cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suprachiasmatic nucleus organization

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus is a dominant circadian pacemaker in the mammalian brain controlling the rest-activity cycle and a series of physiological and endocrine functions to provide a foundation for the successful elaboration of adaptive sleep and waking behavior. The SCN is anatomically and functionally organized into two subdivisions: (1) a core that lies adjacent to the optic chiasm, comprises predominantly neurons producing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) or gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) colocalized with GABA and receives dense visual and midbrain raphe afferents, and (2) a shell that surrounds the core, contains a large population of arginine vasopressin (AVP)-producing neurons in its dorsomedial portion, and a smaller population of calretinin (CAR)-producing neurons dorsally and laterally, colocalized with GABA, and receives input from non-visual cortical and subcortical regions. In this paper, we present a detailed quantitative analysis of the organization of the SCN core and shell in the rat and place this in the context of the functional significance of the subdivisions in the circadian control of regulatory systems.
Tuberculin-Active Carbohydrate That Induces Inhibition of Macrophage Migration but not Lymphocyte Transformation

A tuberculin carbohydrate fraction, GAE, in sensitized animals induced a delayed type of skin reactivity and inhibited the migration of macrophages but failed to stimulate lymphocyte transformation in vitro. Tuberculin protein-containing fractions were active in each test. These results show that in vitro lymphocyte transformation is not necessarily a corollary of delayed type hypersensitivity.
Techniques for Repairing Posterior Leaflet Prolapse of the Mitral Valve

Posterior leaflet prolapse is the most common lesion seen in degenerative mitral valve disease. The spectrum of degenerativediseasecanrangefromisolatedchordalrupture/ elongation of a posterior leaflet scallop (usually the P2 segment)withminimalleaflettissuetocomplexBarlow’sdisease with bileaflet prolapse and giant excess tissue and annular dilation. 1 In between these 2 ends of the spectrum lies forme fruste, which is similar to Barlow’s disease but exhibits less tissue and a smaller annular diameter. There are a number of approaches to repairing posterior leaflet prolapse including resectional and nonresectional techniques. We employ a lesion-specific approach with the aim of returning the valve to itsnormalanatomicalshape. 2 Hereweillustrate3approaches to repairing posterior leaflet prolapse in 3 different forms of degenerative disease. All these techniques can be done via a small incision (8-10 cm) full-sternotomy approach (Fig. 1).
A gendered analysis of violence, justice and citizenship: Kurdish women facing war and displacement in Turkey

Synopsis This article examines the impact of armed conflict on Kurdish women in southeastern Turkey. I conceptualize women's agency in relation to their political consciousness and capability to seek justice in legal, political, socio-economic, and cultural terms. I argue that Kurdish women's agency stems from several phenomena: their experiences with the war, displacement, and the city; their politicization as a result of their peculiar relationship with the Turkish state, based on mutual suspicion and fear; and their propinquity with the Kurdish ethno-nationalist political organization through ethnic propaganda and mobilization. I further point out the complications involved in women's resocialization and politicization in ethnicized terms, questioning the possibility for turning an ethnically-assertive and exclusive form of women's agency into an emancipatory, inclusive, democratic force.
Diamond Turning of Optics

Recent developments in diamond turning of optics are reviewed. Improved surface figure and surface finish have been achieved as well as metrology of the machined part. Reflectivities of diamond turned metals at various wavelengths are summarized. Application of diamond turned optics include laser resonator mirrors, x-ray microscopes, x-ray telescopes, missile optics, and scanner mirrors. The technology looks especially promising for present infrared requirements since both reflective, refractive, and transmittive components can be fabricated. Diamond turning of optics can be defined as the use of a diamond tool on a precision lathe under very precisely controlled machine and environmental conditions to fabricate a finished optical component. The specific application of precision machining principles to diamond turning has been led by the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory (LLL), Livermore, California and Union Carbide Y-12 Plant (Y-12), Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
A double blind, placebo‐controlled pilot study of galantamine augmentation of antidepressant treatment in older adults with major depression

Objective Depression in older adults is often associated with cognitive abnormalities and may predict later development of a primary cognitive disorder. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of galantamine augmentation of antidepressant treatment for depressive and cognitive symptoms in older adults with major depression. Methods Thirty-eight, non-demented older adults (age >50) with major depression were randomized to receive galantamine or placebo augmentation of standard antidepressant pharmacotherapy (venlafaxine XR or citalopram). Mood and cognitive status were monitored for 24 weeks using the 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. Results Both groups showed significant improvements in mood and cognition over 24 weeks, but no significant difference was found in change over time between groups. An exploratory post-hoc analysis suggested that patients randomized to galantamine had lower depression scores compared to patients in the placebo group after 2 weeks of treatment. Dropout was high with more subjects randomized to antidepressant plus galantamine withdrawing early from the study. Conclusions This pilot study failed to demonstrate a benefit for galantamine augmentation of antidepressant medication in the treatment of depression in older adults. Future studies should explore strategies for reducing dropout in such longitudinal trials and more carefully assess time to response with cholinesterase inhibitor augmentation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Road closure to mitigate avalanche danger: a case study for Little Cottonwood Canyon

Abstract Avalanche forecasters make decisions to close the Little Cottonwood Canyon Highway to vehicular traffic in the case of avalanche danger. A statistical model improves forecasting performance. Conditions do not vary simply by day as implied in the statistical model, but the development of the snowpack varies substantially among seasons. There are persistent features of a snowpack which affect avalanche danger within each season. Forecasters' performance also varies substantially over seasons. This paper attempts to incorporate this feature into an operational method to develop seasonal weights to combine data and expert opinion.
Theoretical models of choice and strategy behavior: Stable state behavior in the two-choice uncertain outcome situation

A theoretical approach to the understanding of human behavior in uncertain outcome situations is suggested, an approach which draws upon utility theory, decision-making theory, and statistical association theory. Experimental evidence supporting this approach as opposed to alternative approaches is summarized. Three different formalizations are presented, and a variety of experimental tests is suggested.
Knowledge, Perception and Memory

I. Introduction.- II. The General Conditions of Knowledge: Truth and Confience.- III. The General Conditions of Knowledge: Justification.- IV. The General Conditions of Knowledge: External Conclusiveness.- V. Perceptual Facts.- VI. Perceptual Knowledge.- VII. Memory Knowledge.- VIII. When and Why to Trust One's Senses and Memory.- Index of Names.- Index of Subjects.
Initial and Ongoing Mystery Shopper Motivations: An Empirical Investigation By Experience Level and an Application of the Theory of Motivational Crowding

Mystery shopping has become an accepted method of performance measurement in many industries. This study contributes to the mystery shopping research stream by empirically testing the initial and ongoing motivations of mystery shoppers. Simultaneously, the study also examines whether the theory of motivational crowding is applicable to the mystery shopping industry. Motivations, analyzed with a mixed between–within split plot analysis of variance mostly affirmed the psychoeconomic theory of motivation crowding in the mystery shopping industry. Practical implications of the results indicate a need for optimization of compensation in mystery shopping and a need to analyze mystery shoppers based on experience level to further insure validity of mystery shopping reports.
Effects of urine testing frequency on outcome in a methadone take-home contingency program

We examined the effects of urine testing frequency on treatment outcome in a contingent methadone take-home program. Study patients who submitted<80% opiate and/or cocaine positive urines during a 5-week baseline received 60 mg methadone throughout the study, submitted urine samples on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and were randomized into one of three take-home incentive conditions. Study patients could receive three take-home doses per week if one urine sample randomly selected each week (Weekly; n=16) or each month (Monthly; n=18) was negative for opiates and cocaine. Take-homes for Random Drawing control patients (n=19) were determined weekly independent of urine test results. Subjects in the Weekly group showed an immediate increase from baseline in percentage of drug-free urines; those in the Monthly group showed a gradual increase over the first 3 months; and those in Random Drawings showed a decline in percentage of drug-free urines over time. The percentage of patients with sustained (8 or more weeks) opiate and cocaine abstinence was 56.6, 38.9 and 10.5% for Weekly, Monthly and Random Drawing groups, respectively (P<0.002). These results confirm that methadone take-homes contingent on drug-free urines prevent a decline in treatment performance over time and suggest that abstinence can be sustained with urine testing conducted as infrequently as once a month.
THE EFFECT OF ETHANOL ANESTHESIA ON THE ACCUMULATION OF 3H‐LYSINE INTO DIFFERENT BRAIN REGIONS, PLASMA, MUSCLE AND LIVER IN THE RAT*

The effect of ethanol anesthesia on the accumulation of 3H-lysine into different brain regions, plasma, skeletal muscle and liver was studied, as well as the accumulation of 3H-lysine into TCA-precipitable protein of brain, plasma, muscle and liver. A significant decrease in the accumulation of lysine in the cerebral white, hypothalamus and cerebellum as well as into brain proteins was shown to occur two hours after the injection of the amino acid. Further, uptake of 3H-lysine relative to plasma levels was shown to be depressed in all tissues in anesthetized rats. The pattern of accumulation of 3H-lysine in the brains of unanesthetized rats showed a peak accumulation two hours after injection of the labeled amino acid followed by a decrease. By comparison, the pattern of uptake in the ethanol-anesthetized rats was such that it continued to occur throughout the three hour period of the experiment without attaining a point of maximal accumulation. This suggests that there was a decreased turnover rate of brain proteins in the ethanol treated rats. Plasma levels of 3H-lysine were significantly higher in the ethanol-anesthetized rats as compared to the unanesthetized ones. Accumulation of 3H-lysine was unchanged in liver and decreased in muscle proteins.
Strategic action generation: A comparison of emphasis placed on generic competitive methods by U.S. And Japanese managers

The paper identifies similarities and differences in the emphases and patterns that U.S. and Japanese managers attribute to a set of 22 generic competitive methods. It highlights the different ways that Japanese and American managers combine these methods to form general business strategies. Using factor analyses and smallest space analyses, the study shows differences in business strategy patterns between managers in Japan and the U.S. Such differences reflect the organizing principles underlying the strategy approaches in U.S. and Japanese firms. The organizing principle underlying U.S. responses is the desire to find way to differentiate a firm from its competitors. In contrast, the organizing principle underlying Japanese responses is a desire to establish a comprehensive, stable and defensible position. The paper discusses the implications of these results for strategic management and suggests directions for future U.S. and Japanese comparative strategy research.
Diurnal/semidiurnal oceanic tidal angular momentum: Topex/Poseidon Models in comparison with Earth's rotation rate

The oceanic tidal angular momentum (OTAM) has been demonstrated to be the primary cause for the diurnal and semidiurnal variations in the Earth's rotational rate, or AUT1. Three ocean tide models derived from the Topex/Poseidon altimetry mission are employed to yield predictions of AUT1 for eight major diurnal/semidiurnal fides. The predictions are compared with geodetic determinations of AUT1 from the very- long-baseline interferometry data both for long-term observations and during intensive campaigns. The agreement is good, with discrepancies typically within 2-3 gs. Systematic discrepancies observed for the well-determined M 2 tide clearly reveal the contribution of the Earth's spin libration.
cAMP-controlled gene expression in Dictyostelium mutants exhibiting abnormal patterns of developmental cAMP metabolism

Abstract We have previously described the developmental regulation of the M4-1 gene in Dictyostelium. M4-1 is expressed in undifferentiated, vegetative cells but is repressed after the establishment of the cAMP signal and relay system. We have suggested that regulation is dependent upon the establishment of intracellular cAMP signaling. We have now extended these studies of M4-1 developmentally regulated gene expression to a series of mutants that exhibit abnormal patterns of cAMP metabolism. These include cAMP signal deficient mutants and mutants which accumulate abnormally high or low levels of intracellular and/or extracellular cAMP. Mutant cells able to establish aggregates in the absence of normal cAMP signaling are unable to repress M4-1 expression. Rather these cells continue to express M4-1 at vegetative levels. In another mutant which displays precocious cAMP signaling, repression of M4-1 occurs more rapidly than is normal. A third mutant, with decreased signaling activity, exhibits delayed repression of M4-1 expression. Taken in conjunction with our previous results, these data suggest an intimate association between M4-1 gene regulation and changes in intracellular cAMP levels and that certain genes in Dictyostelium may be regulated by a cAMP-dependent mechanism which is common to other eukaryotes.
The effect of nonesterified fatty acids and progesterone on bupivacaine protein binding

We examined the influence of elevations in levels of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and progesterone concentrations on bupivacaine protein binding. The addition of NEFAs to isolated binding proteins of bupivacaine (alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and serum albumin) resulted in an increased binding to alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and an inconsistent decrease in binding to serum albumin. The NEFA alteration in the binding of bupivacaine to isolated proteins, however, only restored the isolated protein binding to normal whole serum levels. An elevated progesterone concentration in whole serum did not alter the binding of bupivacaine. It appears from our results that increases in either NEFA or progesterone concentrations do not account for the observed decrease in bupivacaine protein binding in the term parturient.
Mining of Parsed Data to Derive Deverbal Argument Structure

The availability of large parsed corpora and improved computing resources now make it possible to extract vast amounts of lexical data. We describe the process of extracting structured data and several methods of deriving argument structure mappings for deverbal nouns that significantly improves upon non-lexicalized rule-based methods. For a typical model, the F-measure of performance improves from a baseline of about 0.72 to 0.81.
Triangulation-based path planning for patrolling by a mobile robot

This paper addresses a systematic coverage planning with a circular sensor mobile robot, having kinematic and dynamic constraints. The static or dynamic objects in the area of interest are also assumed to be circular. Our approach, unlike existing approaches published in literature, allows local and global coverage optimization analytically, in terms of minimal distance-path or energy consumptions [1-9]. Our approach follows six steps. First, given an arbitrary number of statically circular objects in an area of interest, apply the Delaunay Triangulation Method. Second, find the minimum number of visible polygon in each triangle, face, or triangulated-face found in Step One. Third, apply the Novel Circular Waypoint Coverage Placement Algorithm (CWCP) to find the minimum number of waypoints in each face. Fourth, generate a tour by applying the nearest neighbor Traveling Salesman's algorithm (TSP) to link the waypoints found in Step 3. Fifth, apply cublic Spline interpolation to make the tour continuous and differentiable. Sixth, apply the Trajectory Planning Technique to steer the mobile robot from a given arbitrary position and orientation to the desired position and orientation, the waypoints found in Step Three.
Natriuretic peptide-induced catecholamine release from cardiac sympathetic neurons: inhibition by histamine H3- and H4-receptor activation

We reported previously that natriuretic peptides, including brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), promote norepinephrine release from cardiac sympathetic nerves and dopamine release from differentiated pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. These proexocytotic effects are mediated by an increase in intracellular calcium secondary to cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) activation caused by a protein kinase G (PKG)-mediated inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 3 (PDE3). The purpose of the present study was to search for novel means to prevent the proadrenergic effects of natriuretic peptides. For this, we focused our attention on neuronal inhibitory Gαi/o-coupled histamine H3 and H4 receptors. Our findings show that activation of neuronal H3 and H4 receptors inhibits the release of catecholamines elicited by BNP in cardiac synaptosomes and differentiated PC12 cells. This effect results from a decrease in intracellular Ca2+ due to reduced intracellular cAMP/PKA activity, caused by H3 and H4 receptor-mediated PKG inhibition and consequent PDE3-induced increase in cAMP metabolism. Indeed, selective H3 and H4 receptor agonists each synergized with a PKG inhibitor and a PDE3 activator in attenuating BNP-induced norepinephrine release from cardiac sympathetic nerve endings. This indicates that PKG inhibition and PDE3 stimulation are pivotal for the H3 and H4 receptor-mediated attenuation of BNP-induced catecholamine release. Cardiac sympathetic overstimulation is characteristic of advanced heart failure, which was recently found not to be improved by the administration of recombinant BNP (nesiritide), despite the predicated beneficial effects of natriuretic peptides. Because excessive catecholamine release is likely to offset the desirable effects of natriuretic peptides, our findings suggest novel means to alleviate their adverse effects and improve their therapeutic potential.
Part five: Do organizations learn?. Of course organizations learn!

Moving from the psychological literature that identifies a group psychology or mental state to the organizational literature that defines the collective nature of organizations, this chapter develops a model of learning at the organizational level.
Strength modification of carbon/epoxy prepregs by electrical stimulation

Abstract Increases in the specific strength of composites have been a key to their use in an ever widening variety of application areas. These strength increases have been accomplished by improving the fibre manufacturing methods, controlling the matrix materials, and improving the bond between fibres and matrices. The realization of higher strengths is especially important in applications where the environment surrounding the composite could cause a decrease in the strength. This research explored how electrification of fibres effects the tensile strength of a composite. The fibres were stimulated during and after cure at various current densities and for various durations. Two effects were seen: at high currents and moderate duration following cure (4 amps for 10 min or 6 amps for 2 min), the tensile strength decreased; and in the low current range when done during the cure (0.16 amps), a tensile strength increase was seen. That increase was small (6%) but statistically significant.
Mineral Distribution and Weathering in the Greater Everglades: Implications for Restoration

The Greater Everglades encompasses two regions of mineralogical contrast—the Lake Okeechobee Basin (LOB) and the region south of the lake that includes the Everglades and Florida Bay. Lake Okeechobee is a transition zone with mineralogical similarities to both regions. Weathering in the LOB is mainly unidirectional and flow driven, whereas in the Everglades it tends to be cyclical and driven by diurnal and seasonal biogeochemical gradients. LOB soils formed in quartz-dominated marine sediments of various ages under diverse landscape, hydrology, vegetation, and weathering intensities. Calcite and quartz are dominant south of the lake, with quartz diminishing southward. Secondary calcite forms via algal photosynthesis to become a major constituent of marl soils and periphyton. Phosphorus immobilized via periphyton formation is mainly in microbial biomass, but calcite is essential to the process. Minerals of lesser abundance can have disproportionate ecological influence. These include phyllosilicates, oxide...
A NUMERICAL PROCEDURE FOR SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS IN GEOMETRIC PROGRAMMING

Abstract This paper presents a development of sensitivity analysis (post optimal) for non-linear optimization problems. The basis for this development is the optimization technique known as geometric programming. Efficient procedures are developed which relate changes in the coefficients to the new design variables. The procedure is used to analyze the design of a condenser.
Preliminary Field Evaluation of a Nonintrusion Virus for Control of the Citrus Red Mite

A 2-year field evaluation was conducted to determine the practical value of a noninclusion virus for biological control of the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor). Infection was transmitted to field populations by spray application of virus suspensions and by introduction of laboratory-inoculated mites onto infested citrus foliage. Occurrence of epizootics in nature was established for the first time and population reductions were correlated with treatment. Populations remained at low levels for more than 1 year when treatments were applied at about 6-week intervals. Differences between methods of treatment or between treated and untreated plots were not established, apparently because of insufficient plot separation. Interplot movement of diseased mites was suspected of masking possible plot differences.
Solar cycle effects upon the relationship of Ne and Te in the F-region

Data from the Atmospheric Explorer-C recorded during the rise in solar activity from 1975 to 1978, and Dynamic Explorer-2 data recorded at solar maximum are used to examine how the relation between electron temperature and density in the F-region of the ionosphere is altered by solar activity. It is found that the solar maximum temperature Te is a factor of two larger than the solar minimum Te for the same values of electron density. Temperature does not necessarily increase in response to solar activity because electron density increases enough to approximately cancel the effect of higher solar extreme ultraviolet heating. The effect of solar activity is accounted for by a simple function of the F (10.7 cm) index which multiplies the solar minimum equation from a previous study (Brace and Theis, 1978).
Common carotid artery peak systolic velocity ratio predicts high-grade common carotid stenosis.

Objective Screening for common carotid artery (CCA) stenosis with duplex ultrasound (DUS) velocity criteria alone can be limited by within-patient and between-patients hemodynamic variability. This study aimed to evaluate inter-CCA velocity ratio criteria to predict high-grade CCA stenosis. Methods This was a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent computed tomography angiography and DUS peak systolic velocity (PSV) measurements of bilateral CCAs, independently recorded, between 2008 and 2014. Patients with dampened CCA waveforms on DUS composed group B. The remainder without dampened waveforms constituted group A. Inter-CCA PSV ratios were calculated by dividing the higher CCA PSV by the lower one of the other side, so the ratios would always be ≥1. Ratios were subsequently paired with each respective unilateral CCA diameter stenosis and differential bilateral CCA diameter stenosis. A quadratic regression model was fitted to predict unilateral and differential stenosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine optimal ratios for ≥50% and ≥80% CCA stenosis. The study excluded patients with carotid artery occlusion. Results From a total of 201 patients, 193 patients were included in group A and 8 in group B. Within group A, 31 patients had ≥50% unilateral stenosis and 17 had ≥50% differential stenosis. All stenoses ≥50% were identified on the same side with the higher PSV. Inter-CCA PSV ratio predicted ≥50% unilateral ( r 2 = 0.536; P r 2 = 0.581; P r 2 = 0.596; P = .1). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed an optimal threshold CCA ratio ≥2.16 for ≥50% unilateral stenosis with 92% accuracy, 62% sensitivity, and 98% specificity (area under curve = 0.854; 95% confidence interval, 0.759-0.948) and a ratio ≥2.62 for ≥50% differential stenosis with 97% accuracy, 83% sensitivity, and 98% specificity (area under curve = 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.835-1). Conclusions DUS-based CCA PSV ratio can accurately predict unilateral and differential high-grade CCA stenosis. Also, in patients with unilateral dampened waveforms, it implied contralateral severe proximal stenosis. This parameter should be further validated in prospective studies and may serve as an adjunct screening tool to detect high-grade CCA stenosis.
Suicide in middle age and later life: sex and race specific life table and cohort analyses.

Cross-temporal data on suicide for the period 1962 to 1981 from the [U.S.] National Center for Health Statistics were analyzed. These data were used to estimate period and cohort suicide rates for the four middle-aged and elderly groups (ages 45 to 64 65 to 74 75 to 84 and 85 and older) by sex and race. Statistical procedures included multiple decrement life table analyses and cause elimination life table analyses for each year 1968 to 1981. Results from an age period cohort analysis of cohort trends 1962 to 1981 also were presented. The analysis showed that suicide continues to be a serious problem in later life especially among the oldest-old (those aged 85 and over) and among nonwhite males. It also showed important differences in cohort risks that may strongly affect future suicide risks among elderly adults. (EXCERPT)
Skeletal Resistance to Endogenous Parathyroid Hormone in Patients with Early Renal Failure. A Possible Cause for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Studies were carried out to evaluate whether skeletal resistance to acute increments in endogenous parathyroid hormone exists in patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency. Hypocalcemia was induced with the infusion of ethylenediamine-tetra-acetate (EDTA) in 10 normal subjects and 13 patients with mild renal failure. After the induction of hypocalcemia, the concentration of serum calcium increased gradually and reached preinfusion levels by 22 h in the normal subjects; in contrast, the levels of serum calcium in patients with mild renal insufficiency were significantly lower than the preinfusion values even at the end of 26 h following the EDTA infusion. This delayed recovery occurred despite significantly higher levels of serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (IPTH) in the patients than in the normal subjects. The increase in the levels of IPTH reflect elevations in the concentrations of biologically active hormone since urinary cyclic AMP increased significantly. Urinary calcium excretion fol...
Adenosine A2aReceptors Increase Arterial Endothelial Cell Nitric Oxide

Abstract Background. Adenosine is a potent vasodilator of vascular smooth muscle. Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) elicits vasodilation. We have previously reported that adenosine stimulates the production of NO from porcine carotid arterial endothelial cells (PCAEC) via a receptor-mediated mechanism. This study was to determine whether adenosine also enhances NO production from human arterial endothelium and to define the involvement of adenosine A 1 and A 2 receptors. Materials and methods. Human iliac arterial endothelial cells (HIAEC) and PCAEC were harvested and cultured in dishes. NO production was evaluated with a NO electrode sensor which measured continuously real-time NO production. Results. NO content of the medium bathing HIAEC and PCAEC was significantly increased with adenosine (100 μmol/L). Ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), a nonselective adenosine receptor agonist, and carboxyethyl-phenethylamino-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS-21680), a selective adenosine A 2a receptor agonist, increased NO production by HIAEC and PCAEC with respective EC 50 values of 3.32 and 6.96 nmol/L for NECA and 30.97 and 29.47 nmol/L for CGS-21680. Chlorofuryl-triazolo-quinazolinamine (CGS-15943; 1 μmol/L), an adenosine A 1 and A 2 receptor antagonist, and aminofuryltriazolotriazinyl-aminoethylphenol (ZM-241385; 1 μmol/L), a selective adenosine A 2a receptor antagonist, inhibited the effect of CGS-21680. Chlorocyclopentyl-adenosine (CCPA; 1 μmol/L), an adenosine A 1 receptor agonist, significantly depressed NO production by both HIAEC and PCAEC. This effect was inhibited by cyclopentyl-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), a selective adenosine A 1 receptor antagonist. Conclusions. The results demonstrate that adenosine A 2a receptors increase, and adenosine A 1 receptors decrease, the production of NO by human and porcine arterial endothelial cells.
Persuading Teachers to Reexamine the Innovative Elementary Science Programs of Yesterday: The Effect of Anecdotal Versus Data-Summary Communications.

Two anecdotal and two data-summary communications were prepared to test the effect of the communications on preservice teachers' attitudes toward supplementing traditional, textbook-based science programs with either SAPA or SCIS. The results of the investigation in which the communications were used indicate that communications of an anecdotal nature were more effective than data-summary communications in changing the attitudes of preservice elementary teachers. Also, attitudes changed by anecdotal communications were found to be less susceptible to dissipation than those changed by data-summary communications.
Getting wired: Exploiting the internet for the collection of valid sexuality data

This paper explores the use of the Internet as a data collection method for sexuality research. Benefits, such as larger, more representative samples, and risks to validity, such as lying and sabot...
NONITERATIVE ESTIMATION FOR THE MULTIPLE BATTERY FACTOR ANALYSIS MODEL

Noniterative methods for estimating the block diagonal unique variance matrix in multiple battery factor analysis are provided. A partitioning of the covariance matrix is employed and inter-battery and factor extension procedures are applied in a stagewise manner. The resulting methods involve the computation of a conditional inverse of a nondiagonal block of the covariance matrix. An example is provided.
Neuroactive steroid 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one modulates ethanol-induced loss of righting reflex in rats

Systemic ethanol administration elevates plasma and brain levels of GABAergic neuroactive steroids, including 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one (3α,5α-THP) that contribute to specific behavioral actions of ethanol. The present study determined the effect of adrenalectomy and 5α-reductase type-1/type-2 enzyme inhibition, known to reduce neuroactive steroids, on ethanol-induced increases in cerebral cortical levels of 3α,5α-THP and hypnotic effects in male rats. Systemic ethanol administration to male rats increases plasma levels of progesterone and corticosterone similar to acute stress, indicating release of these steroids from adrenal glands. Adrenalectomy markedly reduced the elevation of cerebral cortical 3α,5α-THP and plasma progesterone levels and reduced the duration of ethanol-induced loss of righting reflex. Prior systemic administration of 5α-dihydroprogesterone (10 or 15 mg/kg, i.p.), an immediate precursor of 3α,5α-THP, to adrenalectomized rats not only restored the ethanol-induced increases in cerebral cortical 3α,5α-THP levels but also reversed the effect of adrenalectomy on ethanol-induced loss of righting reflex. Prior administration of the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride (2×25, 2×75 or 2×150 mg/kg, s.c.) and the 5α-reductase type-1 inhibitor SKF-105,111 (50 mg/kg, i.p.) did not reduce ethanol-induced increases in the cerebral cortical levels of 3α,5α-THP at hypnotic doses of ethanol. Furthermore, these drugs did not alter the duration of loss of righting reflex. However, significant correlations between cerebral cortical 3α,5α-THP levels and the duration of loss of righting reflex were obtained regardless of finasteride administration. These results demonstrate the contributory role of neuroactive steroids in the ethanol-induced loss of righting reflex and the source of ethanol-induced elevation of GABAergic neuroactive steroids. Ethanol-induced increases in neurosteroids could be pertinent to the etiology of sleep-related disorders associated with alcoholism.
Treatment of multiple sclerosis with cyclophosphamide: critical review of clinical and immunologic effects.

Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent used to treat malignancies and immune-mediated inflammatory non-malignant processes such as lupus nephritis and immune-mediated neuropathies. It has been studied as a treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) for the past 30 years and is used by physicians in selected cases of progressive or worsening MS. Review of published reports suggests that it is efficacious in cases of worsening MS that have an inflammatory component as evidenced by relapses and/or gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or in patients in earlier stages of disease where inflammation predominates over degenerative processes in the central nervous system (CNS). There is no evidence of efficacy in primary progressive MS or later stages of secondary progressive MS. Although a general immunosuppressant that affects both T- and B-cell function, cyclophosphamide has selective immune effects in MS by suppressing IL-12 and Th1-type responses and enhancing Th2/Th3 responses (IL-4, IL-10, TGF-beta; eosinophils in peripheral blood). Side effects include nausea, alopecia, infertility, bladder toxicity and risk of malignancy. The most commonly used regimens involve every 4- to 8-week outpatient i.v. pulse therapy given with or without corticosteroids and are usually well-tolerated by patients. Cyclophosphamide is currently used in patients whose disease is not controlled by beta-interferon or glatiramer acetate and those with rapidly worsening MS.
Predicting delivery within 48 hours in women treated with parenteral tocolysis.

Abstract Objective: To develop a prediction rule using clinical admission characteristics for women treated with parenteral tocolysis for preterm labor who are at highest risk of delivery within 48 hours. Methods: We performed a case-control study of patients treated with magnesium sulfate for idiopathic preterm labor. A case was defined as a patient who received magnesium sulfate tocolysis and delivered within 48 hours of admission. We selected a 48-hour delay to delivery as a clinically relevant endpoint for the maximization of steroid benefit. Controls were patients who received magnesium sulfate tocolysis and remained undelivered 48 hours after admission. Cases and controls were identified by merging a pharmacy billing database with International Classification of Disease codes for premature labor. Medical records were reviewed and risk factor information was obtained. We focused on risk factors within the first hour of admission, because our goal was to identify patients at high risk of delivery early in their hospital course. Backward stepwise logistic regression was used to develop explanatory and predictive models. The focus of the predictive model was to maximize the test’s sensitivity and negative predictive value. Results: We identified 50 cases and 150 controls. The following six variables were included in the initial multivariable models based on bivariate analyses: white blood cell count at least 14.0 (1000/μL), cervical dilation at least 2 cm, bleeding, substance abuse, parity, and previous abortion. A two-variable model containing cervical dilation and bleeding had an overall accuracy of 73%, sensitivity of 62%, and specificity of 76%, and it was as sensitive and specific as more complex models. Conclusion: Cervical dilation of at least 2 cm and bleeding on admission had an overall accuracy of 73% in predicting the likelihood of delivery within 48 hours in women receiving magnesium sulfate.
Diagnostic accuracy at several reduced radiation dose levels for CT imaging in the diagnosis of appendicitis

Purpose: While several studies have investigated the tradeoffs between radiation dose and image quality (noise) in CT imaging, the purpose of this study was to take this analysis a step further by investigating the tradeoffs between patient radiation dose (including organ dose) and diagnostic accuracy in diagnosis of appendicitis using CT. Methods: This study was IRB approved and utilized data from 20 patients who underwent clinical CT exams for indications of appendicitis. Medical record review established true diagnosis of appendicitis, with 10 positives and 10 negatives. A validated software tool used raw projection data from each scan to create simulated images at lower dose levels (70%, 50%, 30%, 20% of original). An observer study was performed with 6 radiologists reviewing each case at each dose level in random order over several sessions. Readers assessed image quality and provided confidence in their diagnosis of appendicitis, each on a 5 point scale. Liver doses at each case and each dose level were estimated using Monte Carlo simulation based methods. Results: Overall diagnostic accuracy varies across dose levels: 92%, 93%, 91%, 90% and 90% across the 100%, 70%, 50%, 30% and 20% dose levels respectively. And it is 93%, 95%, 88%, 90% and 90% across the 13.5-22mGy, 9.6-13.5mGy, 6.4-9.6mGy, 4-6.4mGy, and 2-4mGy liver dose ranges respectively. Only 4 out of 600 observations were rated "unacceptable" for image quality. Conclusion: The results from this pilot study indicate that the diagnostic accuracy does not change dramatically even at significantly reduced radiation dose.
Platform for modeling the boundary lubrication of nominally flat metallic contacts

This short paper describes a theoretical platform for modeling the boundary lubrication of nominally flat metallic contacts. The platform is of a general structure with four interrelated modules, each governing one of the four key processes of the problem. It is envisioned to be open ended allowing individual modules to be updated and/or replaced. The product and the outcome may provide an infrastructure for fundamental research in boundary lubrication among theoreticians and experimentalists and across several science/engineering disciplines.
Dense Layered Molybdenum Disilicide–Silicon Carbide Functionally Graded Composites Formed by Field‐Activated Synthesis

Dense, layered, single- and graded-composition composites of MoSi2 and SiC were formed from elemental powders in one step, using the field-activated pressure-assisted combustion method. Compositions ranging from 100% MoSi2 to 100% SiC were synthesized, with relative densities ranging from 99% to 76%, respectively. X-ray diffractometry results indicated the formation of pure phases when the concentration of MoSi2 was high and the appearance of a ternary phase, Mo4.8Si3C0.6, when the concentration of SiC was high. Electron microprobe analysis results showed the formation of stoichiometric and uniformly distributed phases. A layer-to-layer variation in composition of 10 mol% was sufficient to prevent thermal cracking during formation of the layered functionally graded materials.
Belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital combination pharmaceuticals analysis II: High‐performance liquid chromatographic determination of phenobarbital

A high-performance liquid chromatographic separation is described for the analysis of phenobarbital in combination pharmaceutical dosage forms containing belladonna alkaloids. A mobile phase of 0.003 M tetramethylammonium chloride in water–methanol (3:2, pH 7.4) was used to separate phenobarbital from belladonna alkaloids on an oc- tadecylsilane column in < 7 min. The column effluent was monitored at 240 nm, which resulted in a detection limit of 6 ng of phenobarbital. The method is applicable to elixirs, tablets, and capsules with no preliminary extraction procedure. Data from the application of the method to commercial products is also presented.
Microscopic analysis of insulating magnetism of La 4 Ba 2 Cu 2 O 10 and Nd 4 Ba 2 Cu 2 O 10

Abstract The rare-earth ions La and Nd evidently play a crucial role in the spin ordering of the Cu(2+) moments in (RE)4Ba2Cu2O10 (“RE422”), because La422 is a ferromagnetic (FM) insulator (a rare occurrence anyway) while Nd422 is antiferromagnetic (AF). Here we introduce explicit Wannier function (the “spin orbital”) for the problem that illustrates the unusually strong effect of covalency and extends to (and beyond) the rare-earth ions. Material constants t, U, and (interatomic) J are calculated (not fitted) directly from the Wannier functions and show that the FM interatomic direct exchange can overwhelm the usual AF superexchange. Computationally, La422 is compressed to the volume of Nd422 to demonstrate that volume difference is not the determining factor; rather it is local “chemistry” on the rare-earth ion. This viewpoint is couched within a more general approach to the magnetic insulator problem.
When Are Prescriptive Statements in Educational Research Justified

A prescriptive statement is a recommendation that, if a course of action is taken, then a desirable outcome will likely occur. For example, in reading research recommending that teachers apply an intervention targeted at a specific reading skill to improve children’s reading performance is a prescriptive statement. In our view, these statements require thorough scientific understanding of causal relationships that follow from scientifically credible research and are generalizable across varied contexts. In this article, we consider both epistemological issues and research credibility indicators (i.e., internal and external validity issues) that restrict one’s ability to make prescriptive statements. After presenting an argument for why prescriptive statements should be made sparingly, we describe a stage model of programmatic educational intervention research that is analogous to medical research’s phase model and which emphasizes the importance of including appropriate comparison groups, observing replicated findings across different populations and situational contexts, demonstrating statistical relationships between interventions and outcomes, accounting for and ruling out potential alternative explanations for obtained effects, and ultimately conducting randomized field trials. We conclude with the prescriptive statement that only after achieving these high standards of research credibility should educational researchers offer prescriptive statements.
The effect of anemia on retinopathy of prematurity in extremely low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE Numerous risk factors for development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in very low birth weight infants have been identified in the literature. However, the role of anemia in the development of ROP has not been adequately addressed. STUDY DESIGN We retrospectively examined the medical records of all infants weighing < or = 800 g who were admitted to a university hospital between July 1, 1992 and December 30, 1997. Highest and lowest hemoglobin and hematocrit values and the number of blood transfusions were recorded at each week of life during hospitalization. Gestational age at birth, birth weight, race, sex, oxygen status, history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, length of hospital stay, and sepsis were also identified as potential risk factors. Data were analyzed using logistic regression to adjust for these confounding variables. RESULTS Infants were grouped according to ROP status in the following manner: stage 0 to 1 ROP, stage 2 ROP, and stage 3 to threshold ROP. Sex, gestational age at birth, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, ventilator days, length of hospital stay, and number of blood transfusions were significantly associated with severity of ROP by univariate analysis. Using a logistic regression model, only gestational age (p = 0.007) and number of blood transfusions (p = 0.04) remained statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Anemia did not affect severity of ROP as an independent risk factor. However, the number of blood transfusions did affect the highest stage of ROP in this group of premature infants. Infants who remained severely anemic (Hgb < or = 8 g/dl or Hct < or = 25%) for longer periods of time developed milder ROP than less anemic infants.
Measuring Adolescent Life Satisfaction: A Psychometric Investigation of the Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS)

Concerns regarding construct bias in psychological assessment have been the subject of ongoing research for a half century. Little research has investigated the psychometric comparability of instruments designed to assess positive perceptions of individuals’ lives. The Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS), is based on a hierarchical factor structure that conceptualizes life satisfaction as an overall satisfaction that is subsumed by five domains believed to be important in youths’ lives: Family, Friends, School, Living Environment, and Self (Huebner in School Psychol Q 19:93–105, 1994). A Rasch measurement model was applied, rather than the typical approach of classical test theory such as factor analysis, to each domain to investigate measurement properties and determine equivalence across race at the item level. Results support a restructure of the rating scale categories due to the limited use of certain ratings and suggest revision of items that demonstrate differential item functioning across race. This study will aid in correct applications and proper interpretation of the scores reported for the MSLSS, as well as offering a methodological framework to apply to comparable psychological assessments.