cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and Use of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay to Determine Temporal Exposure Patterns to Putative Agents of Nocardioform Placentitis.

Abstract Nocardioform placentitis is characterized by focal, mucoid placentitis resulting in late-term abortion, premature birth, or small, full-term foals, occur sporadically, and are most commonly associated with Crossiella equi and Amycolatopsis spp. infection. The goal of this project was to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantifying antibodies against Crossiella equi and Amycolatopsis spp. and utilize the ELISA to determine when exposure occurs. Serum samples collected during the 2020 foaling season from Crossiella equi (n=8) and Amycolatopsis spp. (n=32) infected mares, as well as non-affected mares (n=51 mares), were used to develop and optimize bacteria-specific ELISAs. Following development of the ELISAs, banked serum samples from a single, central Kentucky Thoroughbred farm collected during 2012-13 (n=104 mares) and 2013-14 (n=82 mares) were analyzed. Differences in various groups were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Crossiella equi-infected mares had significantly higher ELISA unit (EU) values on the Crossiella equi ELISA near parturition when compared to the other two groups (P
Rural Families in Transition

This chapter documents the transformation of rural families through an examination of two of the most important changes in American family life—changes in family structure and changes in women’s employment and family breadwinning—from 1970 to 2009, using Current Population Survey (CPS) data. Particular attention is paid to variations between families living in rural areas, central cities, and suburban places. We identify trends in marriage and divorce, the rise in single motherhood, and decreased fertility. Additionally, we examine the rising diversity of families resulting from increased educational attainment and greater female labor force participation. Finally, we discuss the implications of these changes in family structure and family employment patterns for income inequality and poverty. Over time, we find that rural families increasingly resemble urban families, but important differences remain.
The Impact of Promotional Offers on the African American Consumer

One of the major goals of advertising in situations of low interest or involvement is to generate and maintain brand awareness (Rossiter and Percy 1987). According to Bogart (1986, p. 208), advertisers use repetition to impress "the advertised name upon the consumers' consciousness and make them feel comfortable with the brand." Companies tend to use other means to evoke brand awareness and product usage. Gift packs, packaging, in store promotions and coupons are also used to get consumers aware of products. According to Klepacki in Supermarket News, coupons secure a large share of manufacturer's promotion mix, particularly in the area of new product introduction. Presumably, advertisers expect the awareness will keep the brand in the consumer' evoked set, thereby increasing the probability that the brand will subsequently be purchased.
Amniotic fluid glucose in pregnancies complicated by diabetes.

Amniotic fluid glucose (AF glu) was studied in 92 pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes. An inverse relation between AF glu and gestational age was found: [AF glu (mg. per diciliter) = 160.9 -- 3.51 (weeks gestation); r = -0.47]. A direct relation between AF glu and severity of maternal diabetes was observed: mean AF glu (mg. per deciliter) = 24.6 +/- S.D. 12.3 in Class A, 41.2 +/- 25.5 in Class AD and 57.5 +/- 36.5 in Classes B-D. A positive correlation of AF glu with osmolality was observed [AF Osm (mOsm. per kilogram) = 250.7 + 0.22 AF glu; r = +0.50], but this relation was remarkable inconsistent in individual patients. Neither individual nor serial AF glu levels were of any prognostic value in predicting fetal condition or perinatal outcome.
Electrons at metal-insulator interfaces : I. The effect of Xe monolayers on the image potential states of Ag(111)

Abstract To explore the properties of electrons at interfaces, image-potential states on metal surfaces with physisorbed overlayers are being examined. Using angle-resolved two-photon photoemission we have measured changes in the binding energy and dispersion of image states for a Xe monolayer on the Ag(111) surface. The binding energy of the n = 1 state shifts from its clean surface value of −0.76 ± 0.02 eV to a value of −0.67 ± 0.02 eV at monolayer coverage. Dispersion measurements show that the effective mass (m∗) of the image potential state decreases from (1.35 ± 0.10)me to the free-electron value of (1.00 ± 0.05)me. A model i the only effect of the adsorbate is to change the work function of the metal approximates the binding energy shift, but fails to account for the effective mass. Finally, we suggest a model in which the unique electronic structure of the first adsorbate layer shifts the electron probability density outward from the surface. The dielectric screening expected within the layer thus becomes less significant. The coupling of the electron to the metal substrate is lessened and consequently the effective mass approaches that of a free electron.
Self-intersections in a three-parameter space of cosmic strings.

We present a three-parameter space of cosmic strings with first and third harmonics which includes the one-parameter Kibble-Turok and the two-parameter Turok spaces as subsets. A numerical examination shows that, while the area of parameter space representing self-intersections of the Turok string is smaller than previously thought, the percentage of self-intersecting strings increases with the larger parameter space. There exists, however, a sufficient fraction of non-self-intersecting strings in the three-parameter space so as to remain compatible with galaxy formation theories.
Report on bioelectrochemistry IV

The fourth advanced course in Bioelectrochemistry, “Nerve-Muscle Function: Bioelectrochemistry, Mechanisms, Energetics and Control”, took place at the Majorana Centre in Erice, Italy, 20 October-l November 1991. The scope of the meeting was international in terms of both sponsorship and participation. Sponsors included the Bioelectrochemical Society, NATO, International Union of Pure and Applied Biophysics (IUPAB), the World Federation of Scientists and various Italian Government Agencies (including the Italian National Research Council). One-third of the 60 participants were from Italy, but the majority of the participants came from 18 other nations. The full title of the course indicates the main aspects of the subject that were covered in the lectures and the discussions. Since the course was part of the International School of Biophysics there was an emphasis on the biophysical point of view while integrating the biology with the electrochemistry. For example, early in the course G. Milazzo (Rome) asked the lecturers to use a quantitative approach with accepted standards and proper units, since this is absolutely essential for developing an effective common language for communication across disciplines. M. Blank (New York) urged participants not to forget that ion channels are proteins and that their properties as polyelectrolytes contribute to the specific biological properties. Also, the existence of families of channels with very similar structures but different selectivities suggests that the specificities arise from slight variations of a general scheme. These perspectives on nerve-muscle function were evident during the lectures and discussions, and in this way the school presented a unique treatment of the subject. The first major focus of the meeting was the calcium ion. A survey of calcium ion homeostasis in muscle and nerve was presented by E. Rios (Chicago) and T. Pozzan (Padua), starting from the coordination chemistry and chelation properties in aqueous media and applying these principles to calcium ions in cytoplasm and various organelles. Following these lectures there was a treatment of ion fluxes
Tissue-specific effects of chronic dietary protein restriction and gastrostomy on the insulin-like growth factor-I pathway in the liver and colon of adult rats

Dietary protein restriction decreases plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and reduces IGF-I mRNA levels in the liver. In addition to the actions of systemic IGF-I, locally produced IGF-I is thought to mediate autocrine and paracrine growth effects in the colon. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the IGF-I pathway in the colon and liver of adult rats under conditions of dietary protein restriction, surgical stress, and dietary protein repletion. Two groups of rats were placed on either a 20% or 2% casein diet for 19 days. Two additional groups of rats underwent gastrostomy after a 2% casein diet for 2 weeks, and then were either kept on the 2% casein diet or changed to a 20% casein diet until day 19. Dietary protein restriction reduced plasma concentrations of IGF-I and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) and hepatic IGF-I mRNA content, while increasing colonic IGF-I receptor mRNA. Gastrostomy in protein-depleted animals had no effect on hepatic IGF-I mRNA, but led to a marked increase in colonic IGF-I mRNA levels. Dietary protein repletion resulted in a decrease in colonic IGF-I receptor mRNA. The distinct effects of dietary protein depletion and operative stress on the IGF pathway in the colon as compared with the liver may serve to maintain the level of IGF-I signaling in the colon by autocrine or paracrine mechanisms under these conditions.
Water Ice in the Disk Around the Protostar AFGL 2136 IRS 1

The protostar AFGL 2136 IRS 1 illuminates the Juggler nebula and drives a massive molecular outflow. The line of sight toward AFGL 2136 also displays a rich spectrum of solid state absorption features. To investigate the distribution of ice-coated grains in the environment of IRS 1, we obtained narrowband images at six near-infrared wavelengths surrounding and including the 3.08 μm water ice feature. These images (specifically, a color map constructed from 2.14 and 3.60 μm images) provide vivid evidence for the presence of a disk around IRS 1 and appear to reveal, for the first time, the detailed distribution of water ice in the local environment of a protostar. Models of the 2-4 μm spectral energy distributions (SEDs) toward IRS 1 and the Juggler nebula suggest that the abundance of icy grains is larger along lines of sight through the disk than along lines of sight away from the equatorial plane of IRS 1. Thus, while we find evidence that icy grains exist throughout the cloud core containing AFGL 2136, it appears that the physical conditions in the circumstellar disk around IRS 1 are more conducive to ice mantle survival and/or growth than are physical conditions in its rarefied polar regions.
Linguistic and nonlinguistic creativity of deaf children

Abstract Literature concerning the development of deaf children contains frequent suggestions that they have less linguistic creativity than hearing peers but are comparable to, and may even exceed, hearing peers on tests of nonverbal creativity. The studies that serve as the bases for these claims contain many contradictions, however, and many have methodological and statistical shortcomings that could seriously qualify their conclusions. The relevant research, therefore, is critically reviewed here. In general, deaf children appear to be far more creative in their language production skills than typically is assumed, and they demonstrate considerable flexibility in structured comprehension tasks. Evidence concerning nonlinguistic creativity is less clear, with contradictory findings emerging from similar studies involving the same nonverbal tests.
Changes in presynaptic release of acetylcholine during development of tolerance to the anticholinesterase, DFP.

The rat myenteric plexus was used as a peripheral model for studying muscarinic modulation of acetylcholine (ACh) release from presynaptic muscarinic neurons during development of tolerance to the anticholinesterase agent, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP). DFP in arachis oil was administered subcutaneously to intact animals according to both acute and chronic regimens, with arachis oil injections serving as controls. Post-mortem analyses showed that the mean AChE activity level in whole brain was reduced under all DFP conditions to 18.0 +/- 1.4% when compared with the control level. After 10 days of DFP treatment, the AChE level was 22.3 +/- 2.1% of control in the myenteric plexus. There were no significant differences among the treatment groups in resting ACh release. Release evoked by electrical stimulation (difference between stimulated and resting release) in the absence of atropine, i.e., "basal rate," for strips taken at various times after a single injection of DFP did not differ from that for strips from animals receiving arachis oil only. However, basal release for strips from chronically treated subjects was significantly greater than that of controls (p less than 10(-3), although not different from each other. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures showed that there existed a highly significant atropine dependency in strips from all treatments when they were stimulated in concentrations of atropine from 10(-9) to 10(-5) M (p less than 10(-10). Further analyses established that the increases in rates of evoked ACh release as concentrations of atropine increased were similar for strips from chronically treated DFP and arachis oil animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effects of jejunoileal autotransplantation on gastrointestinal regulatory peptides

Plasma gastrointestinal hormones were measured before and during feeding in eight dogs, more than one year after total autotransplant of the entire jejunoileum, and in controls. At sacrifice, tissues were taken from the transplanted segment and intact bowel for measurement of hormone and enteric neuropeptide content. Gastrin levels were reduced in autotransplanted dogs (fasting 63% of control, incremental response 67% of control, both P < 0.05), reflecting the loss of acid inhibitory reflexes. Secretin and cholecystokinin responses were identical between the two groups. Postprandial levels of gastric inhibitory peptide (incremental response 175% of control, P < 0.005), insulin, and peptide YY (158% of control, P < 0.05) were elevated following denervation, the former suggesting more rapid gastric emptying while the latter may reflect malabsorption. The neurotensin meal response was obtunded by denervation (incremental response 43% of control, P < 0.05), providing evidence for a neural pathway for its release. Pancreatic polypeptide responses were identical between the groups, suggesting intact pancreatic innervation. Abnormal hormone secretion may contribute to the impaired fed motor responses seen following extrinsic denervation of the small bowel. In contrast, the neuropeptide content of the autotransplanted small intestine is normal, suggesting that extrinsic denervation has no long-term effects on peptide content of the enteric nervous system.
Object Identification and Imagination: An Alternative to the Meta-Representational Explanation of Autism

Past research has focused on pretend play in infants with autism because it is considered an early manifestation of symbolic or imaginative thinking. Contradictory research findings have challenged the meta-representational model. The intent of this paper is to propose that pretend play is the behavioral manifestation of developing imaginative ability, the complexity of which is determined by the degree of progression from part-object/inanimate object to whole-object/human object identification. We propose that autism is the result of non-completion of this process to varying degrees. This not only affects early pretend play behaviors, but also later social, language, and cognitive skills derived from the level of imagination-based sophistication achieved during foundational periods available for early identification.
Postoperative delirium following radical gynecologic oncology surgery

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and possible predisposing factors for the development of postoperative delirum following radical gynecologic oncology surgery. A retrospective chart review was performed on 153 consecutive patients undergoing radical gynecologic oncology surgery. Preoperative variables assessed included: age, sepsis, decreased vision, decreased hearing, psychiatric history and abnormal mental status. Operative variables assess included: anesthesia time, estimated blood loss, hypotension, arrhythmia and transfusions. Preoperative medications, postoperative pain medication and abnormal perioperative laboratory values were also assessed. Sixteen of 150 patients (11%) developed postoperative delirium. Age was a significant predictor of postoperative delirium (median age 69 years vs 53 years, P = 0.006). Preoperative abnormal mental status examination was a significant predictor (P = 0.27). Use of chronic narcotic pain medication was significant (P = 0.008). All three patients who were septic at the time of emergency surgery developed postoperative delirum (P = 0.001). No other variables could be identified. When reviewing the date using any high risk factor as a positive test (advanced age, sepsis, abnormal mental status exam or chronic narcotic pain medication), sensitivity was 88%, specificity 76%, positive predictive value 35% and negative predictive value 77%. Delirium occurred most frequently on the second post-operative day (range 1–4 days) and lasted for a median of 2 days (range 1–5 days). Delirium resolved completely in all 16 patients. In conclusion, 11% of women undergoing radical gynecologic oncology surgery developed postoperative delirium. Advanced age, preoperative abnormal mental status, chronic narcotic pain medication and preoperative sepsis were all predisposing risk factors.
On spinodal decomposition in cubic crystals

Abstract The anisotropy of all factors influencing the mechanism of spinodal decomposition is considered for crystals of cubic symmetry. It is found that no anisotropy is introduced by the incipient surface, and that elastic aeolotropy should give rise to {100} plane waves if 2 C 44 − C 11 + C 12 > 0 or {111} plane waves if 2 C 44 − C 11 + C 12
Hyperoxia Decreases Glycolytic Capacity, Glycolytic Reserve and Oxidative Phosphorylation in MLE-12 Cells and Inhibits Complex I and II Function, but Not Complex IV in Isolated Mouse Lung Mitochondria

High levels of oxygen (hyperoxia) are frequently used in critical care units and in conditions of respiratory insufficiencies in adults, as well as in infants. However, hyperoxia has been implicated in a number of pulmonary disorders including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Hyperoxia increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondria that could impair the function of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. We analyzed lung mitochondrial function in hyperoxia using the XF24 analyzer (extracellular flux) and optimized the assay for lung epithelial cells and mitochondria isolated from lungs of mice. Our data show that hyperoxia decreases basal oxygen consumption rate (OCR), spare respiratory capacity, maximal respiration and ATP turnover in MLE-12 cells. There was significant decrease in glycolytic capacity and glycolytic reserve in MLE-12 cells exposed to hyperoxia. Using mitochondria isolated from lungs of mice exposed to hyperoxia or normoxia we have shown that hyperoxia decreased the basal, state 3 and state3 μ (respiration in an uncoupled state) respirations. Further, using substrate or inhibitor of a specific complex we show that the OCR via complex I and II, but not complex IV was decreased, demonstrating that complexes I and II are specific targets of hyperoxia. Further, the activities of complex I (NADH dehydrogenase, NADH-DH) and complex II (succinate dehydrogenase, SDH) were decreased in hyperoxia, but the activity of complex IV (cytochrome oxidase, COX) remains unchanged. Taken together, our study show that hyperoxia impairs glycolytic and mitochondrial energy metabolism in in tact cells, as well as in lungs of mice by selectively inactivating components of electron transport system.
This Is What Democracy Sounds Like: Protest Performances of the Citizenship Movement in Wisconsin and Beyond

This article is a case study of an ongoing singing protest in Wisconsin, the group that calls itself Solidarity Sing Along (SSA). An offshoot of the 2011 Wisconsin Uprising, for the first 15 months of its existence SSA was an important nexus of local activists working to recall Republican state senators and the governor. After the recall's failure the group not only continued to carry on but quite effortlessly reoriented its claim making and centered its protests on the freedom to assemble and petition the government, which had been an important cause from early on. Maintaining its pro-labor orientation, SSA has become part of a broader movement for democratic citizenship rights. Situating the group in musical practices of the Wisconsin protests and social movements more generally, I show that how SSA makes and performs its music makes it a part of the citizenship movement. This case study reveals a novel form of claim making within the repertoire of contention practiced by social movements: SSA is a ‘par...
A case study of GWE satellite data impact on GLA assimilation analyses of two ocean cyclones

The effects of the Global Weather Experiment (GWE) data obtained on January 18-20, 1979 on Goddard Laboratory for Atmospheres assimilation analyses of simultaneous cyclones in the western Pacific and Atlantic oceans are examined. The ability of satellite data within assimilation models to determine the baroclinic structures of developing extratropical cyclones is evaluated. The impact of the satellite data on the amplitude and phase of the temperature structure within the storm domain, potential energy, and baroclinic growth rate is studied. The GWE data are compared with Data Systems Test results. It is noted that it is necessary to characterize satellite effects on the baroclinic structure of cyclone waves which degrade numerical weather predictions of cyclogenesis.
Measurement and theory in legislative networks: The evolving topology of Congressional collaboration

Abstract The examination of legislatures as social networks represents a growing area of legislative scholarship. We examine existing treatments of cosponsorship data as constituting legislative networks, with measures aggregated over entire legislative sessions. We point out ways in which the direct application of models from the social networks literature legislative networks aggregated over entire sessions could potentially obscure interesting variation at different levels of measurement. We then present an illustration of an alternative approach, in which we analyze disaggregated, dynamic networks and utilize multiple measures to guard against overly measure-dependent inferences. Our results indicate that the cosponsorship network is a highly responsive network subject to external institutional pressures that more aggregated analyses would overlook.
Potentiation of hormone-stimulated accumulation of cyclic AMP in cultured fibroblasts by trypsin

Abstract Evidence is presented that brief trypsin treatment of intact normal rat kidney cells significantly increases the intracellular accumulation of cyclic AMP in response to added prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and (−)-isoproterenol. Trypsin exhibits a concentration-dependent enhancement of hormone-stimulated accumulation of cyclic AMP in intact normal rat kidney cells, with maximal stimulation (two- to threefold) observed with 25 μg/ml trypsin. The trypsin stimulatory effect is rapid, with optimal enhancement noted within 6 to 8 min after protease addition. The extent of stimulation is not altered with increasing PGE1 concentration. Trypsin, by itself, elicits only a 30 to 50% increase in basal cyclic AMP levels. These results suggest that trypsin might act on the external cell surface to modulate hormonal responsiveness, perhaps by eliminating a GTP inhibitory effect on the normal rat kidney adenylate cyclase system.
Season length influences breeding range dynamics of trumpeter swans Cygnus buccinator

The breeding range of large-bodied waterfowl nesting in the northern boreal forest is likely influenced by breeding season length. This may be particularly true for the largest species of North American waterfowl, the trumpeter swan Cygnus buccinator, due to the extended time period necessary to raise young to fledging. This species recently recovered from near-extinction in the early 1900s to reoccupy historic breeding areas throughout the boreal forest in Alaska, although recolonization patterns may have been influenced by variation in season length over the same time period. This may have resulted in range expansion into areas that were historically unavailable due to an ice-free period insufficient for successful reproduction. We used hierarchical occupancy models to analyze trumpeter swan survey data collected over the entire breeding range in Alaska during 1968-2005. We fit models containing combinations of recolonization parameters, trend and latitude, and season length to these data to determine whether these variables explained the variation in occupancy across our survey area. Support for season length parameters would provide evidence that the recolonization process was partially related to the length of the breeding season. We expected that occupancy probability would increase range-wide due to overall population growth, while occupancy would be greatest at mid-latitudes, near the center of the species range. Because this population was recovering, we also expected that expansion would proceed outward from the range center. Our results indicated that habitat occupancy was positively related to season length, partially explaining the recently observed northward range expansion. Our results suggest that increases in annual temperatures due to climate warming would likely be associated with further range expansion in trumpeter swans and may have implications for other wetland obligates. Changes in species distributions will likely increase competition for breeding areas with potential negative effects on species not limited by season length. This may already be occurring in Alaska where the breeding distribution of trumpeter swans has begun to overlap with that of tundra swans Cygnus columbianus.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Decidualization in Vitro Inhibits Cytochalasin-D-Induced Apoptosis in Cultured Endometrial Stromal Fibroblasts

Endometrial apoptosis increases from the proliferative phase through the secretory phase and peaks at menses. However, with the onset of pregnancy, the corpus luteum is rescued and stromal cells, instead of undergoing apoptosis, reorganize the cytoskeleton and then begin to differentiate. We hypothesized that in the presence of hormones (estradiol-17β and medroxyprogesterone acetate), chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as an early embryonic signal, and induction of decidualization by dibutyryl-cAMP (dbcAMP), endometrial stromal cells are rescued by the regulation of proteins that inhibit apoptosis. The percentage of cells stained with annexin V, an early apoptotic marker, increased dramatically after cytoskeletal disruption with cytochalasin D compared with non-cytochalasin-D-treated controls (P < 0.05). However, treatment of cells with hCG or dbcAMP in the presence of hormones significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the percentage of annexin-V-stained cells compared with cells treated with cytochalasin D alone. Thi...
Improving the performance of PHOLEDs by using dual doping

ABSTRACT Phosphorescent organic light emitting device (PHOLED TM ) technology has demonstrated record high efficiencies and long operational stability. Here we report on the introduction of an additional charge transporting dopant into the device emissive layer to further improve the luminous efficiency and device lifetime. The performance enhancement is attributed to the separation of polarons and excitons in the de vice emissive layer, which results in reduced triplet-triplet and triplet-polaron interactions as well as minimizing self quenching and reabsorption. Specifically we report a 50% improvement in the luminous efficiency of a red PHOLED and a 3 fold improvem ent of the device lifetime due to the use of dual doping. A dual doped sRGB red device with 28 cd/A and the lifetime over 300,000h at 1,000 nits is demonstrated. Keywords : Electrophosphorescence, electroluminescence, phosphorescent OLEDs, PHOLEDs, dual doping 1. INTRODUCTION The use of OLEDs in display and lighting applications is gr owing every year. Outstanding features of OLED displays like bright saturated color, very wide viewing angle, extrem ely slim design and the possibility of flexible and transparent displays make OLEDs a very exciting technology. The continuous improvement of OLED technology is critical for commercial impact as both flat panel di splays and solid state light sources. An OLED is a device, which consists of one or more organic layers with a total thickness of approximately 1000 A sandwiched between two electrodes. One of the electrodes has to be transparent for light output. Conventionally the OLED emissive layer (EML) contains two components: host and emissive dopant. The emitter dopant concentration typically ranges from less than 1 to 20%. The introduction of a third component into the EML can make significant improvements to the device performance due to several reasons discussed below. Dual doped fluorescent red devices have been reported in the literature. For example the assist dopant method was reported by Sanyo
Voyeurism in Lo prohibido

(1984). Voyeurism in Lo prohibido. Kentucky Romance Quarterly: Vol. 31, Perez Galdos Studies, pp. 169-175.
Crisp bags, one-dimensional fuzzy bags, multidimensional fuzzy bags: Comparing successful and unsuccessful user's Web behavior

In all studies of user's behavior on searching the Web, researchers found that their search strategy or traversal process showed a pattern of moving back and forth between searching and browsing. These activities of searching and browsing are inclusive activities to complete a goal-oriented task to find the answer for the query. The moving back and forth, including backtracking to a former Web page, constitutes the measurable or physical states or actions that a user takes while searching the Web. How do we account for the repeated searching and browsing and shifting between different Web pages to better understand the behavior of usersq Is there a mathematical model that can help model actions of users to distinguish between two users while their repeated actions are accounted for since it is a part of their behavior or inherent essence to arrive at the goal of answering the questions regardless whether they are successful or unsuccessfulq The idea of a set does not help account for repeated actions since in a set repeated objects are ignored. In some situations, we want a structure in which a collections of objects in the same sense as a set but a redundancy counts. The structure of a bag as a framework can help study the behavior of users and uncover some intrinsic properties about users. Also would bags help distinguish between two sets of users based on their syntactic properties without a priori knowledge of their semantic propertiesq This study constitutes a premier in applying bags to user's mining of the Web. The research will consider queries that depend on one variable or “univariable.” An example of “univariable” queries is “Find the number of Web pages of users whose searching is less than the average.” Crisp bags failed to answer such a query. Fuzzy operators were used successfully in comparing the “fuzzy bag” of the successful users to the “fuzzy bag” of unsuccessful users to answer such a query. A distance between two fuzzy bags was also established. The research also considered queries that depend on more than one variable or multivariable. An example of a “multivariable” query is “Find the number of Web pages of users whose number of searches is less than average and hyperlink navigation is less than the average.” One-dimensional fuzzy bags were extended to two-dimensional fuzzy bags and two-dimensional fuzzy bag operators were used to answer such a query. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Convergence in neural memories

One of the simplest optimization problems solved by Ising spin models of neural memory is associative memory retrieval. The authors study deterministic convergence properties of the Hopfield synchronous retrieval algorithm for such models. In this case a memory, stored in the network by an appropriate choice of connections, is retrieved by setting the neural outputs to the binary pattern of the recall key (probe) and allowing the network to converge to a stable state. Precise conditions are developed that ensure that all stored memories are fixed points of the retrieval algorithm. An orthogonality-nearness criterion is then obtained for a memory probe itself to be a stationary point and thus outside the error-correcting capability of the memory. A local stability result quantifies the spatial relationship required for fast convergence. >
Ray tracing method for propagation models in wireless communication systems

A new triangular-grid ray tracing (TGRT) method is proposed. It is based on dividing the propagation region into triangles. The number of triangles is decided by the number of vertices of the structures, instead of their dimensions. For the 2D case, it can decrease the visible decision calculation to two edges for each triangle. It is shown that this method unifies the indoor and/or outdoor propagation problems and provides savings in computational time.
The equilibrium locations of three stores with different selections of differentiated products

Abstract The equilibrium locations of three stores may be completely centralized (in the absence of price competition) if different stores sell different varieties of a differentiated product or different combinations of varieties that are partially overlapping.
Generalized varying coefficient models with unknown link function

SUMMARY We propose a new estimation method for generalized varying coefficient models where the link function is specified up to some smoothness conditions. Consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimated varying coefficient functions are established. Simulation results and a real data application demonstrate the usefulness of the new method.
The Revolution in Higher Education and the Needs of the New Academic

This new e-Lead from the editor's desk is an introspective look at what eLearning means to the daily rituals of the ivory tower, and the impact eLearning is having on academic life today.
Compositional dependence of spectral features in the Raman spectra of erythrocyte membranes

The Raman spectra of erythrocyte membranes in water and D 2 O were analyzed to determine the percentage of protein and lipid contributions to the amide I spectral feature. The approach of Lippert et al. [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 98, 7075 (1976] was modified to use circular dichroism data for protein conformations of erythrocyte membranes to determine the relative lipid and protein contributions to the 1660 cm −1 spectral feature. It was determined that 69 ± 15% of the measured peak intensity was due to the protein contribution. The implication of this data to the quantity of α-helix conformation in membrane protein of erythrocytes, and alternative approach to determine protein conformation from Raman spectra are discussed
Ecological Observations on the Insects and Other Inhabitants of Woody Shelf Fungi (Basidiomycetes: Polyporaceae) in the Chicago Area

Berlese-funnel techniques extracted roughly 40,000 animals from conks of 14 polypore species, obtained principally in the Chicago area. A check-list of the animals includes nematodes (unidentified further), a very few snails, and arthropods representing 5 classes, 14 orders, and some 70 families, among which approximately 90 genera and 70 species were identified definitely. Acarina, Collembola, and Coleoptera were the dominant orders. Certain species of Diptera, Corrodentia, Thysanoptera, and parasitic Hymenoptera also were of considerable importance. Host-species specificity was found uncommon in this fauna. The habitat goes through a series of stages associated with changes caused by insect attack and decomposition of the conk, and there is a definite succession in the fauna associated with this decomposition. The paper includes observations on ecology and behavior of several insects, a discussion of the role played by some of them in the community, and a partial food-web based on observations and on data in the literature.
CYCLOPROPANE RING-OPENING OF METHYLENECYCLOPROPANE DERIVATIVES BY PLATINUM(II) HYDRIDES

Abstract The reactions of the trans - and cis - dimethyl esters and the cisanhydride of Feist's acid with both cationic and neutral platinum(II) hydrides afford a variety of organoplatinum complexes formed by either 1) cleavage of a cyclopropyl bond, 2) addition of Pt-H across the exocyclic double bond of the methylenecyclopropane derivative, or 3) reductive elimination of the Pt-H hydrogen as a proton.
Controlled Release of Growth Factors on Allograft Bone in vitro

Allografts are important alternatives to autografts for treating defects after major bone loss. Bone growth factors have both local autocrine and paracrine effects and regulate the growth, proliferation, and differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells. To study the effects of prolonged, continuous, local delivery of growth factors on bone growth, we developed a new microelectromechanical system (MEMS) drug delivery device. Bone marrow cells from mice were seeded on mouse allograft discs and cultured in osteogenic media with osteogenic protein 1 (OP-1) and/or basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) delivered from MEMS devices for 6 weeks. We monitored bone formation by changes of bone volume using micro-CT scanning and release of osteocalcin using ELISA. The data suggest the MEMS devices delivered constant concentrations of OP-1 and FGF-2 to the media. Bone marrow cells grew on the allografts and increased bone volume. Addition of OP-1 increased bone formation whereas FGF-2 decreased bone formation. Local delivery of growth factors over a prolonged period modulated the differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells on allograft bone.
Reliability Issues and Solutions for Coding Social Communication Performance in Classroom Settings

Purpose To explore the utility of time-interval analysis for documenting the reliability of coding social communication performance of children in classroom settings. Of particular interest was fin...
Price equilibria for markets with supply rigidities and demand heterogeneity

Abstract Price equilibria are studied for markets characterized both by supply rigidities and demand heterogeneity. Typical examples include rental housing markets in which vacancy rates remain close to zero over time. In such markets, where total demand and supply are essentially identical, the primary role of prices is to allocate available commodity types among consumer types. Hence the central objective of this paper is to establish conditions for the existence and uniqueness of such price-allocation equilibria. These general results are then applied to the types of random-utility specifications of demand which have most frequently been employed to model such markets.
New Method for Treating the Antiferromagnetic Ground State

A perturbation expansion for the ground-state energy of an antiferromagnetic spin system is obtained in terms of a linked-spin-cluster expansion similar to Goldstone's linked-Feynman-diagram expansion for the interacting Fermion system. From the energy perturbation series, perturbation series for the long- and short-range order may be obtained. Using these perturbation series, the ground-state properties are calculated through seventh order and compared with the results obtained by other investigators. In all cases, the values obtained here for the ground-state energy are lower than those which have been obtained by purely variational means. The results for the long-range order are radically different from the variational results but agree qualitatively with those obtained by spin-wave theory; however, the method is free of the usual objections which are voiced to spin-wave treatments of antiferromagnetism. The present work is incomplete in that limits on the error introduced by using only a finite number of terms of the perturbation series to calculate the physical properties are not obtained. But the author feels that the merit of the present work is in the method rather than the results since it provides a consistent framework both to settle the convergence question and to treat the antiferromagnetic spin system at finite temperatures.
Cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid levels and the recovery from ethanol dependence: preliminary evidence of modification by cigarette smoking.

Background Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic adaptations contribute to the neurobiology of ethanol dependence and withdrawal. Clinical data suggest that tobacco smoking attenuates alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This study's objective was to measure time-dependent cortical GABA levels with sobriety in ethanol-dependent patients with mild to moderate withdrawal severity, controlling for alcoholism-related neurotoxicity and smoking. Methods Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to measure occipital cortical N-acetylaspartate (NAA), glutamate plus glutamine, and GABA in 12 ethanol-dependent men at approximately 1 week and 1 month of medication-free sobriety on an inpatient unit. Eight healthy men were studied once. The tissue composition of the MRS volume was determined. Results Adjusting for less white matter in patients, GABA differed insignificantly between ethanol-dependent patients (smokers plus nonsmokers) and healthy subjects. In early sobriety, nonsmoking patients had more GABA than did smoking patients, but by 1 month, GABA decreased in nonsmokers without changing in smokers. Smoking was associated with increased glutamate plus glutamine in patients and healthy subjects, adjusting for NAA levels. Conclusions These data do not show that deficits in cortical GABA contribute directly to acute ethanol withdrawal. If smoking prevents withdrawal-related changes in cortical GABA systems, it may contribute to comorbidity of alcoholism and tobacco smoking.
TU-D-350-02: Civil Law, Ethics and the Medical Physicist

Ethics Case Reports. Questionable ethical behavior may or may not also entail questionable lawful behavior. Several case reports are presented to differentiate legal and ethical issues. There is often an overlap of ethical and legal boundaries; so many situations may have both legal and ethical implications. The ramifications of legal vs. ethical violations are obviously different. Hypothetical case reports will include: hostile work environment, sexual harassment, graduate student progress impediments, substance abuse, and questionable practice.
Room Temperature Terahertz (THz) Spectroscopy of CCl3F (CFC-11)

The rotational spectrum for the lowest vibrational mode for CCl3F has been measured in the 0.1 to 1.5THz frequency range. The observed absorption profile was well modeled with rotational and vapor pressure parameters.
The Application of Static Inverters for Essential Loads

Static inverters of up to 100 kva (kilovolt-amperes) have been built, and units up to 800 kva are being designed. These devices, generally in smaller sizes, are suitable for converting direct current from batteries to alternating current for emergency loads or for continuous power sources for essential a-c loads. Typical applications, battery considerations, application problems, and available units are discussed.
A portfolio of fine resolution Ku-band miniSAR images: Part II.

Sandia-developed SAR systems are well known for their real-time, high quality, high resolution imagery. Recently, a series of tests were completed with the sub-thirty pound, Ku-band miniSAR system. A large data set was collected including real-time images of a variety of target scenes with resolutions as fine as 4 inches. This paper offers a sampling of real-time, high quality, fine resolution images representative of the output of Sandia's miniSAR radar. Images will be annotated with descriptions of collection geometries and other relevant image parameters. The miniSAR system and Sandia DeHaviland DHC-6 Twin Otter test bed are also briefly discussed.
THE FORMATION OF PROTUBERANCES ON BEAN LEAVES IN RESPONSE TO 2,4‐D TREATMENTS

older leaves in the same bud are less vulnerable. Illustrations and descriptions of the size of leaves and stage of histological development of leaves in the bud at the time of treatment, and at various later periods are supplied. A sequence is shown of stages of leaf development that, when mature, illustrate each type of injury. Both below the least severely injured leaf at the base of the series and above the least severely injured leaf at the top of series of injured leaves, leaf development is normal. Leaves that develop normally are either those not yet present in the bud at the time of treatment or they are sufficiently well expanded at the time of treatment to be unaffected; the severity of injury increases in intensity from the first leaf above the normal leaf at the base of the stem upward to a point of greatest severity and from this point decreases in intensity toward the top of the -stem where normal leaves are produced. The nunmber of leaves involved in -one series is rarely more than five. The effect of the stimulus is not long lasting; the location of mature injured leaves on the stem is controlled by their location in the bud anld the length of the bud at the time of treatment. Observation of similarly treated plants of other species suggests that leaf proliferation commonly follows a pattern verv much like that described for the bean. Frequently, plants that exhibit what appears to be delayed injury have received leaf injurv during the formation of buds which did not expand until some time later.
Standard Seawater Comparisons Updated

Abstract Salinity adjustments that may reconcile differences in results from different expeditions are presented. These corrections are based upon batch-to-batch differences in Standard Seawater (SSW) after comparison with KC1-derived standards. Earlier SSW comparisons have shown that the chlorinity/conductivity relationship is not the same for all batches. Salinometers were standardized in terms of conductivity, while SSW was formerly labeled in terms of chlorinity. Labeling of SSW in terms of conductivity, relative to a standard KC1 solution was expected to eliminate SSW batch-to-batch differences. New SSW comparisons, presented below, reveal that while conductivity-labeled SSW batch-to-batch differences have been reduced, significant differences between batches persist. The new results have been adjusted relative to the KC1 standard as defined by the Practical Salinity Scale, 1978. In the past, it had not been possible to make absolute corrections to expedition salinities to account for SSW systematic ...
Staged endovascular treatment of bilateral ruptured and intact ovarian artery aneurysms in a postmenopausal woman

Ovarian artery aneurysms have rarely been reported in the literature, with almost all being unilateral and occurring in the peripartum period. We herein describe a unique case of a postmenopausal patient with a ruptured ovarian aneurysm and an intact contralateral aneurysm that were both successfully treated by endovascular techniques.