cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Faster Calculations of Diffusion Constants for Lipids, Water and Proteins

We have taken two approaches to aid in the calculation of diffusion coefficients: first, we examine the statistical distribution of properties of an ensemble of individual molecules to provide accurate estimates of diffusion coefficients as well as to assess the convergence of those diffusion coefficients. Second, we use non-equilibrium simulations, applying a constant force to selected molecules in near-equilibrium conditions. The mobility and diffusion coefficients are obtained from the terminal drift velocity. The non-equilibrium results are generally found to be within a factor of 1.5 of the experimental constants, converge much more quickly than traditional techniques, and are well-suited for parallelization.
A Residual Mass Ballistic Testing Method to Compare Armor Materials or Components (Residual Mass Ballistic Testing Method)

A statistics based ballistic test method is presented for use when comparing multiple groups of test articles of unknown relative ballistic perforation resistance. The method is intended to be more efficient than many traditional methods for research and development testing. To establish the validity of the method, it is employed in this study to compare test groups of known relative ballistic performance. Multiple groups of test articles were perforated using consistent projectiles and impact conditions. Test groups were made of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) plates and differed in thickness. After perforation, each residual projectile was captured behind the target and its mass was measured. The residual masses measured for each test group were analyzed to provide ballistic performance rankings with associated confidence levels. When compared to traditional V50 methods, the residual mass (RM) method was found to require fewer test events and be more tolerant of variations in impact conditions.
Year in review: pediatric allergy and asthma, excluding food allergy

This article discusses the epidemiology and evidence of known or proposed mechanisms of environmental, chemical, infectious, and perinatal exposures as they pertain to the development of pediatric allergy and asthma. This article will conclude by reviewing novel diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions to help clinicians mitigate asthma morbidity. The prevalence of asthma is rising, affecting approximately 26 million people in the United States and nearly 9.6% of children in the United States.1 The annual direct cost of asthma in the United States is $50 billion, with the cost of an emergency department visit nearly 5 times the cost of an office visit.2 Asthma does not affect all pediatric populations equally, with disproportionate burdens on children from minority and impoverished backgrounds.3
INTESTINAL NECROSIS AND PERFORATION CAUSED BY INTRAARTERIAL CALCIUM GLUCONATE INFUSION

The umbilical artery catheter is frequently utilized as a route for administration of medication in the premature infant. The effect of intra-arterially administered calcium gluconate (Ca Gluc) on the intestine was studied in the rabbit by injecting 1 cc of 10% Ca Glue, 1% Ca Gluc, or saline into a first order arterial arcade supplying approximately a 10 em segment of ileum. All animals receiving Ca Gluc demonstrated varying periods of vasodilatation following the injection. Rabbits were sacrificed Between 3 and 6 days and the gross and histologic findings compared for saline and Ca Glue injected rabbits: All animals"receiving 10% Ca Gluc showed mucosal atrophy with 3/6 having perforation and 1/6 with mucosal hemorrhage. 3/5 animals receiving 1% Ca Gluc showed mucosal atrophy. Intra-arterial infusion of Ca Gluc in the usual therapeutic doses and concentrations administered to premature infants produced serious intestinal injury characterized by mucosal atrophy, depressed mitotie index and intestinal perforation.
Serum zinc and alpha2-macroglobulin concentration in myocardial infarction, decubitus ulcer, multiple myeloma, prostatic carcinoma, Down's syndrome and nephrotic syndrome.

Abstract α2-Macroglobulin has been suggested as a transport protein for zinc and other trace metals. To elucidate the implications of this relationship, serum zinc and α2-macroglobulin levels were measured in 20 control people and in 75 patients with various conditions that frequently alter serum zinc levels. Serum α2-macroglobulin was found elevated in myocardial infarction (P Although there was no significant correlation between zinc and α2-macroglobulin levels in most states studied, very high α2-macroglobulin levels in the nephrotic syndrome were accompanied by very low serum zinc levels. Thus, certain extreme elevations in α2-macroglobulin levels may be associated with changes in metal metabolism that are not apparent when lesser protein alterations occur. A rapid technique of radial immunodiffusion, employing cellulose acetate proved reliable in the measurement of α2-macroglobulin. Equivalence was attained and precipitation zone migration ceased within 48 h of sample application.
Dynamic collision-induced dissociation of peptides in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer.

The fragmentation of natural peptides using dynamic collision-induced dissociation (DCID), a novel fragmentation method for quadrupole ion traps, is demonstrated. Using leucine enkephalin as a diagnostic molecule, the fragmentation efficiencies and energetics of DCID are compared with other methods of collisional activation in ion traps such as conventional on-resonance excitation and high-amplitude short-time excitation (HASTE). A typical fragmentation efficiency of ∼20% is achieved for DCID, which is significantly lower than conventional CID (maximum near 80%). Tandem mass spectra of two other peptides, substance P and oxidized insulin α-chain, demonstrate that product ion spectra for DCID are comparable to conventional or HASTE CID. Because DCID achieves fragmentation during the standard mass acquisition scan, no extra time is necessary for on-resonance excitation or product ion collection, so analysis times are reduced by a minimum of 10−15% depending on the scanning conditions. DCID therefore offers ...
Cost-effective endoscopic examination of the contralateral inguinal ring

Abstract Objectives Laparoscopic examination of the contralateral inguinal ring has recently been advocated to exclude contralateral hernia in young children. We report a modification using nondisposable cystoscopic equipment, which is quick and reliable. Methods Either an 8 or 10 F soft straight catheter or a cystoscope sheath is passed through the open hernia sac. Air is insufflated into the abdomen with a syringe. Once the pneumoperitoneum is completed, a 4-mm cystoscope lens (110 °) is used to inspect the contralateral ring. Results Twenty-four children between the ages of 6 weeks and 4 years (median, 6 months) underwent exploration for presumed unilateral inguinal hernia and laparoscopic examination of the contralateral inguinal ring. Thirteen patients (54%) had an open processus vaginalis and underwent contralateral inguinal herniorrhaphy. No false-positive or false-negative results were found, and there were no complications associated with the procedure. Conclusions This method of laparoscopic examination of the contralateral inguinal ring using nondisposable cystoscopic equipment is rapid, safe, reliable, and cost effective in evaluating a contralateral patent processus vaginalis. Laparoscopic examination spares the need for formal surgical exploration in patients with a closed processus vaginalis.
Preparation and reactions of the lithio and dilithio salts of 2,3-dimethylquinoxaline

Abstract Metalation of 2,3-dimethylquinoxaline has been achieved by means of lithium diisopropylamide in THF/HMPA to afford either mono- or dicarbanions depending upon the stoichiometry of the metalating agents. The carbanions obtained have been condensed with representative electrophiles to give a variety of 2,3-disubstituted quinoxalines.
Forex trading using geometry sensitive neural networks

Though machine learning has been applied to the foreign exchange market for algorithmic trading for quiet some time now, and neural networks(NN) have been shown to yield positive results, in most modern approaches the NN systems are optimized through traditional methods like the backpropagation algorithm for example, and their input signals are price lists, and lists composed of other technical indicator elements. The aim of this paper is twofold: the presentation and testing of the application of topology and weight evolving artificial neural network (TWEANN) systems to automated currency trading, and to demonstrate the performance when using forex chart images as input to geometrical regularity aware indirectly encoded neural network systems, enabling them to use the patterns & trends within, when trading. This paper presents the benchmark results of NN based automated currency trading systems evolved using TWEANNs, and compares the performance and generalization capabilities of these direct encoded NNs which use the standard sliding-window based price vector inputs, and the indirect (substrate) encoded NNs which use charts as input. The TWEANN algorithm I will use in this paper to evolve these currency trading agents is the memetic algorithm based TWEANN system called Deus Ex Neural Network (DXNN) platform.
Proposed antagonists at GABAB receptors that inhibit adenylyl cyclase in cerebellar granule cell cultures of rat.

Abstract The effects of various proposed GABAB receptor antagonists on baclofen-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase were studied in cultured cerebellar granule cells from rat. (±)-Baclofen maximally inhibited adenylyl cyclase by approximately 60% of the basal enzyme activity with an EC50 value of 10 μM. 3-Aminopropane sulfonic acid (3-APS) and 5-aminovaleric acid (5-AVA) produced similar responsesto that seen with (±)-baclofen. Saclofen reversed the action of (±)-baclofen , 50 μM, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of about 1.0 mM. The most effective antagonist in blocking the action of (±)-baclofen was 3-aminopropyl-diethoxy-methyl-phosphonic acid (CGP 35 348). In the presence of (±)-baclofen, 50 μM, the IC50 for CGP 35 348 was 290 μM and its inhibitory constant (KA) was 180 μM. The agonist-like actions of 3-APS and 5-AVA were antagonized by CGP 35 348 suggesting that 3-APS and 5-AVA may act as weak agonists at the GABAB receptor that inhibits adenylyl cyclase. All antagonists tested, except the new compound CGP 35 348, have very low potencies at GABAB receptors that inhibit adenylyl cyclase, though these compounds have been quite effective at other GABAB receptor-mediated events. Thus, the GABAB receptor which inhibits adenylyl cyclase differs pharmacologically from other reported GABAB receptor/effector systems and supports the existence of multiple receptor subtypes.
Effect of Fiber Property Variation on Hollow Fiber Membrane Module Performance in the Production of a Permeate Product

The literature demonstrates the detrimental effects of variability in the inner diameter, permeance, and selectivity of hollow fiber membranes for the production of a retentate product, for example, nitrogen purification from air. This past work is extended to the production of a permeate product. Additionally, simultaneous variation of multiple fiber properties is considered. Fiber variability is detrimental to permeate production; the ratio of product to feed flow rate decreases with an increase in variability. However, the permeate product flow rate remains unchanged in contrast to the large changes observed for a retentate product. Simultaneous, independent variation of multiple fiber properties makes performance worse. However, correlations between the variations in fiber properties can improve performance. Theoretical performance predictions compare favorably with experimental measurements for the production of oxygen from air if either simultaneous variation of fiber size with permeance occurs or s...
Effects of nimodipine on noise-induced hearing loss

The effects of nimodipine, a calcium channel blocker, on noise-induced hearing loss were examined in gerbils. Animals were implanted subcutaneously with a timed-release pellet containing either nimodipine (approximately 10 mg/kg/day) or placebo and exposed to either 102 or 107 dBA noise. Serum levels were tested in two subjects and were in the range known to protect humans from cerebral artery vasospasm and ischemia-related neurologic deficits. Nimodipine and control groups had similar amounts of noise-induced (a) permanent threshold shift; (b) reductions in distortion product otoacoustic emissions; (c) reductions in tuning and suppression of the compound action potential; and (d) loss of outer hair cells. The results suggest that nimodipine, at a dose which results in clinically relevant serum levels, does not provide protection from the effects of moderately intense noise exposures.
Religion and Spirituality as Resources for Coping with Cancer

Studies of coping with cancer have often included variables concerned with religion or spirituality. Unfortunately, the variables chosen have generally had limited salience for the overall coping process and limited usefulness for the development of clinical interventions. Despite these drawbacks, existing research suggests that religious and spiritual coping may have positive impacts on cancer patients' adjustment, and some evidence exists that suggests ways in which religion and spirituality may fit into the coping process. Considerations in the selection of better measures and more useful conceptualizations of religious or spiritual coping are offered as well as suggestions for more beneficial assessments of religious or spiritual functioning in clinical contexts.
A method for acetylcholinesterase staining of brain sections previously processed for receptor autoradiography

Receptor autoradiography using selective radiolabeled ligands allows visualization of brain receptor distribution and density on film. The resolution of specific brain regions on the film often can be difficult to discern owing to the general spread of the radioactive label and the lack of neuroanatomical landmarks on film. Receptor binding is a chemically harsh protocol that can render the tissue virtually unstainable by Nissl and other conventional stains used to delineate neuroanatomical boundaries of brain regions. We describe a method for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) staining of slides previously processed for receptor binding. AChE staining is a useful tool for delineating major brain nuclei and tracts. AChE staining on sections that have been processed for receptor autoradiography provides a direct comparison of brain regions for more precise neuroanatomical description. We report a detailed thiocholine protocol that is a modification of the Koelle-Friedenwald method to amplify the AChE signal in brain sections previously processed for autoradiography. We also describe several temporal and experimental factors that can affect the density and clarity of the AChE signal when using this protocol.
Detection of imprinting effects for hypertension based on general pedigrees utilizing all affected and unaffected individuals

Imprinting effects can lead to parent-of-origin patterns in many complex human diseases. For hypertension, previous studies revealed the possible involvement of imprinted genes. Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 real data, with hypertensive phenotype and genotype of more than 1000 individuals from 20 pedigrees, provided us an opportunity to further substantiate such findings. To test for imprinting effects, we developed a pedigree-parental-asymmetry test taking both affected and unaffected offspring into consideration (PPATu). We carried out a simulation study based on the Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 pedigrees to show that PPATu has well-controlled type I error and is indeed more powerful than the pedigree-parental-asymmetry test (PPAT), an existing method that does not utilize information from unaffected offspring. We then applied PPATu to Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 genome-wide association study data from 20 pedigrees. We identified a number of single-nucleotide polymorphisms showing significant imprinting effects that are within genomic regions that have been previously implicated to be associated with hypertension.
Posttraumatic stress disorder in the US veteran population: results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid psychiatric disorders and identify correlates of PTSD in a contemporary, nationally representative sample of US veterans. METHOD: Data were analyzed from Wave 1 of the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, a cross-sectional, retrospective, web-based survey of a population-based sample of 3,157 US veterans conducted between October and December 2011. The main outcome measure was probable lifetime PTSD, which was assessed by using a DSM-IV version of the PTSD Checklist (PCL), the PCL-Specific Stressor version. RESULTS: The weighted lifetime and current prevalence of probable PTSD was 8.0% (standard error [SE] = 0.48) and 4.8% (SE = 0.40), respectively. 87.0% of veterans reported exposure to at least 1 potentially traumatic event (PTE); veterans reported a mean of 3.4 (SD = 2.8) different PTE types in their lifetime. Sudden death of a loved one was the most frequently endorsed PTE (61.3%), and sexual abuse in adulthood had the highest conditional probability of PTSD (37.3%). PTSD was associated with increased odds of mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders (odds ratios [ORs] = 2.2-19.1, P values CONCLUSIONS: In a nationally representative sample of US veterans, the prevalence of lifetime and current PTSD was 8.0% and 4.8%, respectively, and PTSD was associated with elevated risk for several psychiatric conditions and suicidality. Veterans reported exposure to many PTE types in addition to combat, and conditional risk for PTSD was high for noncombat-related trauma. Prevention and treatment efforts designed to bolster protective psychosocial factors may help mitigate PTSD risk in this population. Language: en
Comstock Mealybug (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae): Cost Analysis of a Biological Control Program in California

Levels of damage caused by Comstock mealybug were estimated and compared to costs of an eradication and biological control program in California. Damage to apple, peach, and lemon was considered. Results of analysis indicate substantial short- and long-term financial benefits were gained from research investments in a biological control program. Results of the analysis show that the successful use of biological control was also an economic success.
Properties of Indium and Thallium at Low Temperatures

The pressure-volume relationships for superconductors near absolute zero are of potential interest for comparison with theories which attempt to explain the variation of the superconducting transition temperature with pressure. Such data for thallium are of special interest since the variation of transition temperature with pressure is different for thallium than for any other known pure metal. In these experiments, measurements on indium of the total compression to 10 000 atmos for various temperatures down to 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K served as a check of similar measurements on thallium. No unusual behavior was found for either metal. These results were combined with the measurement of the total thermal expansions for both metals to give isobars at both zero pressure and at 10 000 atmos pressure over the range from 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The results of some low-temperature compressive testing experiments on both metals are also given, together with some indirect evidence as to the vanishing of work hardening effects at low temperature and moderate hydrostatic pressures. Finally, measurements on the electrical resistance of indium show an unexplained kink in the $R$ vs $T$ curve at about 210\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The effect on the electrical resistance of indium due to tensile (plastic) deformation at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K was also measured.
A gradient-based algorithm for semiparametric models with missing covariates

In the parametric regression model, the covariate missing problem under missing at random is considered. It is often desirable to use flexible parametric or semiparametric models for the covariate distribution, which can reduce a potential misspecification problem. Recently, a completely nonparametric approach was developed by [H.Y. Chen, Nonparametric and semiparametric models for missing covariates in parameter regression, J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 99 (2004), pp. 1176–1189; Z. Zhang and H.E. Rockette, On maximum likelihood estimation in parametric regression with missing covariates, J. Statist. Plann. Inference 47 (2005), pp. 206–223]. Although it does not require a model for the covariate distribution or the missing data mechanism, the proposed method assumes that the covariate distribution is supported only by observed values. Consequently, their estimator is a restricted maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) rather than the global MLE. In this article, we show the restricted semiparametric MLE could be v...
Glucose starvation is required for insulin stimulation of glucose uptake and metabolism in cultured microvascular endothelial cells

In the present study we determined the uptake and disposition of glucose in serum-deprived rabbit coronary microvessel endothelial (RCME) cells. RCME cells exhibited stereospecific hexose uptake inhibited by cytochalasin B. Pretreatment of the RCME cells with potassium cyanide or 2,4-dinitrophenol inhibited 2-deoxyglucose uptake but not 3-O-methylglucose transport. A major proportion (30-60%) of the 2-deoxyglucose present in the RCME cells was not phosphorylated. These two observations suggested that the rate-limiting step in the uptake of 2-deoxyglucose was not transport but rather the phosphorylation of 2-deoxyglucose to 2-deoxyglucose 6-phosphate. When glucose-deprived cells were incubated 2 hr with (U-14C)glucose the disposition of the label was as follows: glycogen 60%, acid-soluble fraction 30%, and lipid less than 5%. In contrast glucose-fed cells exhibited lower overall glucose incorporation, and a slightly different disposition: glycogen 45%, acid-soluble fraction 50%, and lipid 5%. Glucose-deprived RCME cells also exhibited greater basal levels of 2-deoxyglucose uptake compared to glucose-fed cells. RCME cells incubated in the absence of glucose and serum for 16 hr exhibited dose-dependent insulin stimulation of hexose uptake and subsequent metabolism to macromolecules (i.e., glycogen and the acid-soluble fraction). Significant effects of insulin were observed with concentrations as low as 2 x 10(-10) M, well within themore » physiological range. In contrast, cells preincubated in serum-free culture medium containing 5.5 mM glucose did not exhibit insulin-enhanced hexose uptake or glucose metabolism (even at doses as high as 10(-7) M). These studies indicate that the effects of insulin on rabbit coronary microvascular endothelial cell glucose uptake and metabolism require both serum and glucose deprivation.« less
Measurement of collision-induced dissociation rates for tantalum oxide ions in a quadrupole ion trap.

A study of factors influencing the collision-induced dissociation (CID) rate of strongly bound diatomic ions effected via resonance excitation in a quadrupole ion trap is presented. From these studies, an approach to measuring the CID rates is described wherein product ion recovery is optimized and the effect of competitive processes (e.g., parent ion ejection and product ion reactions) on rate measurements are prevented from influencing rate measurements. Tantalum oxide ions (dissociation energy = 8.2 eV), used as a model system, were formed via reactions of glow discharge generated Ta+ ions with residual gases in the ion trap. Neon (0.5 mtorr) was found to be a more favorable target gas for the dissociation of TaO+ than He and Ar, but collisional activation of TaO+ ions in neon during ion isolation by mass selective instability necessitated ion cooling prior to dissociation. A 25 ms delay time at qz = 0.2 allowed for kinetic cooling of stored TaO+ ions and enabled precise dissociation rate measurements to be made. CID of TaO+ was determined to be most efficient at qz = 0.67 (226 kHz for m/z 197). Suitable resonance excitation voltages and times ranged from 0.56 to 1.2 Vp - p and 1 to 68 ms, respectively. Under these conditions, measurement of rates approaching 80 s−1 for the dissociation of TaO+ could be made without significant complications associated with competing processes, such as ion ejection.
Do Pediatricians Counsel Families About Sun Protection?: A Massachusetts Survey

Background Pediatric visits during summer months may be especially opportune times for sun protection counseling for children and their parents. Few data exist on the extent of such counseling. Objective To begin to assess this, we surveyed practicing Massachusetts pediatricians to examine current attitudes and practices of sun protection counseling. Design and Setting Surveys mailed to Massachusetts pediatricians. Results We received surveys from 756 (60%) of 1263 eligible Massachusetts pediatricians. Almost 70% indicated that they recommended safe sun practices to more than 50% of their patients and their parents during the summer months. Counseling regarding seat belt use, bicycle helmet use, and smoking prevention were ranked higher in priority than sun protection counseling by pediatricians; nutritional guidelines were noted by pediatricians to be a parent's most frequent concern. Four variables were independently associated with a practitioner's providing safe sun recommendations to more than 50% of parents and children: (1) private setting and health maintenance organization practitioners as opposed to academic physicians, (2) high ranking of patients' safe sun knowledge, (3) high priorities of both parents and physicians for sun protection counseling and parental knowledge of safe sun practices relative to other recommendations, and (4) pediatrician interest in receiving instructional materials. Conclusions For the most part, summer sun protection counseling among Massachusetts pediatricians seems well integrated into standard practice. Most pediatricians rated their confidence level as high for discussing sun protection and only a few cited inadequate training or poor reimbursement as barriers toward improved counseling. Small steps, such as providing more instructional materials to patients and using office-based reminder systems, may improve the quality of sun protection counseling practices. Incorporating sunburn prevention into the list of routinely recommended injury prevention guidelines for pediatricians should be considered.
Augustin cournot and neoclassical economics

This paper compares Cournot's exposition of elasticity of demand and the theory of the firm with modern exposition. In the case of the theory of the firm, this comparison is accomplished by translating the modern textbook exposition into Cournot's mathematics. It is demonstrated that Cournot's exposition translates into current usage in all cases but that the degree of convolution in the translation process varies from case to case. For elasticity, only trivial algebraic manipulation is involved. For monopoly, the inverse derivative rule translates Cournot's exposition into current usage. The case of perfect competition is much more complicated. Although Cournot gets the same result as current theory, his mathematics doesn't translate directly into current usage. But a comparison in the text that doesn't appear in his mathematics suggests that he considered the modern derivation but chose to use another derivation. One reason for doing this is rather obvious. It fits better into Cournot's unified approach to the theory of the firm. It might also be judged more elegant and mathematically precise. With regard to oligopoly, Cournot provided, in a different contest, the analytical structure that is now used in IO to analyze differentiated oligopoly. It is retierated that Cournot had a general method for finding equilibria for non-cooperative games and was aware of the fact that his method was more general than a single application. The relation between Cournot equilibria and Nash equilibria is discussed.
Lambda responses in relation to visual evoked responses in man.

Abstract 1. 1. In five normal subjects, midline parieto-occipital averaged EEG responses to shifts of the image of a spot of light from an oscilloscope screen on the retina were examined. The shifts of the position of the image on the retina were accomplished in two different ways: (a) by alternation of the direction of visual gaze, the position of the spot of the oscilloscope screen remaining unchanged (lambda responses), and (b) by alternation of the position of the spot on the oscilloscope screen, the direction of gaze remaining fixed (ordinary visual evoked responses). In order to insure comparability of the time course of retinal stimulation, the motion of the spot on the oscilloscope screen was controlled by a previously recorded electro-oculogram from the same subject. Additional recordings under several different experimental conditions were also included, for fuller definition of the phenomena under study. 2. 2. In no case were the EEG responses for the two conditions identical, although for some subjects there was a marked similarity for responses resulting from a shift of the image of the spot from the periphery onto the fovea of the retina; for the reverse, wave forms and similarities were much less well defined. 3. 3. In all instances of voluntary eye movements (i.e., alternation of gaze between bright and dim, or between dim and dim spots, in total darkness, or when the spot on the oscilloscope screen moved congruently with the eyes so that its image remained constantly on the fovea), an EEG potential change was evident, the onset of which preceded the initiation of eye movements by 150–200 msec; this anticipatory potential change was absent for the involuntary or compensatory eye movements occurring upon passive turning of the head. 4. 4. These findings are discussed in relation to the phenomena of expectancy waves, decreases in the amplitude of evoked responses and increases in visual threshold associated with eye movements, and in relation to mechanisms of supposed perceptual blanking associated with eye movements.
The exothermic-endothermic gas generator

Exothermic-endothermic gas generators produce atmosphere gas for furnace heat treatment by the reaction of exothermic gas and natural gas in a retort which is heated by the combustion reaction which forms the exothermic gas. Because the exothermic gas can vary in composition, depending on the air/natural gas combustion ratio and the cooling water temperature, the carbon potential of the product gas is a function of these variables as well as the ratio of exothermic gas and natural gas supplied to the retort. The overall efficiency of the process is a function of the same variables and of the thermal efficiency as well. A mathematical model was developed and a computer program was written to analyze the performance of this type of generator. From this analysis, relationships between carbon potential and dew point, CO2 content and oxygen potential of the atmosphere gas were found. The effect of all operating variables on the overall efficiency of the process was determined. It is shown that this type of generator, as it is usually operated, is 5–10 percent more efficient in the production of atmosphere gas than an endothermic gas generator. Modifications of the generator design to enhance the overall efficiency by an additional 20 percent appear to be feasible.
Towards a More Effective Mashup Using Mashable Service Model

Web is becoming a programmable platform and Mashup is emerging as a brand-new service composition paradigm. However, one of the biggest blocking issues with the universal adoption of Mashup is lack of a well-designed inventory of mashable services for users to create mashups effectively. In this paper, we propose a novel and practical method to conceptualize, model and design the mashable services in a specific domain. Firstly, through analyzing current mashups theoretically, we present a conceptual model of mashable service, which describes not only a service, but also the relationships with other services. As a result, the services and their relationships in a domain can be formalized as a directed graph, in which vertex represent services and edges represent relationships. Furthermore, a mashup can be modeled as one of its sub-graph. Secondly, we present a novel and practical method to identify and design the inventory of mashable services through mapping the well-known Entity-Relationship Model to mashable service model. The inventory of mashable services enables business users to create mashups for their situational problems effectively. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a real-world domain to show the feasibility and effectiveness.
Assessment of acute pediatric pain : do child self-report, parent ratings, and nurse ratings measure the same phenomenon ?

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that are associated with child, parent, and nurse ratings of acute pediatric pain and distress during venipuncture. The behavior of eighty-five pediatric cancer patients during venipuncture was recorded by trained raters, and their observations were compared with ratings of pain and distress obtained from parents, pediatric patients, and pediatric nurses. Regression analyses indicated that ratings made by the child, parent, and nurse reflect different perspectives. Nurses' ratings were based upon overt distress, parents' ratings reflected their subjective perception of the child's pain, and the child's self-report was associated with the child's chronologic age.
Effect of environmental conditions on the permeability of high density polyethylene film to fumigant vapors

Soil fumigation in greenhouses or agricultural fields often includes tarping the soil surface with polyethylene (PE) films to contain the fumigant in the soil and reduce emissions to the atmosphere. Previous research has demonstrated that PE films are permeable to methyl bromide and other fumigant compounds. In these experiments, the effect of temperature, fumigant mixtures, condensed water, and field aging on the permeability of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was determined. Mass transfer coefficients (h, a measure of permeability) of the fumigants methyl bromide, 1,3-dichloropropene, propargyl bromide, and chloropicrin across HDPE films were determined. In these studies, temperature and HDPE film type had the largest impact on the h of fumigant compounds across HDPE films. Other factors investigated, including fumigant mixtures, condensed water on the film, and field aging of UV-stabilized film, did not have a significant impact on h. The results of these experiments suggest that the permeability of an intact piece of an agricultural film will increase with increasing temperature but is relatively constant despite changes in other environmental conditions.
Effects of forskolin on contractility and cyclic AMP levels in rabbit detrusor muscle.

MORITA, T., WHEELER, M.A., MIYAGAWA, I., KONDO, S. and WEISS, R.M. Effects of Forskolin on Contractility and Cyclic AMP Levels in Rabbit Detrusor Muscle. Tohoku J. exp. Med., 1986, 149 (3), 283-285-Forskolin caused a concentration-dependent relaxation and increase in cyclic AMP levels in rabbit detrusor muscle. Propranolol, a β-adrenoceptor antagonist, did not affect the relaxation induced by forskolin. 3-isobutyl-1-metylxanthine (IBMX), a cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitor, potentiated the relaxation induced by forskolin. These data suggest that the relaxation of rabbit detrusor muscle induced by forskolin is mediated by cyclic AMP accumulation resulting from activation of adenylate cyclase.
Membrane Topology of the Amino-terminal Region of the Sulfonylurea Receptor

Abstract The sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) is a member of the ATP-binding cassette family that is associated with Kir 6.x to form ATP-sensitive potassium channels. SUR is involved in nucleotide regulation of the channel and is the site of pharmacological interaction with sulfonylurea drugs and potassium channel openers. SUR contains three hydrophobic domains, TM0, TM1, and TM2, with nucleotide binding folds following TM1 and TM2. Two topological models of SUR have been proposed containing either 13 transmembrane segments (in a 4+5+4 arrangement) or 17 transmembrane segments (in a 5+6+6 arrangement) (Aguilar-Bryan, L., Nichols, C. G., Wechsler, S. W., Clement, J. P. t., Boyd, A. E., III, Gonzalez, G., Herrera-Sosa, H., Nguy, K., Bryan, J., and Nelson, D. A. (1995)Science 268, 423–426; Tusnady, G. E., Bakos, E., Varadi, A., and Sarkadi, B. (1997) FEBS Lett.402, 1–3; Aguilar-Bryan, L., Clement, J. P., IV, Gonzalez, G., Kunjilwar, K., Babenko, A., and Bryan, J. (1998) Physiol. Rev. 78, 227–245). We analyzed the topology of the amino-terminal TM0 region of SUR1 using glycosylation and protease protection studies. Deglycosylation using peptide-N-glycosidase F and site-directed mutagenesis established that Asn10, near the amino terminus, and Asn1050 are the only sites of N-linked glycosylation, thus placing these sites on the extracellular side of the membrane. To study in detail the topology of SUR1, we constructed and expressed in vitro fusion proteins containing 1–5 hydrophobic segments of the TM0 region fused to the reporter prolactin. The fusion proteins were subjected to a protease protection assay that reported the accessibility of the prolactin epitope. Our results indicate that the TM0 region is comprised of 5 transmembrane segments. These data support the 5+6+6 model of SUR1 topology.
Neat and mixed crystal and glass optical spectra of the anthracene-trinitrobenzene complex

Abstract Temperature dependent optical and Raman spectra of the anthracene-sym-trinitrobenzene complex in neat and mixed crystals as well as glasses are reported. The charge-transfer absorption and fluorescence spectra are similar in all media and characterized by large Stokes shifts (2000–4000 cm −1 ) and exceedingly broad bands even at 4.2 K. These results are discussed in terms of exciton-phonon and electron-phonon coupling theories. Optical and Raman data are presented which indicate that there is probably a continuous phase transition occurring in the anthracene-trinitrobenzene crystals which onsets at T = 150 K.
Sexually dimorphic effects of forced exercise on food intake and body weight in the rat

The food intake (FI), body weight (BWt) and water intake (WI) of adult male and female rats were compared during a seven day period of forced exercise in a treadmill. Work loads for the exercised groups were gradually increased across the seven-day test period, whereas work loads for the sedentary controls were maintained at the same level used during a previous three-day training period. Relative to their respective control groups, male rats showed a decrease in FI and BWt in response to the exercise challenge, but female rats showed an increase in FI sufficient to maintain their BWt at control levels. Both male and female rats showed a reliable increase in WI during the period of forced exercise. These sexually dimorphic changes in FI and BWt in response to forced exercise indicate that female rats are capable of demonstrating a more vigorous defense of BWt than are male rats and suggest that there is a sex difference in the long-term control of feeding behavior in the rat.
Outpatient benzodiazepine detoxification procedure for methadone patients

Benzodiazepines are used by a substantial minority of opioid addicts on methadone maintenance. Alprazolam, now the most widely prescribed benzodiazepine in the United States, appears to have supplanted diazepam as the benzodiazepine drug of choice in this population. Its greater addiction liability, shorter half-life, and more intense withdrawal symptoms make addiction to alprazolam more likely and its management in methadone patients more complicated. This article describes a slow outpatient tapered reduction procedure that was utilized to detoxify benzodiazepine dependent methadone patients seen over a two-year period. The reduction procedure was offered to 22 opioid addicts on methadone maintenance who were regularly ingesting low to moderate amounts of benzodiazepines, primarily alprazolam. Of the 22 patients, 4 patients refused outpatient detoxification, and 18 were started on a reduction procedure. Twelve patients completed the detoxification procedure which averaged 7.8 weeks. Comparisons are made between completers and non-completers and essential design features of the procedure are discussed.
Recurrent pregnancy losses and parental chromosome abnormalities: a review.

A compilation of the cytogenetic results taken from 79 published surveys of couples with two or more pregnancy losses (comprising 8208 women and 7834 men) showed an overall prevalence of major chromosome abnormalities of 2.9%. This is five to six times higher than that of the general adult population. In every group of chromosome abnormalities in the parents a predominance of female to male affected was noted (2:1). Approximately 50% of all chromosome abnormalities detected were balanced reciprocal translocations, 24% were Robertsonian translocations, 12% were sex chromosomal mosaicisms in females, and the rest consisted of inversions and other sporadic abnormalities. Parents with two or more idiopathic pregnancy losses should be karyotyped to aid in management and counselling. When a translocation or other abnormality (e.g. X chromosomal mosaicism) predisposing to an abnormal zygote is found, prenatal diagnosis is indicated in future pregnancies. Even when parental karyotypes are normal, prenatal diagnosis should be considered in subsequent pregnancies of parents with two or more pregnancy losses because of the high incidence of chromosome abnormalities in spontaneous abortions. For the same reason, if a single previous pregnancy loss is known to have been chromosomally aneuploid, parental karyotypes may have to be examined (depending upon the finding in the pregnancy loss), and prenatal diagnosis should also be considered in subsequent pregnancies.
To what extent do mixed states violate the Bell inequalities

Abstract The maximal extent to which an arbitrary impure state of a 2 × 2 system violates the Bell inequalities is calculated by generalizing the technique of N. Gisin [Phys. Lett. A 154 (1991) 201].
Interdisciplinary Research Project Involving Physics and Electrical Engineering Students

This paper reports on an ongoing collaborative effort between the physics department at Indiana University Southeast and the Electrical Engineering Technology department of Purdue University located on the IUS campus. The project involved students in an electronics course who built circuits for use with an ultra low frequency antenna. The antenna was built by students in a physics laboratory course to detect naturally occurring signals with frequencies under 100 Hz.
S Locus Genes and the Evolution of Self-Fertility in Arabidopsis thaliana

Loss of self-incompatibility (SI) in Arabidopsis thaliana was accompanied by inactivation of genes required for SI, including S-LOCUS RECEPTOR KINASE (SRK) and S-LOCUS CYSTEINE-RICH PROTEIN (SCR), coadapted genes that constitute the SI specificity-determining S haplotype. Arabidopsis accessions are polymorphic for ΨSRK and ΨSCR, but it is unknown if the species harbors structurally different S haplotypes, either representing relics of ancestral functional and structurally heteromorphic S haplotypes or resulting from decay concomitant with or subsequent to the switch to self-fertility. We cloned and sequenced the S haplotype from C24, in which self-fertility is due solely to S locus inactivation, and show that this haplotype was produced by interhaplotypic recombination. The highly divergent organization and sequence of the C24 and Columbia-0 (Col-0) S haplotypes demonstrate that the A. thaliana S locus underwent extensive structural remodeling in conjunction with a relaxation of selective pressures that once preserved the integrity and linkage of coadapted SRK and SCR alleles. Additional evidence for this process was obtained by assaying 70 accessions for the presence of C24- or Col-0–specific sequences. Furthermore, analysis of SRK and SCR polymorphisms in these accessions argues against the occurrence of a selective sweep of a particular allele of SCR, as previously proposed.
Analysis and optimization of nanometer CMOS circuits for soft-error tolerance

Nanometer circuits are becoming increasingly susceptible to soft errors due to alpha-particle and atmospheric neutron strikes as device scaling reduces node capacitances and supply/threshold voltage scaling reduces noise margins. It is becoming crucial to add soft-error tolerance estimation and optimization to the design flow to handle the increasing susceptibility. The first part of this paper presents a tool for accurate soft-error tolerance analysis of nanometer circuits (ASERTA) that can be used to estimate the soft-error tolerance of nanometer combinational circuits. The tolerance estimates generated by the tool match SPICE-generated estimates closely while taking orders of magnitude less computation time. The second part of the paper presents a tool for soft-error tolerance optimization of nanometer circuits (SERTOPT), which uses the tolerance estimates generated by ASERTA. The number of errors propagated to the primary outputs (POs) is minimized by adding optimal amounts of capacitive loading to the POs of the logic circuit. Using a novel delay-assignment-variation-based optimization methodology, the sizes, supply voltages, and threshold voltages of internal gates (not primary outputs) are chosen to minimize the energy and delay overhead due to the added capacitive loads. Experiments on ISCAS'85 benchmarks show that 79.3% soft-error reduction can be obtained on the average with modest increase in circuit delay and energy. Comparison with other techniques shows that our approach has a significantly better energy-delay-reliability tradeoff compared with others.
An integrative framework for identifying and managing risks associated with large scale reengineering efforts

Recent experience suggests that many reengineering efforts fail, and that they fail for reasons unrelated to the technical ability of organizations to implement information systems. Our research suggests that the two principal reasons for failure are functionality risk and political risk, respectively, the organization's inability to understand its uncertain future strategic needs, and its inability to make painful and difficult changes in response to these future strategic needs. Recent research in the organizational change literature suggests that these risks are the result of conflict among the organization's current strategy, its espoused degree of change, the actually accepted and generally smaller degree of change, and the generally larger degree of change that would be in some sense optimal. Moreover, the conflicts among these may be unperceived or undiscussable within the organization, exacerbating the risks. We summarize in a few testable hypotheses our experience with managing the risks of reengineering, and use a small set of representative case studies to examine these hypotheses informally. >