cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal Identical Binary Quantizer Design for Distributed Estimation

We consider the design of identical one-bit probabilistic quantizers for distributed estimation in sensor networks. We assume the parameter-range to be finite and known and use the maximum Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRB) over the parameter-range as our performance metric. We restrict our theoretical analysis to the class of antisymmetric quantizers and determine a set of conditions for which the probabilistic quantizer function is greatly simplified. We identify a broad class of noise distributions, which includes Gaussian noise in the low-SNR regime, for which the often used threshold-quantizer is found to be minimax-optimal. Aided with theoretical results, we formulate an optimization problem to obtain the optimum minimax-CRB quantizer. For a wide range of noise distributions, we demonstrate the superior performance of the new quantizer-particularly in the moderate to high-SNR regime.
The impact of virtual bidding on price volatility in New York's wholesale electricity market

Abstract This paper examines the impact that virtual bidding has had on price volatility in the New York State wholesale electricity market. Virtual bidding is found to be associated with reduced volatility in both the Day Ahead and Real Time markets.
Scale-free networks as preasymptotic regimes of superlinear preferential attachment

We study the following paradox associated with networks growing according to superlinear preferential attachment: superlinear preference cannot produce scale-free networks in the thermodynamic limit, but there are superlinearly growing network models that perfectly match the structure of some real scale-free networks, such as the Internet. We obtain an analytic solution, supported by extensive simulations, for the degree distribution in superlinearly growing networks with arbitrary average degree, and confirm that in the true thermodynamic limit these networks are indeed degenerate, i.e., almost all nodes have low degrees. We then show that superlinear growth has vast preasymptotic regimes whose depths depend both on the average degree in the network and on how superlinear the preference kernel is. We demonstrate that a superlinearly growing network model can reproduce, in its preasymptotic regime, the structure of a real network, if the model captures some sufficiently strong structural constraints-rich-club connectivity, for example. These findings suggest that real scale-free networks of finite size may exist in pre-asymptotic regimes of network evolution processes that lead to degenerate network formations in the thermodynamic limit.
Hyperbranched Thermosetting Poly(imide−ester): Synthesis and Properties

A new family of polymer, namely hyperbranched thermosetting poly(imide−ester) (HBPIE), was successfully prepared by the esterification reaction between a hyperbranched oligoimide terminated with carboxylic end groups (−COOH) and a hyperbranched oligoester terminated with acetoxy end groups (−OAc). The hyperbranched oligoimide has a degree of branching of one, Mw = 14 180, and polydispersity Pd = 1.953. The −OAc-terminated oligoester has Mw = 7000 and polydispersity Pd = 1.17. The NMP solution of the oligoimide and oligoester had excellent film-forming properties. HBPIE films cured from these two oligomers are thermally stable and display surface area of 83 m2/g due to their intrinsic microporosity (pore size 12.7 A). The submicrometer thin film of HBPIE also displays an intermediate dielectric constant and high dielectric breakdown strength.
Adherence to medications for the treatment of osteoporosis

One of the major challenges for rheumatologists in the successful management of patients who have osteoporosis is poor patient adherence to current therapies. Patients who are nonadherent to osteoporosis therapies have significant consequences of reduced bone mineral density response, reduced bone marker suppression, and increased risk for osteoporotic fracture compared with patients who are adherent. Although extending the dosing interval of oral bisphosphonates from daily to weekly has improved adherence, adherence with weekly bisphosphonates remains suboptimal. Barriers to adherence include patient health beliefs, inadequate patient education, and age. Potential solutions include patient and family education, improved dosing schedules, and improved communication between patients and doctors.
Charge build-up, intrinsic bistability, and magnetic field effects in double-barrier heterostructures

A theoretical investigation of the influence of longitudinal magnetic fields on the charge build-up in double barrier tunneling structures is presented. We find that both the peak current and the hysteresis in the I-V curve can be modulated by variation of the strength of the magnetic field.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The cuticular proteins of Hyalophora cecropia from different anatomical regions and metamorphic stages

Cuticles of Hyalophora cecropia were extracted with guanidine hydrochloride, and their cuticular proteins analyzed on isoelectric focusing gels. Extensive differences were found among the banding patterns from extracts of different cuticular regions within each metamorphic stage. The distribution of isoelectric points from each region correlated with the flexibility of the mature cuticle. Extracts from larval tubercles and head capsule were found to possess many of the same bands as hard pupal and adult cuticles. There were relatively few bands restricted to a single stage, and no band was found in all cuticles of a single stage. Examination of cuticles from pharate animals revealed that the differences found were not a result of differential sclerotization. A Wagner character-state analysis was used to compare the banding patterns. It was concluded that anatomical region is more a determinant of cuticular protein composition than metamorphic stage.
The identification of messenger RNA coding for immunoglobulin heavy and light chains of Xenopus laevis.

Abstract Total poly(A)-containing mRNA isolated from Xenopus spleens was translated in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate in vitro protein-synthesizing system. Approx. 1% of the radioactivity incorporated into the protein was precipitated by an antibody directed against adult Xenopus IgM. The immunoprecipitated proteins were characterized as IgM heavy and light chains by their molecular weight as determined by polyacrylamide-sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. The sequence variability of the synthesized light chain proteins was analyzed by isoelectric focusing and shown to be indistinguishable from authentic Xenopus immunoglobulin light chain proteins derived from IgM. The data presented here identify Xenopus spleen mRNA as a potential source of a natural immunoglobulin mRNA population with which the development of the immune system can be studied.
A wideband millimeter-wave frequency doubler-tripler in 0.13-µm CMOS

A combined frequency doubler and tripler is proposed for wideband millimeter wave frequency generation in CMOS. The circuit consists of a push-push FET frequency doubler along with a single-balanced mixer based frequency tripler. The frequency doubler-tripler can generate frequencies in the range of 23–48 GHz with more than −20dBm output power into 50Ω. The conversion gains of the doubler and tripler are measured to be −2.6dB and −12.3 dB, respectively, with a 0dBm input at 14.4GHz. Fabricated in 0.13-µm CMOS, the circuit has an active area of 600×440 µm2. The frequency multipliers consume 12.6mW dc power from 1.2V supply, while the output buffers consume 11.9mW.
Linking management to biodiversity in built ponds using metacommunity simulations

Abstract In urban and other built environments, management decisions serve as a prominent feedback between biodiversity patterns and human-controlled environmental variables. In this study, we used the metacommunity concept to assess the mechanisms that link zooplankton biodiversity to different management regimes in urban water bodies associated with the Baltimore Ecosystem Study Long-Term Ecological Research site (USA). In the summer of 2011, we sampled zooplankton in 21 ponds built for stormwater management. Ponds were classified as either unmanaged (n = 9) or actively managed (n = 12) for recreation and aesthetic value, where managed ponds received multiple chemical and algaecide applications to improve water clarity. We found managed ponds had higher local (alpha) diversity and lower spatial turnover in community composition (beta-diversity), and thus greater biotic homogenization than ponds that were unmanaged. We developed a lottery-based metacommunity simulation (MCSim) to assess how niche and dispersal dynamics could create the observed biodiversity patterns, and to assess whether biotic homogenization was related to management. A comparison of empirical and simulated diversity patterns suggests the zooplankton pond metacommunity was influenced by both dispersal and niche-based community assembly dynamics. Simulations showed that the observed biotic homogenization effect was expected based on the spatially aggregated distribution of managed ponds, but pond management was not likely exacerbating biotic homogenization in this system. Such insight is essential to understand how environmental management can affect biodiversity at local and regional scales.
Blood flow in tapered tubes.

Abstract Steady laminar blood flow in uniformly tapering tubes under non-Newtonian flow conditions, is examined. The pressure-flow relationship is studied both theoretically and experimentally. Blood rheology is assumed to be described by the Casson Model. A theoretical pressure flow relation for a Casson model fluid is derived by a differential-cylinder approach as well as by direct integration of the equation of motion. Both methods result in the same expression. Experimental data for bovine blood flow in 1° and 2° tubes agree well with the theoretical predictions over a flow rate range of 0.01–0.15 cc/sec.
COMPARISON OF E.COLI ADENINE PHOSPHOR IEO SYLTRANSFERASE AND OTHER PHOSPHORIBOSYL-TRANSFERASES: 85

COMPARISON OF E.COLI ADENINE PHOSPHOR IEO SYLTRANSFERASE AND OTHER PHOSPHORIBOSYL-TRANSFERASES: 85
Complementary and alternative medicine in pregnancy: a survey of North Carolina certified nurse-midwives.

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence and types of complementary and alternative medicine therapies used by certified nurse-midwives in North Carolina. Methods: Surveys were sent to all 120 licensed certified nurse-midwives in North Carolina requesting information concerning their recommendations for use of complementary and alternative medicine for their pregnant or postpartum patients. Results: Eighty-two responses were received (68.3%). Seventy-seven (93.9%) reported recommending complementary and alternative medicine to their pregnant patients in the past year. Forty-seven (57.3%) reported recommending complementary and alternative medicine to more than 10% of patients. The percentage of nurse-midwives who recommended each type of complementary and alternative medicine was as follows: herbal therapy (73.2%), massage therapy (67.1%), chiropractic (57.3%), acupressure (52.4%), mind-body interventions (48.8%), aromatherapy (32.9%), homeopathy (30.5%), spiritual healing (23.2%), acupuncture (19.5%), and bioelectric or magnetic applications (14.6%). The 60 respondents who reported prescribing herbal therapies gave them for the following indications: nausea and vomiting, labor stimulation, perineal discomfort, lactation disorders, postpartum depression, preterm labor, postpartum hemorrhage, labor analgesia, and malpresentation. Conclusion: Complementary and alternative medicine, especially herbal therapy, is commonly prescribed to pregnant women by nurse-midwives in North Carolina.
Complete heart block and the role of atrial activity.

Abstract Ten patients with complete atrioventricular block were studied in order to evaluate the contribution of the atrial contraction to the following ventricular contraction. Ejection times, intra-arterial blood pressures, and peak dp dt were measured. These data indicate that proper atrial timing produces a considerable increase in ejection time, systolic arterial pressure, and peak positive dp dt . Administration of isoproterenol resulted in a substantial decrease in ejection time only when atrial systole occurred at the proper time, but no change was observed before and during the administration of isoproterenol when the atrial systole was not synchronous. Systolic and diastolic pressures decreased during administration of the drug, and the contribution of the atrium was maintained. Peak positive dp dt rose in both zones of the “P-R interval,” and the atrial contribution slightly decreased. The conclusion is that isoproterenol decreases myocardial compliance, and the action of the atrium is diminished proportionately.
Time-dependent deformation behavior of near-eutectic 60Sn-40Pb solder

The compressive creep and stress-strain behavior of the near-eutectic 60Sn-40Pb solder alloy has been investigated over the temperature range of −55 °C to 125 °C. The total primary creep strain is a strong function of stress and temperature: at lower temperatures and high applied stresses (i.e., near the power-law breakdown regime), it is quite large, while it is much smaller at higher temperatures and lower applied stresses. The compressive minimum creep rate as a function of stress and temperature is fit well by the Garofalo sinh equation. A discussion of the effective stress exponent, n eff, in the context of the Garofalo sinh equation is presented to understand trends in the creep data. The values of n eff, for the applied stress levels studied, are found to range from 3.09 to 5.00 at 125 °C, while they have a range of 10.75 to 15.79 at −55 °C. These trends are consistent with the interpretation of climb-dominated creep at higher temperatures and plasticity-dominated power law breakdown behavior at the lower temperatures. The microstructural observations suggest that, at elevated temperatures, deformation occurs by relative displacement of eutectic colonies in the solder microstructure accompanied by extensive grain coarsening in the colony boundaries. At lower temperatures (<0 °C), deformation occurs by cell displacement with very limited coarsening and, at high stresses, is dominated by plastic deformation. The application of the Garofalo sinh equation to other data sets for creep of eutectic Sn-Pb solder is also discussed.
Immediate and long-term outcome of intracoronary stent implantation for true bifurcation lesions

Abstract OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term outcome of intracoronary stent implantation for the treatment of coronary artery bifurcation lesions. BACKGROUND Balloon angioplasty of true coronary bifurcation lesions is associated with a lower success and higher complication rate than most other lesion types. METHODS We treated 131 patients with bifurcation lesions with ≥1 stent. Patients were divided into two groups; Group (Gp) 1 included 77 patients treated with a stent in one branch and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) (with or without atherectomy) in the side branch, and Gp 2 included 54 patients who underwent stent deployment in both branches. The Gp 2 patients were subsequently divided into two subgroups depending on the technique of stent deployment. The Gp 2a included 19 patients who underwent Y-stenting, and Gp 2b included 33 patients who underwent T-stenting. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, gender, frequency of prior myocardial infarction (MI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or vessels treated. Procedural success rates were excellent (89.5 to 97.4%). After one-year follow-up, no significant differences were seen in the frequency of major adverse events (death, MI, or repeat revascularization) between Gp 1 and Gp 2. Adverse cardiac events were higher with Y-stenting compared with T-stenting (86.3% vs. 30.4%, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Stenting of bifurcation lesions can be achieved with a high success rate. However, stenting of both branches offers no advantage over stenting one branch and performing balloon angioplasty of the other branch.
Real-Time High-Resolution LWD Images Used to Navigate a Carbonate Reservoir

The Permian basin of West Texas is one of the most mature and prolific oil provinces in the US, and continuously evolves in its production potential via the drilling of horizontal wells. A vital element to accelerate ROI is to accurately place the wellbore in the target formation. Determining and identifying the zone of interest within the carbonate interval and then navigating within it with conventional LWD technology has become a major challenge. To overcome these challenges, realtime high-resolution LWD images were proposed. Azimuthal gamma ray and multiple propagation resistivity measurements were used to determine bed dip, correlate position within the reservoir and indicate formation porosity variations. Advanced LWD imaging tools provide visual confirmation of steering up and down within the reservoir and identify structural information, porosity changes, rock type, faults and the location, density and type of fractures. This paper provides examples of reservoir navigation techniques along with the increased precision provided by imaging tools. Previously undetected faults, brecciated intervals, and fractures are identified. This enables a more precise completion design that reduces risk and increases production. Using this method, the percentage of the lateral interval in zone was increased to 100% from 77% in an offset well. Images of lateral variations in the formation will be presented. This information was used to optimize the completion design and is invaluable in the planning of future wells. LWD images are used to more efficiently drain the reservoir by providing the necessary information to stay in the target zone during longer intervals and assist completion optimization. LWD images can also be used to help explain production variances commonly observed between wells targeting the same interval.
Withdrawal from chronic intermittent alcohol exposure increases dendritic spine density in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex of mice

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are associated with functional and morphological changes in subfields of the prefrontal cortex. Clinical and preclinical evidence indicates that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is critical for controlling impulsive behaviors, representing the value of a predicted outcome, and reversing learned associations. Individuals with AUDs often demonstrate deficits in OFC-dependent tasks, and rodent models of alcohol exposure show that OFC-dependent behaviors are impaired by chronic alcohol exposure. To explore the mechanisms that underlie these impairments, we examined dendritic spine density and morphology, and NMDA-type glutamate receptor expression in the lateral OFC of C57BL/6J mice following chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure. Western blot analysis demonstrated that NMDA receptors were not altered immediately following CIE exposure or after 7 days of withdrawal. Morphological analysis of basal dendrites of layer II/III pyramidal neurons revealed that dendritic spine density was also not affected immediately after CIE exposure. However, the total density of dendritic spines was significantly increased after a 7-day withdrawal from CIE exposure. The effect of withdrawal on spine density was mediated by an increase in the density of long, thin spines with no change in either stubby or mushroom spines. These data suggest that morphological neuroadaptations in lateral OFC neurons develop during alcohol withdrawal and occur in the absence of changes in the expression of NMDA-type glutamate receptors. The enhanced spine density that follows alcohol withdrawal may contribute to the impairments in OFC-dependent behaviors observed in CIE-treated mice.
A context-dependent representation model for explaining text repetition effects

The purpose of this article is to review abstract and episodic models of text repetition effects, describe the research supporting these types of models, and propose a new model called thecontextdependent representation model, which can explain both abstract-like and episodic-like repetition effects. The basic assumptions of the model are that the surface form and textbase are represented in a context-independent manner, and a coherent situation model binds together the surface features and the textbase and leads to context-dependent representation. When the situation model is well developed, it limits repetition benefits to semantically or contextually similar texts. This produces contextdependent repetition effects, which are functionally similar to episodic repetition effects. When the situation model is not well developed or not task relevant, repetition benefits are not limited to contextually similar texts. This produces context-independent repetition effects, which are functionally similar to abstract repetition effects. The context-dependent representation model provides a theoretical basis for explaining past research, and it can serve as a guide for future research aimed at understanding text repetition effects as well as text comprehension and memory.
Weber and Marx on law: Demystifying ideology and law — Toward an emancipatory political practice

In the last few years, scholars once again have looked at the relationship of law to social economic developments. Weber and Marx stand out as the most discussed key spokesmen in this recent literature. Neither of their writings, however, have been analyzed critically and exhaustively to the detriment of precision in recent thinking on the development of law under capitalism. This essay will first explore three problematics: the relationship between law and domination, the relationship between law and political structure, and the relationship between law and the economic system. It will then address, in part two, the question of repressive formalism [ 1 ] at both the formal level (lawmaking), as well as the substantive level law in practice (lawfinding). There I will argue the potentially greater merits of Marxian analysis over Weberian analysis in uncovering the more subtle forms of repressive formalism in praxis, and so, too, the necessary direction for emancipatory political practice in lawfinding. Little has been written on a Weberian analysis of law and development. With few exceptions [2], Weber's analysis, notably in some two hundred and fifty pages in volume two of Economy and Society [3], has been little argued in academic circles. This essay will highlight key points in his analysis. | will then juxtapose the Marxian perspective, in its many forms, on Weber's analysis. At the outset, Weber's definition of law has it that " . . . an order will be called law if it is externally guaranteed by the probability that coercion (physical or psychological), to bring about conformity to avenge violation, will be applied by a staff of people holding themselves specially ready for that purpose" [4]. He goes on to identify several forms of legal thought. It must be pointed out that these are "ideal-types" or, more accurately, methodological devices serving heuristic purposes that permit analysis of legal systems of concrete societies. Briefly, the structure of legal thought can be placed along two dimensions rationality/irrationality and formal/
Effect of varying the nitrogen and sulfur supply on the flowering of poinsettia

Abstract Cuttings of poinsettia (Euphorbia pulchemma Willd. ex Klotzsch ‘Dark Red Annette Hegg') were grown hydroponically to flowering at three levels of nitrogen (N) [64,128 or 256 ppm] in combination with five levels of sulfur (S) [0, 8, 16, 32, or 64 ppm]. Plants were kept vegetative for three weeks and then induced to flower using short days. Plants were observed weekly for formation of red bracts and cyathia. Leaves and roots were sampled for N and S content determination every four weeks. Treatments receiving no S showed typical foliage S‐deficiency symptoms, flowered later and less completely, weighed less and were shorter than plants growing in treatments containing S. In terms of plant height and dry weight, there were no differences between treatments containing 128 or 256 ppm N. Leaf S content decreased over time, especially by the end of the experiment, at which time leaf N content had also decreased. This indicates that less fertilizer is needed once flowers approach anthesis. Root S decreas...
Rb family proteins differentially regulate distinct cell lineages during epithelial development

pRb, p107 and p130 are important regulators of cell cycle and have extensive overlapping functions; however, only Rb has been shown to be a bone fide tumor suppressor. Defining the overlapping versus distinct pocket protein functions is therefore an important step to understanding the unique role of Rb. Using lung as a model, the present studies demonstrate that pocket proteins are important not only in regulating cell cycle and survival but also in cell lineage specification. An inducible lung-specific Rb knockout strategy was used to demonstrate that Rb is specifically required for restricting neuroendocrine cell fate despite functional compensation for Rb deficiency in other cell types. Ablation of total Rb family function resulted in opposing effects in specification along distinct cell lineages, providing evidence that pocket proteins inhibit neuroendocrine cell fate while being required for differentiation in other cell types. These findings identify a novel role for pocket proteins in cell fate determination, and establish a unique cell lineage-specific function for Rb that explains, at least in part, why Rb and p16 are inactivated in phenotypically distinct carcinomas.
The Green Bank Northern Sky Survey for Fast Pulsars

We have carried out a survey of the northern sky for millisecond pulsars using the Green Bank 140 foot (43 m) telescope at 370 MHz. Our goal was to find the strongest millisecond pulsars in the northern hemisphere. The flux-density limit of our survey was 8 mJy for slow pulsars with typical pulse shapes and high Galactic latitudes. Spectra were sampled at intervals of 256 μs, so pulsars with periods as short as 512 μs were potentially detectable. We obtained high-quality data covering 15,900 deg2 of sky, or 77% of the northern hemisphere. We observed a further 1500 deg2 with somewhat reduced sensitivity. We detected a total of 84 pulsars, including eight not previously known. The new objects include two recycled pulsars: PSR J1022+1001, a 16.5 ms pulsar in a nearly circular 7.8 day orbit with a white dwarf companion, and PSR J1518+4904, a 40.9 ms pulsar in a mildly relativistic 8.6 day orbit of eccentricity 0.249. We have made timing observations of all the new pulsars, and we summarize their rotation and astrometric parameters. Finally, we compare the full list of detected pulsars with a list of those which "should" have been detectable according to their published flux densities and the characteristics of our search.
Fitting theories of nuclear binding energies

In developing theories of nuclear binding energy such as density-functional theory, the effort required to make a fit can be daunting because of the large number of parameters that may be in the theory and the large number of nuclei in the mass table. For theories based on the Skyrme interaction, the effort can be reduced considerably by using the singular value decomposition to reduce the size of the parameter space. We find that the sensitive parameters define a space of dimension four or so, and within this space a linear refit is adequate for a number of Skyrme parameters sets from the literature. We find no marked differences in the quality of the fit among the SLy4, the BSk4, and SkP parameter sets. The root-mean-square residual error in even-even nuclei is about 1.5 MeV, half the value of the liquid drop model. We also discuss an alternative norm for evaluating mass fits, the Chebyshev norm. It focuses attention on the cases with the largest discrepancies between theory and experiment. We show how it works with the liquid drop model and make some applications to models based on Skyrme energy functionals. The Chebyshev norm seems to be more sensitive to new experimental data than the root-mean-square norm. The method also has the advantage that candidate improvements to the theories can be assessed with computations on smaller sets of nuclei.
On the compressibility of a glass-forming lubricant : experiments and molecular modeling

Abstract A very large number of technologically important liquids, including lubricants, undergo a glass transition under increasing pressure, decreasing temperature, or increasing rate of deformation (one may consider the glassy solid to be a supercooled liquid). The compressibility of glass-forming lubricants has a strong influence on the modeling of elastohydrodynamic (EHD) contacts, where pressures (as high as several GPa) are sufficient to induce the glass transition. This paper presents both experimental and analytical studies of the compressibility of a low-molecular-weight synthetic organic lubricant known as 5P4E, which has a simple molecular structure amenable to molecular modeling. The experimental results are obtained using the compression Kolsky bar and pressure–shear plate impact techniques, and show that this lubricant has substantial compressibility under high pressures. An analytical and computational investigation of the nonlinear compressibility of this simple material based on estimates of the molecular structure and intermolecular interactions is then presented. The molecular structure and the various molecular conformations of the material are examined using relatively simple molecular mechanics calculations. An intermolecular interaction energy potential is obtained by examining the interactions of a molecule pair, and the molecular structure and interaction potential estimates are used together to provide a prediction of the materials nonlinear compressibility (although thermal effects are not completely accounted for in the model). All but one of the parameters in the model are obtained directly from the molecular mechanics computations; the one parameter that must be independently specified is the volume at room temperature and atmospheric-pressure, obtained from a simple density measurement. The predicted compressibility is found to be in remarkably good agreement with the experimental data.
Convulsions induced by 2-N-di-n-butylaminoethanol

Abstract Dibutylaminoethanol (Bu 2 AE) produces convulsions in rats leading to respiratory arrest regardless of route of administration. The lethality of 5 × LD50 doses of Bu 2 AE can be readily overcome by artificial respiration for 2–4 hr. In vivo phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations indicate that the respiratory arrest is due to a neuromuscular blockade. Spontaneous activity of the phrenic nerve increases during convulsions and persists during blockade. Pretreatment with mephenesin or diphenylhydantoin, but not pentobarbital, was effective in counteracting convulsions and respiratory arrest. Bu 2 AE has also been shown to be a moderate inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. It is proposed that the increased nerve activity during convulsions with its simultaneous increase in acetylcholine release, acts in concert with the moderate level of cholinesterase inhibition, producing a neuromuscular blockade due to excessive acetylcholine accumulation at the junction.
The Utah neutrino detector Cherenkov system

Abstract Large area directional Cherenkov detectors have been economically constructed at the University of Utah to provide a highly efficient trigger for a hodoscope of sonic ranging cylindrical spark counters. The detectors are water-filled concrete tanks having inside dimensions of 3 ft × 33 ft × 20 ft high, whose two large walls support an array of light collecting elements. A new type of highly efficient light collector which provides a wall coverage of about 70% has been developed and is now in use. Ultraviolet Cherenkov light generated by a relativistic muon passing through a tank is picked up and waveshifted to the visible by the light collectors. The visible light is then viewed by a photomultiplier tube located at one end of each collector. The output from the array on a wall corresponds to ≈ 13 photoelectrons with an average triggering efficiency of about 92%. The angular dependence of the triggering efficiency as well as the technology of operating phototubes underwater is discussed. Four Cherenkov tanks operated in coincidence incorrectly determine the directionality of a passing muon about once in 10 10 transversals.
Advances in the diagnosis and therapy of syncope and palpitations in children

Although advances in diagnosis and therapy of congenital heart disease have received most of the attention, in the past few years advances in the more common troublesome problems of adolescents with syncope and palpitations have been as dramatic. Syncope may be due to a cardiac arrhythmia, but is more commonly due to an autonomic dysfunction of blood pressure control. In cases where the diagnosis is equivocal by history alone, autonomic testing, including head-up tilt table testing, may be useful. Treatment with a salt-enriched diet and a mineralocorticoid is usually effective in reducing or eliminating the incidence of syncope. In resistant cases beta-blockade, scopolamine, disopyramide, theophylline, or fluoxetine may be helpful. Palpitations are usually benign. When they are due to a supraventricular tachycardia, especially when associated with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, they may be annoying and, in those with a short refractory period, dangerous. Radiofrequency ablation of the abnormal pathway is being increasingly used to eliminate the arrhythmia and may be superior to a lifetime of pharmacologic suppression in symptomatic individuals.
Dopamine D3 receptor density elevation in aged Fischer-344 × Brown-Norway (F1) rats

The density of dopamine D3 receptors was determined in young (4-month-old) and aged (37-month-old) Fischer-344 × Brown-Norway (F1) male rats using the putative D3 receptor-preferring agonist, [3H](+)-7-hydroxy-2-(N,N-di-n-propylamino)tetralin ([3H](+)-7-OH-DPAT). In the presence of the non-hydrolyzable GTP analog, 5′-guanylylimidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p), the density of dopamine D3 receptors in the striatum and nucleus accumbens was significantly increased (29–102%, respectively) in aged Fischer-344 × Brown-Norway (F1) rats compared to young adults. These findings suggest that dopaminergic activity in aged rats is compromised by increased D3 receptor density, resulting in altered striatal/nucleus accumbens function via presynaptic or postsynaptic modifications.
Counseling juvenile offenders: an experimental evaluation of Project Crest.

Thirty randomly selected juvenile delinquents receiving a dual treatment approach of community outreach counseling services (Project CREST) and probationary supervision were compared over a 6-month period with a control group of 34 delinquents receiving only probationary supervision. The CREST group demonstrated significant improvements over the control group on total acts of misconduct (p<.05) and monthly misconduct rates (p<.025). These findings are discussed in light of previous evaluations of the CREST model.
Investigation of the Circumferential Static Pressure Non-Uniformity Caused by a Centrifugal Compressor Discharge Volute

The paper describes experimental and computational fluid dynamics analyses of the non-uniform static pressure distortion caused by the discharge volute in a high pressure, centrifugal compressor. The experiments described in this paper were done using a heavily instrumented gas re-injection compressor operating at over 6000 psia discharge. Instrumentation was installed to measure static, total, and dynamic pressure as well as impeller strain and mechanical vibrations. A brief description of the compressor and instrumentation are provided. Concurrent with the experimental work, CFD runs were completed to study the reasons for the pressure nonuniformity. The CFD pressure profile trends agreed well with the experimental results and provided analytical corroboration for the conclusions drawn from the test data. Conclusions are drawn regarding: a) the response of the non-uniformity to changing flow rates; b) the extent to which the non-uniformity can be detected upstream of the impeller; and c) the mechanical influences of the nonuniformity on the impellers.
Health Care: A Brave New World

The current U.S. health care system, with both rising costs and demands, is unsustainable. The combination of a sense of individual entitlement to health care and limited acceptance of individual responsibility with respect to personal health has contributed to a system which overspends and underperforms. This sense of entitlement has its roots in a perceived right to health care. Beginning with the so-called moral right to health care (all life is sacred), the issue of who provides health care has evolved as individual rights have trumped societal rights. The concept of government providing some level of health care ranges from limited government intervention, a ‘negative right to health care’ (e.g., prevention of a socially-caused, preventable health hazard), to various forms of a ‘positive right to health care’. The latter ranges from a decent minimum level of care to the best possible health care with access for all. We clarify the concept of legal rights as an entitlement to health care and present distributive and social justice counter arguments to present health care as a privilege that can be provided/earned/altered/revoked by governments. We propose that unlike a ‘right’, which is unconditional, a ‘privilege’ has limitations. Going forward, expectations about what will be made available should be lowered while taking personal responsibility for one’s health must for elevated. To have access to health care in the future will mean some loss of personal rights (e.g., unhealthy behaviors) and an increase in personal responsibility for gaining or maintaining one’s health.
Flexor tendon gliding in the hand. Part II. Differential gliding

Flexor tendon gliding was studied in vivo in 48 hands. Three finger motions—straight-fist, hook, and fist—were found to provide maximum differential gliding for superficialis and profundus tendons in respect to each other, as well as in respect to the flexor sheath and bone.
The Region of α-Lactalbumin Recognized by GroEL

The binding constants between disulfide-intact or various disulfide-reduced bovine alpha-lactalbumins and an Escherichia coli chaperonin, GroEL, were determined by using the equilibrium dialysis method. The disulfide-intact and one-disulfide (Cys6-Cys120)-reduced alpha-lactalbumins were shown not to bind with GroEL both in the presence and absence of Ca2+. The two-disulfide (Cys6-Cys120 and Cys28-Cys111)-reduced alpha-lactalbumin, which has the native-like tertiary structure in its beta-domain region and an unfolded alpha-domain in the presence of Ca2+, showed considerable binding with GroEL. The binding free energy of the two-disulfide-reduced alpha-lactalbumin in the presence of Ca2+ is close to that of the molten globule state of disulfide-intact alpha-lactalbumin. This result suggests that GroEL binds to the unfolded alpha-domain of alpha-lactalbumin regardless of the conformation of the beta-domain. The fully disulfide-reduced and two-disulfide-reduced alpha-lactalbumins were found to bind more strongly with GroEL in the absence of Ca2+ than the two-disulfide-reduced alpha-lactalbumin in the presence of Ca2+, thus indicating that the unfolding of the beta-domain of alpha-lactalbumin leads to stronger interaction with GroEL.
Race, Ethnicity and the Quality of Life in America, 1972–2008

We extend research on black-white gaps in the subjective quality of life by exploring recent General Social Survey data, focusing attention on Latinos, and probing the value of partial proportional odds models for ordinal quality-of-life measures. Results indicate a declining but discernable black-white gap for four measures-marital happiness, overall happiness, health status and trust-and the persistence of a gap for another-satisfaction with finances. Although Latinos as a whole have a lower quality of life than non-Latinos, significant differences between Mexican-origin Latinos and those from other countries emerge for only two quality-of-life measures, overall happiness and financial satisfaction. The partial proportional odds models overcome technical problems common to the analysis of ordinal dependent variables and establish both the magnitude and location of inequalities.
Cutaneous myiasis: a review of the common types of myiasis

Myiasis is derived from the Greek word, myia, meaning fly. The term was first introduced by Hope in 1840 and refers to the infestation of live human and vertebrate animals with dipterous (two-winged) larvae (maggots) which, at least for a certain period, feed on the host's dead or living tissue, liquid body-substance, or ingested food. Myiasis is the fourth most common travel-associated skin disease and cutaneous myiasis is the most frequently encountered clinical form. Cutaneous myiasis can be divided into three main clinical manifestations: furuncular, creeping (migratory), and wound (traumatic) myiasis. The flies that produce a furuncular myiasis include Dermatobia hominis, Cordylobia anthropophaga, Wohlfahrtia vigil, and the Cuterebra species. Gasterophilus and Hypoderma are two flies that produce a creeping myiasis. Flies that cause wound myiasis include screwworm flies such as Cochliomyia hominivorax and Chrysomya bezziana, and Wohlfahrtia magnifica. This article reviews current literature, provides general descriptions, and discusses life cycles of each species. It also gives treatment techniques and descriptions of each type of illness that results from interaction/infestation.
Sequential Patterns of Instruction in Music

The purpose of this study was to examine extant research in effective teaching and to determine the extent to which results were being applied in music teaching. Rehearsals (N = 79) were analyzed t...
Evolution of Electromigration-Induced Voids in Single Crystalline Aluminum Lines with Different Crystallographic Orientations

Transgranular slit-like voiding has been observed to cause fatal defects in electromigration- or stress migration-damaged Al submicron interconnects. To study the morphology and crystallographic characteristics of transgranular voids, we have tested single crystalline Al lines with various textures and in-plane orientations. Lines with (100), (110), and (111) textures were found to have triangular erosion voids along their edges. These voids were generally bound by {111} facets. While triangular erosion voids are frequently found in the lines, not all lead to failure of the lines. Some lines fail due to narrow, slit-like voids which are bound by {111} planes and lie along either or in-plane directions, depending on the orientations of the crystals relative to the orientations of the lines. Some of the slit-like voids are initiated along the erosion void facets. Similar void morphologies are observed in both unpassivated and passivated lines. Some of the lines have very large voids at the negative pad implying that voids are mobile. Through continued studies of the failure rates and failure morphologies of single crystalline lines, the mechanisms of transgranular failure of polycrystalline lines should be clarified.
Radiation standards and hazards

The concepts of radiation dose, dose equivalent, and related terms are defined and methods for measuring them are described. The various health effects of radiation-acute radiation sickness, cancer, genetic disease, and developmental deficiencies from in utero exposure-are discussed, and the risks are quantified. For perspective, risks from radiation are compared with common risks in our lives. It is concluded that radiation exposures of 1 rem per year or less represent only very minor increments in the multitude of risks faced by everyone. >
QUANTITATIVE IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR BINDING PROTEIN-3 IN HUMAN PROSTATIC ADENOCARCINOMA: A PROGNOSTIC STUDY

AbstractPurpose: We sought to characterize and quantitate the expression of IGFBP-3 in adenocarcinoma of the prostate and to test whether it correlated with tumor differentiation determined by Gleason grade. We also investigated the potential of using IGFBP-3 as a prognostic indicator of clinically localized prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: Initially we evaluated the expression of IGFBP-3 in six normal and twenty neoplastic prostates using standard immunohistochemical techniques (study 1). We then obtained radical prostatectomy specimens from twenty-four patients with a preoperative diagnosis of clinically localized prostate adenocarcinoma and five year follow up information, and nine normal prostates from organ donors or from patients undergoing cystoprostatectomy (study 2). All specimens were immunostained with a polyclonal anti-human IGFBP-3 antibody. A single pathologist reviewed all sections and assigned a Gleason grade to each cancer focus. Using computer-assisted video image analysis, we quan...
Self and Values: An Interactivist Foundation for Moral Development

The standard research programs in moral development have been criticized for adopting a narrow and restrictive view of the moral domain. There has been a dearth of alternative theories that account...
Evaluating the dependability of a LEO satellite network for scientific applications

Dependability is an important issue in LEO satellite networks. In this paper, we study the dependability of a proposed LEO satellite network for scientific data collection based on the Illinois observing nanosatellite (ION). In particular, we first use analytical techniques to determine the amount of radiation shielding and number of redundant components, such as batteries and regulators, needed to achieve particular reliability goals for an individual satellite. We then incorporate the satellite model into a larger satellite network model to analyze network performance and dependability using simulation. Both models are represented as stochastic activity networks (SANs) in Mobius, making it possible to combine them and choose the best solution technique (analytical vs. simulation). Our results show how accumulated radiation dosage affects the functioning of the proposed network, and how redundancy and shielding can be profitably used to increase dependability.
Selections For Metric Projections

A review is given of conditions which characterise when the metric projection onto a proximinal subspace of a normed linear space has a selection which is continuous, (pointwise) Lipschitz continuous, or linear. Intrinsic characterisations of the subspaces in the particular spaces C 0 (T) or L p (μ) 1 ≤ p < ∞, whose metric projections have one of these properties are also given.