cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local modulation of basal forebrain: effects on working and reference memory

The functional roles of the medial septal area (MSA) and nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) in memory were investigated to determine (1) their relative contribution to working and reference memory, (2) their operation in spatial and nonspatial memory, (3) the temporal dynamics of the neural activity within these nuclei as they relate to mnemonic processes, (4) the neurochemical regulation of their activity, and (5) the importance of ACh for their function. Working memory was tested in a continuous conditional discrimination (CCD), and reference memory was tested in the CCD and a sensory discrimination (SD). Bipolar recording electrodes in the dentate hilus monitored hippocampal EEG (theta rhythm). Immediately prior to behavioral testing, trained rats were infused with tetracaine, scopolamine, or muscimol into the MSA or NBM, and the subsequent behavioral and physiological changes were measured and correlated. MSA infusions of all three drugs reduced the power of hippocampal theta and impaired choice accuracy in the CCD; the magnitude of both effects was greater for larger doses and steadily decreased over time after the infusion, producing a strong positive correlation between the power of theta and choice accuracy in the CCD. These infusions had no effect on measures of reference memory in the CCD or in the SD. The results demonstrate that rhythmic activity along the septohippocampal pathway reflects processing of nonspatial working, but not reference memory. NBM infusions did not affect hippocampal theta but did reduce choice accuracy in the SD and completely disrupted performance in the CCD. The NBM appears to have a critical role in both working and reference memory.
Interstate banking, bank consolidation, and bank lending to small business

Proponents and critics of interstate banking argue over the implications of nationwide banking for bank lending to small business. This study explores the patterns of (1) bank consolidation at the national level and (2) the share of domestic-bank commercial lending extended to small firms, specifically, small manufacturing firms, over the period 1976–90. The evidence indicates that despite the trend toward fewer banking organizations and increased aggregate bank concentration due largely to cross-state expansion by superregional banking organizations, no significant downtrend is observed in the share of domestic-bank credit extended to small manufacturing firms. Nor is there any discernible downtrend in banks' share of borrowing by small manufacturing firms. These results are consistent with the thesis that banking industry consolidation hasnot led to a reduction in the supply of bank credit to small firms, at least within the manufacturing sector.
Programs to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health in the US: a review of the evidence

Background US adolescents have high rates of teen pregnancy, childbearing, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), highlighting the need to identify and implement effective programs that will help improve teen sexual and reproductive health.
Comparison of the Transport of Tetracycline-Resistant and Tetracycline-Susceptible Escherichia coli Isolated from Lake Michigan

It was recently reported that tetracycline could enhance the mobility of manure-derived Escherichia coli within saturated porous media (Walczak et al. (Water Research 45:1681–1690, 2011)). It was also shown, however, that E. coli from various sources could display marked variation in their mobility (Bolster et al. (Journal of Environmental Quality 35:1018–1025, 2009)). The focus of this research was to examine if the observed difference in the mobility of manure-derived tetracycline-resistant (tetR) and tetracycline-susceptible (tetS) E. coli strains was source-dependent. Specifically, E. coli were isolated from Lake Michigan, and the influence of tetracycline resistance on Lake Michigan-derived E. coli was investigated through column transport experiments. Additionally, a variety of cell morphology and surface properties were determined and related to the observed bacterial transport behavior. Our experimental results showed that, consistent with previous observations, the deposition rate coefficients of the tetRE. coli strain was ∼20–100% higher than those of the tetSE. coli strain. The zeta potential of the tetRE. coli cells was ∼25 mV more negative than the tetSE. coli cells. Because the surfaces of the E. coli cells and the quartz sands were negatively charged, the repulsive electrostatic double-layer interaction between the tetRE. coli cells and the quartz sands was stronger, and the mobility of the tetRE. coli cells in the sand packs was thus higher. The tetRE. coli cells were also more hydrophilic than the tetSE. coli cells. Results from migration to hydrocarbon phase (MATH) tests showed that about ∼35% more tetSE. coli cells partitioned to the hydrocarbon phase. As it was previously shown that cell hydrophobicity could enhance the attachment of bacterial cells to quartz sand, the difference in cell hydrophobicity could also have contributed to the observed higher mobility of the tetRE. coli cells. The size of the tetR and tetSE. coli cells were similar, suggesting that the observed difference in their mobility was not size-related. Characterization of cell surface properties also showed that tetR and tetS E. coli cells differed slightly in cell-bound lipopolysaccharide contents and had distinct outer membrane protein profiles. Such difference could alter cell surface properties which in turn led to changes in cell mobility.
‘After‐queer’: subjunctive pedagogies

This article offers a reading of the 2006 film The History Boys, which depicts eight male working‐class grammar school students preparing for exams to enter Oxford and Cambridge and two teachers who prepare them. I read the film’s subjunctive mood, which gestures to possibility and an ‘otherwise’, as connected to an analytic of ‘after‐queer’ that complicates linear understandings of youth, sexuality, development, and education. I elaborate three intertwined themes: the boys’ multiple relations to school knowledge; the blurring of categories of youth and adult through circulations of sexuality; and the dislocation of desire from predictable categories of identity. I connect the unpredictability and creativity of identities and desires to the need to open the research imagination to a subjunctive methodology that dwells in complicated temporalities, uncertain knowledges, and disorder that underlies seeming orders.
Use of Safety and Lean Integrated Kaizen to Improve Performance in Modular Homebuilding

The two biggest challenges in the construction industry, low productivity and high injury rates, may be addressed simultaneously through the combination of lean production strategies and traditional safety-analysis tools. This case study used Safety and Lean Integrated Kaizen (SLIK) in a modular housing manufacturing facility by applying one lean production tool, kaizen, and a safety-analysis tool, job safety analysis (JSA). The research team used SLIK with the base-framing crew, and the method consisted of analyzing the current process, determining and implementing process improvements, and analyzing the improved process. The changes resulted in a 16% increase in value-added activities and increased the framing crew’s overall output by 55%. By making quick, low-cost changes that were intended to improve productivity to the station layout and work design, safety and ergonomic hazards, including reduced trip hazards, pinch points, and back strain, were also reduced or eliminated. These results support the ...
Prenatal and postnatal urologic complications of sacrococcygeal teratomas.

Abstract Purpose Urologic complications are an underappreciated sequelae of the mass effect of sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) and its resection. The goal of this study was to evaluate the incidence and severity of urologic complications in patients with SCT. Methods A retrospective review of patients with a prenatal diagnosis of SCT and postnatal referral for SCT at a single institution during a 5-year period (2004-2009) was performed. The presence of prenatal and postnatal urologic abnormalities were collected and analyzed. Results Thirty patients were identified for inclusion in the study. Twenty-two patients were diagnosed prenatally, 3 patients were referred for resection of the tumor, and 5 patients were initially treated elsewhere and referred after resection for urologic complications. Of the 20 patients with subsequent follow-up included in this study, 9 had neurogenic bladder, 5 of whom also had associated renal injury. All patients with renal injury had a higher grade Altman type II/III lesion. Conclusion Urologic problems appear to be common in patients with SCT. Higher grade SCTs should alert the surgeon to possible urologic sequelae, particularly neurogenic bladder and renal injury. Careful urologic evaluation and management of the genitourinary tract should be included in prenatal and preoperative counseling.
Neutron spectroscopy of superconductors

A complete understanding of the mechanism for superconductivity requires knowledge of the details of electrons, phonons, and their interactions, and can be summarized by the function ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}F(\ensuremath{\omega})$. This function is often very similar to the phonon density of states $F(\ensuremath{\omega})=\ensuremath{\Sigma}\ensuremath{\delta}(\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{Q})$, which can be derived from an analysis of neutron-scattering data. In this paper it is pointed out that the complete function ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}F(\ensuremath{\omega})$ is also (in principle) contained in neutron-scattering data if the intrinsic linewidth ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{Q}$ is measured as well as the dispersion relation ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{Q}$. It is shown that ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}F$ differs from $F$ by having a weighting factor $\frac{2{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{Q}}{\ensuremath{\pi}N{(0)}_{\ensuremath{\omega}}}$ inside the summation, where $N(0)$ is the electronic density of states at the Fermi surface for both spin orientations. The dimensionless coupling constant $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ can also be expressed in terms of $N(0)$, ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{Q}$, and ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{Q}$. In practice, for most superconductors, the average widths ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{Q}$ are smaller than presently available resolution. However, for materials with a high density of states like $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{-}W$ superconductors, the widths ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{Q}$ may be measurable. Also, the question of whether superconductivity arises predominantly from coupling to certain groups of phonons can be answered experimentally by searching for anomalously large widths. Estimates of average phonon widths are given for a variety of metals.
Asymmetric predominantly ipsilateral blepharospasm and contralateral parkinsonism in an elderly patient with a right mesencephalic cyst

A 66-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of predominantly right-sided blepharospasm and a 1-year history of progressive predominantly left-sided hemiparkinsonism manifested by a left upper extremity resting tremor and left-sided bradykinesia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a large right mesencephalic cyst with mass effect. Positron emission tomography revealed bilateral striatal hypometabolism consistent with nigrostriatal dopaminergic dysfunction. The association of predominantly ipsilateral blepharospasm and predominantly contralateral hemiparkinsonism is very rare, and its association with a posterior fossa space-occupying lesion has been reported only once. This is the second report of such an association and the first description of adult-onset symptomatology.
A Neo-Institutional Explanation of State Supreme Court Responses in Search and Seizure Cases*

To better understand the relationship between the U.S. Supreme Court and state supreme courts, we examine how Supreme Court precedent affects state supreme court decision making. Examining state su...
Interpreting Meaning: An Application of Peircean Semiotics to Tourism

Abstract In the background of Dean MacCannell's work on tourists lay the semiotic theory of the American philosopher Charles S. Peirce. Peirce's writings are voluminous, at times contradictory and, yet, his theory of semiotics is worth examining for what it can bring to the theorizing of tourism. This paper offers an introduction to Peirce's theory, the essential notion of how signs function, the three parts that constitute a sign – the object, representamen and interpretant – and the way in which the sign relates to its object either iconically, indexically or symbolically. Unlike Saussurian semiotics, which is based in linguistics, Peirce's concept of sign extends beyond the simple arbitrary relationship of a concept to its name and, hence, is far more applicable to explaining how we cognize objects within the physical environment.
Moderator Variable Analysis of the Relationship between Self- and Peer-Trait Ratings

Surnrnary.4rrelations between self- and peer-trait ratings were examined as a function of three moderator variables: self-monitoring, self-rated cross-situational variability, and self-rated temporal stability. Data from 131 college undergraduates provided little support for the proposed moderators. Suggestions for future research are offered. The self-concept, according co symbolic inceractionists, is shaped largely by our perceptions about how we are perceived by others. One implication of this viewpoint, that self-descriptions should agree substantially with how the individual is described by others, has not been consistently supported (5). The results of three recent studies, however, suggest that agreement between self and ocher trait-ratings is enhanced when relevant moderator variables such as self-rated cross-situational behavioral variability (3), outward observability of behavior (2), and the tendency toward self-monitoring of expressive behavior (7) are considered. The present research (a) assessed convergence between self and peers' trait-ratings as a function of self-rated cross-situational variability, self-rated temporal stability, and self-monitoring (6); (b) explored the relationships among measures of intraindividual cross-situational variability taken from self-ratings, self-reports, and the variability of averaged peers' judgments; and (c) examined the implications of che Self-monitoring Scale's factor structure for the prediction of self-other correlations. In groups of from 8 to 15 members, 60 male and 71 female university undergraduates (members of social organizations) described themselves and their peers on 12 bipolar trait scales. Participants also completed the Selfmonitoring Scale and rated the extent to which their own behavior on each of the 12 trait dimensions was variable across situations and stable over rime. In addition to a total self-monitoring score, each subject received a score on the Self-monitoring Scale's Other-direccedness Factor ( 1 ) , loaded by 11 items which reflect a general tendency toward variable behavior across situations. In the present study, reliabilities (KR 20) for the total scale and the Ocherdirectedness Factor were .68 and 30, respectively.
Saturation and adaptation in the rod system

A background that is briefly flashed to a dark-adapted eye saturates the rod system. This transient saturation occurs with backgrounds that are as much as 2 log units dimmer than those producing saturation under steady viewing. Rod threshold is highest when the background is first turned on, and falls as adaptation proceeds. The nature of the adaptive processes are studied by presenting flashed backgrounds on pre-adapting fields. The data can be interpreted in terms of two adaptive processes: the first is multiplicative, and occurs rapidly; the second is subtractive, and occurs more slowly.
Analyzing ERCP practice by a modified degree of difficulty scale: a multicenter database analysis

Analyzing ERCP practice by a modified degree of difficulty scale: a multicenter database analysis
Single Grating Integrated Optical Autocorrelation Device

A real time integrated optical autocorrelation device is proposed which offers the potential for improved performance and ease of fabrication over existing alternatives. An analysis of the signal processing capabilities of this guided wave device is presented and a comparison is made to other integrated optical approaches.
The Effect of Nursing Calves on Milk Production of Identical Twin Heifers

Summary Four pairs of identical twin heifers of the Jersey and Guernsey breeds were used in six lactation periods to compare the production of heifers milked in the usual manner with that of heifers that nursed their calves until they were of vealing size. Milk production in the first week after vealing averaged 5.1 lb. per cow per day lower in the nursed group than in the milked group. Lactation of the nursed groups increased gradually after vealing until at 6 weeks the groups were producing equally. The total loss of milk due to the calf nursing averaged 1,496 lb. per cow.
High oxygen environment during pregnancy rescues sickle cell anemia mice from prenatal death.

Abstract Several mouse models of sickle cell disease have been developed for the study of the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease and the investigation of drug and gene therapies. In previous years, we produced a sickle cell anemia mouse model in which the endogenous mouse α- and β-globin genes were knocked out and replaced by the human α- and βs-globin transgenes. The βs-globin gene was contained in a 240 kb YAC that preserved the entire native genomic context of the β-globin locus. These mice have hemolytic anemia, reticulocytosis and irreversible sickle cells in the peripheral blood, as well as other pathological features of sickle cell disease. However, in the embryo, the γ-globin, like the mouse embryonic globin, declined quickly, and was replaced by βs-globin expression from 12 days of gestation. The low level of fetal hemoglobin expression in utero led to intrauterine sickling and fetal death so that very few live-born sickle cell anemia mice could be obtained. To rescue these mice from intrauterine death, we investigated the effect of placing the pregnant mothers in a high O2 environment. From the tenth day of gestation onwards, we placed the mothers into a chamber containing 50% O2 and kept them with the newborn pups in it for another 10 days after birth. The frequency of sickle cell anemia mice we obtained was increased from less than 2% to 35%. The survived sickle cell anemia mice develop congestion, atrophy, and infarcts in multiple organs similar to those found in patients with sickle cell disease. We conclude that a high oxygen environment can be used to obtain more sickle cell anemia mice in those models that have a high perinatal mortality. The higher yield of these mice has facilitated physiological and therapeutic studies of sickle cell anemia.
Combining stereo, shading, and geometric constraints for surface reconstruction from multiple views

Our goal is to reconstruct both the shape and reflectance properties of surfaces from multiple images. We argue that an object-centered representation is most appropriate for this purpose because it naturally accommodates multiple sources of data, multiple images (including motion sequences of a rigid object), self-occlusions, and geometric constraints. We then present a specific object-centered reconstruction method. It begins with an initial estimate of surface shape that is iteratively adjusted to minimize an objective function that combines information from multiple input images. The objective function is a weighted sum of `stereo,' shading, and smoothness components, where the weight varies over the surface. For example, the stereo component is weighted more strongly where the surface projects onto highly textured areas in the images, and less strongly otherwise. Thus, each component has its greatest influence where its accuracy is likely to be greatest. Experimental results on both synthetic and real images are presented.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Multiethnic Replication Study of Plasma Lipoprotein Levels-Associated SNPs Identified in Recent GWAS

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a number of loci/SNPs associated with plasma total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) levels. The purpose of this study was to replicate 40 recent GWAS-identified HDL-C-related new loci in 3 epidemiological samples comprising U.S. non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs), U.S. Hispanics, and African Blacks. In each sample, the association analyses were performed with all 4 major lipid traits regardless of previously reported specific associations with selected SNPs. A total of 22 SNPs showed nominally significant association (p<0.05) with at least one lipid trait in at least one ethnic group, although not always with the same lipid traits reported as genome-wide significant in the original GWAS. The total number of significant loci was 10 for TC, 12 for LDL-C, 10 for HDL-C, and 6 for TG levels. Ten SNPs were significantly associated with more than one lipid trait in at least one ethnic group. Six SNPs were significantly associated with at least one lipid trait in more than one ethnic group, although not always with the same trait across various ethnic groups. For 25 SNPs, the associations were replicated with the same genome-wide significant lipid traits in the same direction in at least one ethnic group; at nominal significance for 13 SNPs and with a trend for association for 12 SNPs. However, the associations were not consistently present in all ethnic groups. This observation was consistent with mixed results obtained in other studies that also examined various ethnic groups.
Tribological evaluation of the streaming mode performance of metal evaporated and metal particle tapes

A commercial Hi-8 VCR was instrumented to measure the friction force between the rotary heads and tape, rms head output and signal dropouts to sub-/spl mu/s durations. Streaming mode experiments at design tension using metal evaporated (ME) and metal particle (MP) tapes were performed in which the tapes were subjected to repeated play/rewind cycling. Long wavelength waviness of the ME tape surface and a large number of sharper asperities on the MP tape surface affected the magnetic and tribological performance of the tapes. The friction force and head output generally increased, and the dropout frequency (number of dropouts/min) generally decreased as the tapes were worn smooth. Head-to-tape spacing and dropout frequency decreased more for MP tape, as compared to ME tape. On the ME tape surface, damage initiated at high points or bumps, which resulted in weakening of the metal coating at these locations. Cracks initiated at these locations grew (driven by longitudinal tension) laterally across the tape width and connected localized damage areas at tape failure after 840 play/rewind cycles. MP tape performance improved gradually through 1000 play/rewind cycles. Based on this study, ME tape is less durable than MP tape, and reduced waviness of the ME tape surface could further improve ME tape performance.
Hypnosis and behavior therapy

Abstract Critics of Behavior Therapy have tried to explain some of its successful results in terms of hypnosis or suggestion. A logical analysis reveals that the concept of hypnosis as commonly employed renders any questions concerning the relationship between behavior therapy and hypnosis scientifically useless. Data concerning the effect of the hypnotic induction procedure or suggestibility reveal that these variables are not a significant aspect of the desensitization process.
Highly efficient THz pulse generation from optical rectification in cryogenically cooled lithium niobate

We demonstrate high optical-to-THz conversion efficiency of 3.8% by optical rectification in cryogenically-cooled lithium niobate using near-optimum 680 fs, 1.2 mJ pump pulses centered at 1 μm. Spatial and temporal characterization will be presented.
Characteristics of reflex excitation in close synergist muscles evoked by muscle vibration

The tonic vibration reflex evoked in the vibrated medial gastrocnemius muscle was compared with that induced simultaneously in an unvibrated close synergist, the lateral gastrocnemius muscle, in the unanesthetized decerebrated cat. The time course of the force rise and fall in the synergist muscle was found to be markedly different from that produced in the vibrated muscle. In addition the magnitude of force produced in the synergist was only weakly modulated with increasing vibration frequency, in that the synergist uniformly displayed much flatter force-frequency relations than the vibrated muscle, and even showed overt force saturation in several preparations. Comparable differences in reflex responses arose when the lateral gastrocnemius served as the unvibrated synergist. In a parallel series of experiments, low intensity electrical stimulation of the proximal end of the sectioned medial gastrocnemius muscle nerve at different frequencies weakly modulated the amount of reflex force induced in the lateral gastrocnemius muscle. High frequency electrical stimulation caused the synergist force to saturate in a similar way to that seen in the vibrated preparations. A variety of possible mechanisms are discussed, with particular emphasis on "bistable" properties of motoneurons and Ia excitatory interneuronal contributions.
Aerodynamic Interference for Hypersonic Missiles at Low Angle of Attack

An Euler code is used to predict the e owe eld over a hypersonic missile and to determine the carryover factors KW(B), e n liftinthepresenceofthebody,and KB(W),liftproducedby thebody in thepresenceofthee ns. Themissile is assumed to have cruciform, delta e ns in the + orientation and an aspect ratio of 1.529. Results are presented as a function of e n span at Mach 6, 8, and 10, for a 2-deg angle of attack. Two ratios of specie c heats, 1.4 and 1.3, are considered to partially account for vibrational excitation effects. Both carryover factors have approximately the same variation with e n size as their slender body predictions. The values of KW(B) and KB(W) are 2 for a missile without e ns. Thevalue of KW(B) decreases toward 1 and KB(W) decreases toward 0.20 as thee n span becomeslarge. At a e xed e n size, KW(B) decreases and KB(W) increases as Mach number increases. At a e xed value of e n size and Mach number, both KW(B) and KB(W) increase slightly due to vibrational excitation effects. Nomenclature AF = wing-planform area formed by two e ns joined at their root chord, m 2 AR = aspect ratio of wing formed by joining two e ns at their rootchord CN = normal force coefe cient referenced to AF CNC = normal force coefe cient of entire missile CNF = normal force coefe cient of e n alone CNF;® = normal force curve slope, e n alone CNFB = forebody-alone normal force coefe cient CNFB;® = normal force curve slope, forebody alone KB.W/ = body‐e n interference factor KW.B/ = en‐body interference factor L B.W/ = body lift in presence of e n, N LC = entire missile cone guration lift, N L F = e n-alone lift, N LFB = forebody-alone lift, N LW.B/ = e n lift in presence of body, N M = freestream Mach number P = local pressure/(freestream pressure ) q = freestream dynamic pressure, N/m 2
Decomposition pressure of hydrogen in the α and α + β phase fields of the TiH system

Abstract Solid solutions of hydrogen in the α and α + β phase regions of the TiH system were investigated by measuring the equilibrium hydrogen pressure as a function of temperature (370–860 °C) and concentration (0–17 at.% H). The data required corrections to account for the residual hydrogen originally present in the metal because of incomplete degassing. Exclusion of such corrections in published data may have been responsible for the previous uncertainties in the Sieverts constants for this system. The P - C - T relations for the α phase can be expressed by P 1 2 = 1.130 × 10 3 r 0.2009−r exp( −5.061 × 10 4 −2.781 × 10 3 r−2.991 × 10 5 r 2 RT ) where P is the hydrogen pressure in kilopascals, r is the hydrogen-to-titanium atomic ratio and R = 8.3146 J K −1 mol −1 is the gas constant. The coefficients in this equation were constrained to reproduce the Sieverts constant reported in a recent ultrahigh vacuum study, i.e. >K s = lim N H →O P 1 2 N H =5.625×10 3 exp(− 5.061×10 4 RT where N H = r (1 + r) is the atom fraction of hydrogen. The α + β region was investigated at two compositions: 13.5 and 17.0 at.% H. Below about 540 °C the “plateau” pressures of both alloy compositions produced a single linear van't Hoff plot, corresponding to P = 1.182 × 10 6 exp( −1.073 × 10 5 RT) . Combined with the existing “plateau” pressure data for the β + γ region, this equation yielded a new eutectoid temperature of 281 °C for the TiH system. Above about 540 °C the van't Hoff plot splits into two curvilinear branches owing to the composition changes in the α and β phases with temperature. The α−(α+β) boundary was found to conform to the accepted phase diagram.
Novel options for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: Minimally invasive lumbar decompression and other strategies

As the population ages, spinal stenosis is becoming a more common condition. Often, elderly patients suffer from comorbidities that may increase the risks associated with general anesthesia or extensive surgeries. Unfortunately, with limited conservative treatment options, surgical decompression often becomes the only alternative. Recently a percutaneous minimally invasive lumbar decompression technique has emerged as a safe and highly successful therapeutic option for this group of patients. In this review, I present the current evidence in support of minimally invasive lumbar decompression as a novel therapeutic option for the growing population with lumbar spinal stenosis.
Aerodynamics of jets pertinent to VTOL aircraft

Af — area of the jet nozzle Ap — surface area of the baffle plate C — circumference of a jet in a cross flow Cp = pressure coefficient defined by Eq. (4) dj = diameter of the jet nozzle De = effective diameter of a multiple array of jets, the diameter of a circle with an area equal to the total area of the jet nozzles D = diameter of the baffle plate (Fig. 2); diameter of a cylindrical body placed between the jets (Figs. 6, 8)
Fluorescence in the 8-quinolinol family and the n-π transition*

8-Quinolinol and several substituted 8-quinolinols, which are ordinarily nonluminescent under monochromatic excitation at room temperature, exhibit intense fluorescence in concentrated sulfuric acid. By varying the sulfuric-acid concentration, by resorting to other anhydrous media, and by considering the fluorescence of many 8-quinolinol chelates, appearance of fluorescence in 8-quinolinols was shown to result from tying up the n-electrons on the nitrogen by protonation or chelation, provided quenching agents were absent.
The role of computer systems in the nuclear power debate

One of the primary reasons for the current "decline" of nuclear power is that reactors have not operated reliably. This unreliability has raised questions of both safety and economics. Computer systems have been a part of this failure of technology. If nuclear power is to be revived as an energy option for our country, both the quantity and quality of computer applications must increase.
Meta-Ortho Effect in Organic Photochemistry: Mechanistic and Exploratory Organic Photochemistry1,2

In early research, the meta effect was based on one-electron, Huckel computations and experimental observation, which revealed a selective transmission of electron density to the meta and ortho positions on an aromatic ring in the first excited singlet. However, attention was focused on the meta site. More recent results have confirmed electron density transmission to the ortho site as well. Typical examples involve benzylic cations. Not only are the S1 cations selectively stabilized by meta-methoxy groups compared with para-methoxy substituents but also the corresponding meta-substituted radicals prove of higher energy than the para-substituted counterparts. Additionally, the S0 − S1 energy gap is dramatically smaller for the meta-substituted cations and ion pairs compared with the gap for the para-substituted counterparts. Also, the radicals and radical pairs exhibit much larger ground-state − excited-state energy separations. With a closer approach of surfaces, the excited-state ion pairs have an avenu...
Persistence and Change in Political Systems, 1800–1971

This study reports the codification of basic authority characteristics of 336 national political systems (polities) that functioned in 91 nation-states between 1800 and 1971. In form the typical 19th-century polity was an autocracy with minimal functions. Its 20th-century counterpart was either an activist plural democracy or an activist autocracy. The incidence of system-transforming political change has been equally high and pervasive in both European and Third-world polities, but greater in the 20th century than the 19th. The data are used to test three hypotheses that attribute the persistence and adaptability of political systems to their authority characteristics. “Institutionalization” arguments about the stability-enhancing effects of complexity and directiveness receive no consistent support. Conventional beliefs about the greater durability of democracies vs. autocracies vs. anocracies (uninstitutionalized polities) are confirmed only in Europe in the 20th century. The most durable historical and Afro-Asian polities have been either autocratic or anocratic. The data generally support the hypothesis that “pure” political systems—consistently democratic or consistently autocratic—are more durable than systems of mixed authority characteristics. Long-term trends in political “development” and their determinants are discussed in the light of the findings.
Neurostimulation in the modulation of intractable paraplegic and traumatic neuroma pains

Abstract Our experience in treating 10 patients with intractable pain with paraplegia employing percutaneous epidural or dorsal column stimulation is presented. Initial and long-term results in this group are contrasted with those of 9 patients with intractible post-amputation or post-traumatic neuroma pain. The successful results of neurostimulation treatment of peripheral nerve pain contrasts with the disappointing results in the treatment of paraplegic pain.
Demographic, Social and Stress Correlates of Hypertension Among the Urban Poor

The relationship of demographic, social, and psychological variables to the diagnosis of hypertension in a population of urban, poor, predominantly black out-patients is reported. Subjects were 182 patients presenting for health care at Wayne State University Family Practice Clinic. Age, race, marital status, attendance at religious services, education, employment status, income, source of income and interpersonal stress were significantly related to a diagnosis of hypertension in this sample. Of those characteristics found to be significantly related to hypertension, discriminative analysis showed that age, race, education and frequency of church attendance were most important in predicting a diagnosis of hypertension among this out-patient sample of the urban poor. Implications for clinical care and for future research needs are considered.
Challenges in the Management of Metastatic Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. About 6% of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases present with metastatic disease, and one-third of women diagnosed with earlier stage breast cancer develop metastatic disease. Management of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) continues to be challenging, and MBC remains essentially an incurable disease. Treatment of MBC is individualized for each patient, and it is often based on patient’s preferences, comorbidities, performance status, prognostic factors, menopausal status, and prior history of treatments. Risk assessment is the first step in the management of MBC. Factors that can affect the prognosis (hormone receptor status, HER-2 expression status, disease-free interval, tumor burden, site of metastasis, and vital organ involvement) are considered before start of the treatments. Women with hormone responsive disease and stable bony metastasis are often treated with hormonal therapies and bisphosphonates. Women with hormone-unresponsive disease or fast-growing tumors are treated with systemic chemotherapy with or without a targeted therapy agent. Metastasis to the brain, spinal cord compression, pleural effusion, hypercalcemia, and pancytopenia secondary to bone marrow infiltration are common complications of MBC, and the management of each complication will be briefly discussed. Future research to identify molecular prognostic markers and to evaluate various strategies for optimal management of MBC is needed.
Tamoxifen decreases human prostate CPK concentration

Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) was measured in whole prostate tissue of patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) who were given Tamoxifen and/or megestrol acetate for seven days prior to transurethral resection of the prostate. Tamoxifen and Tamoxifen plus Megace®, but not Megace® alone, significantly decreased CPK concentrations in whole prostate tissue in comparison to untreated controls, suggesting that CPK is an estrogen-dependent enzyme in the prostate. CPK concentration was also measured separately in mechanically separated prostate stroma and epithelium. The levels of CPK were 2.19 times higher in stroma than epithelium. This study suggests that CPK may be a marker for estrogen stimulation of the stroma in BPH tissue.
The law of the sea regime and ocean law enforcement: New challenges for technology

Abstract Coastal state enforcement in new zones of jurisdiction under the ocean management regime envisaged in the Law of the Sea Conference's negotiating text will undoubtedly spawn new technology in an effort to expand and improve surveillance. The author discusses enforcement challenges presented in the Law of the Sea regime and suggests some possible applications of technology to improve maritime law enforcement in the relatively near future.
Neurophysiological maturation of cat substantia nigra neurons: evidence from in vitro studies.

The membrane properties and synaptic physiology of developing cat substantia nigra (SN) neurons were studied in in vitro slice preparations. Stable intracellular recording were obtained from 46 neurons in 20 kittens ranging in age from fetal day (F) 51 to postnatal day (P) 120. Only two of these properties changed with development. The percentage of cells displaying inward rectification and the percentage of cells that generated low-threshold Ca++ spikes increased with age. Properties that did not change included resting membrane potentials, action potential amplitudes and durations, and input resistances. At all ages locally evoked synaptic responses consisted of sequences of excitatory postsynaptic potentials followed by inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. Most of the cells recorded had the electrophysiological properties which have been attributed to SN dopamine-containing neurons. To identify neurons morphologically, and verify the recording site, cells were filled with Lucifer yellow at the end of each experiment. Somatic shapes varied widely from oval to fusiform to triangular. Somatic diameters and dendritic length increased with development. Filopodial processes and growth cones were present up to the first postnatal month. Dye-coupling occurred only in the fetal group. These results indicate that cat SN neurons have many mature physiological properties during late fetal and early postnatal development. This contrasts with the significant maturation that occurs in cat caudate neurons during the same developmental period (Cepeda et al., Synapse, 7:278–290, 1991).
Correlation of the myocardial performance index with conventional echocardiographic indices of systolic and diastolic function: a study in cardiac surgical patients.

BACKGROUND The aim of this investigation was to compare the myocardial performance index (MPI), a Doppler-derived parameter of global ventricular function, with standard echocardiographic measures of systolic and diastolic function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHODS Complete two-dimensional and Doppler examinations were performed on 46 CABG patients after induction of anesthesia (baseline), 15 minutes postcardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and at the end of the surgical procedure. RESULTS A strong inverse correlation between MPI and both fractional area change (adjusted r(2)= 0.588-0.802) and ejection fraction (adjusted r(2)= 0.576-0.656, both P < 0.001) of the left ventricle was observed throughout the intraoperative period. Following CPB, a weaker correlation was observed between MPI and overall diastolic heart function classification (adjusted r(2)= 0.224-0.268, P <0.001). Weak, though statistically significant, correlations were observed between MPI and deceleration time (P < 0.05), peak atrial reversal (AR) wave velocity (P < or =0.002), and duration of the AR wave (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our data suggest that the MPI correlates well with standard echocardiographic measures of systolic function and modestly well with overall diastolic heart function classification. The MPI may be a useful, complementary marker of global left ventricular function in patients undergoing CABG surgery.
NMDA receptors in the nucleus accumbens modulate intravenous cocaine but not heroin self-administration in the rat.

Abstract The role of endogenous glutamate neurotransmission within the nucleus accumbens in the modulation of intravenous (i.v.) cocaine and heroin self-administration in rats was analyzed. APV (2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid), a blocker of glutamate receptors of the N- methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) type, was microinfused within the nucleus accumbens of the ventral striatum of rats trained to lever press for i.v. cocaine or heroin self-administration. APV, at the dose of 1.5 and 3.0 μg/side, reduced the rewarding value of cocaine while it left heroin self-administration unaffected. These results suggest that integrity of NMDA receptor function within the nucleus accumbens may be of importance for the maintenance of i.v. cocaine, but not heroin self-administration in rats.
Λ-Nucleon Interactions at Low and Intermediate Energies

The low-energy $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-nucleon interaction has been represented by several effective central potentials which have a hard core of radius 0.4 F and four-parameter attractive wells with an interaction for large separations suggested by the two-pion-exchange mechanism. These potentials, which are consistent with the binding-energy data for the light hypernuclei, were taken to represent the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-nucleon interaction in even-parity states for energies greater than those which play a role in the binding of the light hypernuclei. These potentials and others of reduced strength were taken to represent the interaction in odd-parity states. The binding energy $D$ of a $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ particle in nuclear matter and $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-nucleon scattering cross sections were calculated with these potentials. The calculated cross sections and empirical cross sections for energies less than 76 MeV in the zero-momentum frame are in agreement only if the interaction in odd-parity states is taken to be (approximately) as strong as that in even-parity states. These effective central potentials of equal strength in even-parity and odd-parity states lead to values of $D$ close to 40 MeV.
Adopter-dog interactions at the shelter: Behavioral and contextual predictors of adoption

Abstract Millions of unwanted pets enter animal shelters each year in the USA, but only a portion leave alive. Previous research has found that morphology and in-kennel behavior influence adoption. The current study evaluated whether any behaviors exhibited by dogs during an out-of-kennel interaction with a potential adopter predicted adoption. In addition, we evaluated whether other predictors such as the morphology of the dog, intention to adopt a dog that day, and location of the interaction influenced adoption. Finally, the study assessed correspondence between the potential adopters' answers on a questionnaire and the dogs' behavior during the interactions. The behavior of shelter dogs in out-of-kennel interactions with potential adopters was observed ( n =250). After each interaction, visitors were given a questionnaire to indicate their reasons for adopting or not adopting that specific dog. The vast majority of shelter visitors only requested to interact with only a single dog and the average duration of interaction was 8min. Only two behaviors: ignoring play initiation by and lying in proximity to the potential adopter, but no morphological variables, influenced adoption decisions. Dogs that were adopted spent half as much time ignoring play initiation by and twice as much time lying in proximity to the adopter than dogs that were not adopted. The probability ( P ) of adoption was higher in a smaller outdoor concrete area ( P =0.423) than in both large grass area ( P =0.320) or an indoor room ( P =0.229). Intention to adopt a dog that day resulted in the highest probability of adoption ( P =0.586), whereas an intention to not adopt resulted in a low probability ( P =0.102). Dogs that were labeled as not social by non-adopters after an interaction had higher scores than average in ignoring play initiations. However, non-adopter reports did not exactly correspond with the dogs' behavior during the interactions. Our findings may be used to develop targeted training programs for shelter dogs.
Imperial designs, post-colonial replications: class and power at Cathedral and John Connon School in Bombay

Utilizing a framework which employs symbolic capital and post-colonial analysis, this paper examines the cultural meanings of English-language education at Cathedral and John Connon School in Bombay, India. The central question this article seeks to address is how power is replicated through education and, more specifically, the ways in which formerly British colonial systems of education are maintained as markers of success and prestige in urban India. This research draws upon intensive participant observation and interviews with teachers, students and parents at Cathedral and John Connon School in Bombay, as well as upon the extensive academic literature on English-language education in India. The discussion of how the politics of language and class intersect in education is divided into three topic areas: class and access to English-language education; the rural/urban divide; and the implications of English as an agent of global hegemony.
Cohesive crack modeling of influence of sudden changes in loading rate on concrete fracture

The results of an experimental study of a sudden change in loading rate on the fracture behavior of normal- and high-strength concrete specimens of three different sizes are reported. Geometrically similar three-point bend specimens were subjected to either a sudden 1000-fold increase or a 10-fold decrease of the loading rate. It was observed that for a large increase of the loading rate, the post-peak softening can be reversed to hardening followed by a second peak of the stress-strain diagram. A sudden decrease of the loading rate initially causes, a steeper softening slope of this diagram. The results are similar for normal and high strength concrete specimens. The viscoelastic cohesive crack model with the rate-dependent softening law is used to model the experimental results.