cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in nicotine substitution to a pentylenetetrazol discriminative stimulus during ethanol withdrawal in rats

Rationale: Nicotine and ethanol are frequently co-abused in men and women, but few studies compare common stimulus effects produced by these substances between males and females. Objectives: This study compared the anxiety-like behavior induced by nicotine prior to and during ethanol withdrawal in intact male, sham-operated female, and ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Methods: Using an animal model of anxiety, the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) drug-discrimination assay, rats were trained to discriminate PTZ (16 mg/kg, i.p.) from saline and were subjected to the following tests: (1) PTZ-lever selection at 12 h after termination of ethanol diet (4.5% for 10 days); (2) dose–response tests for nicotine (0.08– 1.3 mg/kg) prior to ethanol and 1.5, 6, and 7 days after ethanol withdrawal. Results: (1) During acute ethanol withdrawal (12 h), more male rats (43.4%) responded on the PTZ lever than OVX (29%) or sham female (15.3%) rats. (2) For nicotine dose–response tests, more male rats (70%) selected the PTZ lever than OVX (37.5%) or sham female (50%) rats prior to ethanol. At 1.5 days, nicotine fully generalized to the PTZ stimulus in male (100%) and OVX (90%), but only partially in sham female (50%) rats. At 6 days and 7 days after ethanol withdrawal, the PTZ-lever selection decreased, but more male rats (78%) tended to respond on a PTZ lever than OVX (63.6%) or sham female rats (62.5%). Conclusions: Acute nicotine produces anxiety-like behavior similar to that of PTZ in male and female rats, and this effect of nicotine is intensified during ethanol withdrawal in male and OVX rats, but not in sham female rats.
Surface Tension Determination with a Teflon Rod

The rod-pull method originally described by Padday4 has proven a useful technique for the determination of surface tension. However, as generally practiced, it requires that the sample wets well the bottom of the rod. A variation on this method is described in which a low surface energy substrate makes contact with the sample. A smooth-bottomed rod of Teflon is used, and the surface tension of nonwetting samples is determined by fitting an experimental force curve to a family of simulated curves. The use of a low surface energy substrate may be of some utility in the study of fragile interfacial films.
An electrocardiographic lead system for coronary artery bypass surgery

Abstract Study Objectives: To identify the optimal subset of two electrocardiographic (ECG) leads for monitoring of ischemic ST depression and elevation during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Design: Prospective observational clinical study. Setting: University hospital cardiac surgery operating room. Patients: 120 patients undergoing primary surgery or reoperation for CABG. Interventions: All six ECG limb leads and a precordial matrix of four leads were recorded intraoperatively approximately every 3 minutes. The limb leads were placed on the torso in modified Mason-Likar positions. The precordial leads were placed at V 4 , V 5 , and one interspace below them. Measurements and Main Results: New ischemic 1 mm ST depression and elevation episodes were determined. New ST deviation episodes attributed to nonischemic causes such as cooling at the onset of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), defibrillation at the end of CPB, new cardiac conduction changes after CPB, and postoperative pericarditis were excluded. Fixed ST deviation that did not change by 1 mm in the perioperative period was also excluded. Leads V 5 and III constituted the best two-lead set. These leads recorded 15 of the 16 ischemic ST elevation episodes and all 8 ischemic ST depression episodes. One ST elevation episode was not recorded intraoperatively but was recorded in lead V 1 in the immediate postoperative ECG. Leads V 5 and II recorded 13 of the 16 ischemic ST elevation episodes and all 8 ischemic ST depression episodes. Lead V 5 alone missed 8 episodes of ischemic ST elevation and one episode of ischemic ST depression. Conclusions: For monitoring of ischemia during CABG, leads V 5 and III are preferable to other two-lead sets, including the commonly used V 5 and II. No single lead is adequate. Lead V 5 alone missed approximately one half the episodes of ST elevation that were recorded by lead III or another inferior lead.
On principal eigenvalues for random evolutions

Using Large Deviation Principle of Donsker–Varadhan a variational formula is established for the principal eigenvalue of the higher order elliptic operator driven by the Brownian Motion
Neo-classical theory of competition or Adam Smith's hand as mathematized ideology

Abstract Orthodox economic theory (utility maximization, rational agents, efficient markets in equilibrium) is based on arbitrarily postulated, nonempiric notions. The disagreement between economic reality and a key feature of neo-classical economic theory was criticized empirically by Osborne. I show that the orthodox theory is internally self-inconsistent for the very reason suggested by Osborne: lack of invertibility of demand and supply as functions of price to obtain price as functions of supply and demand. The reason for the noninvertibililty arises from nonintegrable excess demand dynamics, a feature of their theory completely ignored by economists.
Calcium signaling in cultured rat oligodendrocytes

The syntax of neuronal-glial or axonal-glial interaction is frequently communicated through transient changes in internal calcium (Cai). We examined mechanisms for Cai signaling and intercellular propagation of Cai responses in cultured oligodendrocytes (OLGs) derived form adult spinal cord (SC), postnatal day 21 (P21) SC, and P21 brain. We found that (1) cultured OLGs exhibited a heterogeneous responese to norepinephrine, carbachol, ATP, histamine, and glutamate; (2) receptor-mediated Cai increases were derived from both Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release; (3) the percentage of responders to neuroligands varied as a function of cell origin; (4) cultured OLGs exhibited a thapsigargin-sensitive, but not a caffeine-sensitive, intracellular Ca2+ pool; and (5) gap junctional contacts between OLGs permitted limited intercellular propagation of mechanically stimulated Cai responses. Receptor-mediated Cai signaling appears to occur not only in cultured OLGs but also in acutely dissociated OLGs. The heterogeneity in Cai responses as a function of cell origin may reflect the existence of OLG subsets of differences in the maturation stage of OLGs. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Compositional Changes in Brewed Coffee as a Function of Brewing Time

Variations in the composition of brewed coffee as a function of brewing time were monitored using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Batches of coffee were produced using flow rates of 50-500 mL/min, which resulted in brewtimes of 4.42-31.07 min. While most components increased in concentration with longer brewing times, several showed significant losses beyond 8 min, indicating an optimum brewtime of 7-9 min.
How Parental Involvement Affects Childhood Behavioral Outcomes

National Educational and Longitudinal Study 1988 (NELS88) data were used to examine the impact of parental involvement measures on the behavioral outcomes of high-school students. Parents’ general sense of involvement with the community, as well as non-school child-helping groups, were used as instruments for whether these parents were educationally involved with their child. The instrumental variables strategy helped quantify the true effect of parental involvement on own-child behavioral outcomes. The results showed that parental involvement led to better child behavioral outcomes at the high school level, and that this effect was strengthened in the instrumental variables results.
The response of stream macroinvertebrates to substrate size and heterogeneity

Manipulations of substrate size and components of heterogeneity were designed to test their independent effects and interactions on the abundance and species richness of stream macroinvertebrates. Two components of substrate heterogeneity, variation in size class proportions and number of size classes, had no independent effect on abundance or richness; and in general did not interact with median particle size. Median particle size, stream current, and detritus accounted for most of the significant variation in macroinvertebrates colonizing the experimental substrates. Rocks with high surface heterogeneity (roughness) were colonized by more individuals (but not taxa) than rocks with low surface heterogeneity.
Drug therapy for patients with systolic heart failure after the PARADIGM-HF trial: in need of a new paradigm of LCZ696 implementation in clinical practice

Heart failure represents a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in older people and despite significant therapeutic advances, it is still characterized by important unmet needs, thus remaining a challenging field of clinical research. The recent PARADIGM-HF trial compared the novel compound LCZ696, a combination of the angiotensin receptor blocker valsartan and the neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril, versus the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril in 8,442 patients with symptomatic chronic systolic heart failure. LCZ696 led to a 20% reduction in the rate of death or hospitalization for heart failure and a 16% reduction in the rate of all-cause death compared to enalapril at 3.5 years of follow-up. Despite those impressive results, the clinical application of this novel agent that requires the substitution of a cornerstone of current heart failure therapy, the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, should follow careful steps as imposed by the study design, the recruited population and the outcome in specific patient subgroups. Further insights into the effects of LCZ696 will be provided by the ongoing PARAGON-HF trial in patients with diastolic heart failure.
The effect of maternal oxygen administration on fetal pulse oximetry during labor in fetuses with nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns.

Objective: Using fetal pulse oximetry, we sought to quantify the impact of maternal oxygen administration in the management of nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns. Study design: In fetuses with specified abnormal nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns, oxygen was administered to the mother, and fetal oxygenation was monitored with fetal pulse oximetry. After the fetal oxygen saturation on room air was recorded as a baseline, oxygen was administered to the mother for 30 minutes at 40% fraction of inspired oxygen and then 30 minutes at 100% of inspired oxygen. The average fetal oxygen saturation during the last 15 minutes of each period was calculated. Paired Student t test was used for comparison to baseline values. Results: Compared with baseline values, a significant increase in fetal oxygen saturation was identified in women who received oxygen at 40% fraction of inspired oxygen (mean increase, 4.9%; P = .001) and at 100% of inspired oxygen (mean increase, 6.5%; P = .003). Conclusion: The administration of supplemental oxygen to laboring patients with nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns increases fetal oxygen saturation substantially and significantly. Fetuses with the lowest initial oxygen saturations appear to increase the most.
One-dimensional non-quasi-static models for arbitrarily and heavily doped quasi-neutral layers in bipolar transistors

A systematic method is presented for deriving non-quasi-static equivalent-circuit models for arbitrarily doped and heavily doped quasi-neutral layers in bipolar transistors. The large-and small-signal models developed improve various aspects of the one-dimensional Gummel-Poon model for transient and frequency circuit simulation. The improvements are assessed by computer simulation and by experiment. In the simulation of high-speed or high-frequency bipolar integrated circuits, the models show advantages over the conventional Gummel-Poon model. It is shown that non-quasi-static effects are significant in the emitter as well as the base layer. The method is developed for homojunction bipolar transistors but in principle applies also to heterojunction bipolar transistors. >
Design and Synthesis of a Competent Pyrrolinone−Peptide Hybrid Ligand for the Class II Major Histocompatibility Complex Protein HLA-DR1

The design and synthesis of two pyrrolinone−peptide hybrid ligands (3 and 20) for the rheumatoid arthritis-associated class II MHC HLA-DR1 protein are described. The hybrids incorporate bispyrrolinones 4 and 21 as tetrapeptide mimics for amino acids VKQN (residues 309−312) of the virus hemagglutinin peptide HA 306−318 (PKYVKQNTLKLAT). Ligand construction employed our polypyrrolinone synthetic protocol, in conjunction with Fmoc-based solid-phase peptide synthesis. Bioaffinity studies reveal that hybrid ligand 3 bound the HLA-DR1 protein with affinity (IC50 = 137 nM) comparable to those of both the native HA 306−318 peptide (IC50 = 89 nM) and a control peptide (IC50 = 176 nM). This result demonstrates that the polypyrrolinone scaffold can be employed in the construction of bioactive peptide hybrid ligands, thus considerably expanding the scope and utility of the pyrrolinone scaffold.
An Ultra-Low Phase-Noise 20-GHz PLL Utilizing an Optoelectronic Voltage-Controlled Oscillator

This paper describes a novel phase-locked loop (PLL) architecture utilizing an optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) as a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). The OEO demonstrates excellent far-out phase-noise performance while the PLL reduces the close-in phase noise. The nonmonotonic VCO characteristics of the OEO placed stringent demands on the loop filter electronics and startup conditions. The crystal reference, prescalar, frequency synthesizer, and loop filter were all implemented with discrete high-performance components. The resulting frequency synthesizer yields a $-$ 10-dBm output at 20 GHz with phase noise of $-$ 80 dBc/Hz at 100-Hz offset, and $-$ 134 dBc/Hz at 10-kHz offset. These results are far superior to PLL synthesizers utilizing only an electronic VCO and illustrate the power of optoelectronic integration.
Image analysis in fluorescence microscopy: Bacterial dynamics as a case study

Fluorescence microscopy is the primary tool for studying complex processes inside individual living cells. Technical advances in both molecular biology and microscopy have made it possible to image cells from many genetic and environmental backgrounds. These images contain a vast amount of information, which is often hidden behind various sources of noise, convoluted with other information and stochastic in nature. Accessing the desired biological information therefore requires new tools of computational image analysis and modeling. Here, we review some of the recent advances in computational analysis of images obtained from fluorescence microscopy, focusing on bacterial systems. We emphasize techniques that are readily available to molecular and cell biologists but also point out examples where problem-specific image analyses are necessary. Thus, image analysis is not only a toolkit to be applied to new images but also an integral part of the design and implementation of a microscopy experiment.
Radical Cation Transport and Reaction in RNA/DNA Hybrid Duplexes: Effect of Global Structure on Reactivity

A series of anthraquinone-linked DNA and DNA/RNA hybrid duplexes was prepared and examined to assess the effect of global structure on long-range charge transport. Spectroscopic and chemical eviden...
Characterization of a Sarcocystis neurona isolate from a Missouri horse with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis

Abstract Little information is available about antigenic variation of Sarcocystis neurona isolated from horses with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, nor is there much information available on the specific antibody pattern to S. neurona antigens of horses from different geographic regions where S. neurona isolates have been obtained. This communication reports on the characterization of a new S. neurona isolate, SN-MU1. The isolate was obtained from a 3-year old Thoroughbred that had asymmetrical neurological signs and localized skeletal muscle atrophy. This S. neurona isolate is similar to other S. neurona isolates by molecular analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) region and a random-amplified polymorphic DNA marker, but is phenotypically distinct from the other S. neurona isolates examined. Evaluation of the antibodies from the affected horse and immunohistochemical results suggested that antigenic variation of S. neurona can result in variable antibody–antigen reactivity observed in the S. neurona immunoblot test.
Correlation of electrical impedance and temperature in tissue during freezing.

Abstract Experiments were performed correlating tissue temperature and tissue impedance in the course of freezing canine skin and palate. Tissue impedance rose gradually to high levels as the tissue froze. Tissue temperature of −26 ° to −30 °C corresponded closely to tissue impedance of 1 MΩ. Tissue impedance of 5 to 10 MΩ corresponded closely to temperatures of −40 °C and colder. These observations indicated that the measurement of tissue impedance was related to tissue temperature and suggested that either or both could be used to predict tissue destruction in cryosurgery.
Sleep transistor design in 28nm CMOS technology

Significant changes in transistor's power-performance characteristic and cross-corner variations in 28nm CMOS technology prompt the need for a new look at sleep transistor design guidelines. This paper evaluated impacts of back-bias, Vt, and gate length and width on sleep transistor design quality. Recommendations were proposed for production design considerations.
Open-plan offices: Task performance and mental workload

Open-plan offices are equipped with barriers such as panels and bookshelves to induce the perception of a private workspace. Despite perceived privacy, irrelevant speech contributes to mental workload, poor performance, stress, and fatigue. Certain dispositional variables related to sustained attention might exacerbate the effects of speech-related noise. This study used a 3 × 3 × 2 mixed factor design to determine the effects of two forms of irrelevant speech and individual differences on performance of a real-world verbal task and mental workload. The Expanded Tellegen Absorption Scale (ETAS) based upon Tellegen and Atkinson's scale was used to assess individual differences in focused attention. The NASA Task Load Index was administered to assess mental workload. Main effects of noise were found on performance and mental workload. Irrelevant speech appeared to increase false alarms and completion rates. Workload ratings were higher in the irrelevant speech conditions. Other differences found were among High and Low Task and Imaginative Absorbers, as measured by the ETAS. Recommendations to reduce the impact of irrelevant speech and future research suggestions are provided.
PHENACOCCUS WILMATTAE CKLL

On May 23, 1929 a species of Phenacoccus was found in ant's nests of the genus Lasius . Some of these were feeding on the roots of grass and were well guarded by the ants. Mature males were also found in the nest. After going carefully through the literature I find that it agrees well with the description of P. wilmattae Ckll. However, since a number of very obvious characters were omitted in the original description it will be profitable to mention them, and emphasize the outstanding differences between this species and P. stachyos Ehrhorn.
Proceedings of the 2009 Annual Meeting of the Association of Directors of Medical Student Education in Psychiatry (ADMSEP)

The 33rd Annual Meeting of the Association of Directors of Medical Student Education in Psychiatry (ADMSEP) was held June 21 to 23, 2007, in Park City, Utah. Plenary sessions, workshops, and posters covered a wide range of educational topics, including Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) issues, culture and stigma in medical education, and innovative media. Dr. Robert Eaglen, the interim secretary for the LCME, gave the keynote address: “Modern Medical Education through the LCME Lens,” which highlighted clerkship directors' responsibilities in the accreditation process such as ensuring comparability and uniform criteria for student clinical experiences, equivalent cross-site evaluations, preparing residents for their instructional roles and providing timely mid- and final clerkship feedback. Dr. Ruth Lamdan, chair of the ADMSEP Task Force on LCME ED-2, presented “Results of ED-2 Adherence in 10 Medical Schools” and discussed the challenges of uniformity in data collection and remediation strateg...
Experimental investigation of the reactive flow field around catalytic micro-wires for intermediate Reynolds-number flows

The reactive flow field around micro-wires that catalyzed combustion was probed experimentally through thermometry of the wires, particle image velocimetry measurements of the flow field, and Raman measurements of reactant depletion. It was shown that for values of Reynolds number on the order of 10, the cylindrical wires affected a portion of the flow that was substantially larger than the one they physically blocked. Deceleration of the flow was observed immediately upstream of the wire as well as development of transverse velocities, caused by a vortex-like feature that was not suppressed by the action of viscosity. In the narrow range of Reynolds numbers for which surface reaction was sustained, the effect of Reynolds number on flow structure was not as important as the one of equivalence ratio. Substantial differences were established with the flow field around inert wires that were electrically heated to a temperature similar to the one of catalytic wires. This proved that there was a chemical effect on the flow in addition to the thermal one. Initial estimates related this effect to the change of volume that occurred during surface oxidation. Reactant depletion correlated strongly with the temperature of the surface reaction, whereas reactant replenishment from the free-stream occurred faster at increasing Reynolds numbers.
The Mechanism of Breakdown of Dielectrics

In attempting to analyze various experimental data that have been obtained in researches on dielectric phenomena in high-voltage cable insulation and other dielectrics, the various existing theories of dielectric behavior have seemed inadequate. A critical study has therefore been made of these theories in an attempt to obtain a working hypothesis that more nearly meets the stringent requirements of experimental facts. The logarithmic formula is shown to give erroneous results if applied to high-voltage cables when they are operating under high stress. The gradient in a cable must be calculated from the voltampere characteristic of the dielectric when stresses above the elastic limit are used. For stresses below the elastic limit it makes no difference which method is used, but at high stresses an entirely different gradient distribution is obtained when calculated from the volt-ampere characteristic. Likewise, when an insulation is operated above the elastic limit the stress ceases to be a critical factor, but the strain is of utmost importance. In comparing cables that are operating under high voltages, therefore, the strain at the core should be considered rather than the stress at the core. Stress is given by the voltage gradient and strain by the polarization or the current density in the dielectric. Since there is always a conduction current flowing, there must be mobile or free ions present.
Response of normal canine prostate tissue to thermal therapy

The goal of this study was to evaluate post-thermal stress cell survival in canine prostatic epithelial and stromal cells. Epithelial and stromal cells isolated from canine prostate were exposed to thermal stress using a water bath. Post-thermal stress cell viability was measured by flow cytometry and analyzed using FlowJo software. An ongoing analysis also measures Heat Shock Protein expression for the same stress protocols.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Labelling of gingival and dermal mast cells with and without degranulation by 48/80.

To investigate the mode of proliferation of mast cells in non-inflamed gingiva and skin of Swiss Webster mice, single and multiple pulses of 3H-thymidine and autoradiographic procedures to detect DNA synthesis were used in conjunction with selective staining techniques. A labelling index was found indicating a rate of turnover so low that kinetic studies on normal tissue would be impractical. It was found that the histamine releaser compound 48/80 could alter mast cell populations and thus provide a suitable model in which to further examine the kinetics of mast cells. Studies of experimentally altered gingival and skin mast cells produced a pattern of mast cell labelling which suggested derivation of new mast cells by local setfreplication. Evidence was obtained that labelled mast cells observed one hour after labelling had divided to produce two daughter cells and that the rate of increase in the number of labelled mast cells following repeated pulse labelling for up to 20 days was linear and did not suggest major recruitment of mast cells from a distant source during this period.
Effects of subthalamic lesions on peripheral and central arousal thresholds in cats

Abstract Bilateral lesions of the subthalamic region of the diencephalon cause animals to become less responsive and even inattentive to sensory stimuli. To understand more about subthalamic involvement in attention and vigilance cats were implanted with electrodes in order to compare peripheral (sciatic nerve stimulation) and central (midbrain reticular formation stimulation) EEG and behavioral arousal thresholds. After making bilateral subthalamic lesions five of the six animals showed increased sciatic EEG and behavioral arousal thresholds. This increase in peripheral-arousal thresholds was not simply a reflection of increased central-arousal thresholds, as four of these five had reticular-formation EEG and behavioral arousal thresholds which were either less than or the same as before the lesions were made. The latency for EEG arousal was two to four times longer than before the lesion in some threshold trials. Durations of EEG and behavioral arousal were observed to be shorter than before lesions, which was consistent with the animals' lack of sustained attention to sensory stimuli. There also appeared to be more slow-wave EEG activity following subthalamic lesions, which was perhaps related to the animals' waxing and waning state of vigilance with increased periods of inattention and drowsiness. Gross behavioral observation indicated that the animals were hypophagic, hypokinetic, and hyporesponsive. We suggest that subthalamic involvement in problems of attention and vigilance may be related to interruption of interconnections of limbic and and neocortical areas with subcortical regions, interconnections which are important in initiating and sustaining attention to sensory stimuli.
The Low-pH Unfolded State of the C-Terminal Domain of the Ribosomal Protein L9 Contains Significant Secondary Structure in the Absence of Denaturant but Is No More Compact Than the Low-pH Urea Unfolded State†

There is considerable interest in the properties of the unfolded states of proteins, particularly unfolded states which can be populated in the absence of high concentrations of denaturants. Interest in the unfolded state ensemble reflects the fact that it is the starting point for protein folding as well as the reference state for protein stability studies and can be the starting state for pathological aggregation. The unfolded state of the C-terminal domain (residues 58−149) of the ribosomal protein L9 (CTL9) can be populated in the absence of denaturant at low pH. CTL9 is a 92-residue globular α, β protein. The low-pH unfolded state contains more secondary structure than the low-pH urea unfolded state, but it is not a molten globule. Backbone (1H, 13C, and 15N) NMR assignments as well as side chain 13Cβ and 1Hβ assignments and 15N R2 values were obtained for the pH 2.0 unfolded form of CTL9 and for the urea unfolded state at pH 2.5. Analysis of the deviations of the chemical shifts from random coil val...
Molecular dynamics simulation study of the role of evenly spaced poly(ethylene oxide) tethers on the aggregation of C60 fullerenes in water.

The aggregation behavior of C60 fullerenes and C60 fullerenes with six symmetrically tethered poly(ethylene oxide) oligomers [(PEO)-6-C60] in aqueous solutions has been studied using implicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations. Our simulations reveal that while the attraction between two (PEO)-6-C60 fullerenes in aqueous solution is stronger and longer range than that between two bare C60 fullerenes, the (PEO)-6-C60 fullerenes do not phase-separate in water but rather aggregate in chainlike clusters at concentrations where unmodified fullerenes completely phase-separate.
A Velocity Metric for Rigid-Body Planar Motion

A planar rigid-body velocity metric based on the instantaneous velocity of all particles that constitute a rigid body is developed. A measure based on the discrepancy in the translational velocity at each particle for two different planar twists is introduced. The calculation of the measure is simplified to the calculation of the product of: 1) the discrepancy in angular velocity, and 2) the average distance of the body from the instantaneous center associated with the twist discrepancy. It is shown that this measure satisfies the mathematical requirements of a metric and is physically consistent. It does not depend on either the selection of length scale or the frames used to describe the body motion. Although the metric does depend on body geometry, it can be calculated efficiently using body decomposition. An example demonstrating the application of the metric to an assembly problem is presented.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
BODY-IMAGE (HAND) AND ARITHMETIC ABILITY

Arithmetic ability (WAIS Arithmetic as highest Verbal subtest score) was significantly related to accuracy of hand (five fingers) in human figure drawings. Insignificant positive correlations existed between time to complete WAIS Object Assembly hand item (not the longest of these four items) and arithmetic ability. No relationship between Object Assembly hand accuracy and arithmetic ability was found.
Energy Systems Analyses for Ultralow Energy Communities

In an increasingly energy constrained world, the Army and its logistic support envisions a future where its energy needs are designed and fulfilled by an elegant suite of ultra low energy solution options that can be tailored for adaptation at any Army installation or forward deployed base (FOB). Presently there is no overarching power delivery-energy storage-demand architecture and methodology to accomplish this. The Army’s present and future energy requirements are a mix of ultra-low and high energy intensity command and control facilities. Garrison Commanders must also have the capability to continuously adjust their ultra low energy suite in real time, by the tailoring and optimization of energy usage to accomplish strategic mission, security, and environmental goals. To address these issues requires the development of a properly designed and executed suite of ultra low energy systems that would enable adaptable, modular, scalable building-block power and thermal energy architecture so as to accommodate a full spectrum of local mission needs, from a few clustered facilities, an installation subsection, a full installation or deployed base. Accommodating this variability in an ultra-low energy environment will require a seamless blend of building automation, utility management and control systems, and power delivery systems with the capability to offer integration of onsite power, energy storage, and energy conservation. The controlling features embodied in the integrated suite of tools, systems analyses and methodologies, must not only optimize design but also day-to-day and hour-by-hour operation. What is envisioned is developing a prototype master plan for an ultra low energy community system that has been field tested at several specific Army campuses. A workshop of leading energy scientists and engineers has been convened to define the technology required to implement this vision. This paper presents the clarified summaries of their collective deliberations, and defines a way forward for a research program capable of achieving ultra low energy applications, for installations to deployed bases.
Frames, quantification, perspectives, and negotiation in constraint networks for life-cycle engineering

Abstract In building design advisors for life-cycle engineering, it is necessary to model such entities as the artifact being designed, the components from which it is configured, and the life cycle environment in which it must be manufactured, tested and deployed. It is also necessary to enforce the mutually constraining influences that exist between the artifact, its components and the life-cycle environment. Furthermore, it is necessary to support the multiple perspectives on life-cycle design that are taken by members of the various engineering disciplines involved. We report on Galileo3, a programming language which provides frames for modeling entities; provides non-directional constraint networks for enforcing required relationships between these entities; enables the networks to be divided into different fields of view to reflect the perspectives of various engineering disciplines; and supports system-mediated negotiation between users of different perspectives in the event of incompatible decisions by these users. Features of the language are illustrated with an example program taken from the area of printed wiring board design.
Intradialytic Administration of Amphotericin B: Clinical Observations on Efficacy and Safety

ABSTRACT Background Amphotericin B is used commonly to treat fungal infections. Unfortunately, little information exists regarding the use of intravenous amphotericin B in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical course of patients receiving amphotericin B during hemodialysis (HD). Twenty-five episodes of systemic fungal infection occurring in 24 patients with ESRD treated with parenteral amphotericin B administered during HD were noted. Patients received a maintenance dose of 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg amphotericin B intravenously thrice weekly during HD sessions. Twenty-three patients received either 500 or 1000 mg of amphotericin B, whereas 1 patient with AIDS received a total of 6,500 mg. Results Intradialytic hypotension developed in 27.7% of HD sessions during treatment with amphotericin B compared with 28.8% of 20 HD sessions evaluated before initiation of amphotericin B therapy. Four patients exhibited a temperature rise greater than 38.8°C during drug infusion (1 episode per patient). Increases in heart rate and ventricular ectopy were rare. Serum potassium concentrations as well as Kt/V and urea reduction ratio did not change significantly. All patients (except the patient with AIDS) resolved their respective fungal infections. Conclusions Intradialytic administration of amphotericin B was generally well tolerated. Our observations suggest that amphotericin B is effective and safe for outpatient intradialytic therapy when administered according to protocol.
Photocatalyzed isomerization of 1-pentene by Ru3(CO)12 adsorbed onto porous Vycor glass☆

Abstract UV photolysis of Ru3(CO)12 physisorbed onto porous Vycor glass leads to the oxidative addition product (μ-H)Ru3(CO)10(μ-OSi). The latter reacts thermally with 1-pentene to form a stable adduct, HRu3(CO)10(OSi)(1-C5H10), and photolysis of the adduct results in isomerization of the alkene. HRu3(CO)10(OSi)(1-C5H10) + hv → (μ-H)Ru3(CO)10(μ-OSi) + 2-pentene As with other photoactivated hybrid systems, the cis-/trans-2-pentene product ratio changes during photolysis. Unlike the other systems, where light generates a thermal catalyst, the data gathered here indicate a photoassisted catalytic process in which photoactivation of HRu3(CO)10(OSi)(1-C5H10) leads to an excited state similar to a π-allyl complex.
Specific macromolecular binding of estradiol in the mammalian liver supernatant.

Abstract The liver supernatant of adult female rats contains proteins with a high specificity for binding radioactive estradiol and other potent estrogens. Several properties of the liver macromolecules are similar to those of the presumed estrogen receptor found in the uterus. Specific estrogen binding is also present in the liver supernatant of the rabbit and green monkey. Estrogens are known to influence liver composition and function in mammals. The estrogen binding protein observed in the mammalian liver may be an estrogen receptor.
Financial incentives for abstinence among socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals in smoking cessation treatment.

Objectives. We evaluated the effectiveness of offering adjunctive financial incentives for abstinence (contingency management [CM]) within a safety net hospital smoking cessation program.Methods. We randomized participants (n = 146) from a Dallas County, Texas, Tobacco Cessation Clinic from 2011 to 2013 to usual care (UC; cessation program; n = 71) or CM (UC + 4 weeks of financial incentives; n = 75), and followed from 1 week before the quit date through 4 weeks after the quit date. A subset (n = 128) was asked to attend a visit 12 weeks after the scheduled quit date.Results. Participants were primarily Black (62.3%) or White (28.1%) and female (57.5%). Most participants were uninsured (52.1%) and had an annual household income of less than $12 000 (55.5%). Abstinence rates were significantly higher for those assigned to CM than UC at all visits following the quit date (all Ps < .05). Point prevalence abstinence rates in the CM and UC groups were 49.3% versus 25.4% at 4 weeks after the quit date and 32.8%...
Quinoidal oligoquinoline: a novel quinodimethane exhibiting high electroluminescence efficiency and p-channel field effect charge transport

A novel tetraphenylquinodimethane based on electron-deficient 4-phenylquinoline oligomer displayed an unusually low ionization potential and was used as a p-channel semiconductor in thin-film transistors and as an emitter to achieve very bright and high efficiency green light-emitting diodes.
Direct tolerance induction in mature B lymphocytes may resemble clonal anergy phenomenon.

Several mechanisms have been postulated for direct induction of B-cell tolerance in mature B cells, such as the Bretscher and Cohn [5] hypothesis which states that an antigenic signal to B cells without the ‘second signal’ provided by T cells or lymphokines produces unresponsiveness. A second explanation is that tolerogens which cross-link immunoglobulin and Fc receptors abort the biochemical activation of the B cell via the phosphatidyl inositol pathway. Results of our studies are not consistent with either of these hypotheses. We speculated that DNP-MGG induces immunoglobulin receptor capping and internalization in mature B cells, but a suppressive signal is given to the B cell when DNP-MGG is present at the time of antigen receptor reexpression in a fashion similar to clonal anergy. The studies reported here test this hypothesis as a possible additional mechanism of direct B-cell tolerance. When pure DNP-specific B cells were incubated for 6 h with DNP-MGG in the presence of lymphokine-rich EL-4 supernatant, an immune response was induced: but 48 h preincubation with DNP-MGG in the presence of lymphokines induced tolerance. If B-cell cultures were preincubated with DNP-MGG for 6 h followed by a 24-hour incubation without conjugate and DNP-MGG was then added for the third preineubation period of 18 h (at a time when receptors are being reexpressed), tolerance was induced. Substitution of DNP-Ficoll antigen for DNP-MGG in either the first or third time period did not result in tolerance induction but substituting DNP-KLH during either of these two periods did result in tolerance.
A Study of Engagement in Neighborhood-Based Child Welfare Services:

This article reports the results of a mixed-method study that examined processes and outcomes of parent-worker engagement in child welfare. Knowledge gained from a qualitative exploration of engagement at one neighborhood-based child welfare agency informed the gathering of quantitative data from 74 different parent-worker dyads in this sequential exploratory design. Seven themes instrumental to engagement emerged: (a) clear, collaborative goal setting; (b) hopefulness; (c) parent acknowledgment of their situations; (d) motivation; (e) respect for cultural differences; (f) honest and straightforward communication; and (g) persistent and timely efforts by all. Quantitative analyses yielded little relationship between engagement and either visitation rate or case disposition by 9 months post placement. Although these data provide support for the clinical benefits of working to improve parent-worker engagement in child welfare services, they fail to provide evidence of a relationship between engagement and improved case outcomes.
Learning Object Development and Repository Design for Digital Government Instruction

As the field of e-government expands and grows, the number of academic courses, professional workshops, online courses, and continuing education opportunities in this field also increases. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field, learning and teaching content tends to be pulled from numerous paper and electronic sources. This pilot study explored the potential structure and benefits of an online repository of electronic learning objects for the field of e-government. Design research was used as a methodology to design, implement, and evaluate an online learning object repository within the context of a University e-government course. The pilot project is described, qualitative evaluation findings reported, and implications and future research directions are presented.
Woodrow Wilson, Alliances, and the League of Nations

People in the United States and other countries, if they know anything about Woodrow Wilson, identify this American president with the League of Nations. They regard his role in its creation as his major contribution to world history. Beyond this general consensus, however, there is considerable disagreement.
Down syndrome and associated congenital malformations

Congenital malformations are many times more common in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) than in the general population. The scope of these defects is as broad in DS as it is in the general population. A positive correlation exists between the prevalence of these defects in both groups, but the incidence of each is many times greater in DS. Two examples, Brushfield spots and anorectal abnormalities are noted in which racial/ethnic prevalence differences exist. The incidence of each condition in the subpopulation with DS is proportional to but many times greater than the incidence of that condition in the general population from which the subpopulation with DS was derived. Findings presented in this review support the notion that the autosomal trisomic state amplifies expression of exposure to teratogens.
Development of gemculocortical projections to visual cortex in rat: Evidence for early lngrowth and synaptogenesis

Anterograde movement of Dil and transneuronal transport of wheat germ aghitinin-horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) were used to study the temporal and laminar patterns of ingrowth of the geniculocortical projection to visual cortex in fetal and postnatal rats. The development of this projection was compared to patterns of migration and settling of L HJ-thymidine-labeie neurons destined for cortical layer IV, and to geniculocortical synapse formation. Dil-labeied geniculocortical axons were found in the intermediate zone beneath the lateral cerebral mantle at embryonic day (E) 17 and in the subplate layer underlying visual cortex by EIS. On E 19 they appeared to accumulate and grow radially into an expanding subplate layer and into the deep part ofdeveloping cortical layer VI. By postnatal day (P)0, Dil or WGA-HRP-labeled geniculocortical axons were found in developing cortical layers VI and V. By P l, they invaded the deep portion ofthe cell-dense cortical plate, where they were in position to make initial contact with neurons that would later form layer IV. A few xons traversed the cortical plate to reach the marginal zone. Layer IV became an identifiable layer on P2, and s clear projection to layer IV was evident by P3. These results suggest that geniculocortical afferents grow continuously from the intermediate zone, initially into an expanding subplatt layer and then sequentially into each of the developing cortical layers without evidence of “waiting”. Electron microscopic data suggest that geniculocortical axons begin to form immature synapses with dendrites and neuronal perikaryas they first encounter cortical neurons, first in the subplate layer and then in developing layers VI, V and marginal zone, in addition to the primary target layer IV. The precise targetmg and overall temporal and laminar patterns of ingrowth and synaptogenesis suggest that geniculocortical axons are directed to the visual cortex by guidance cues within the internal capsule and subplate. Further, they reach the occipital pole early enough to influence the specification and histogenesis of cortical area 17, perhaps by exerting an influence on the deep-to-superficial “wave” of neuronal differentiation in sequentially developing subplate and cortical layers VI, V and IV. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Behavioral Economics and Fundamental Tax Reform

The most common use of the insights of behavioral economics in the cause of fundamental tax reform has been to argue for the employment of ad hoc tax-favored savings vehicles - such as individual retirement accounts (IRAs), medical, and educational savings accounts, and so on - within an income-tax framework. There is no reason under a rational life-cycle model of individual savings behavior why these ad hoc vehicles should work, to increase savings on the micro (individual) or macro (collective social) levels, whether they follow the postpaid approach of traditional IRAs or the prepaid approach of Roth IRAs. Prepaid accounts generate a windfall gain to existing savers, and offer no cash-flow relief for current non-savers to help them save. Postpaid accounts can be easily arbitraged by borrowing, or dissaving. Proponents of these plans thus point to lessons from behavioral economics, arguing that myopic individuals who use mental accounts might be led to save by the special vehicles. This essay takes exception to this standard view. It argues that this view of matters misconceives basic principles of behavioral economics, using ad hoc findings in an ad hoc fashion to justify ad hoc, incremental reform. Best understood, behavioral economics suggests that ad hoc tax favored plans will not work. This counter-theory is supported by the data, which show, broadly, decades of ad hoc tax-favored vehicles within the Internal Revenue Code, with more apparently on the way, matched by convincing evidence of little or no savings by most Americans, and little savings in the aggregate. The essay concludes by suggesting that a happier, more stable marriage of behavioral economics and fundamental tax reform suggests fundamental, not incremental, reform of the tax system.