cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Labor Market of the Early Roman Empire

The available evidence on wages and labor contracts supports the existence of a functioning labor market in the early Roman empire, in which workers could change jobs in response to market-driven rewards. Slaves were included in the general labor market because Roman slavery, unlike that in the United States and in Brazil, permitted frequent manumission to citizen status. Slaves' ability to improve their status provided them with incentives to cooperate with their owners and act like free laborers. As a result, the supply and demand for labor were roughly equilibrated by wages and other payments to most workers, both slave and free.
Absence of deleterious effects of inbreeding in rhesus macaques

The limited availability of rhesus macaques through importation and the need for large numbers of them for use in biomedical research in this country have led to large- scale efforts to breed them domestically in captive groups. Since gene flow into the groups is usually restricted, consanguineous inbreeding can lead to inbreeding depression, which is characterized by increases in mortality, declines in fertility, and reductions in traits associated with physiological efficiency. For this reason, it is desirable to determine the level of inbreeding at which inbreeding depression occurs in rhesus macaques. I compared fertility, mortality, and the rate of weight gain in inbred and noninbred rhesus monkeys in three captive groups. There is no evidence of inbreeding depression in rhesus macaques whose inbreeding coefficients are ≤ 0.125, a level at which inbreeding depression is known to occur in some species.
AN EXAMINATION OF THE PUMPING REQUIREMENTS FOR MULTIPHOTON DEEXCITATIONS OF ISOMERIC LEVELS

Abstract Deexcitation of isomeric levels via virtual excitation of higher levels with short lifetimes is calculated for a variety of circumstances. On and off resonance processes as well as single and multiple photon excitations are considered. Parameters characteristic of atomic and nuclear systems are contrasted. For the nuclear systems, the small excitation cross sections resulting from the small nuclear size leads to enormous intensity requirements for the pumping of nuclear isomers.
Diagenetic Fabric and Structures in Ordovician Slope Limestones: ABSTRACT

The very thin continuous bedding characteristic of the calcareous Ordovician slope sediments from western Newfoundland and Virginia is not a primary depositional fabric but a severe diagenetic modification caused by extensive physical compaction and pervasive pressure solution. The very thin-bedded (0.1 to 0.5 cm) units commonly are only 20 to 30% carbonate, but occur in a sequence with thicker (1 to 20 cm) limestone turbidite layers. Some groups of very thin layers thicken laterally into elongate limestone lenses composed of quartzose, peloidal, and radiolarian-sponge spicule packstone to wackestone. Layers in the lenses have a primary depositional fabric. Each layer thins away from the lens by 50 to 80%, but is generally traceable for over tens of meters or from lens to lens where they are repetitive along bedding. As a layer thins away from a lens, fine carbonate is lost and peloids and most other carbonate grains are partly to completely pressure solved against more resistant grains or along fine solution seams. Radiolaria become crushed and spicules reoriented from essentially random to parallel with layering. Individual layers are commonly traceable from lens to lens with no change in amount of insoluble quar z, spicules, or other resistant grains. The thickened layers associated with limestone lenses are interpreted to be remnants of once-continuous layers that have been dramatically thinned through pervasive pressure solution. Further, there are numerous very thin layers that cannot be traced into a thicker limestone-rich zone. These layers are very similar to those which pass into thicker lenses. It is very probable that each of these layers is a remnant of a once much thicker carbonate-rich layer. End_of_Article - Last_Page 640------------
The effect of target thickness on 14.8 MeV neutron induced fission of 232Th

Abstract Targets of thorium nitrate tetrahydrate were pressed into discs of varying thickness, stacked, and irradiated with 14.8 MeV neutrons for 1–2 hr. Radiochemical analysis was performed on the dissolved samples for 99Mo and 113Ag. The ratios of the equilibrium activities of these two fission produced nuclides were calculated which indicate a peak-to-valley representation of the fission process. It was found as the sample thickness increased the ratio of the 99 Mo 113 Ag increased.Elastic scattering of the neutrons within the target materials appears to be the explanation for the observed change in the disappearance of the symmetric mode of fission of 232Th observed at the higher neutron energies. An estimation of the relative contributions of symmetric and asymmetric fission was made for the 14.8 MeV neutron induced fission of 232Th.
Permissive environment in postnatal wounds induced by adenoviral‐mediated overexpression of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 prevents scar formation

Wound healing in the mid-gestation fetus is scarless with minimal inflammation and a unique extracellular matrix. We have previously documented the relative lack of inflammatory cytokines in this environment. We demonstrate that interleukin (IL)-10 is highly expressed in mid-gestation human fetal skin but is absent in postnatal human skin. We hypothesize that overexpression of IL-10 in postnatal skin may replicate a permissive environment for scarless healing. To study the mechanism underlying this process we performed immunohistochemistry for IL-10 in human mid-gestation fetal and postnatal skin. We also determined if adenoviral-mediated overexpression of IL-10 could allow for scarless wound healing in a murine incisional wound model. Wounds were analyzed at 1-90 days postwounding for effects on scar formation, inflammatory response, and biomechanical properties. Ad-IL-10 reconstitutes a permissive environment for scarless healing as shown by reconstitution of a normal dermal reticular collagen pattern and distribution of dermal elements. Compared with controls, Ad-IL-10 treated wounds showed reduced inflammatory response and no difference in biomechanical parameters. Therefore, overexpression of IL-10 in postnatal wounds results in a permissive environment for scarless wound repair, possibly by replicating a fetal wound environment.
Long-term reliability of large ULE mirror blanks

ULETM, the titania-silica binary glass with zero expansion coefficient, is an ideal material for large telescope mirror blanks due to the unique combination of its optical, thermal and mechanical properties--together with the ease of fabrication--which help meet performance and durability requirements in a cost-effective manner. Indeed, the 8m class Subaru and Gemini telescope mirror blanks have been fabricated successfully from ULE glass and will be in full operation in the not too distant future. This paper will focus on the stringent reliability requirements which the mirror blank must meet during fabrication, transportation, installation and operation atop high mountains with extreme environmental fluctuations. In particular, the paper will present strength and fatigue data for ULE glass as a function of surface finish. Such data are critical for selecting the appropriate surface finish to ensure mechanical reliability of the mirror blank at various stages of fabrication and during transportation. The use of Weibull statistical distribution for surface flaws combined with Power Law fatigue model helps arrive at a safe stress level which should not be exceeded to ensure the mechanical reliability of the mirror blanks. The safe stress level is verified through independent static fatigue tests on ULE discs with surface finish identical to that of the mirror blank. In this manner the mechanical reliability of large ULE mirror blanks can be ascertained at extremely low failure probabilities. The successful application of reliability model to both Subaru and Gemini mirror blanks will be illustrated.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The age of the isotopic stage boundary on land and in the oceans

The boundary of the δ18O isotopic stage 4 and 5 in deep sea sediments marks the onset of a full glacial environment. Radiometric dates of Toba Tuff found in the West Pacific core RC14–37 and of the volcanics related to the Los Chocoyos Ashin the East Pacific core V19–29, as well as the dates on corals of the Barbados I terrace fix the age of the boundary at approximately 70,000 to 75,000 years ago. Comparable shifts to full glacial environments on the continents are documented in pollen bearing deposits and in the loess sequences and at the outset of the temperate Odderade interstadial and its correlatives which are dated by 14C to be between 55,000 and 60,000 yr B.P. We propose that the shift recorded in the land based sections is coeval with the δ18O45 boundary in the ocean sediments and that due to undetected contamination the 14C date of the Odderade interstadial is too young by 15,000 yr. As repeatedly underscored by leading specialists in radiocarbon dating, the 14C determinations on peats older than 50,000 yr have to be understood as minimum ages. There is no valid reason to question the general contemporaneity of the gross shifts in the volume of land-based ice inferred from the δ18O record and the climate shifts recorded on land.
Gaussian Thermal Flux model—II validation

Abstract The Gaussian Thermal Flux model was tested by sensitivity analysis and compared with observed data and existing empirical models. Results show high correlation with both other models and data, while providing the following distinct advantages over other models: the ability to account for varying amounts, types, and heights of cloud cover; the effects of surface elevation and slope; and independence from meteorological soundings.
Self-consistency and calibration of cluster number count surveys for dark energy

Cluster number counts offer sensitive probes of the dark energy if and only if the evolution of the cluster mass versus observable relation(s) is well calibrated. We investigate the potential for internal calibration by demanding consistency in the counts as a function of the observable. In the context of a constant dark energy equation of state, the known initial fluctuation amplitude expected from the cosmic microwave background, universal underlying mass function, and an idealized selection, we find that the ambiguity from the normalization of the mass-observable relationships, or an extrapolation of external mass-observable determinations from higher masses, can be largely eliminated with a sufficiently deep survey, even allowing for an arbitrary evolution. More generally, number counts as a function of both the redshift and the observable enable strong consistency tests on assumptions made in modeling the mass-observable relations and cosmology.
REDDy or not? The Effects on Indigenous Peoples in Brazil of a Global Mechanism for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation

Deforestation in the tropics accounts for one-fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions. For this reason, the preservation of remaining tropical forests is an integral component of any international climate change mitigation policy. Indigenous peoples are crucial actors for the success of such a policy given the large amount of forestland in indigenous hands, their historical and cultural role in the management of forests, and their relative success at sustainable forest stewardship.The aim of this research is to contribute to the academic literature and to the ongoing international debate over a mechanism for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD), scheduled to culminate in December 2009 at the Copenhagen Climate Conference. This article aims to answer the question: What will be the effects on indigenous peoples in Brazil of an international policy mechanism for REDD? It draws upon research conducted using a qualitative prospective policy evaluation method to describe the possible risks and opportunities to indigenous peoples and to make recommendations for improving REDD on the variables of scope, financing, and the process of negotiation and governance.Although the article concentrates on the effects of a REDD policy on indigenous peoples in Brazil given its status as a leading-edge case on this issue, it aspires to offer lessons for the other countries of the Amazon basin.
Observations of large reductions in the NO/NOy ratio near the mid-latitude tropopause and the role of heterogeneous chemistry

During the 1993 NASA Stratospheric Photochemistry, Aerosols and Dynamics Expedition (SPADE), anomalously low nitric oxide (NO) was found in a distinct sunlit layer located above the mid-latitude tropopause. The presence of a significant amount of reactive nitrogen (NO_y) in the layer implies the systematic removal of NO, which is without precedent in stratospheric in situ observations. Large increases in measured chlorine monoxide (ClO) and the hydroperoxyl radical (HO_2) also were observed in the layer. Heterogeneous reaction rate constants of chlorine nitrate (ClONO_2) with hydrogen chloride (HCl) and H_2O to form nitric acid (HNO_3) on sulfate aerosol are enhanced in the NO removal layer by local increases in H_2O and aerosol surface area. The associated conversion of NO_x (= NO + NO_2) to HNO_3 is the most likely cause of the observed low NO and NO_x/NO_y values and high ClO values.
Application of wavelet transform to synthetic aperture radar and its optical implementation

The wavelet transform is applied to signal processing of synthetic aperture radar, and techniques for determining the range, cross-range, and rotation of the target are studied. The wavelet transform was also implemented optically in the laboratory for real-time processing of the radar data.
Religiosity as a Potential Moderator of the Effects of R-rated Movies on Delinquency

Previous research suggests viewing R-rated movies is associated with delinquency (Tanski et al. 2010; Titus-Ernstoff et al. 2008), while religiosity leads to decreases in substance use (Jang and Johnson 2001; Kovacs, Piko, and Fitzpatrick 2011; Miller 1998; Regnerus 2003). However, the influences of religiosity and viewing R-rated movies have not been examined in conjunction. This article tests whether religiosity moderates the effects of R-rated movies on delinquency, results suggesting that rather than religiosity moderating the effects of R-rated movies on delinquency, viewing R-rated movies actually tempers the pro-social effects of religiosity. This finding only held true for certain types of substance abuse, and not activity-based forms of delinquency such as fighting. The results are discussed in light of their implications for the current study of the effects of religiosity on delinquency, and suggestions are made for future research on the relationship between viewing R-rated movies and delinquency.
Weak sense of direction labelings and graph embeddings

An edge-labeling @l for a directed graph G has a weak sense of direction (WSD) if there is a function f that satisfies the condition that for any node u and for any two label sequences @a and @a^' generated by non-trivial walks on G starting at u, f(@a)=f(@a^') if and only if the two walks end at the same node. The function f is referred to as a coding function of @l. The weak sense of direction number of G, WSD(G), is the smallest integer k so that G has a WSD-labeling that uses k labels. It is known that WSD(G)>=@D^+(G), where @D^+(G) is the maximum outdegree of G. Let us say that a function @t:V(G)->V(H) is an embedding from G onto H if @t demonstrates that G is isomorphic to a subgraph of H. We show that there are deep connections between WSD-labelings and graph embeddings. First, we prove that when f"H is the coding function that naturally accompanies a Cayley graph H and G has a node that can reach every other node in the graph, then G has a WSD-labeling that has f"H as a coding function if and only if G can be embedded onto H. Additionally, we show that the problem ''Given G, does G have a WSD-labeling that uses a particular coding function f?'' is NP-complete even when G and f are fairly simple. Second, when D is a distributive lattice, H(D) is its Hasse diagram and G(D) is its cover graph, then WSD(H(D))=@D^+(H(D))=d^*, where d^* is the smallest integer d so that H(D) can be embedded onto the d-dimensional mesh. Along the way, we also prove that the isometric dimension of G(D) is its diameter, and the lattice dimension of G(D) is @D^+(H(D)). Our WSD-labelings are poset-based, making use of Birkhoff's characterization of distributive lattices and Dilworth's theorem for posets.
Miniature antenna for sensor network on human head

This paper proposes a novel miniaturized antenna for sensor network with focus on placement on human head. The antenna is within the volume of 3.5×3.5×1.5 mm3. It provides directive gain in the direction outward the body.
Survey of quality, readability, and social reach of websites on osteosarcoma in adolescents.

Abstract Objective Little is known about Internet resources for adolescent patients. This study assessed the quality, readability, and social reach of websites on an illustrative adolescent cancer diagnosis, osteosarcoma. Methods The top 50 results from four queries in two search engines were screened. Quality and readability were determined using standard DISCERN tool, Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch–Kinkaid Grade. Social reach was gauged by social networking links, global website traffic, and a pilot adolescent-specificity measure. Results Of 400 websites assessed, 56 (14%) met inclusion criteria. Websites’ mean quality was fair (49.8 on 75-point scale; range 31.0–66.0, poor to excellent); 86% failed readability standards (Grade > 8); 75% offered at least one social networking link; and 34% offered site-specific social media. More than 60% received over 50,000 visits in the past month. Only 12.5% included adolescent-specific content. Of the 10 websites ranked highest for quality, only one achieved both readability targets and adolescent-specific content. Conclusions Although some patient-oriented websites on osteosarcoma are of acceptable quality, most failed readability targets, and few appeared to address adolescents. Practice implications Better awareness of Internet health resources and social media for adolescents with cancer is needed to address gaps, promote health literacy and facilitate patient–provider communication.
Analysis of cerebral hemodynamic fluctuations measured simultaneously by magnetic resonance imaging and near-infrared spectroscopy,

We measure cerebral hemodynamic fluctuations simultaneously by near-infrared spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging during functional stimulations. Our repetitive stimulation protocol includes a variety of epochs differing in duration of stimulation and relaxation periods, which allows generating hemodynamic signals highly synchronous with stimulation sequence. Our goals are to compare results of temporal analysis of hemodynamic fluctuations measured by near-infrared spectroscopy and high-speed magnetic resonance imaging, and to compare optical maps of brain activity based on the results of temporal analysis of NIRS signals with magnetic resonance images.
Models of chemotherapy drug-induced peripheral neuropathy

Neuropathy induced by chemotherapeutic drugs is a significant complication in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. The neuropathy induced by chemotherapeutic drugs is frequently painful and can require discontinuation of therapy. Several in vitro and in vivo models of chemotherapeutic drug-induced neuropathy are available. These models can be used to study potential treatments for drug-induced neuropathy and to study the mechanisms that produce this neuropathy.
Cell-cell adhesion mediated by CD8 and MHC class I molecules.

CD4 and CDS are cell-surface glycoproteins expressed on mutually exclusive subsets of peripheral T cells. T cells that express CD4 have T-cell antigen receptors that are specific for antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex class II molecules, whereas T cells that express CDS have receptors specific for antigens presented by MHC class I molecules (reviewed in ref. 1). Based on this correlation and on the observation that anti-CD4 and anti-CDS antibodies inhibit T-cell function, it has been suggested that CD4 and CDS increase the avidity of T cells for their targets by binding to MHC class II or MHC class I molecules respectively2,3. Also, CD4 and CDS may become physically associated with the T-cell antigen receptor, forming a higher-affinity complex for antigen and MHC molecules4–8, and could be involved in signal transduction5,6,9,10. Cell-cell adhesion dependent CD4 and MHC II molecules has recently been demonstrated11. To determine whether CDS can interact with MHC class I molecules in the absence of the T-cell antigen receptor, we have developed a cell-cell binding assay that measures adhesion of human B-cell lines expressing MHC class I molecules to transfected cells expressing high levels of human CDS. In this system, CDS and class I molecules mediate cell-cell adhesion, showing that CDS directly binds to MHC class I molecules.
Plasticity of crystals and interfaces: from discrete dislocations to size-dependent continuum theory

In this communication, we summarize the current advances in size-dependent continuum plasticity of crystals, specifically, the rate-independent (quasistatic) formulation, on the basis of dislocation mechanics. A particular emphasis is placed on relaxation of slip at interfaces. This unsolved problem is the current frontier of research in plasticity of crystalline materials. We outline a framework for further investigation, based on the developed theory for the bulk crystal. The bulk theory is based on the concept of geometrically necessary dislocations, specifically, on configurations where dislocations pile-up against interfaces. The average spacing of slip planes provides a characteristic length for the theory. The physical interpretation of the free energy includes the error in elastic interaction energies resulting from coarse representation of dislocation density fields. Continuum kinematics is determined by the fact that dislocation pile-ups have singular distribution, which allows us to represent the dense dislocation field at the boundary as a superdislocation, i.e., the jump in the slip filed. Associated with this jump is
Electron heating and Landau damping in intense localized electric fields

A systematic kinetic-theory treatment of the interaction of electrons and ions with intense high-frequency localized electrostatic fields is formulated. A generalization of the familiar nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation includes nonlinear Landau-damping effects which prevent soliton collapse. An analytic calculation predicts a heated-electron distribution behaving asymptotically as $\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}\frac{v}{{v}_{0}})$ (${v}_{0}=\frac{e{\mathcal{E}}_{0}}{4m{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}}$) and modulated in the region near the localized field to form streamers in phase space.
Total Parenteral Nutrition Catheter Sepsis: Impact of the Team Approach

For a period of 32 months from the inception of the Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (PEN) Team at the University of Michigan, the infection rate (IR) related to central venous catheters (CVCs) for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was prospectively evaluated. Six hundred twenty-two catheters were placed in 377 patients for a total of 9,200 patient days. The length of CVC stay ranged from 2 to 108 days with a mean of 14.5. CVC longevity was longer on units where certification of nurses by the PEN team was mandatory (mean 20.4 days, IR 3.5%) vs comparable units which utilized informal instruction (mean 14.4 days, IR 3.5%). Twenty-two catheters led to patient sepsis for a rate of 3.5%, or 2.39 CVC-related infections per 1000 patient days. The preteam infection rate was 24.0%, as determined by a 6-month prospective study. Infection rates for CVCs used for TPN only and those used for parenteral nutrition (PN) plus blood products, antibiotics, and CVP measurements were identical, 3.5%. The team approach can effectively increase PN catheter longevity and reduce infection rates. Conservative cost accounting of best and worst case scenarios determined a range of $3,700 to $8,900 per episode of catheter sepsis.
THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN ANTIBODIES, COMPLEMENT COMPONENTS, WHITE BLOOD CELLS AND CYTOKINES IN NEONATAL SEPSIS. 17

THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN ANTIBODIES, COMPLEMENT COMPONENTS, WHITE BLOOD CELLS AND CYTOKINES IN NEONATAL SEPSIS. 17
Performing electroacoustic music: a wider view of interactivity

For most electroacoustic composers, ‘interactivity’ refers to technology which responds to input from a performer. For performers, in contrast, performance may be described as ‘interactive’ on many levels: interacting with acoustic musical interfaces (their instruments), communicating with composers and audiences, mediating the data of a score, negotiating prosthetic devices (microphones, loudspeakers, pedals, sensors), and interacting with invisible chamber music partners (whether backing tracks or responsive computer programs). There has been little public discussion about these issues. This paper will therefore discuss various elements of interactivity in electroacoustic music from the performer's perspective, with the goal of promoting and facilitating satisfying collaborations for both composers and performers. Discussions of pieces for flute and electronics will demonstrate various issues in performing with electronics; describe ways in which works and systems have been designed to work effectively as chamber music; and offer insights into the process of collaboration between composers, technologists and performers.
β-Amyloid induces apoptosis in human-derived neurotypic SH-SY5Y cells

Abstract Alzheimer's disease is primarily characterized by neurofibrillary tangles, senile plaques, and neurodegeneration. The major component of senile plaques is the β-amyloid peptide (βA4), which has been shown to be toxic to neurons in vitro. To date, the mechanism of βA4-induced neurotoxicity has not been determined in human-derived neurons. In this report, we present evidence that programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is involved in the neurotypic activity of βA41–40 and βA425–35 to the human-derived neurotypic cell line SH-SY5Y cells. The evidence for βA4-induced apoptosis includes: (1) labeling of cell nuclei for DNA nicked ends; (2) morphological changes in ultrastructure that are consistent with apoptosis (shrunken cells with pyknotic nuclei); (3) DNA laddering which can be blocked by aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA), an inhibitor of apoptosis; and (4) marginal release of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an indicator of necrosis. These results suggest that apoptosis is the major event involved in βA4-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. A variety of reagents were tested to determine their activities against βA4-induced DNA laddering. Nerve growth factor and free radical scavengers were inactive in this system. While ATA blocked DNA laddering resulting from either βA4 or okadaic acid treatment, Congo red specifically attenuated only βA4-induced DNA fragmentation. These results suggest that compounds which bind fibrillar β-peptides can protect this human neurotypic cell line against apoptosis induced by βA4.
Tonic inhibition of single nucleus accumbens neurons in the rat: a predominant but not exclusive firing pattern induced by cocaine self-administration sessions.

Inhibition of nucleus accumbens neurons is hypothesized to be a mechanism that contributes to the reinforcing (addictive) effects of cocaine and other drugs. To test this hypothesis, the activity of single nucleus accumbens neurons of rats was recorded extracellularly during cocaine self-administration sessions. Fifty-eight percent of neurons were tonically inhibited during cocaine self-administration relative to predrug baseline; thirty-one percent were tonically excited. A majority of both excited and inhibited neurons showed phasic increases in firing time-locked to self-infusion. The high percentage of tonically inhibited neurons is in line with the strong inhibitory effects of cocaine and amphetamine observed in previous anesthetized and slice recording studies; however, the prevalence of inhibition, relative to excitation, was less than might have been expected on the basis of the earlier recording studies. The present results support the hypothesis that accumbal (tonic) inhibition contributes to drug taking. However, they also suggest that changes in firing that are distinct from the tonic inhibition may additionally contribute to accumbal mediation of drug taking and drug addiction. The uniform observation of predominant inhibition among the various electrophysiology studies is consistent with the heuristic value of anesthetized and slice recording methods in identifying potential neurophysiological correlates of drug taking; however, the existence of firing patterns (e.g., phasic increases) uniquely associated with self-administration behavior (and thus absent in anesthetized and slice studies), as well as the unique presence of the primary behavior of interest in studies such as the present one, underscores the importance of conducting electrophysiological investigations of drug taking and drug addiction in the self-administering animal in parallel with anesthetized and slice studies whenever possible.
Work in progress — Development of a HCI course on the Microsoft Surface

With the advent of multi-touch devices, there exist exciting new opportunities for course development in the area of Human Computer Interfacing (HCI). From the most recent set of devices, the Microsoft Surface offers a set of unique capabilities and challenges for teaching a HCI course. The natural trend of the device towards simultaneous interactions with multiple users as well as the ability to recognize physical objects via byte tags offer fascinating teaching and laboratory experiences. In this paper, we will discuss our experiences in teaching a Surface-oriented course with regards to lecture and laboratory design. We will also offer insight with respect to student performance, student feedback, comparing those aspects versus efforts with the Nintendo Wiimote with regards to programming difficulty. Finally, we will conclude with suggestions for future course refinement.
Cross language indexing and retrieval of the cypriot digital antiquities repository

We design and implement a cross-language retrieval system for the Cypriot Digital Antiquities Repository (cyDAR). Users can query either by English and Ancient Greek to search for documents written in Ancient Greek. Because of the lack of dictionary and parallel corpus, we use translation machine to translate the documents. We index both the original Ancient Greek text and translated English text to facilitated multi-language search.
Functional diversity among 5-substituted nicotine analogs; in vitro and in vivo investigations.

Abstract Two 5-substituted derivatives of nicotine (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: K i =2.4 nM) were synthesized and evaluated: 5-bromonicotine ( K i =6.9 nM) and 5-methoxynicotine ( K i =14.3 nM). Despite their high affinity, neither 5-bromonicotine nor 5-methoxynicotine mimicked nicotine in producing antinociceptive (tail-flick, hotplate), hypolocomotor, or hypothermic effects in mice. Neither agent antagonized the hypolocomotor actions of nicotine, whereas 5-methoxynicotine, but not 5-bromonicotine, antagonized the antinociceptive (tail-flick) activity of nicotine in a dose-related manner. In tests of stimulus generalization using rats trained to discriminate 0.6 mg/kg of (−)-nicotine from vehicle, 5-bromonicotine substituted for nicotine. Further evaluation of 5-bromonicotine indicated that it might be a partial agonist at α4β2 receptors (stimulation of Rb + efflux; α4β2 receptors expressed in oocytes) and at α3-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (synaptosomal dopamine release). Thus, 5-bromonicotine might be acting as a partial agonist at α4β2 receptors and/or some of its effects might be related to interactions with non-α4β2 receptors. Clearly, the effects of 5-bromonicotine and 5-methoxynicotine are different from those of nicotine, and from one another. These actions demonstrate that substitution at the 5-position of nicotine exerts a profound influence on the pharmacological profile as well as agonist/antagonist properties of nicotine.
Donation of Embryos for Human Development and Stem Cell Research

Using donated human embryos for scientific research raises ethical questions about the donation process. We describe a two-stage consent process designed to help couples make informed decisions about embryo disposition. This consent methodology minimizes conflict of interest, respects patient choice, and provides a much-needed resource to patients and the research community.
An electron microscopy study of the low temperature catalyzed steam gasification of graphite

Abstract Controlled atmosphere electron microscopy was used to directly observe the catalyzed low temperature gasification of graphite. Potassium hydroxide was used as the catalyst in the reaction between steam and graphite. Catalytic channeling of the graphite was observed in the temperature range of 500–600 °C, lower temperatures than previously reported for this mechanism using other catalysts. Kinetic studies of the potassium hydroxide-catalyzed steam-graphite reaction give a constant activation energy of 11 ± 1 Kcal/mole at temperatures of 200–600 °C suggesting that one reaction mechanism holds good throughout this range of temperatures.
Cognitive Errors, Symptom Severity, and Response to Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Older Adults With Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Objective Recent research by Wetherell et al. investigating the differential response to group-administered cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in older adults found that GAD severity, homework adherence, and psychiatric comorbidity predicted statistically significant improvement. The current study investigated whether the presence/absence of cognitive errors on separate domains of the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) predicted baseline differences in symptom severity and improvement following CBT, above and beyond already established predictors. Methods Baseline characteristics were investigated in a sample of 208 older patients diagnosed with GAD. Predictors of treatment response were examined in a subsample of 65 patients who completed CBT and were included in a prior study by Wetherell et al. of response predictors. Results Results from the baseline sample indicated that only subjects who committed an error on the MMSE Working Memory domain exhibited increased severity in anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results from the treatment sample indicated that an error on the MMSE Orientation domain was a significant predictor of outcome at 6-month follow-up, while controlling for previously established predictors. Patients who committed at least one error in this domain showed decreased response relative to patients who committed no errors. Conclusion In this sample of older adults diagnosed with GAD, poor performance on the MMSE Working Memory domain was associated with increased baseline anxiety and depression, while baseline performance differences on the MMSE Orientation domain predicted outcome six months after CBT intervention.
Monitoring fiber Bragg grating pair interferometer sensor with a modulated diode laser

A new technique of monitoring a fiber Bragg grating pair interferometer (FBGPI) sensor with a modulated diode laser is demonstrated. The sensing element includes a pair of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sections separated with a short fiber cavity, so that the reflectance spectrum is a superposition of a gradually changing reflectance envelope over a sinusoidal modulation. Modulating the drive current of a diode laser produces laser chirping to scan over ∼2.6 fringes of the FBGPI reflectance spectrum. The spectral position of the sensor is precisely determined from the phase of the scanned interference pattern. It is an absolute measurement because the fringe order numbers of the interference pattern can be determined according to the average reflectance changes. Temperature measurements are performed over the range from 24 to 367 °C with a resolution of 0.004 °C.
Optimization of Interface Transmission Between Integrated Solid Core and Optofluidic Waveguides

Optofluidic waveguides have been integrated with solid core waveguides on silicon using an antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) design. Interface transmission between solid and liquid core waveguides is one of the most important factors for overall optical throughput. The optimization of interface transmission by adjusting the thickness of top waveguide cladding layers was demonstrated experimentally and theoretically. The measured coupling efficiency increases from 18% to 67% and the overall throughput was improved 17× due to improved mode matching while liquid core waveguides maintain a low average loss coefficient.
Effect of Centrally Administered Interleukin-1 and Endotoxin on Food Intake of Fasted Rats

Received 8 July 1985 McCARTHY, D. O., M. J. KLUGER AND A. J. VANDER. lzffect of centrally administered interleukin-I and endotoxin on fired intake of fasted rats. PHYSIOL BEHAV 36(4) 745-749, 1986.--We have previously shown that interleukin-1 (IL-1), a polypeptide known to mediate many aspects of the acute phase response to infection, suppresses food intake when injected intraperitoneally into fasted rats. IL-I acts at the level of the hypothalamus to induce fever. In view of the large number of peptides that have been shown to alter food intake as well as body temperature when injected intracerebroventricularly (ICV), we hypothesized that the receptor site for the anorexigenic activity of IL-1 would be located in a central nervous site bathed by the cerebrospinal fluid. In the present study, ICV injection of IL-I or E. eoli endotoxin (a stimulus for the synthesis of IL-1), significantly elevated body temperature, but did not affect food intake of fasted rats. We conclude that receptors mediating the anorexigenic actions of IL-1 or endotoxin are not located at a central nervous site bathed by the cerebrospinal fluid. Furthermore, feverper se is not reponsible for the reduction in food intake seen following peripheral injection of IL-I or endotoxin. Fever Anorexia Naloxone HCI Interleukin- 1 Endotoxin
Morphogenetic studies of the rabbit XXXV. Comparison of the weights and linear measurements in normal and heterozygous dwarf rabbits of race X

This report presents the weights of the skeleton and 11 bones, 26 linear measurements of the bones and 17 measurements of the skull of 35 adult heterozygous (Dwdw) dwarf rabbits of race X. The female skeleton is slightly heavier but the long bones of the extremities are heavier in the males. The most varible bones are those with much cancellous bone. As percentages of total skeleton, in rabbits of the same sex, the mandible is the only bone significantly heavier in both sexes of the dwarfs. The ribs and scapula are significantly heavier in normal (dwdw) rabbits. Measurements of the bones are slightly more variable in the males. Only two of the 26 measurements are significantly longer in each sex, but as percentages of body length, 11 are significantly longer in the males and one in the females. The long bones of the extremities are generally longer and narrower in both sexes of the dwarfs. The 17 linear measurements of the skull show no significant sex differences. Six of these, as percentages of body length are greater in dwarf and none in normal females. Only two are significantly greater in dwarf males. The skull measurements are slightly larger in males and somewhat larger as percentages in the dwarfs.
Does federal funding for breastfeeding research target our national health objectives

Objective. To determine the number and dollar amount of federally funded research projects in the area of infant nutrition/breastfeeding/lactation from 1994 to 1996, and the impact of these funded projects on the achievement of our national goals for increasing the rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration. Methods. Data were obtained from the Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects database, available through the National Institutes of Health. Abstracts of funded projects were identified, printed, and subjected to content analysis. Key information identified from the abstracts included: National Institutes of Health institute, center, or division funding the project; type of extramural funding; amount of federal dollars awarded; and a classification of the project’s impact (direct, indirect, or none) on achievement of the Healthy People 2000 goals for breastfeeding. Results. The final sample consisted of 362 abstracts in the broad category of infant nutrition/breastfeeding/lactation, which were awarded approximately $40.4 million in federal research funds over the 3 years addressed in this study. Of this amount, only 13.7% ($5.6 million) was awarded to projects determined to have either a direct or indirect impact on achieving the Healthy People 2000 goals for increasing the incidence and duration of breastfeeding. A total of 27 (7.5%) funded projects in this category, reflecting $4.1 million, had no relationship to breastfeeding per se, as they involved the use of human milk composition and technologies to improve artificial milks and develop new pharmaceuticals and therapies. Conclusions. These findings suggest an incongruity between the national priorities for breastfeeding and the funding of scientific research in this content area, and provide important information for researchers and policymakers with respect to identification and redirection of funding priorities.
Interferometric Raman spectrometry with fiber waveguides

We present the design and expected performance of a Fourier-transform fiber-optic Raman spectrometer that should be capable of rapidly diagnosing environmental contamination to levels approaching a few parts per thousand. The system design is predicated on fiber arms that are unequal in length initially. A voltage applied to the piezoceramic substrate hosting the shorter fiber strains it through zero path difference to a new length that exceeds the reference arm by its initial length deficiency. This approach permits one to resolve spectral features separated by 0.5 cm-1 over an electromagnetic bandwidth that exceeds 2000 cm-1 without using a moving mirror or introducing a second laser to provide the sampling reference. Specific expressions are given for computing the spectral resolution, modulation bandwidth, and modulated signal-to-noise ratio of the device as a function of the system’s design parameters.
Synergistic suppression of noscapine and conventional chemotherapeutics on human glioblastoma cell growth

Synergistic suppression of noscapine and conventional chemotherapeutics on human glioblastoma cell growth
High Affinity Block of hERG1 Channels is Weakly Dependent on Inactivation

Block of hERG1 K+ channels by many drugs delays cardiac repolarization, prolongs QT interval and is associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia. A common finding is that high affinity binding of potent hERG channel blockers is inactivation state dependent. The most compelling evidence for this assertion is that point mutations in hERG that inhibit or eliminate inactivation gating (e.g., S620T or G628C/S631C) can reduce drug affinity by >100-fold. Here we examine the link between hERG1 inactivation and blocker affinity in more detail by characterization of concatenated tetramers containing a variable number of subunits harboring mutations that disrupt inactivation. For concatenated tetramers containing only wild-type hERG subunits (wt4) the IC50's were 0.20 µM, 0.16 µM, 0.18 µM for cisapride, MK499 and dofetilide, respectively. The presence of a single S620T subunit in a tetramer (ST1/wt3) disrupted inactivation gating (+76 mV shift in V0.5) similar to a homomeric S620T tetramer (ST4; +87 mV shift in V0.5). For ST4 channels, IC50's were 10.6 µM, 6.97 µM, 14.1 µM for cisapride, MK499 and dofetilide, respectively. In contrast, for ST1/wt3 channels the IC50's were 0.60 µM, 1.51 µM, 3.16 µM for the same three drugs. Thus, despite similar effects on inactivation, drug sensitivity of ST4 channels was significantly less than ST1/wt3 channels, indicating that the S620T mutation alters drug binding by a mechanism other than attenuation of inactivation. Unlike S620T, the double mutation G628C/S631C completely eliminates inactivation and concatenated tetramers containing either one or four G628C/S631C subunits induced the same 2.5-fold decrease of cisapride sensitivity (IC50: 0.50 µM and 0.47 µM). Together these findings indicate that preferential binding of drugs to the inactivated state of hERG channels is far less important than is commonly claimed.
Case-associative mobile robot planning system

A case associative mobile robot planning system (CAMRPS) which integrates memory organization is being developed. The purpose of the CAMRPS is to provide the robot with an environment in which it can think of planning in terms of high level tasks and synthesize such plans rapidly. At all stages of the planning process it can consult the case associative memory (CAM) to see what experience knows of similar plans. Efficient use of prior experiences is emphasized. The CAMRPS remembers and recollects all the cases on the basis of internal similarity between cases. With similarity metric, all old cases are grouped into clusters, which of the same commonality metric in the memory. New cases are self-organized into a new cluster or a pre-existing cluster according to the similarity comparison. Generally speaking, a hierarchical indexing structure on CAMRPS is constructed dynamically and extended as the system gradually accumulates new experiences. The framework of the CAMRPS, hierarchical structure of the CAM, and an illustrated example will be given in the paper.
PANCREATIC AND BILIARY TRACT DISEASE IN CHILDREN: THE BENEFIT OF ERCP

Although ERCP has become a widely used diagnostic and therapeutic modality in adults for evaluation and treatment of pancreatic and biliary tract disease, there have been few reports of this technique in children. Consequently we reviewed 40 ERCP procedures performed in 32 children and adolescents (26 F, 6 M, age 15 mos-18 yrs). General anesthesia was used in 12, sedation in 20. In the 30 patients who were successfully cannulated, abnormalities were found in 12 of 18 with suspected pancreatic disease, 4 of 7 with suspected biliary tract disease, 3 of 5 with abdominal pain, and 2 of 2 with suspected sphincter of oddi (SO) dysfunction. Findings in the 19 patients with abnormal ERCPs included pancreas divisum (3), pancreatitis (3), common bile duct abnormality (3) pseudocyst (2), biliary tract stones (2), choledochal cyst (2), SO dysfunction (2), choledochocoele (1), and sclerosing cholangitis (1). Minor complications in 6 patients included pancreatitis (3), intramural injection (2), and vomitting (1). The surgical approach was influenced in 8 patients including excision of choledochal cyst (2), drainage of pseudocyst (2), sphincteroplasty (2), excision of choledochocoele (1), and choleystectomy (1). Endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction was performed in 1 patient.