cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tolerance and cross tolerance to the accuracy- and rate-decreasing effects of μ opioids in rats responding under a fixed-consecutive-number schedule

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the development of tolerance to the effects of morphine and other mu opioids in rats responding under a fixed-consecutive-number (FCN) schedule of food presentation. To this end, five rats were trained under an FCN schedule and subsequently tested with a variety of mu opioids both before and during chronic exposure to a 0.4 mg/ml morphine drinking solution. Morphine, fentanyl, buprenorphine, butorphanol and nalbuphine produced dose-dependent decreases in both accuracy and response rate when tested prior to the chronic regimen. In most instances, doses of these drugs that decreased accuracy also decreased response rate. During chronic treatment, tolerance developed to the effects of morphine and cross-tolerance was conferred to the effects of fentanyl, buprenorphine and butorphanol. A greater degree of tolerance was conferred to the effects of butorphanol than to the other opioids examined, and the degree of tolerance conferred to butorphanol's rate-decreasing effects was greater than the degree of tolerance conferred to its accuracy-decreasing effects. Doses of naloxone that had no effect prior to morphine treatment produced large decreases in accuracy and response rate when tested during the chronic regimen. In contrast to the other opioids examined, the potency of nalbuphine was not altered by chronic morphine administration. These data emphasize the importance of both pharmacological and procedural variables in the development of tolerance and cross tolerance to the behavioral effects of opioids.
Microbead Chemical Switches: An Approach to Detection of Reactive Organophosphate Chemical Warfare Agent Vapors

In this article, we describe the preparation and application of microbeads that exhibit a “turn on” fluorescence response within seconds of exposure to diethyl chlorophosphate (DCP) vapor. This sensing approach is modeled after the mechanism for acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity inhibition and uses a specific and irreversible reaction between phosphoryl halides and a fluorescent indicator. The microbeads are fabricated by adsorbing fluoresceinamine (FLA) onto carboxylate-functionalized polymer microbeads coated with poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PVP). When the microbeads are subjected to DCP vapor, the conversion of FLA into a phosphoramide causes a rapid and intense fluorescence increase. The PVP layer provides a high density of proton-accepting pyridine nitrogen sites that neutralize the HCl released during the reaction, thereby maintaining high product fluorescence, even after vapor exposure. No significant response is observed when the microbeads are subjected to other nerve agent simulants, a mustard gas...
Further studies on the potassium requirements of mitochondria.

Abstract Added K+ is necessary for maximum rates of respiration and phosphorylation by rat liver mitochondria when a phosphate accepting system such as glucose and hexokinase is present. K+ is also necessary for maximum rates of respiration and phosphorylation when microsomes, or an acetone-soluble fraction therefrom, are present. When respiration is maximally stimulated by 2,4-dinitrophenol, added K+ does not enhance respiration except that in the 3rd and 4th hour of the experiment it prevents deterioration of the mitochondria. It is concluded that K+ participates in transphosphorylation reactions but does not directly influence the oxidative reactions.
Spectroscopic studies of the electrical structure of transition metal and rare earth complex oxides

Spectroscopic studies of transition metal (Tm) and rare earth (Re) oxides, combined with ab initio theory identify the band edge electronic structure of high-K dielectrics. The lowest conduction band states are derived from anti-bonding Tm (Re) d*-states. A novel method for obtaining independent control of band gap energies and dielectric constants in complex oxides, ReTmO 3 , results from coupling of Tm and Re atom d-states bonded to the same oxygen atom.
Comparison of L X-Ray Spectra from Multi-Stripped Ions in P+ + Ar and S+ + Ar Gas Collisions at 100 keV

Structure in the soft x-ray spectra from projectiles excited in ion-atom collisions at 100 keV has been observed. Previous spectral measurements on these collision systems using a curved crystal Bragg spectrometer were unable to experimentally resolve the multiplet structure. The present results are obtained with a grazing incidence monochrometer and clearly show the resolved structure from L x-rays of neon-like and flourine-like ions. The L x-ray spectra from phosphorus and sulfur ions after single collisions in argon gas targets are compared to establish x-ray line identifications. The individual spectra yield information on the collision mechanism involving the inner-shell promotion of L-shell electrons and the simultaneous outer-shell electron excitation.
A comparative study of the β-crystallins of four sub-mammalian species

1. 1. The β-crystallins from species representing the vertebrate classes Osteichthyes, Amphibia, Reptilia, and Aves have been isolated. 2. 2. Each of these species had two classes of β-crystallin (βH and βL) differing in molecular weight, but comprised in large part of identical polypeptides. 3. 3. Physico-chemical techniques were utilized to evaluate the structural similarity of the various purified β-crystallins to each other and to mammalian β-crystallins previously studied. 4. 4. Immunochemical data suggest that certain components of β-crystallin have been rigidly conserved during evolution while others have apparently evolved rapidly.
Absorption of d- and l-carnitine by the intestine and kidney tubule in the rat

The process by which L- and D-carnitine are absorbed was investigated using the live rat and the isolated vascularly perfused intestine. A lumenal dose of 2-6 nmol in the perfused intestine resulted in less than 5% transport of either isomer to the perfusate in 30 min. The L-isomer was taken up by the intestinal tissue about twice as rapidly as the D-isomer by both the perfused intestine (52.8% and 21.6%, respectively) and the live animal (80% and 50%, respectively) in 30 min. After 1 h 90% of the L-carnitine had accumulated in the intestinal tissue and was released to the circulation over the next several hours. Accumulation of D-carnitine reached a maximum of 80% in 2 h and release to the circulations was similar to that of L-carnitine. Uptake of both L-[14C]carnitine and acetyl-L-[14C]carnitine was more rapid in the upper jejunal segment than in other portions of the small intestine. Acetylation occurred in all segments, resulting in nearly 50% conversion to this derivative in 5 min. Increasing the dose of L-carnitine reduced the percent acetylation. The uptake of both isomers was a saturable process and high concentrations of D-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine and trimethylaminobutyrate inhibited L-carnitine uptake. In the live animal after 5 h, the distribution of isotope from L-[14C]carnitine and D-[3H]carnitine differed primarily in the muscle where 29.5% of the L-carnitine and 5.3% of the D-carnitine was found and in the urine where 2.9% of the L-carnitine and 7.1% of the D-carnitine was found. The renal threshold for L-carnitine was 80 microM and for D-carnitine 30 microM, in the isolated perfused kidney. Approx. 40% of the L-carnitine but none of the D-carnitine excreted in the urine was acetylated. L-Carnitine and D-carnitine competed for tubular reabsorption.
Pattern Bargaining: A Case Study of the Automobile Workers

I. The empirical findings, 296. — II. The role of the major variables, 306; wage policy up to the crisis or pattern level, 306; wage policy in a crisis situation, 307; wage policy when the crisis level exceeds the pattern level, 312; union policy in nonautomobile companies, 313. — III. The relationship between the major variables and the theory of union wage policy, 315. — IV. Summary, 316.
Definitive radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina

Purpose: To evaluate outcome and describe clinical treatment guidelines for patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina treated with definitive radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: Between 1970 and 2000, a total of 193 patients were treated with definitive radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. The patients' medical records were reviewed to obtain information about patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics, as well as outcome and patterns of recurrence. Surviving patients were followed for a median of 137 months. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, with differences assessed using log-rank tests. Results: Disease-specific survival (DSS) and pelvic disease control rates correlated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and tumor size. At 5 years, DSS rates were 85% for the 50 patients with Stage I, 78% for the 97 patients with Stage II, and 58% for the 46 patients with Stage III–IVA disease ( p = 0.0013). Five-year DSS rates were 82% and 60% for patients with tumors ≤4 cm or >4 cm, respectively ( p = 0.0001). At 5 years, pelvic disease control rates were 86% for Stage I, 84% for Stage II, and 71% for Stage III–IVA ( p = 0.027). The predominant mode of relapse after definitive radiation therapy was local-regional (68% and 83%, respectively, for patients with stages I–II or III–IVA disease). The incidence of major complications was correlated with FIGO stage; at 5 years, the rates of major complications were 4% for Stage I, 9% for Stage II, and 21% for Stage III–IVA ( p Conclusions: Excellent outcomes can be achieved with definitive radiation therapy for invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina. However, to achieve these results, treatment must be individualized according to the site and size of the tumor at presentation and the response to initial external-beam radiation therapy. Brachytherapy plays an important role in the treatment of many vaginal cancers but should be carefully selected and applied to obtain optimal coverage of the target volume.
Nature of singularities for analyticity domains of invariant curves

We present theoretical arguments (based on infinite dimensional bifurcation theory) and numerical evidence (based on nonperturbative methods) that the boundaries of analyticity of invariant curves can be described as an accumulation of branch points, which are typically of order 2. We show how this fact would explain previous numerical results of several authors and how it suggests more efficient numerical algorithms, which we implement.
Effectiveness of laparoscopic computer simulator versus usage of box trainer for endoscopic surgery training of novices

Objective Teaching of laparoscopic skills is a challenge in surgical training programs. Because of the highly technical nature and the steep learning curve, students and residents must learn laparoscopic skills before performing them in the operating room. To improve efficiency of learning and patient safety, research in simulation is essential. Two types of simulators currently in use include virtual reality and box trainers. Our study examined which simulator technique was most effective in teaching novice trainees laparoscopic techniques. Design This is a prospective, randomized, blinded, controlled trial that enrolled fourth-year medical students and surgical interns to participate in a supervised 6-month laparoscopic training program with either computer simulators or box trainers. Subjects were randomized and trained on appropriate laparoscopic camera skills, instrument handling, object positioning, dissection, ligation, suturing, and knot tying. Students within one group were not allowed to practice, learn or train on the opposing trainers. At time points 0, 2, and 6 months all subjects completed a series of laparoscopic exercises in a live porcine model, which were captured on DVD and scored by blinded expert investigators. Results Scores improved overall from the pretest to subsequent tests after training with no difference between the virtual reality and box simulator groups. In the medical students specifically, there was overall improvement, and improvement in the needle-transfer and knot-tying skills specifically, with no difference between the box simulator and virtual reality groups. For the interns, both groups showed significant overall improvement with no difference between the virtual reality and box simulator groups or on individual skills. Conclusions We conclude that laparoscopic simulator training improves surgical skills in novice trainees. We found both the box trainers and the virtual reality simulators are equally effective means of teaching laparoscopic skills to novice learners.
LINES OF EIGENVECTORS AND SOLUTIONS TO SYSTEMS OF LINEAR DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to describe an instructional sequence where students invent a method for locating lines of eigenvectors and corresponding solutions to systems of two first order linear ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients. The significance of this paper is two-fold. First, it represents an innovative alternative where the concept and calculation of eigenvectors precede those of eigenvalues. This “eigenvector first approach,” which seems to more closely follow students' conceptual development, is a reversal of the typical approach where students first learn to find eigenvalues and then determine the eigenvectors. Second, we characterize the flow of this instructional sequence in terms of four types of activities: prediction, exploration, mathematization, and generalization. The approach of prediction, exploration, mathematization, and generalization represents a more general design heuristic useful for other topics in other courses.
Combined Immune Deficiency in a Patient with a Novel NFKB2 Mutation

NFKB2 encodes the p100/p52 protein, a critical mediator of the canonical and noncanonical NFkB signaling pathways. Here we report the comprehensive immune evaluation of a child with a novel NFKB2 mutation and provide evidence that aberrant NFKB2 signaling not only causes humoral immune deficiency, but also interferes with the TCR-mediated proliferation of T cells. These observations expand the known phenotype associated with NFKB2 mutations.
Sealing quality of polycarboxylate cements when compared to amalgam as retrofilling material.

Abstract Four hundred roots were uniformly prepared for retrofilling. One hundred of these were retrofilled with amalgam and served as controls for the study. The polycarboxylate cements, Durelon, PCA, and Poly C, were each used as retrofilling material for 100 roots. After immersion in 2 per cent aqueous methylene for 7 days, the roots were sectioned in 1 to 2 mm. increments to determine the depth of dye penetration as a measurement of their sealing effectiveness. The groups were compared statistically by means of a t test. All the cements were significantly different from amalgam. All cements performed inferiorly to amalgam, an already accepted retrofilling material.
Potential use of antiproliferative factor as a targeting therapy in painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis.

Painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC) encompasses a major portion of the "painful bladder" disease complex. "Painful bladder disorders" comprise a large group of patients with bladder and/or urethral and/or pelvic pain, irritative voiding symptoms (urgency, frequency, nocturia, and dysuria), and sterile urine cultures. Painful bladder conditions with well-established causes include radiation cystitis, cystitis caused by microorganisms that are not detected by routine culture methodologies, and systemic disorders that affect the bladder. In addition, many gynecologic disorders can mimic PBS/IC [1]. PBS/IC has no easily discernible etiology. There are no pathognomonic findings on pathologic examination, and even the detection of petechial hemorrhages on the bladder mucosa during cystoscopy after bladder hydrodistention under anesthesia is no longer considered the sine qua non of PBS/IC that it had been until a decade ago [2]. PBS/IC is truly a diagnosis by exclusion. It may have multiple causes and represent a final common reaction of the bladder to different types of insult. There are numerous theories regarding its pathogenesis, but confirmatory evidence found in clinical practice has proven sparse. Among numerous proposals that have been further studied are leaky epithelium, mast cell activation, neurogenic inflammation, inhibition of uroepithelial cell proliferation: antiproliferative factor (APF), nitric oxide metabolism, urine abnormality and the role of genetics or some combination of these and other factors leading to a self-perpetuating process resulting in chronic bladder pain and voiding dysfunction [3]. Among the various possible evidences, APF has recently been the subject of much attention. The finding that cells from the bladder lining of normal controls grow significantly more rapidly in culture than cells from PBS/IC patients led Keay et al. [4] at the University of Maryland to the discovery of an APF produced by the urothelium of IC patients. Studies are ongoing to confirm the hypotheses related to APF and expand on its significance in diagnosis and development of a rational targeting treatment approach. Especially, the article by Kim and Freeman [5] in this issue of the journal will be recognized as a valuable update on signal transduction pathways and networks that are responsive to APF to learning more about potential therapeutic pathways.
Dietary alcohol, calcium, and potassium: independent and combined effects on blood pressure

To determine whether or not the previously reported association between alcohol intake and high blood pressure is influenced by differential intake of calcium and potassium in drinkers compared wit...
A general equilibrium analysis of the effects of Doha Round Declaration and African Cotton Initiative on Zambian cotton sector

Cotton plays a strategic role in the development policies and poverty reduction programs of a number of African countries. Several African countries have introduced reforms in the cotton sector to improve its quality and competitiveness. The impact of these reforms has been virtually nullified because the WTO members continue to apply support measures and subsidies that distort global market prices. These are the arguments behind the African Cotton Initiative (ACI) proposed in 2003 and 2006 WTO Ministerial meetings. Specifically, the ACI proposed (a) phasing out the rich countries’ cotton domestic supports; (b) duty and quota free access for African countries' cotton to developed countries' markets; and (c) removal of rich countries' cotton export subsidies. In contrast, the Doha Round Reductions agreed upon in 2005 WTO Ministerial meetings in Hong Kong are (a) all forms of export subsidies for cotton will be eliminated by developed countries; and (b) developed countries will give duty and quota free acce...
First-Day Strategies for Millennial Students in Introductory Accounting Courses: It's All Fun and Games Until Something Gets Learned

Millennial students often possess characteristics at odds with typical lecture-based approaches to introductory accounting courses. The author introduces an approach for reaching millennial students early in introductory accounting courses in ways that fit millennials’ characteristics. This article describes the use of the board game Monopoly® to motivate demand for accounting information, and the use of LEGO® blocks to demonstrate cost concepts. These approaches allow students to begin the semester by engaging in experiential and social learning, and to discover for themselves the demand for accounting information and basic cost concepts.
Can Reduced Stocking Rates and Bug Lights Produce Market-Sized Catfish From Fingerlings in One Growing Season?

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of growing marketable channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, from pond-run fingerlings (15.9 g/fish) using low stocking densities (7,413 or 14,826 fish/ha) and electrified bug lights to enhance natural forage available to fish. Even at low stocking densities, fish only averaged 0.2 kg at the end of the growing season. Because marketable sizes of fish were not reached over the growing season, stocking small fingerlings at these rates would not be practical under most commercial production scenarios. Nutritionally, captured insects from electrified bug lights were near a complete diet for catfish, but bug lights did not capture sufficient quantities of insects to affect fish production in either stocking density. Stocking small fingerlings at low stocking rates does not produce market‐sized catfish during one growing season; commercially available bug lights did not provide adequate amounts of natural forage to affect production variables.
Continuities in Delinquency and Riot Patterns in Black Residential Areas.

This study suggests that riots represent a direct continuity rather than a sharp discontinuity with pre-existing social conditions. Evidence is presented that patterns of neighborhood involvement during a 1968 racial disturbance resembled prior neighborhood delinquency patterns. In two racially changing neighborhoods, the incidence of pre-riot delinquency was higher than in a more racially stable one, while during the course of the riot, the incidence of riot-related violence escalated in the former and dramatically declined in the latter. The adequacy of a social control model to explain similarities between delinquency and riot-related action is empirically tested and the strength of friendship and institutional ties in the low delinquency area is explored. Results are consistent with a growing body of evidence indicating that the “irrational” or “bizarre” features of collective behavior episodes have been unduly exaggerated.
Postnatal cerebellar cells of staggerer mutant mice express immature components on their surface.

THE histogenesis of the central nervous system is controlled, in part, by a defined sequence of cell-surface interactions1,2. Cell-surface carbohydrates are prominent constituents of the external faces of plasma membranes3–5 and are thought to be important to biological recognition6,7. Recently, it has also been shown that some cell-surface carbohydrates change during the first 2 d after birth, an important period in development of the mouse cerebellum8,9. Certain neurological mutations have been shown to express defects in positioning of particular cell types at various stages during cerebellar histogenesis2,11–13. One of the most interesting of these is the staggerer (sg) mutant14. In this disorder granule cells degenerate after they have migrated into position in the granular layer. Before this expression of the disorder, the sites of synapse formation between the parallel fibre axons of granule cells and the dendrites of Purkinje cell neurones fail to form; in fact, even the tertiary branchlet spines, the potential postsynaptic sites, do not form15–19. Even at birth, before obvious expression of the Purkinje cell defect, external granule cells of sg exhibit a reduced proliferative rate which results in a reduced number of external granule cells20.
A comparison of pulmonary vein ostial anatomy by computerized tomography, echocardiography, and venography in patients with atrial fibrillation having radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Accurate assessment of pulmonary vein anatomy is important to procedures that isolate these structures in patients with atrial fibrillation. Various modalities of pulmonary vein (PV) imaging are employed in clinical practice; however, the consistency of findings among the different modalities is unknown. The purpose of this study is to compare PV ostial anatomy by 4 common imaging techniques. Twenty-four patients undergoing catheter-based PV isolation procedures for atrial fibrillation had their PV ostial anatomy determined by cardiac computerized tomography (CT) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) before ablation and by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and venography during the ablation procedure. The number and maximal dimension of the PV ostia were determined by each imaging modality. In the 24 patients, 98 PV ostia were visualized by CT, 93 by ICE, 81 by TEE, and 71 by venography. The average ostial diameters were similar between CT (1.45 ± 0.29 cm) and ICE (1.51 ± 0.22 cm, p = 0.066). Compared with CT or ICE, the ostial diameters were larger with venography (1.67 ± 0.32 cm) and smaller with TEE (1.16 ± 0.28 cm, all p <0.001). PV ostial diameters as determined by ICE were significantly correlated with CT measurements (r = 0.57, p <0.001) and venography (r = 0.52, p <0.001). Venography measures of PV diameter were correlated with measures by CT (r = 0.33, p = 0.03). TEE measures were not correlated with any other modality (all p ≥0.43). CT identifies the greatest number of PV ostia followed by ICE. Venography overestimates and TEE underestimates ostial diameters compared with CT or ICE. The PV ostial dimensions obtained by ICE, CT, and venography are all significantly correlated.
Performance-power tradeoffs of 8T FinFET SRAM cells

We present eight eight-transistor (8T) FinFET SRAM cells which differ in back-gate connections and swing of the Read-line input. These schemes are evaluated in terms of leakage current, delay, read and write energy dissipation, and static noise margin (SNM) for 16 bits by 16 words (16×16) and 32 bits by 1024 words (32×1024) SRAM arrays. Performance is compared between the 8T schemes and two well-performing six-transistor (6T) SRAM cells. Overall, the 8T-SRAM schemes perform better than the 6T schemes primarily because leakage current is reduced by low-power schemes that reverse-bias the back-gates of the cross-coupled inverters without an adverse impact on the read speed. This is especially true for larger SRAM arrays, e.g. 32×1024. For a 32×1024 SRAM array, the best performing 8T scheme, Low-Power Inverters (LP_INV), has an energy-delay product that is 87.3% less than the best-performing 6T scheme, Low-Power (minimum-sized) (LP6).
Ibrutinib enhances the antitumor immune response induced by intratumoral injection of a TLR9 ligand in mouse lymphoma.

We have designed a novel therapeutic approach for lymphoma that combines targeted kinase inhibition with in situ vaccination. Intratumoral injection of an unmethylated cytosine guanine dinucleotide (CpG)-enriched oligodeoxynucleotide, an agonist for the toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), induces the activation of natural killer cells, macrophages, and antigen presenting cells that control tumor growth at the local site. Ibrutinib, an irreversible inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, a key enzyme in the signaling pathway downstream of B-cell receptor, is an effective treatment against many types of B-cell lymphomas. The combination of intratumoral injection of CpG with systemic treatment by ibrutinib resulted in eradication of the tumors not only in the injected site, but also at distant sites. Surprisingly, this combinatorial antitumor effect required an intact T-cell immune system since it did not occur in nude, severe combined immunodeficiency, or T-cell depleted mice. Moreover, T cells from animals treated with intratumoral CpG and ibrutinib prevented the outgrowth of newly injected tumors. This result suggests that ibrutinib can induce immunogenic cell death of lymphoma cells and that concomitant stimulation of antigen-presenting cells in the tumor microenvironment by toll-like receptor ligands can lead to a powerful systemic antitumor immune response.
Numerical Modeling of Grain Boundary Effects in the Diffusional Creep of Copper Interconnect Lines

We propose a numerical simulation technique to model the process of diffusional creep and stress relaxation that occurs in Cu-damascene interconnects of integrated circuit devices in processing stage. The mass flow problem is coupled to the stress analysis through vacancy flux and equilibrium vacancy concentration. The technique is implemented in a software package that seamlessly integrates the problem-oriented code with commercially available finite element program MSC.Marc. It is utilized to model the Coble creep phenomenon by introducing the nanoscale grain boundary region having the thickness on the order of several layers of atoms. As an illustration, the two-dimensional problem of stress relaxation in a single grain subjected to prescribed displacements and tractions is examined.
Frankfurt Book Fair 2012: an educator's perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to give an overview and a few highlights from the author's experience at the 2012 Frankfurt Book Fair.Design/methodology/approach – The author visited the Frankfurt Book Fair from October 10 through October 12, visiting a wide variety of vendors across all exhibition halls and attending a number of special presentations. All empirical data are based on personal observations recorded by journal during and directly after each fair visit.Findings – The fair was an excellent chance to learn more about the publishing industry, particularly with respect to the author's prior interests in education and children's and young adult literature. The event is so large, and the vendors so numerous, that all areas of interest to publishers, librarians, educators, booksellers, and others in the book trade are represented.Originality/value – This report should be of particular interest to those thinking of attending the Frankfurt Book Fair for the first time, as well as those who are...
Aortic arch in the neck: A case report

The eleventh reported case of cervical aortic arch is presented, occurring in a 21/2-year-old Negro girl. It was not recognized until angiography, despite the typical symptoms of tracheal and esophageal compression associated with a mass in the right side of the neck. The clinical problem of aspiration and recurrent pneumonia was not altered by surgical division of the ligamentum arteriosum.
Response speeds in probability learning

Abstract Response probabilities and response speeds were obtained from four groups of subjects who differed with respect to the level of π in a probability learning task. A self-paced procedure was used to obtain a more sensitive measure of response speed. Response-probability data, both marginal and conditional statistics, were similar to those obtained in previous studies under an experimenter-paced procedure. Response speeds differed significantly as a function of the response made and the level of π, results not generally obtained under the experimenter-paced procedure. Speed data were also analyzed as a function of preceding runs of events and as a function of preceding response-event outcomes. The W - S model developed by Myers and Atkinson provided a good description of the response-probability data, but problems were encountered in fitting the speed data.
Learning first-order probabilistic models with combining rules

Many real-world domains exhibit rich relational structure and stochasticity and motivate the development of models that combine predicate logic with probabilities. These models describe probabilistic influences between attributes of objects that are related to each other through known domain relationships. To keep these models succinct, each such influence is considered independent of others, which is called the assumption of "independence of causal influences" (ICI). In this paper, we describe a language that consists of quantified conditional influence statements and captures most relational probabilistic models based on directed graphs. The influences due to different statements are combined using a set of combining rules such as Noisy-OR. We motivate and introduce multi-level combining rules, where the lower level rules combine the influences due to different ground instances of the same statement, and the upper level rules combine the influences due to different statements. We present algorithms and empirical results for parameter learning in the presence of such combining rules. Specifically, we derive and implement algorithms based on gradient descent and expectation maximization for different combining rules and evaluate them on synthetic data and on a real-world task. The results demonstrate that the algorithms are able to learn both the conditional probability distributions of the influence statements and the parameters of the combining rules.
Chalcogenide glass bolometers.

The chalcogenide glass Tl2SeAs2Te3 has been evaluated as a thermistor bolometer material for room temperature operation. Thin film bolometers were fabricated on mica, glass, and sapphire substrates by both hot-pressing and rf sputtering techniques. Best results were achieved with 10-μ thick Tl2SeAs2Te3 elements on thin mica substrates. Using a 500 K blackbody at a 10-Hz chopping frequency, a 2.5 × 10−3-cm2 device yielded an NEP of 2.3 × 10−9 W Hz−1/2, and a 10−4-cm2 device achieved an NEP of 7.7 × 10−10 W Hz−1/2. The ac performance of these devices is limited by their inherently long response times (τ ≅ 1 sec).
High frequency specific heat measurements and exchange constants of GdCl3

Abstract Improved high frequency susceptibility experiments have been performed to determine the magnetic specific heat C M of GdCl 3 at 77° and 20.4°K. The results are compared with an extrapolation of calorimetric measurements below 4.2°K and a high temperature calculation using the exchange constants J nn and J nnn derived from EPR measurements on GdGd pairs. Correlating all results leads to an unambiguous choice for the two exchange constants.
Milk Marketing Policy Options for the Dairy Industry in New England

New England dairy farmers are under intense price pressure resulting from important growth in milk production from lower cost of production Southwest states as well as by retailers' market power. Agricultural officials and legislative bodies in New England and in other Northeast US states are aware of these pressures and have been reacting with emergency dairy farm aid, following a very low 2006 milk price, and with state legislations in an attempt to address perceived excess retailing margins for fluid milk. In this paper, we suggest that a sigmoid demand relationship exists for fluid milk. This demand relationship would explain fluid milk asymmetric price transmission, high-low pricing, and the creation of a large retailing margin (chain surplus) often observed for fluid milk. It is also argued that a sigmoid demand relationship offers an opportunity for state legislators to help Northeast dairy farmers capturing a larger share of the dollar of the consumers through various policy options. Therefore, 5 milk market channel regulatory mechanisms (status quo, price gouging, supply control, fair share policy, and chain surplus return) are discussed and compared. The supply control mechanism was found the most effective at redistributing the chain surplus, associated with the sigmoid demand relationship for fluid milk, to dairy farmers. However, this option is unlikely to be politically acceptable in the United States. Second-best options for increasing dairy farmers' share of the consumers' dollar are the fair price policy and the chain surplus return. The former mechanism would distribute the chain surplus between retailers, processors, and farmers, whereas the latter would distribute it between consumers, retailers, and farmers. Remaining mechanisms would either transfer the chain surplus to retailers (status quo) or to consumers (price gouging).
Analysis of oblique hypervelocity impact phenomena

This paper describes the results of an experimental investigation of phenomena associated with the oblique hypervelocity impact of spherical projectiles on multisheet aluminum structures. A model that can be employed in the design of meteoroid and space debris protection systems for space structures is developed. The model consists of equations that relate crater and perforation damage of a multisheet structure to parameters such as projectile size, impact velocity, and trajectory obliquity. The equations are obtained through a regression analysis of oblique hypervelocity impact test data. This data shows that the response of a multisheet structure to oblique impact is significantly different from its response to normal hypervelocity impact. It was found that obliquely incident projectiles produce ricochet debris that can severely damage panels or instrumentation located on the exterior of a space structure. Obliquity effects of high-speed impact must, therefore, be considered in the design of any structure exposed to a meteoroid or space debris environement.
Narrow gap coplanar slow wave electrode for travelling wave electro-optic modulators

A novel coplanar slow wave electrode geometry suitable for travelling wave electro-optic modulators was fabricated on semi-insulating GaAs and measured up to 40 GHz. With these electrodes, modulator voltages can be applied across very small gaps while keeping the microwave loss low, the phase velocity matched and the characteristic impedance close to 50 Ω.
The Nurse Ethicist: An Emerging Role in Advanced Practice

The role of the advanced practice registered nurse as a clinical ethicist/consultant is both important and necessary in today's health care environment. The established role of the advanced practice registered nurse as a skilled clinician, consultant, educator, leader, and researcher more than qualifies one for such. The terms nurse ethicist and clinical ethicist or bioethics consultant may be used interchangeably to define the role.
Structure and Reactivity of Alkyne-Chelated Ruthenium Alkylidene Complexes

The isolation and structural characterization of alkyne-bound Ru alkylidene complexes has been elusive. However, a sequential enyne ring-closing metathesis of a diyne moiety and metallotropic [1,3]-shift followed by a second enyne ring-closing metathesis allowed the formation of a highly stable alkyne-chelated ruthenium complex. The full characterization of this complex was realized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography.
The view-selection problem has an exponential-time lower bound for conjunctive queries and views

The view-selection problem is to design and materialize a set of views over a database schema, such that the choice of views minimizes the cost of evaluating the selected workload of queries, and the combined size of the materialized views does not exceed a prespecified storage limit. Important applications of the view-selection problem include query optimization, data warehouse design, and information integration.We consider the view-selection problem in relational databases, for conjunctive queries and views. Suppose somebody wants to design a view-selection algorithm that outputs a polynomial number of views for all query workloads and storage limits and produces optimal selections of views independently of actual database contents. In previous work it was shown that it is impossible to design such an algorithm when the product (as for nested-loop joins) cost model is used. That is, there exist databases for which the number of views in an optima] viewset is exponential in the size of the database schema and query workload. As a consequence, under the product-cost model the view-selection problem has an exponential-time lower bound.Efficient join algorithms have a cost that is proportional to the sum of the sizes of the input and output relations. In this paper we prove that under the more practical sum-cost model, the view-selection problem also has an exponential time lower bound. As a consequence, under the sum-cost model it is also impossible to come up with a view-selection algorithm that outputs a polynomial number of views for all query workloads and databases, yet produces optimal selections of views.
Functional hierarchy of herpes simplex virus type-1 membrane proteins in corneal infection and virus transmission to ganglionic neurons.

AbstractPurpose: To determine the relative importance of viral glycoproteins gK, gM, gE and the membrane protein UL11 in infection of mouse corneas and ganglionic neurons.Methods: Mouse eyes were scarified and infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1(F), gE-null, gM-null, gK-null, or UL11-null viruses. Clinical signs of ocular disease were monitored daily. Virus shedding was determined at 24, 48 and 72 h post infection. Viral DNA within trigeminal ganglia (TG) was quantified by quantitative PCR at 30 d post infection.Results: The gE-null virus replicated as efficiently as the parental virus and formed viral plaques approximately half-the-size in comparison with the HSV-1(F) wild-type virus. The UL11-null and gM-null viruses replicated approximately one log less efficiently than the wild-type virus, and formed plaques that were on average one-third the size and one-half the size of the wild-type virus, respectively. The gK-null virus replicated more than 3-logs less efficiently than the wild-type virus a...
Students' perceptions toward the use of the digital library in weekly web-based distance learning assignments portion of a hybrid programme

This study attempted to investigate students’ perceptions toward the use of the digital library in weekly web-based distance learning assignments portion of a hybrid instructional programme. Attention was given to three variables—age, gender, and prior experience with the Internet. A Likert-type instrument consisting of 10 items was designed to collect information about students’ perceptions toward the use of digital library. The subjects of this study were 154 students enrolled in an undergraduate hybrid programme in management at a medium-sized university in the Midwest, USA. Collected data were analysed using ANOVA. The overall results suggest that students had positive perceptions toward the use of the digital library. Age was found to be an insignificant factor. However, gender and prior experience with the Internet were found to be significant factors. Males had significantly higher positive perceptions toward using the digital library. Students who had more prior experience with the Internet had significantly higher positive perceptions toward using the digital library. Implications for practice are discussed and recommendations are made for future research.
Evidence of Induced Underpotential Deposition of Crystalline Copper Antimonide via Instantaneous Nucleation

Cu2Sb was electrodeposited onto transmission electron microscopy TEM grids to investigate changes in morphology, composition, and crystal structure during the early stages of nucleation and growth. Multiple transitions were observed within the first second of the deposition, leading to the formation of crystalline Cu2Sb. These transitions were analyzed using TEM, scanning electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The nucleation sites are initially polycrystalline antimony with amorphous copper, which then transition through a polycrystalline copper intermediate containing some antimony before forming crystalline Cu2Sb. These analyses provide direct evidence that Cu2Sb does not deposit directly from solution but deposits by induced underpotential deposition. This is indicative of the electrodeposition of a typical alloy initially, but what is unusual is that the deposit at longer time scales is a highly crystalline intermetallic. This investigation is unique because TEM grids allow the interface between the deposited material and the substrate to be investigated. This is possible because the composite carbon film on the TEM grid behaves as a transparent substrate. This approach can be extended to other systems, allowing the development of a comprehensive understanding of the electrodeposition of intermetallic compounds.
Paroxetine Is an Effective Treatment for Hot Flashes: Results From a Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

Purpose In an open-label trial we have previously demonstrated that paroxetine reduces hot flashes. We initiated a stratified, randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of paroxetine 10 mg and 20 mg compared to placebo in reducing hot flash frequency and composite score. A secondary objective was to evaluate quality of life (QOL) parameters. Patients and Methods Women who suffered at least two hot flashes a day for 1 month or longer were eligible. Women were randomly assigned to 4 weeks of paroxetine 10 mg or 20 mg followed by placebo for 4 weeks, or placebo for 4 weeks followed by paroxetine 10 mg or 20 mg for 4 weeks. Participants completed baseline daily hot flash diaries for one week prior to the start of the study and throughout the study, and QOL questionnaires at baseline, week 5 and week 9. Results 279 women were screened, and 151 were randomly assigned. Paroxetine 10 mg reduced hot flash frequency and composite score by 40.6% and 45.6%, respectivel...
Silica-Immobilized Enzyme Reactors

Abstract Recent studies have demonstrated the applicability and versatility of immobilized enzyme reactors (IMERs) for chemical and biochemical synthesis and analysis. The majority of IMER systems rely on enzymes immobilized to packed matrices within flow-through devices. This review focuses primarily on the use of silica as a support for enzyme immobilization and specific applications of the resulting silica-based IMERs. A number of recently published examples (2000 onwards) are discussed as model systems. The effect of various silica matrices and immobilization techniques upon the enzymatic properties and stability of the biocatalysts is considered. In addition, reports in which the carrier matrix is biologically-derived silica are highlighted as an alternative and versatile technique that provides advantageous recovery, reuse and reproducibility.
MEIOSIS-SPECIFIC DOUBLE-STRAND DNA BREAKS AT THE HIS4 RECOMBINATION HOT SPOT IN THE YEAST SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE : CONTROL IN CIS AND TRANS

The region of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome III located between the 5' end of the HIS4 gene and the 3' end of the adjacent BIK1 gene has a very high level of meiotic recombination. In wild-type strains, a meiosis-specific double-strand DNA break occurs in the hot spot region. This break is absent in strains in which the transcription factors Rap1p, Bas1p, and Bas2p cannot bind to the region upstream of HIS4. In strains with levels of recombination that are higher than those of the wild type, the break is found at elevated levels. The linear relationship between hot spot activity and the frequency of double-strand DNA breaks suggests that these lesions are responsible for initiating recombination at the HIS4 recombination hot spot.