation and decreased growth of male offspring of undernourished golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

The theory that female mammals in poor condition may increase individual fitness by skewing the sex ratio of their offspring toward daughters and by investing more resources in daughters than in sons was tested in hamsters. Newly mated experimental females were food-restricted during pregnancy and lactation (RR) or during lactation only (AR). Controls received food ad libitum. Maternal body weights were assessed daily from mating to 25 days postpartum. Litter survival (% litters with at least one pup surviving on any day), litter size, offspring sex ratios (=% males), and pup weights were monitored daily from birth (Day 1) to Day 25. All control and AR dams gave birth 16 days after mating. Gestation was extended by 1–3 days for 35.4% of RR dams. RR dams weighed significantly less at parturition than controls and AR females. During lactation, AR females showed the greatest weight loss and control females the least. AR weight loss exceeded that of RR females, possibly because the former maintained larger litters. Survival was highest for controls, intermediate for AR, and lowest for RR litters. Mean sex ratio at birth was significantly less for RR (40.7%) than for control (49.6%) and AR (48.8%) litters. RR sex ratio did not change significantly postnatally. Sex ratios of control and AR litters never differed statistically from 50%. Control male pups were significantly heavier than their sisters throughout the experiment. No significant gender differences were observed for AR pup weights after Day 2 postpartum. RR female offspring weighed more than their brothers throughout the experiment, and this difference was statistically significant immediately prior to the time that pups began to feed independently (Days 14–17). RR female pup weights were similar to, and sometimes significantly greater than, weights of control daughters during the period of postnatal maternal investment. Control males were always heavier than males from the other treatments. Patterns of weight gain by AR and RR males varied with age. We conclude that underfed female hamsters are able to adjust the sex ratio of offspring prenatally and parental investment postnatally to favor daughters.
The ζ Isoform of 14-3-3 Proteins Interacts with the Third Intracellular Loop of Different α2-Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes

The α2-adrenergic receptors (α2ARs) are localized to and function on the basolateral surface in polarized renal epithelial cells via a mechanism involving the third cytoplasmic loop. To identify proteins that may contribute to this retention, [35S]Met-labeled Gen10 fusion proteins with the 3i loops of the α2AAR (Val217–Ala377), α2BAR (Lys210–Trp354), and α2CAR (Arg248–Val363) were used as ligands in gel overlay assays. A protein doublet of ∼30 kDa in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells or pig brain cytosol (α2B ≥ α2C≫ α2A) was identified. The interacting protein was purified by sequential DEAE and size exclusion chromatography, and subsequent microsequencing revealed that they are the ζ isoform of 14-3-3 proteins. [35S]Met-14-3-3ζ binds to all three native α2AR subtypes, assessed using a solid phase binding assay (α2A≥α2B> α2C), and this binding depends on the presence of the 3i loops. Attenuation of the α2AR-14-3-3 interactions in the presence of a phosphorylated Raf-1 peptide corresponding to its 14-3-3 interacting domain (residues 251–266), but not by its non-phosphorylated counterpart, provides evidence for the functional specificity of these interactions and suggests one potential interface for the α2AR and 14-3-3 interactions. These studies represent the first evidence for G protein-coupled receptor interactions with 14-3-3 proteins and may provide a mechanism for receptor localization and/or coordination of signal transduction.
Advanced glycation end-products: pathway of potentially significant pathophysiological and therapeutic relevance for metabolic syndrome in menopausal women.

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are usually formed slowly under physiological conditions. The accumulation of AGEs increases with variable pathologies such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and aging (1, 2). The effect of AGEs is classified as receptorindependent (such as cross-links with extracellular matrix) or receptor-dependent. The binding of AGEs to the cellular receptor (receptor for AGE [RAGE]) activates members of the MAPK family of signal transduction effectors, including p44/42 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinases MAPK, and p38 MAPK.Furthermore,AGE-RAGEinteractionstimulatesactivation of p21, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathways, cdc42 and rac-1, Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase-3 signaling. These signaling pathwaysconvergeonmultiple transcription factors suchasearly growth response-1, nuclear factorB (NFB), and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein, which mediate alterations in cell fate, migration, and production of inflammatory and profibrotic mediators by increasing expression of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. On the other hand, the binding of AGEs to the soluble receptor (sRAGE) prevents the adverse intracellular events of the AGE-RAGE system (2).
First-Year Growth, Condition, and Size-Selective Winter Mortality of Freshwater Drum in the Lower Missouri River

Abstract We compared first-year growth and relative condition (Kn ) of the 1997 and 1998 year-classes of freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens among three sites in a 235-km reach of the channelized Missouri River and tested for the occurrence of size-selective overwinter mortality during the first winter. Prewinter mean length was 15 mm greater, mean weight was 8 g greater, and mean Kn was 5% greater at the upstream site than at the downstream site. The prewinter mean length of age-0 freshwater drum was significantly greater in 1997 (115 mm) than in 1998 (109 mm), but Kn was significantly greater in 1998 (107) than in 1997 (102). There was no evidence that density-dependent interactions influenced prewinter growth and Kn. Size-selective overwinter mortality of the smallest size-classes of freshwater drum occurred at two of three sites during the 1997–1998 winter, and Kn decreased 9–15%. Size-selective overwinter mortality of the 1998 cohort of freshwater drum did not occur during the 1998–1999 winter, and...
Empirically testing ES success factors in business process reengineering

Abstract Previously proposed success factors for Expert Systems implementation are field tested in the context of business process reengineering (BPR) projects. Due to its nature mimicking human expert behavior, ES technology applications in BPR provide a unique opportunity to study major organization changes within a relatively short time. Using Pearson correlations and multivariate regression analysis, eight ES implementation success factors proposed in the literature were empirically tested in this study in terms of their importance to the BPR benefits derived from the application. Sixty-two ES applications within E.I. Dupont de Nemours and Company dealing with business process changes significant enough to be called BPR were used. Despite the relatively small sample size, six of the eight success factors were corroborated: user satisfaction with the ES, the importance and difficulty of the business problem addressed, user attitudes toward ES technology and the particular ES project, the degree of user involvement in the ES implementation process, and the ES developer(s) skills.
Facile enzymic synthesis of caffeoyl CoA

Abstract p -Hydroxycinnamic acid: CoA ligase (EC 6.2.1.12) was extracted from aspen xylem and its activity with several cinnamic acids was determined. The highest activity was found with p -hydroxycinnamic acid and the extract had reasonable activity with ferulic, caffeic and 5-hydroxyferulic acids but none with sinapic acid. Using this isolated enzyme preparation, caffeoyl CoA was synthesized and subsequently purified using reversed phase C-18 solid phase extraction. This enzymic synthesis method, which yielded 40% product, is rapid and simple and provides a cost-effective alternative to the use of commercial acyl CoA ligase.
Theoretical study of the effects of isovalent coalloying of Bi and N in GaAs

${\mathrm{GaAs}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{N}}_{x}$ alloys have unique properties among the III-V systems to simultaneously lower both the lattice constant and the band gap. Therefore, it has a strong potential for optoelectronic device applications. However, due to the large size mismatch between N and As, the growth of high-quality GaAsN alloy on GaAs substrates is difficult. To overcome this problem, we propose here a material, the ${\mathrm{GaAs}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x\ensuremath{-}y}{\mathrm{N}}_{x}{\mathrm{Bi}}_{y}$ alloy, which can be lattice matched to GaAs with the appropriate ratio between the concentration of Bi and N $(y=1.7x).$ Based on band structure and total-energy calculations we show that coalloying of Bi and N in GaAs lowers the alloy-formation energy and drastically reduces the amount of N needed to reach the 1-eV band gap, which is important for high-efficiency solar cell and infrared-laser applications.
Relation of mammary tumors to mammotropes. III. Hormone responsiveness of transplanted mammary tumors.

Summary1. Hormone dependence of original (spontaneous, radiation- and 3-methyl-cholanthrene induced) mammary tumors were compared with first and second generation grafts of the same tumor in fully histocompatible inbred strains of rats. 2. Almost all tumors, (carcinomas and fibroadenomas) were autonomous in that they grew in normal hosts of both sexes, but most of them were hormone responsive. 3. A fair index of responsiveness is the degree of preferential growth of tumors in females. 4. Growth is retarded by ovariectomy and hypophysectomy and is resumed upon subsequent grafts of mammotropic tumors (administered to supply mammary gland stimulating hormones). 5. Progression appears invariable in the course of transplantations in the strains studied, but hormonal responsiveness in the first passages was almost identical with that of primary tumors. 6. Malignancy, hormone responsiveness, and growth rate vary independently. A slow growing fibroadenoma can be hormone independent and rapidly growing, while a ca...
Selective Metal Binding to a Membrane-embedded Aspartate in the Escherichia coli Metal Transporter YiiP (FieF)

The cation diffusion facilitators (CDF) are a ubiquitous family of metal transporters that play important roles in homeostasis of a wide range of divalent metal cations. Molecular identities of substrate-binding sites and their metal selectivity in the CDF family are thus far unknown. By using isothermal titration calorimetry and stopped-flow spectrofluorometry, we directly examined metal binding to a highly conserved aspartate in the Escherichia coli CDF transporter YiiP (FieF). A D157A mutation abolished a Cd2+-binding site and impaired the corresponding Cd2+ transport. In contrast, substitution of Asp-157 with a cysteinyl coordination residue resulted in intact Cd2+ binding as well as full transport activity. A similar correlation was found for Zn2+ binding and transport, suggesting that Asp-157 is a metal coordination residue required for binding and transport of Cd2+ and Zn2+. The location of Asp-157 was mapped topologically to the hydrophobic core of transmembrane segment 5 (TM-5) where D157C was found partially accessible to thiol-specific labeling of maleimide polyethylene-oxide biotin. Binding of Zn2+ and Cd2+, but not Fe2+, Hg2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+, protected D157C from maleimide polyethylene-oxide biotin labeling in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, isothermal titration calorimetry analysis of YiiPD157A showed no detectable change in Fe2+ and Hg2+ calorimetric titrations, indicating that Asp-157 is not a coordination residue for Fe2+ and Hg2+ binding. Our results provided direct evidence for selective binding of Zn2+ and Cd2+ for to the highly conserved Asp-157 and defined its functional role in metal transport.
Distributed position-adaptive UAV radar concepts for building geometries with multiple signal-leakage points

Distributed airborne sensor geometries are considered that are comprised of multiple radar/comm transmit and receive nodes. Under this distributed robotic sensor concept, each of these radar transmit/receive nodes position-adaptively converge to the vicinity of a signal leakage point. A number of signal leakage point geometries are investigated that conform to geometries for typical building-type structures. The results include a set of electromagnetic computations that simulate the signal interaction and signal propagation between multiple leakage points. These signals are simulated via the modeling of materials that enclose "building-type" structures with a series of connected dielectric materials. For example, windows, walls, and doors are each modeled separately by a combination of suitable material properties. Signals from objects that are embedded within these "building-type" structures are also simulated via the development and application of appropriate geometrical and materials models. Analysis of the resulting simulated "leakage signals", that penetrate the surfaces of these "building-type" structures and are scattered from embedded objects within the indoor environment back to the simulated sensor-nodes in the outdoor environment, are presented. Interpretations of these results are included from a signal analysis perspective. These results also include approximate preliminary systems-type calculations with regard to this distributed position-adaptive UAV radar system concept. Potential applications are outdoor-to-indoor detection of objects-of-interest that are within a building via implementation of a intelligent multi-static sensor network.
Intrastriatal grafting of glomus cells ameliorates behavioral defects of Parkinsonian rats.

Abstract Parkinson's disease is associated with severe motor dysfunctions due to a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra. Transplantation of midbrain neurons from human fetuses to the striatum of patients provides effective treatment for the disease. This type of approach, however, could not be adopted widely due to insufficient supply of fetal materials and the controversial ethical and legal issues. The carotid body is a chemoreceptive organ containing chromaffin-like glomus cells that secrete dopamine (DA) as the neurotransmitter. Here, we report the generation of a clonal dopaminergic cell line of the carotid body using the H-2Kb-tsA58 transgenic mouse. Cells from the carotid body were immortalized at the permissive temperatures and in the presence of γ-interferon. The glomus cells were isolated by flow cytometry, and purified to homogeneity by a limited dilution procedure. Upon switching the culture to a nonpermissive condition, the immortal cells ceased to divide, became terminally differentiated and secreted high levels of DA. In rats rendered hemi-Parkinsonian by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the substantial nigra, intrastriatal grafting of the glomus cells resulted in significant recovery of motor asymmetries and sensorimotor dysfunction. The effects were apparent ∼10 days after transplantation and remained throughout the 4 months of the study. The recovery of behavioral defects was correlated with the ability of cell grafts to release DA in the brain. As none of the existing treatments for Parkinson's disease is completely satisfactory, establishment of a clonal cell line that secretes DA opens a new avenue for the effective control of this neurological disorder.
Chloral hydrate anesthesia alters the responsiveness of central serotonergic neurons in the cat.

The influence of chloral hydrate anesthesia on the spontaneous activity and responsiveness of serotonergic neurons was examined by administering chloral hydrate (300 mg/kg, i.p.) to freely moving cats from which serotonergic unit activity in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) was being recorded. Although chloral hydrate administration produced a surgical level of anesthesia within 15 min following injection, it produced only a small decrease (∼ 20%) in the spontaneous activity of DRN serotonergic neurons. In contrast, the responsiveness of these same neurons was greatly altered by chloral hydrate administration. By examining the same neuron before and after chloral hydrate injection, it was found that chloral hydrate anesthesia completely abolished the excitatory responses of DRN serotonergic neurons to auditory and visual stimuli, as well as their excitatory response to electrical stimulation of the gigantocellular tegmental field (FTG) in the pontine reticular formation. On the other hand, the inhibition of serotonergic neuron firing resulting from systemic administration of WB 4101 (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.), a selective α1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, was greatly potentiated by chloral hydrate anesthesia. Therefore, these data indicate that chloral hydrate anesthesia produces profound changes in the physiological and pharmacological responses of central serotonergic neurons which are not predictable by examination of spontaneous activity alone. Furthermore, as discussed, if it not clear to what extent these confounding influences might generalize to other anesthetized or immobilized preparations. Thus, beyond the obvious advantage which allows for the study of relationships between neuronal activity and behavior, single unit studies conducted in awake, freely moving animals also may be of greater value for basic physiological and pharmacological studies.
Measurement and analysis of the error characteristics of an in-building wireless network

There is general belief that networks based on wireless technologies have much higher error rates than those based on more traditional technologies such as optical fiber, coaxial cable, or twisted pair wiring. This difference has motivated research on new protocol suites specifically for wireless networks. While the error characteristics of wired networks have been well documented, less experimental data is available for wireless LANs.In this paper we report the results of a study characterizing the error environment provided by AT&T WaveLAN, a commercial product designed for constructing 2 Mb/s in-building wireless networks. We evaluated the effects of interfering radiation sources, and of attenuation due to distance and obstacles, on the packet loss rate and bit error rate. We found that under many conditions the error rate of this physical layer is comparable to that of wired links. We analyze the implications of our results on today's CSMA/CA based wireless LANs and on future pico-cellular shared-medium reservation-based wireless networks.
Catheter‐based intracardiac echocardiography in the interventional cardiac laboratory

Recent advances in technology have engendered a renewed enthusiasm in the use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) to guide and assess cardiac interventions. AcuNav is a phased-array sector imaging probe equipped with color and spectral Doppler capabilities. Previous-generation imaging catheters yielded unfamiliar limited-depth radial images with no flow information. Current imaging technology such as the AcuNav has not only consolidated the role of ICE but opened newer applications in the interventional laboratory. ICE has clear advantages over transesophageal echocardiography as the imaging modality of choice in the cardiac catheterization and electrophysiological laboratories. We review the technical evolution of ICE and describe the expanded utility of the AcuNav imaging catheter during cardiac interventions.
Prevalence and awareness of CKD among African Americans: the Jackson Heart Study.

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to end-stage renal disease and is a growing epidemic throughout the world. In the United States, African Americans have an incidence of end-stage renal disease 4 times that of whites. Study Design Cross-sectional to examine the prevalence and awareness of CKD in African Americans. Setting & Participants Observational cohort in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS). Predictor CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, the presence of albuminuria, or dialysis therapy. Outcomes & Measurements Data from the JHS were analyzed. Medical history, including disease awareness and drug therapy, anthropometric measurements, and serum and urine samples, were obtained from JHS participants at the baseline visit. Associations between CKD prevalence and awareness and selected demographic, socioeconomic, health care access, and disease status parameters were assessed by using logistic regression models. Results The prevalence of CKD in the JHS was 20%; CKD awareness was only 15.8%. Older participants had a greater prevalence, but also were more aware of CKD. Hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, increasing age and waist circumference, and being single or less physically active were associated with CKD. Only advancing CKD stage was associated with awareness. Limitations Cross-sectional assessment, single urine measurement. Conclusions The JHS has a high prevalence and low awareness of CKD, especially in those with less severe disease status. This emphasizes the need for earlier diagnosis and increased education of health care providers and the general population.
Optical exposure characterization and comparisons for Sn EUV systems

A critical issue for EUVL is the minimization of collector degradation from intense plasma erosion, debris deposition and hydrocarbon/oxide contamination. Collector optics reflectivity and lifetime heavily depends on surface chemistry and interactions between fuels and various mirror materials, such as silicon, in addition to high-energy ion and neutral particle erosion effects. As a continuation of our prior investigation of DPP and LPP Xe plasma interactions with collector optics surfaces, the University of Illinois has analyzed collector samples before and after exposure in a Sn-upgraded Xtreme Technologies EUV source. Sn DPP post-exposure characterization includes multiple samples, Si/Mo multilayer film with normal incidence, 200 nm thick Ru film with grazing incidence, as well as a Gibbsian segregated (GS) Mo-Au alloy developed on silicon using a DC dual-magnetron co-sputtering system at UIUC. Pre and post exposed sample characterization studies actually investigates the surface roughness properties, erosion resistance and self-healing characteristics to maintain reflectivity over a longer period of mirror lifetime. Surface analysis draws heavily on the expertise of the Center for Microanalysis of Materials at UIUC, and investigates mirror degradation mechanisms by measuring changes in surface roughness, texture, and grain sizes as well as analysis of the implantation of energetic Sn ions, Sn diffusion, and mixing of multi-layers. Results from atomic force microscopy (AFM) and auger electron spectroscopy (AES) measurements show exposure effects on surface roughness and contamination. The best estimates of thickness and the resultant erosion measurements are obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Implantation, diffusion, and mixing effects are analyzed with depth profiles using AES. Materials characterization on samples, removed after varying exposure times in the XTS source, together with in-situ EUV reflectivity measurements, can identify the onset of different degradation mechanisms within each sample. These samples are the first fully characterized materials to be exposed to a Sn-based DPP EUV source. Several valuable and interesting facts were noticed. First, hot mirrors exposed to SnCl4 will cause decomposition of the gas and will result into a contamination layer build up on the mirror surface. Secondly, erosion is mitigated to some extent by the simultaneous deposition of material. Third and most important is that the Gibbsian segregation concept works and a thin Au layer is maintained during the entire exposure, even though overall erosion took place. This phenomenon could be very useful in the design and development of a collector optics surface. In addition, this paper will present Sn DPP collector erosion mechanisms, source debris spectra and provide insight into plasma-facing optics lifetime as HVM tool conditions are approached.
On making a polynomial Hurwitz invariant by choice of feedback gains

Given a polynomial f(s,k,q) which depends on the complex variable s, a vector of design parameters k?Rm and a vector of uncertain parameters q?Q, we consider the following problem: Under what conditions does there exist a k* making f(s,k*,q) Hurwitz invariant? That is for all q?Q, f(s,k*,q) has all its zeros in the strict left half plane. In this paper, we develop sufficient conditions for the existence of k* and provide a "recipe" for the construction of k* (whenever it exists). The conditions developed are seen to have an interesting control theoretic interpretation.
A generalized LS-coupling scheme for shell-model calculations and related truncation schemes

Abstract A generalized LS-coupling shell-model formalism is presented. The construction of many-body basis states and the general form of shell-model hamiltonians in the LS-coupling scheme are discussed. A shell-model code has been constructed to accomplish large-scale numerical calculations in such basis. As an example, wavefunctions of the Ni isotopes are analyzed in terms of the pseudo-LS-coupling basis introduced by Arima and Hecht. There are potential applications of these techniques to other pseudo-LS-coupling shell-models, such as the fermion dynamical symmetry model (FDSM).
International interest rate linkages: implications for monetary policy

The paper explores the implications for monetary policy from the greater integration of major capital markets since 1980 using long‐term interest rates. The empirical approach is the multivariate vector moving average GARCH model, which examines the nature of the spillover mechanism across markets. The results have shown that since 1990 there has been a stronger linkage among major bond markets at the volatility level. Evidence that globalization has seriously affected the behavior of interest rates and made them more synchronized across countries is suggested from the way disturbances in a major market spill over fast and heavily, at times, to other related markets thereby affecting the conduct of monetary policy in all involved parties. This happens because investors now have more information about and choices of bonds from many countries and that makes them efficient in their assessment of assets. Therefore, their concerted actions generate more volatility as they continuously rebalance their global portfolios.
Coping with social tension: sex differences in the effect of food provision to small rhesus monkey groups

Abstract In previous research, male chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) were found to be more ‘conciliatory’ than females, in that after aggressive incidents males more often engaged in socially positive contact with former opponents. The first part of the present paper presents similar results for a large breeding troop of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). To investigate further the possible sex difference in postconflict behaviour, a series of experiments was carried out on small isosexual groups of young rhesus monkeys, three male and three female groups. Food competition was created by providing either a single apple piece (Monopoly test) or a handful of small pieces (Equality test). Observations lasted for 30 min, and behaviour in tests without food provisioning was also recorded. The predicted response to food was an increase in aggression followed by restorative behaviour, such as grooming. In Equality tests both sexes showed similar responses, i.e. increased aggression and decreased grooming and cohesiveness. In Monopoly tests, however, their responses differed. After the aggression increase, which occurred in all groups, males showed a significant increase in grooming and cohesiveness, whereas females showed the (non-significant) opposite trend. Another sex difference was that changes in grooming and aggression frequencies were related to the rank order in female groups, but not in male groups. Since there was no evidence for a direct causal connection between grooming and aggression, a new model is introduced which links grooming behaviour to the type of food provision rather than to the social disturbance by aggression. According to this model inequality in food distribution causes social tensions. Males actively try to reduce these tensions, whereas females do not. Some alternative explanations are also discussed.
On the identification of unclosed curves

Problems of identification of plane unclosed curves are considered. Methods are proposed that allow one to classify graphic objects invariantly to affine transformations. An answer is given to the question on the types and the quantity of features that are needed to construct a mathematical description of curves for the recognition of an unclosed contour of an object. Metrics are introduced on the basis of which one can identify unclosed curves. The quality of identification on the basis of the metrics introduced is analyzed.
Literacy Concepts of Low- and Middle-Class Four-Year-Olds Entering Preschool

Abstract In this study, the literacy knowledge that 4-year-olds from low- and middle-socioeconomic status homes bring to preschool was compared. Sixty-four children drawn from six separate preschools participated in the study; 33 were from low-in-come backgrounds and 31 from middle-class backgrounds. All preschoolers were assessed within the first 4 weeks of school. In addition, questionnaires were administered to parents to examine the frequency and quality of the literacy activities in which parents and children interact. Results indicated that even as early as 48 months of age, many children from low-income homes are at a distinct disadvantage when compared with their middle-class peers in understanding written language. Nonetheless, limited knowledge of literacy was not confined to preschoolers from impoverished homes. The combined findings suggest that the operative factor in literacy development is not economic instability but, rather, a paucity in early experiences with print.
Axillosubclavian Vein Thrombosis Produced by Retrosternal Thyroid

Several causes of axillosubclavian vein thrombosis have been described. Trauma to the subclavian vein by pacemaker wires or central venous lines as well as the so-called effort thrombosis have been recognized as frequently diagnosed precipitating factors. A patient is herein presented with thrombosis of the subclavian vein caused by a giant substernal thyroid compressing the innominate vein.
Poly(A) and translation: development control

The stage-specific translational control of maternal mRNAs is determined by their differential polyadenylation and deadenylation. In the past year, a growing number of cis-acting elements that both positively and negatively regulate polyadenylation and deadenylation have been delineated. Considerable progress has been made on the biochemical characterization and regulation of trans-acting polyadenylation and deadenylation factors. This review summarizes these advances and their relevance to the roles of polyadenylation and deadenylation in translational control.
A diffused field effect current limiter

Following the development of the cut channel field effect current limiter by Warner, et al. an all-diffused device was designed and fabricated. This paper describes the design parameters as well as the critical fabrication procedures and control limits that were found necessary in order to prepare satisfactory devices. The current limiters were prepared from 3-mil thick slices of 50 ohm-cm, n-type silicon into which 1-mil thick gates were diffused. It is evident from the data that the tolerances for reproducibility of electrical characteristics fall within the expected variations due to diffusion control and parallel polishing of the sample if the background resistivity remains constant. However, because of the many thermal processing steps required in the fabrication procedure, variations occur in the effective impurity content in the high resistivity material. It is seen that the dependence of the electrical behavior of the devices on these variations is critical.